Augsburg Fortress

"O Laughing Light" was written for a Transfiguration service at North Christian Church in Columbus, Indiana. I wanted a piece that was more playful than dramatic, and I had a small but capable choir and a substantial, colorful organ to accompany them. (Because I was the only musician, I also had to write a piece that I could both play and conduct.) Sylvia Dunstan's hymn was new to me, and I liked the idea that light could be playful and humorous. Dynamics, phrasing, and organ registration should all be adapted to best convey the notion of joyful, buoyant light according to the room and instrument available.