Psalm 42: As a Deer Longs for Flowing Streams
SATB a cappella, Hebrew Transliteration

Psalm 42 score With so many settings of this psalm already available, I was struck by the fact that Bleckner has something new and unique to say. The work is not difficult but does have some divisi. Vocally pleasing and dramatic. Philip Brunelle, American Organist Magazine

Yedid Nefesh (Beloved of My Soul)
SSATB a cappella, Hebrew Transliteration

Yedid Nefesh score Publisher's note: All the tenderness of quiet prayer is captured in this lovely treatment of a 16th-century Hebrew poem. A beautiful and simply-stated declaration of devotion.

The Silence (After Psalm 132, Interpretationn by Nan C. Merrill)
SATB a cappella

The Silence score ...May the peace of the Spirit bless you, and lead you on life's journey. Be not afraid of the Silence, for Wisdom's Voice is heard there!

Shehecheyanu: Prayer of Gratitude (NEW!)
SATB a cappella, Hebrew Transliteration and English

Shehecheyanu/Psalm 150 Score The Shehecheyanu is traditionally recited in order to offer thanks for unusual experiences or special occasions, such as a baby’s first step, the beginning of a new course of study, or the first fruits of a new harvest. It is also recited at the beginning of holidays, such as the first night of Chanukah.

Jacob's Ladder (Genesis 28: 12,17)
SATB a cappella, Hebrew Transliteration

Shehecheyanu/Psalm 150 Score ...and behold a ladder set on the ground, and its head reaches the sky, and behold angels of God were going up and down it...and that is the gateway to heaven.

Psalm 150
SATB and percussion, Hebrew Transliteration and English

Yedid Nefesh score Publisher's note: Perfect for massed choral events, High School and College choirs. Written in an African call-and-response style with driving percussion and thrilling vocal climaxes.

Shehecheyanu: Prayer of Gratitude/Psalm 150: Haleluyah! (NEW!)
SATB a cappella, Hebrew Transliteration and English

Shehecheyanu/Psalm 150 Score The Shehecheyanu is traditionally recited in order to offer thanks for unusual experiences or special occasions, such as a baby’s first step, the beginning of a new course of study, or the first fruits of a new harvest. It is also recited at the beginning of holidays, such as the first night of Chanukah.

Psalm 96
SATB and percussion, Hebrew Transliteration and English

Psalm 96 score Publisher's note: A psalm with a most unusual and refreshing twist: Bleckner has added African percussion! This is a snappy arrangement indeed, full of close voicing and abundant rhythmic accompaniment. Suitable for advanced high school or college choirs as well as any church or synagogue service that is looking for a piece with a contemporary, international flavor.

I See
SATB, piano, and suspended cymbal (optional)

Psalm 96 score A setting of a poem by a 4th grade Philadelphia student depicting the beauty of her world: I see the wonderful waves of the ocean, I see the deep blue beauty of the sky, I see the exciting cotton clouds...

Construction
percussion solo

Yedid Nefesh score Commissioned for a young percussionist who wished to showcase a modern work that featured mostly non-pitched percussion sounds. Construction is in ternary form where the outer A sections are crisp, sharp, loud, driving and climactic: the inner B section is resonant and meditative. The rhythmic content of both sections is based upon modules of additive rhythm.

Flow, percussion quartet
2 marimbas, bass marimba, vibraphone glockenspiel, cabasa and maraca.

Flow score The following two interrelated quotes were the inspiration for this work: Why indeed must “God” be a noun? Why not a verb... the most active and dynamic of all? - Mary Daly, Theologian.
When the word God is used (in these pages), you may substitute the thought good orderly direction or flow. What we are talking about is creative energy. - Julia Cameron, The Artists Way.

Nova Scotia
piano solo

Nova Scotia score

Hilda wid da bums

Howling Hilda and the Brooklyn Dodgers

  • Book and Lyrics by Anne Berlin
  • Music by Andrew Bleckner
  • Directed by Valentina Fratti

  • Featured at the 2011 Planet Connections Theatre Festivity starring acclaimed Broadway actress Mary Testa

Set in 1957, on the eve of the Brooklyn Dodgers’ last season in New York, the new musical tells the story of Hilda Chester, the team’s greatest and most colorful fan. Thwarted in her dream to play baseball, she spent a lifetime cheering and became an institution at Ebbets Field, notorious for her clanging cowbells, frying pan and iron ladle.

Pigeoneer with bird

The Pigeon Boys

The Pigeon Boys tells the story of the forgotten pigeoneers of World War II and explores the lives of three soldiers -- an American, a Brit, and a German. As the boys face the harsh realities of war and one life-or-death mission, they reveal the mysteries of the 50,000 pigeons used to save the lives of soldiers and airmen. Their intertwined stories of love, hope and fear examine the struggles of becoming a man.

(The dramatic reading of the Pigeon Boys at the 2011 NYMF) showed that proverbial promise. Hope springs eternal....the songs were quite strong throughout... By and large, the songs moved the story forward nicely, and developed the men well. The three actors sing the challenging but memorable numbers with elan. It will be fun to see if the Pigeon Boys can build on this sturdy framework. - Michael Giltz, Huffington Post, 10/5/11