Product Description
Composed by Mark Templeton for SATB choir a cappella, "Odi et Amo," or "Carmen 85," is one of the most celebrated elegiac couplets composed by Gaius Valerius Catullus (84-54 B.C.E.). His muse in this poem is understood to be Lesbia, the name believed to have been given by Catullus to his mistress. Lesbia was really Clodia, the sexually promiscuous wife of proconsul Quintus Caecilius Metellus Celer. Clodia was said to have many lovers, and Catullus torment and obsession for her is well documented in 13 of his poems where the name, Lesbia, is used. Many composers have been inspired by the duality of emotions of this acute two-lined poem. The most well-known setting is from Carl Orffs "Catulli Carmina," part of "Trionfi," the musical triptych that also includes the "Carmina Burana" and "Trionfo di Afrodite." Unlike Orffs driving rhythms of outwardly expressive anguish, Templeton's setting is a more introspective interpretation. It is as if the music is surrendering to the mercurial personalities that Catullus and all humans possess, the tortured ability to hate and love at the same time.
Odi et amo. Quare id faciam fortasse requiris.
Nescio, sed fieri sentio et excrucior.
I hate and I love. Why do I do it you might ask?
I don't know, but I feel it happening and it is tearing me apart.
Mark Templeton, born 1974, is an American choral composer, conductor, and countertenor. Templetons music has been performed across the world at various international festivals and ACDA conventions. Some of his music is published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing, and he has recently started to self-publish. He teaches and resides with his wife, Becca, at West Nottingham Academy in Colora, Maryland, the oldest boarding school in the United States. He also enjoys coaching, playing, and watching soccer when he is not working. He is available for commission upon request.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.