Conspirare & Craig Hella Johnson - Johnson: Considering Matthew Shepard

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This piece lives up to the advance praise from its premiere; it's been called "an American classic" and that's just for starters. Considering Matthew Shepard" is ethereal, passionate, painful and ultimately, redeeming. Craig Hella Johnson's "fusion oratorio" is a trascendent tribute to Matt Shepard, a young man who broke the world's heart open.

I got the gift of seeing this at a Regional ACDA conference in Pasadena in February. And despite being sick and exhausted from a long day, this performance struck me to my core. Not only is the subject emotional on multiple levels but the work is a composition that compares to none. It is truly unique, the only one of its kind and Conspirare brings a heart wrenching story to life in several unconventional ways. I feel fortunate to have seen this live and often think about this performance in my every day life. Thank you Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare.

This incredible piece is like a Mahler Symphony-it encompasses all of life and beyond. As I reflect on deep spiritual experiences on my life, this work has become part of who I am. Many thanks to Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare for this profound tribute to Matthew Shepard.

In an age where "different" people are objectified and targeted by those in power, this album, especially "Ordinary boy" brings it all back down to the human level. Everyone is an "ordinary" person in the eyes of our creator and should be loved, understood and respected just as we want for ourselves. Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Matt, and the millions of "ordinary" boys, girls, men and women like him, are my neighbor.

This work of art by Craig Hella Johnson is simply beautiful; humanizing and honoring a tender-hearted boy who was just being himself. My favorite piece is track 2, Prologue: No. 2 Ordinary Boy using Matthew's own words reflecting his joyful and "ordinary" heart. Very moving, Sweet, and touching. Simply Beautiful!

* 　 　 “A civilization gives all its citizens equal rights and treats everyone with dignity and respect.” 　 　 - Judy Shepard

This is an exciting and meaningful new, large work and could be a "Gateway Drug" to classical, gospel, jazz, Arvo Pärt (!), contemporary, and high-level vocal-choral performance for younger people. This is a contemporary Passion setting, for sure. Craig Hella Johnson has a knack for masking scholarly training with folk music - music for the people, for all people. The work's message is profound via its libretto to which all humans can relate. The product is proof of an all-star team of collaborative artists. I hope separate movements are published. That's how this piece will become mainstream.

I was lucky to witness the second performance of this piece. The audience was overwhelmed by the breadth and rich tapastry Hella Johnson's musical weavings created. Considering Mathew Shepard is simply profound and honoring. At the end, I think both the ensemble and Craig Ella Johnson were stunned by the fifteen-minute standing ovation, an ovation the likes of which I have never experienced. I could not talk for several hours after the performance.

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