AN INTERVIEW WITH by William Belan

OGER WAGNER WAS BORN IN LE PUY, for concerts, radio and television appearances, France, the son of the organist at the famed motion pictures, recordings, performances with Cathedral of Dijon. The Wagner family orchestras, debuts of new compositions, and immigrated to New York when Roger was numerous national and international tours. In 1953 seven, and three years later moved to Los Wagner and the Chorale were invited to participate Angeles where his father became organist and at the coronation festivities of Elizabeth II in dI!i'I!!, 'ilBlchoral director at the Church of St. Brendan. London. In 1956 the Chorale made its first national Roger was organist and choral director at the tour. In 1959, and again in 1964, the Chorale was Church of St. Ambrose in at the age of selected to represent the in concerts 12, and was a boy soprano in his father's choir at St. throughout Latin America. In 1965 the Chorale Brendan's. By the age of 14, he was often called made the first of nine tours to Japan. In 1966, the upon to substitute for his father as organist at St. United States State Department, through its Cultural Brendan's. In 1929 Roger entered Exchange Program, again sent the St. Anthony Seminary in the Chorale on tour, this time to Santa Barbara for studies in the the Middle East, Turkey, Yugo­ priesthood, but returned to slavia, France, and Italy. In France in 1932 where he , the Chorale had the honor completed his undergraduate of singing for Pope Paul VI at an studies in music at the College of audience in St. Peter's Basilica - Montmorency. During this period the first non-Italian choir to do so he studied with the distinguished in 25 years. In May 1986 the organist Marcel Dupre and also Chorale sang at the Academy of conducted detailed research in Music in Philadelphia and at church music at Dijon and Carnegie Hall in New York under Lyons. He also was an active the baton of Andre Previn, sportsman and participated in the conductor of the Los Angeles 1936 Olympics as a competitor in Philharmonic, after which the decathlon. He spent his last Maestro Previn said, "I can say in year in France serving in the all honesty that I've never had French Army. the privilege of conducting a When he returned to the States from France in better chorus, anywhere in the world." 1937, Roger first found work in as a The Roger Wagner Chorale has made over 70 member of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer chorus. He recordings representing every genre of choral was soon, however, engaged as the music director of composition from Gregorian chant and Renaissance f--_--'-'SLJnsepli.llihurclLin_dm1\[nto:w:ILLo~Ang.eLes. He motet to folk songs and works by contem12=or"-,,ar~yl-____ spent more than 20 years as the church's music composers. The Virtuoso album won a Grammy director. Their annual choral concerts brought such award, and Joy to the World sold over 500,000 recognition to the church and to its music director copies to become a Gold Record Album and the that in 1945 he was asked to be the Supervisor of biggest selling album of the Capitol Records classical Youth Choruses for the city of Los Angeles' Bureau division. The Chorale's newest recording, a CD of of Music. He began with a madrigal group of 12 Stephen Foster songs, was recorded for Toshiba voices that, by 1946, had grown to 32 singers; they EM!. debuted professionally that year as the Roger In the midst of all his successful work with the Wagner Chorale. Roger Wagner Chorale, Roger founded (1964) the The Chorale has achieved an enviable Los Angeles Master Chorale. Since then, the Master international reputation, and it has been called upon Chorale has given many performances around the

August 1991 Page7 world. In 1964 they sang with the Philadelphia Westminster Choir College and he has conducted Orchestra, Wagner conducting, in a performance their famed choir on a national tour. celebrating the inauguration of President Johnson at Dr. Wagner taught at UCLA for 33 years, and the Kennedy Center. In 1974 they toured the Soviet was "Distinguished Professor of Choral Music" at Union. Pepperdine University, Malibu, California for two Even with his many activities involving the two and a half years. He has received 11 Grammy' Chorales, Wagner has found the time to expand his nominations, is represented with a star on career into other fields. He is welllmown as a Hollywood Boulevard, served three years as the composer and arranger, in much demand as a music director of the "I Married Joan" television symphonic conductor, and is a highly regarded show, and has recorded the sound tracks for many oaui:hority=on=the=religious=music=of=i:he=M-edieval=and movies~' Renaissance periOds. He was awarded a Doctor of The philosophy of Wagner requires that his Music Degree from the University of Montreal for musicians be equal to his demands, so he has always his dissertation on the Masses of J osquin des Pres. As sought only the finest talent. Such famous stars as \ a result of his great contribution to sacred music he , Carol Neblett, K~!~Il,t\.rmst1."oIlg,-_ has DeEm lmighted tWice - first oy Pope Paul Vla:s- Claudine Carlson, and Theodor Uppman were once Commander Knight of St. Gregory and then by the members of the Roger Wagner Chorale. The Archbishop of Naples with the Order of St. combination of superb talent and inspired leadership Bridgette. In addition to his doctorate from has produced what once said is Montreal, he holds a Doctor of Music Degree from simply "second to none in the world."

BELAN: Tell us about your musical towns which has never been invaded weather was terribly cold and my heritage - the influences that by foreign armies. After only a few father suffered from pneumonia helped you develop as a musician. years, my family moved to Bourges twice, so we moved to the West and then to Nice, situated right on Coast. Personally, I was delighted WAGNER: First, I don't think it's the Mediterranean. It was most because I almost froze to death in generally known that I was born in pleasant. My parents invested in a New York. France, not in the United States. movie theater in Nice, but decided Actually, I did not become an that France did not have the Much of my early musical training American citizen until I was 25, opportunities they wanted for their came from my father, who was a after serving my compulsory period children, so they chose to move to mUSICIan a good one. He leaned in the French Army. the United States. We were one of toward Romantic music, whereas I I was born in Le Puy (Haute the many families who walked was more inclined toward Baroque Loire). It's really a charming little through Ellis Island as immigrants to music. However, he's the one who town which is slightly southwest of the United States. I was six or seven taught me from the very beginning Lyon, France. Its principal years old at that time. how to play the piano. I was told landmark is a large statue of the We first settled in Hornell and that he played the organ at the virgin overlooking the city, and it is later in Syracuse, New York. We Dijon Cathedral, but I do not know said that it is one of the few French were there for a couple of years. The for how long. When we came to the United States, it was difficult to get work, so he took a position playing in a movie theater called the "Happy Hour Theater" in Syracuse, New Formerly with The King's Singers York. I used to go there and watch silent pictures with movie stars such as Milton Sills, Vilma Banky, etc. JEREMY JACKMAN My father was really a serious -Workshop Clinician organist, but he was compelled to -Guest Conductor play theater music to support his -Lecturer family. •Adjudicator BELAN: Did you have an interest in Now accepting bookings for music during your early youth? November '91 & Febr./Mar.'92 U.S. appearances! WAGNER: Yes. As a matter of fact, I still have a composition in my desk that I wrote in French at the age of Contact: Palace Music, Doug Anderson U.S. Representative six. At this time age six or seven PO Box 95 - McMinnville, OR 97128 - (503) 472-6971 to about age 11 - I studied piano

PageS CHORAL JOURNAL with my father. We had a duo-piano had not had any great choral Fortunately or unfortunately, I team with a repertoire of two-piano conducting experience except for my had a prefect of discipline who was arrangements that he made. By the St. Ambrose job with the children's called Poochby, and this fellow was time we moved to Los Angeles, I chorus when I was 13. I went to always on my tail. I picked a fig was working very seriously on the Blessed Sacrament as requested and from one of the trees once. He called piano and began to get terribly rehearsed his choir. Mr. Biggs sat me in and had me kneel and said, interested in the organ. there all wrapped up. He listened to "Roger, you committed the sin of me for an hour and a half, and after Adam." I immediately answered, BELAN: How did you begin to I was through, he said, ''I'm "No! You're wrong father. Adam conduct? amazed. What are you doing took an apple, not a fig." He then studying the organ when you have a said, "For your insolence you will WAGNER: My first job conducting gift like this to conduct?" I said, "I was at St. Ambrose Church on had no idea that I would impress Fairfax Avenue, Hollywood, you with it. I wasn't trying to." He California. I was put in charge of said, "You have a certain inborn the children's chorus. I was then talent that makes people sing well." barely 13 years old. My father was organist and conductor at the beautiful St. Brendan's Church in BELAN: What was your formal Los Angeles. He wrote the church's education?

WAGNER: I began high school here and then my parents decided to put me into a seminary. They wanted 1 think one of my main me to study for the priesthood, partly because as an altar boy I II. 'QIII GAIllIAl qualities ~ temperament, seemed to enjoy the church. which 1 consider to be the However, I was not beyond pulling / __ ') 1I111C some of my tricks. Once I tasted the ability to get drama out of wine before putting it in the cruets. people. This bothered me terribly, so I went I.' IliAI. to confession and told the priest that I had committed a mortal sin. He APRIL 24.. 26, 1992 asked, "What did you do?" I under the direction of the answered, "I drank a couple drops University of Missouri·St. Louis dedication Mass and I found it quite from the wine cruet." He answered, good. I realized at that time that my "That's not a mortal sin! It's not father could not hear voices as I even a venial sin!" The next day, heard them. There was a tenor in his while filling the cruets for the mass, Now in its 16th year] this popular choir who stuck out like a sore realizing what the priest had told festival is an upbeat combination of thumb and it annoyed me terribly, me, I drank half a cruet. music education enrichment with even at my age. I used to ask my I spent one year in the seminary at father, "Pappa, why do you keep the Mission. (St. Anthony's Seminary quality adjudication ... plus the fun this tenor? He has a terrible sound!" was located directly behind the experience of new Sights and sounds He would answer, "What tenor?" Mission.) I enjoyed the studies very in youth-oriented St. Louis. much there but somehow found the Your choice of plans include festival I was always attracted to choral rules not strict enough, and I was music. Then I started taking organ not particularly fond of certain participation] awards banquet] deluxe lessons from Richard Keyes Biggs, priests, so my parents me into a hotel (indoor pool)] breakfasts]

Sacrament Church in Hollywood. Memorial Seminary in Compton . Gratis Dick was the father of the composer with Clarician Priests. We were not directors. John Biggs and, as a matter of fact, allowed to have visitors except once I carried John Biggs home from the a month when parents came on CALL 1-800-628-3093 hospital when he was only two days Sunday afternoons, and we were OR WRITE FOR DETAILS old. Dick Biggs and I became very allowed to visit our families at their good friends and I worked very hard houses once a year for half a day. It ST. LOUIS GATEWAY ~\, Q4i; with him on the organ. One day he was very strict. Actually, it sounds MUSIC FESTIVAL .,.QI/l ' ~~ called me and said, "Roger, I don't clo Discover 51. Louis Tours ti ~ almost inhuman, but it was very 7603 Forsyth Blvd. feel very well at all. Could you good for me. It gave me character 51. LoUis, MO 63105 HI&IG rli&nVAL possibly take my rehearsal for me development at a very important ...:=-~~ tonight?" Well, up until that time I age.

Augusl1991 Page9 kneel for two weeks during the Fontgombault to study Gregorian right outside Paris, which had meals." I decided this was a little too chant for a year and a half. The several members of the faculty from much. I called my parents and said I place is not far from the city of Le the Sorbonne. I found this very good didn't think I wanted to become a Blanc and not too far from the for me because I wanted to take priest if I had to associate with Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Solemnes. I philosophy from the outstanding people like Poochby. So they took studied seriously at Fontgombault Sorbonne faculty, and I was also me out, much against the wishes of with the monks. My studies also very interested in theology. I was the superior who liked me very included French, Latin, and Greek, named organist there, but did not do much. I then went to Fairfax High and I had the pleasure of being any choral work. School to try to finish my schooling named the organist there. --which=byAhe=way~didrhL.do.=,I,====A£tetJta;vjng~studie.d=GkegQtian===o=d.w:ij:hhLth~-nexLy&aI,,_Lgol,,!!L'bwn..MOfgd,,===== was, however, given my degree and chant for some time at that my father was very ill with put on the chart of honor after I Fontgombault, I decided that I cancer and I was compelled to fly gained a reputation from performing would like to be closer to Paris home. He died about three weeks nationally and internationally. because I wanted to study organ after I got there. I stayed for about Incidentally,_this.came.after. .having._ with Marcel Dupre - even though I three months with my mother and earned my Master's Degree from was not thrilled at his evaluation of little brother, and then returned to USC and UCLA, and my Doctor's my talent as an organist. During my France and entered into the French Degree for my research and thesis on audition he commented: "You have army. When I got out of the army I the works of Josquin Des Pres from big hands, and you have a natural spent several months studying with the University of Montreal. sense of rhythm which will come in Marcel Dupre, visiting Solemnes, handy. If you study seriously for My parents decided that I should seven years, you'll be a good return to France. This was in 1932 organist." . when I was almost 18 years old. The I studied with Dupre on and off first place I went was the for two years while going to a I have a reputation for Benedictine Abbaye de college called Montmorency, located being alm.ost cruel when it com.es to getting the thing right. Now I am, m,u,ch DOES m,ore gentle, but I still get YOUR CHOIR what I want. LOOK AS GOOD AS IT SOUNDS? Your choir's appearance is as and living there with the monks for important as its performance. a couple of weeks at a time. They Collegiate will make your choir were very nice to me and I got to look its best with custom-tailored know the chant master, Dom choral apparel. Our distinctive Gajard, who became one of my designs are available in a wide closest friends. That was about the range of beautiful fabrics and extent of my musical background popular colors. Each robe is carefully before I came back to this country. crafted for a superb fit. And, all Collegiate robes are BELAN: You also had the opportunity made in the U.S.A. to meet some famous musicians while you were in France. For a free catalog, material samples and ordering W AGNER: During my last year in information, call France, I had some wonderful 1.800.637·1124. acquaintances with famous composers. I was able to meet Poulenc, and I became very good COLLEGIATE friends with him. It was also my CAP & GOWN pleasure to get to know Arthur Division of Herff Jones, Inc. Honegger. In addition, I became 1000 North Market St. very close friends with Darius Champaign, lllinois 61820 Milhaud, whom I got to know better An employee owned company when we both were in the U.S.A. He and his wife taught at Mills

Page10 CHORAL JOURNAL College in Oakland, California. I Herford when they observed the torn mew Milhaud because he lived in pants. The Roger Wagner Center For Place Clichy in Paris where it was Choral Studies easy to visit him any time. When I returned to Los Angeles, I Incidentally, Place Clichy is almost met a man from Germany who was The Roger Wagner Center for next to the cemetery where Berlioz is very gifted and a top notch Choral Studies was chartered in buried. I performed one of Milhaud's conductor. His name was Fritz 1987 by California State biggest works, David, at the Zweig. His wife was a very famous University and Dr. Roger Wagner • Hollywood Bowl. It calls for two voice teacher named Tigarmo. I used to promote the field of choral orchestras, eight choirs, and 17 several of her pupils in my chorale. music. Under the direction of Dr. soloists. Twenty thousand people Dr. Zweig worked with me on Wagner and Dr. William Belan, came to hear it, and I truly don't orchestral conducting for two and a Director of Choral Studies at think there were a hundred who half years. California State University at Los understood what the music was I had difficulty finding a job as an Angeles, the Center has about. organist, so I became an entertainer. undertaken a list of significant I had also become acquainted I did good imitations of Maurice projects including: 1) a national with Mme. Salabert, the famous Chevalier, Trenet, and other famous contemporary-composition contest publisher. She used to invite me to French entertainers, and was hired underwritten by The Wenger her house for dinner, and inevitably at a nightclub and French Corporation; 2)a series of some of the famous composers she restaurant. One evening there was a contemporary choral works, published would also be there. On man at a table dressed in all the published by Thomas House one occasion, Poulenc and I were colors of the rainbow. He sent me a Publications; 3) a festschrift to be looking at Mme. Salabert's art note at the piano that he wanted to published by Pendragon Press; . collection. He analyzed in great see me. At my first break, I went to 4) a series of workshops on the use • detail one certain painting to his table and I introduced myself. of singing in the elementary describe the greatness of Renoir. He He spoke up and said, "What this classroom to teach interdis­ then turned to me and said, "Roger, country needs, and especially the ciplinary subjects cosponsored I think I mow more about painting movies, is poisonality." He told me by the than about music." I had been so that he was producer and head of and TRW Corporation; 5) a impressed by his description of the the music department at Paramount "choral summit" bringing the non­ painting that I answered, "I think Studios and to meet him at his office profit choral management teams so." He said, "What?" He seemed a at 10:30 the next day. He signed me in Los Angeles and .orange bit miffed that I had agreed with to a one-year contract for good Counties together for dialogue, him. money. I went home and told my and; 6) other special conferences Honegger also influenced me mother, "Mom, guess what? I've got and workshops. considerably. When I was there, he personality ." performed his Joan of Arc at the Stake with V era Zorina. I performed the same work with Zorina no less than six times in Los Angeles. HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY Basically, the people who by influenced me most were: Poulenc, Donald Miller Honegger, Milhaud, Boulanger, SATB with Brass, Percussion, OrganlPiano certainly Dupre, and of course Performed and Recorded Maurice Durufle, whom I did not for mow when I first went back to National Public Radio France. It was only after World War by II that we met. Durufle proved to be Members of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra a great inspiration to me. and ------'TcIn~thestares,tl1ere were otli-=er=so-----I------Syr:acuse-Unb.ter:sity-Or:at.or:i.o-Societ-y------1---- who deeply influenced me, like in cooperation with and . I _ MARK FOSTER MUSIC COMPANY certainly cannot forget Julius Honor Our Service Men & Women Herford, with whom I studied for in a years in New York. Incidentally, my Spring Concert, Memorial Day, and Veteran's Day colleague and I studied The Official with him at the same time and NATIONAL HYMN OF MOURNING would often run into each other. for the Julius owned a dachshund who VETERAN'S OF THE VIETNAM WAR, INC. AND PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA found it most entertaining to bite our pants at the calf. Somehow the All composer's royalties will be donated to neighbors mew we studied with designated veteran's organizations

August 1991 Page11 ' .. \"'.~',Willia#i)3ela;n0'D!/ ;;;; 'i{:~ I waited for a month and never we sang had a dramatic meaning. I got a call from the studio, but I got had studied Latin and Greek. These my $250 check each week. That languages were more than syllables seemed enormous to me since I was to me. My philosophy was to always ,~~l~!f_f~;!i' making only $150 a month at St. bring out the drama of what the Angel~siDce 198L-where, ... . ;~f;'; Joseph's Church. One day I got a words meant to my singers. together with his" colleam!es,(n.e ,:x; ':f;~ call from the dance director at Paramount who said the producer While I was working in the told him I was a good dancer. I entertainment business, I kept iifj~it~,l~J,~, replied, "I dance, but I'm not a looking for a position that would _Rro£essional dancer.." He said, make use of m_x talents at the Oxg,,,,,i:l.,,,,ll,,,,,.=== "Look, you have personality. You After many weeks of searching, I can do anything." I said, ''I'll be learned there was an opening for an there." Some of the girls in the organist and choirmaster at the company taught me all the steps and beautiful St. Joseph's church located I danced in several pi<:!tures with the in downtown Los Angeles. The Albertina Rasch dancers. I also wrote }llll'lI,~Sfudi~s,aJ:l~irilr()yative,pl"Q .... , .. , . music for television - I wrote two years for I Married Joan - and I wrote for something like 30 movies - including the entire score for The My philosophy has always Gallant Hours starring James been to dem.and the ti~I."i~ChOial·Directors . tion Cagney. m.axim.um. from. singers, BELAN: So how did this experience ;1r~f~~l1It~\~ influence your work as a serious but to choose singers finishing a post-do~toial ' ";;;(~;~; conductor? wisely. "Certificate at the Claremont,"~" .... '<'.:- .'/~:: /,~;::: WAGNER: It gave me more flexibility fJt'~;~:~;;i and experience in writing. However, " i',:,; ,~,-,;~:):;~/:" ;,,'~'-!-'\;l'!' ,;.;,~:;' it did not affect my interpretations of Franciscan fathers offered me $150 a ;'{; the classical repertoire. I put that in month for a full-time position ,-y'-- a completely different light. The comprising innumerable services and entertainment business was money. I masses, teaching at the grammar needed money and it was an school, and coaching the basketball opportunity to get involved in a new and football teams. The choir at St. type of expression: to write for Joseph's was so bad I went to the moods. Whether it's popular or pastor and said that I would either classical music, I always look for the form another choir or resign the j~tell?,r~tatio"[l~f·Gre~o~~riSh,a~~;: drama. I had my roots in Gregorian position. I stressed that according to 'Dr. Bel¥;curl"entlYs¢rfes,.3sf, 1~~;.~),~ chant and Renaissance polyphony. I the church, women were really not performed it in its proper habitat. allowed to sing in the liturgical ~?~pwr6tfi~~~&~~~~~[K~~;f~~~i For me, this music wasn't just for services; boys were traditionally used '.CommitteE);·' . ".",:;,/;;if;; ~~~~=--~~.~.~~~~~~ concerts; it had meaning. Everything for that purpose. The pastor agreed to my request and this was the beginning of 27 years of truly difficult work. I studied at that time with a man NEW CHORAL WORKS named Father William Finn, a Paulist priest. I learned much from muSIC compaQY BY Rene Clausen his classes. One of the statements he made that I shall always remember River MF 2064 SATB a cappella is: "Usually, when a choir sings Tonight Eternity Alone MF 3034 SATB a cappella, sop. descant Text from "Dusk at Sea" by Thomas S. Jones, Jr. above a mezzo piano, beauty goes Water is Wide MF 3038 SATB, piano, clar, hrn, cello out the window." I also recall the Communion MF 2075 SATB. organ. horn, harp famous story about his choir Text from "Diary of an Old Soul" by G. MacDonald competing in the Paris Opera House Greatest of These is Love, Wedding solo, High or Med voice, organ for the finals of the worldwide from his cantata "A New Creation" MF 2047H MF 2047M boychoir competition. The For details and ordering, please write, phone 800-359-1386, or FAX 217-398-2791 conductors drew straws to see who MARK FOSTER MUSIC COMPANY, Champaign, Illinois, 61824-4012 would sing first, second, third, etc., and Father Finn was last. He sat

Page12 CHORAL JOURNAL and listened to all the other choirs, The sound for the boys was based beautiful sound with this training. each of which went flat because the on "00." This helped develop the That was an important part of the hall, loaded with velvet, had very head tone. When you train children way I trained my boys. dead acoustics. When it was time for they usually have a chest tone which his choir to sing, Father Finn they can't carry higher than C above BELAN: What are some of the other transposed the music up a third and middle C. You train the upper voice, features-perhaps personal qualities­ told the boys to sing very softly. that characterize your work? They stayed dead in tune and won first place. One of the other W AGNER: I think one of my main conductors went to him and said, I think the combination of qualities is temperament, which I "Father, that is terribly unfair. You consider to be the ability to get changed the key to suit the acoustics my faith in God, my love drama out of people. I also possess of the place." But, Father Finn knew of music, and my an accumulated understanding of how to make things work. I learned various styles of music, and I'm a lot from this man, although he was involvement in it still at disciplined. But, I think over and perhaps the most conceited person I above the things we have talked have ever known in my life - the age of 76, almost 77, about is the fact that I won't accept except maybe for myself. And he is responsible for my being mediocrity. I have a reputation for had quite an air about him. He being almost cruel when it comes to would direct workshops with lots of alive. getting things right. Now I am much women in attendance (He was very more gentle, but I still get what I handsome with his Roman collar), want. I used to be extremely tough and would say, "Ladies, I am on people. If they sang flat, I would carrying you on my arm. I can't do which has never been used, on go over and over the music to find that, you know. I am a priest." He downward scales. You bring those out why they would do such a thing. had a British accent. I don't know virginal tones down and match them Then I would set the singers up as where the devil he got it; he wasn't with the low ones, softening when examples of mediocrity. There's no British. you get down low. You get a question that I was a disciplinarian, He had a colleague, Father O'Mally, who took over his choir in Chicago. O'Mally was an expert in the changing voice. I went to RICHARD Chicago to study with him because of the frustration I felt after PROULX Recent Publications spending years to train my boys so Oxford No. 385863-0 Open wide the Windows of Our Spirits beautifully and then have them Prelude and Introit for SATB Choir, come to me and say, "Can't sing up Tenor Solo, Handbells, and 4 Homs or Organ there no more, Rog." They would GIA Pub!. No. G-3344 Come To Us, Creative Spirit (Hymn for Artists) come to their middle register, and SATB Choir, Congregation, Organ there was nothing. I was also in Optional Brass Quintet contact with a throat specialist. GIA Pub!. No. G-3644 Mass for the City (lCET Text) SATB Choir, Congregation, Organ My first ten years I had no women Optional 4 Homs & Timp., or 2 Tpts., 2 Tbns, & Timp. in my choirs, a fact which explains GIA Pub!. No. G-3489 Missa Emmanuel (ICET Text) why my women never sing Based on tune, "Veni Emmanuel" - for Advent operatically in sacred music, Cantor, SATB Choir, Congregation especially of the Renaissance era. GIA Pub!. No. G-3643 Chant for the Universe (Interfaith Anthem) When you sing a piece, you have to Cantor, SATB Choir, Congregation, Organ fit the sound to the piece you sing. Paraclete No. PPM08801 Prayer for the City ---My-uoys-sarrg-atI-sacrechTIusi-c.TIrey­ SATRCboir~Organ were not permitted to have excessive Paraclete No. PPM09006 Te Deum Laudamus (English Text) vibrato in the voice because too SATB Choir, Baritone Solo, Handbells much vibrato would kill the style of Optional Tambourine, 2 Flutes, Cello the music. Later on I felt that choral GIA Pub!. No. 3085 Gloria for Christmastime (lCET Text) music was enhanced by having that Based on tune, "Gloria" SB Choir, Congregation, Organ, Flute or Violin kind of sound. When singing opera or Romantic music, I would ask for GIA Publ. No. 3087 Gloria for Eastertime (lCET Text) Based on tune, "0 Filii et Filiae" more vibrato which made that kind SB Choir, Congregation, Organ, Trumpet of music more expressive. However, I would not permit my singers to be Selah No. 160720 15 Hymn Intonations for Organ heard individually in the choir. Momingstar No. 10-810 Variations on "Sine Nomine" for Organ

August 1991 Page13 and there was no fooling around your greatness is, of course, that three years is the period where when you were in my choir. You your musical integrity. But the they consider this cancer gone. I had to strive for perfection. way that you treated each have seven or eight months to go. My philosophy has always been to member of the group, and gave demand the maximum from singers, us all complete respect, gave us I think the secret is getting but to choose singers wisely: hearing the healthy and productive involved, looking forward to getting that voices fit the choir before feeling of being colleagues. I well. I do a lot of imagery. "It's putting them in the chorale, seeing guess from certain aspects of going away, it's going away." And I that dispositions lend themselves to your reputation I expected to pray a lot. fm very religious. I don't development, and sensing a be intimidated by you .... like to brag about it, because my wJllingness=to=ac~c~epJ=advice"".-Y=,=,08Jl,,======, whole life hJ!.s not been one ~~ have some people that are so solo There was a time when exemplary of a virtuous man; but, conscious you can't use them in an intimidation was a regular part of I am, at this time, very religiously ensemble. They won't sing softly; my behavior. That came from inclined. I think the combination of they won't listen. These days, immaturity. When you can't get my faith in God, my love of music, however, lam much more mature what yOl!w~nj:,-youget)TIa,(:Ll!t~ and my involvement in it still at the about how I work with singers. I people. But I don't do that anymore age of 76, almost 77, is responsible can get excellent results without because I know what to do. I also for my being alive. being mean. For instance, I just don't get mad at erroneous criticism received a letter from a singer on our like I used to. This is because I BELAN: How has choral music recent Japan tour: understand that some criticism comes changed during your career? from ignorance. I think (Martin) I cannot begin to tell you how Bernheimer (critic of the Los Angeles WAGNER: I think choral music wonderful the tour was for me. Times), for example, is a fine performance has suffered an First, it was the musical reviewer; but he has fixed ideas. If enormous decline in appeal. There experience I knew it would be. you are a great choral man, you isn't the same interest there used to You're right, Roger. I have cannot be anything else. be in listening to a choral concert. been around and recognize a I feel that if people are going to Shaw would fill every auditorium, great conductor, and you are criticize me then it's got to be and so would I. I still do in Japan one. One of the other aspects of justified. If it's justified then I have and Korea, but in former times here nothing to argue about. But, if it's in the U.S. 5,000 people would not justified, then I say it comes out stand up and shriek. It used to be of their ignorance. that if you did a B Minor Mass or Missa solemnis you'd sell out. Today, BELAN: Can you talk about your fm better known in Japan than I health - how you have dealt with am here in the United States. I'm serious illness, and how it has still well known in this country, but affected your work? not like Japan. I think the time of the Wagner and Shaw period is WAGNER: Music has saved my life. I over, but I think interest will come was ready to die two years ago. My back because people will get tired of face was twice the size it is now. I listening to pop-oriented and was in bad shape. The doctor let me minimal music. ALL STAR '*TRA VEL, INC. go (on tour to Japan in 1988) against Tours for Perjonning Arts Groups his wishes. He did soften up a little BELAN: What message would you like bit when I told him I couldn't pay to leave with young people who *FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC his fee if I didn't go (laugh). aspire to conduct choral music? TOURS I went and felt twice as good *COMPLETE CONCERT AND when I came back. During that time WAGNER: You have to have the bug. I was undergoing chemotherapy. If you have the bug to do choral TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS That was two years and two months music that's an incentive in itself. *FESTIVALS ago, and at my last visit the doctor Some people will fall in love with Write or call for brochure said that the mortality rate with my choral music, and really want to do and more information: illness is 94 % within a year. He said it. Have a goal to achieve and stick to it. But be sure to have goals ALL STAR TRAVEL which are realistic. You must know ATTN: BOB OR CATHY if you have real temperament. If you WEIDMAN 4000 OPERAS & RECITALS available to Singers and do, develop it; if you don't, then get 2233 W. 15th STREET collectors. Details a tape of Leonard Bernstein PLANO, TEXAS 75075 Stanley A. Cory conducting, and do 10 percent of 1-800-484-1007 after tone 2216 6032 East Thunderbird that. Scottsdale. AZ 85254

Page14 CHORAL JOURNAL The following is a speech given by I subsequently began taking the first professional engagement, the to present the streetcar to downtown Los Angeles recording of the soundtrack for the "Conductor of the Year Award" to on Wednesday nights to visit Roger's classic motion picture Joan of Are, Roger Wagner at the ACDA rehearsals. Since I became a fixture starring Ingrid Bergman. Western Division Convention in at these meetings, he soon invited me How did our three-year-old choir March of 1990. to sing with the Choir. I was 15 sound back on April3rd, 1949, In November of 1937, a 23-year years old, and it was the beginning when we presented a concert that old Roger Wagner was hired as of a 48-year association that has started with, what else, but the Music Director of St. Joseph's witnessed the founding of the Los Victoria Ave Maria, and concluded Catholic Church in Los Angeles. He Angeles Youth Chorus in 1946 and with, what else, but the Requiem of gained this position because of his its transition three years later into Gabriel Faure? The review in the talents as an accomplished organist, the Roger Wagner Chorale with our Los Angeles Examiner of April 5th, not because of his choral ability since, in fact, he had had no formal training or experience in this area. But, within a few short months, spurred on by a special ambition, confidence, and drive, this self­ taught, "by trial and error" New! conductor formed a choir of men frotll. and boys that made its debut on Easter Sunday in the spring of 1938. For the enormous salary of $150.00 a month, Roger only had to WESTMINSTER play nine Masses and three evening CHOIR COLLEGE services a week, while also teaching academic classes in the Church's grammar school. At the same time, he rehearsed the boys every day, and §s!mrJay again on Wednesday nights with the men. To augment this handsome §ceIr1l1lilim

August 1991 Page 15 1949, as written by the eminent ensemble, and there was a Because of his great talent and critic, the late Patterson Greene, welcome accuracy of pitch, productivity, Roger Wagner can be states: attack and execution. . . . given a great deal of credit for what The church was filled to its I believe was the "Golden Age of With lovely old St. Joseph's limits, and hundreds had to be Choral Music" - the 40s, the 50s, Church as a setting, Roger turned away. Perhaps means and the 60s - and is acknowledged Wagner last Sunday night can be found whereby Wagner, as one of the giants in this field. conducted his Chorale of mixed who has given new life to I had the unique privilege of being voices, augmented by the St. choral singing in Los Angeles, present at his first concert 51 years Joseph Male Choir, in a may be enabled to bring this ago, and throughout these 50 years, ___ J;)rogram of the most beautiful program to other audiences. as a singer, teacher, and conductor, choral singing I have fieara in I -naveBeen toucl:1OO~lnfluenced=,='==== many years. Within ten years of his daring leap nurtured, and inspired by this man. Perhaps I should simply call into the choral arena, Roger Wagnet I believe I can honestly bear it the most beautiful choral had become one of its leading witness to his entire career in the singingn'l~-"Y.~ heard; because figures. What followed has become choral field, and may I be so bold as beyond supreme technical and choral history. to say I nlflecf the training tonal merits, it had a mood of Concerts with the Los Angeles personally received from his gifts. exaltation that visits itself rarely Philharmonic began in 1949, I consider him to be the most upon choruses, or upon individ­ followed by the recording, in 1951, naturally talented choral conductor I uals, for that matter. . . . of the Pope Marcellus Mass on the have ever known. Wagner has achieved a style Capitol label, the invitation to the For what he has given to the and tonal quality that is coronation festival of Elizabeth the world of choral music- for what he depersonalized without being II in London in 1953, the first has given me and others like me­ dehumanized. He has avoided national tour in 1956, subsequent and because of my love for this man, the operatic emotionalism that world tours, the establishment, 25 I am justly proud, on behalf of the besets some choral groups, and years ago, of the Los Angeles Master American Choral Directors the prim pallor that besets still Chorale as the resident professional Association, Western Division, to others. There was no tremolo, chorus of the Los Angeles Music present "The Conductor of the Year no shrillness, no rigidity in the Center-and on-and on-and on. Award" to Roger Wagner. BlI FACE TO FACE WITH AN ORCHESTRA by Don V Moses, Robert W. Demaree, Jr. and Allen F. Ohmes

Messrs. Moses, Demaree and Ohmes have done a very good thing indeed for choral music and choral musicians. The book . .. is remarkably efficient and practical . .. it invites, even "inspires," the reader's (conduc;tor's) further study, exploration and individual creativity as regards performance practices and stylistic detail. It's a good book. - Robert Shaw It's a practical handbook and valuable introduction to instrumental conducting technique for the choral conductor. - Ray Robinson

To Order: Send $29.95 to Distributed by: Summy-Birchard. Also SUMMY-BIRCHARD, Inc. available from Bookstores, c/o Warner Bros. Publications, Inc. Retail Vendors, Colleges & 265 Secaucus Road Universities. Secaucus, NJ 07096 Prestige PubUcatloDS, Inc. Princeton, New Jersey

Page16 CHORAL JOURNAL