Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
in memory of Ashley Wandschneider
Joshua Howard, horn
Lauren Biggs, soprano
Sheena Mitti, alto
Ashley Wandschneider, tenor
Timothy Pepin, baritone
Lauren Hoffman & Hunter Peterson, wine glasses
commissioned by Joshua Howard
premiered on November 9th, 2025 at Azusa Pacific University
Program Note:
Vidi Aquam (“I saw water”) is a chant traditionally sung during the Easter season, symbolizing the life-giving water of baptism and the resurrection of Christ. In this reimagined chant, I take a darker approach. The horn solo reflects the tragedy of Jesus’ death, while the voices represent the Christian bystanders. At times, they cry out in shock as the soldier pierces Jesus’ side; at others, they whisper subdued alleluias. The prophecy is fulfilled, but their praise is quiet, held back under the weight of Roman oppression.
Harmonically, the choir sings primarily in ancient-sounding quartal relationships (chords built on fourths) while the horn solo floats above them, representing the divine presence of the Father grieving over the Son. At times, the horn lines are fluid and legato; at others, sharply articulated, expressing the anguish of Christ’s crucifixion. The second time through the piece, articulations are left to the horn player’s discretion, allowing them to bring their own interpretation to God’s grief. The piece deliberately sits in this grief, drawing focus on the text.
I saw water flowing from the Temple, from its right side, alleluia:
And all to whom this water came were saved,
And they shall say: alleluia, alleluia.
— excerpt from the Vidi Aquam chant
I wanted to create a work that resists a traditional cinematic arc, instead establishing a sound world and allowing its resonance to fully take root. In a world where everything moves so quickly, I sought to challenge my own sense of control by writing a piece that is minimal, yet unwavering in the ideas it presents. It also helped me to sit with the somber reality of Jesus’ death.
This piece is dedicated to Ashley Wandschneider, my beloved friend and colleague, who passed away on December 29th, 2025. She was a beautiful light at the APU School of Music and made an impact here beyond my comprehension. I miss her joyful laugh and beautiful spirit, which I know is now delighting in the wonders of Heaven.
♬♩♪♩
BUY MY MUSIC: laurenbiggsmusic.com
MY LINKS: solo.to/laureliamadeus
BUY ME A COFFEE:
ko-fi.com/laureliamadeus
♬♩♪♩
in memory of Ashley Wandschneider
Joshua Howard, horn
Lauren Biggs, soprano
Sheena Mitti, alto
Ashley Wandschneider, tenor
Timothy Pepin, baritone
Lauren Hoffman & Hunter Peterson, wine glasses
commissioned by Joshua Howard
premiered on November 9th, 2025 at Azusa Pacific University
Program Note:
Vidi Aquam (“I saw water”) is a chant traditionally sung during the Easter season, symbolizing the life-giving water of baptism and the resurrection of Christ. In this reimagined chant, I take a darker approach. The horn solo reflects the tragedy of Jesus’ death, while the voices represent the Christian bystanders. At times, they cry out in shock as the soldier pierces Jesus’ side; at others, they whisper subdued alleluias. The prophecy is fulfilled, but their praise is quiet, held back under the weight of Roman oppression.
Harmonically, the choir sings primarily in ancient-sounding quartal relationships (chords built on fourths) while the horn solo floats above them, representing the divine presence of the Father grieving over the Son. At times, the horn lines are fluid and legato; at others, sharply articulated, expressing the anguish of Christ’s crucifixion. The second time through the piece, articulations are left to the horn player’s discretion, allowing them to bring their own interpretation to God’s grief. The piece deliberately sits in this grief, drawing focus on the text.
I saw water flowing from the Temple, from its right side, alleluia:
And all to whom this water came were saved,
And they shall say: alleluia, alleluia.
— excerpt from the Vidi Aquam chant
I wanted to create a work that resists a traditional cinematic arc, instead establishing a sound world and allowing its resonance to fully take root. In a world where everything moves so quickly, I sought to challenge my own sense of control by writing a piece that is minimal, yet unwavering in the ideas it presents. It also helped me to sit with the somber reality of Jesus’ death.
This piece is dedicated to Ashley Wandschneider, my beloved friend and colleague, who passed away on December 29th, 2025. She was a beautiful light at the APU School of Music and made an impact here beyond my comprehension. I miss her joyful laugh and beautiful spirit, which I know is now delighting in the wonders of Heaven.
♬♩♪♩
BUY MY MUSIC: laurenbiggsmusic.com
MY LINKS: solo.to/laureliamadeus
BUY ME A COFFEE:
ko-fi.com/laureliamadeus
♬♩♪♩
