Alex Gartner

Recent Commissions (Unpublished)

​

The Persistence of Song

Manhattan Concert Productions/Carnegie Hall

SSA with Piano

Featuring a text by Howard Moss, former poet of the New Yorker magazine, this piece echoes the constancy of music under every rock, in every crevice, and in the very corners of our lives. It was written during a break in the COVID-19 pandemice where singing was emerging in public spaces once more. Even with darkened stages and canceled concerts, this piece is a celebratory reminder that singing could never really vanish for good.

Click here to view the score. (Piece begins at 3:52 mark)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Toward Something New

TimeSlips/Dementia Inclusive Durham

SSA with Piano

Toward Something New is a musical tryptich on memory loss and its potential to unearth beauty on not what has been lost, but what can be found by defining new relationships between elders and caregivers and exploring art as a means of communication. Approximately 10 minutes in length, the piece was commissioned and inspired by TimeSlips, a creative aging agency that focuses specifically on memory loss.

Click here to learn more about the piece and view the score.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

SSA/Treble Publications

​

Therefore I Will Hope

Santa Barbara Music Publishing - SBMP 1629

Commissioned by the Harmony Fund of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the piece honors victims of gun violence. It was specifically inspired by a mass shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola in December 2019, which was shortly followed by a school shooting in the Greater Cincinnati area, an event that impacted many members of the Cincinnati Youth Choir, for whom this piece was written. Since its publication, it has also become an anthem for the pandemic experience, especially for its general feeling of stasis and helplessness, as well as cautious hope for a better future.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

​

 

Your Heart Is My Heart

Santa Barbara Music Publishing - SBMP 1455

This piece features lyrics by Sandra Thornton, a breast cancer survivor. Her words came to life in a social media post announcing her diagnosis to her community of friends and family. This piece is an enduring homage to Sandy's resilience and courage, and it continues to inspire and provide hope and healing for many who have been impacted by breast cancer across the world.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

CLICK HERE to view a performance by Olympia High School's Bella Voce choir (Orlando, FL)

​

Bound for Glory

Alfred Music Publishing - #43413

"Bound for Glory" is a simple partner song featuring the tunes "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "This Train Is Bound for Glory." It builds momentum as keys change and energy builds. This piece can be performed in 2 or 3 parts.

​

CLICK HERE to hear a performance by the Pensacola Children's Chorus (Pensacola, FL)

​

Tuli Tuli

Santa Barbara Music Publishing - SBMP 1379

This upbeat song from Kenya was shared with the composer by the Nairobi Girls Chorale. The text has no particular meaning, but the song is meant to evoke joy and thankfulness for the many blessings of life.

​

CLICK HERE to hear a performance by the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City (Kansas City, MO)

​

Hakuna mungu kama wewe

Santa Barbara Music Publishing - SBMP 1388

This upbeat arrangement of this well known Swahili text was shared with the composer by the Nairobi Girls Chorale of Nairobi, Kenya.

​

Nishike mkono bwana

Santa Barbara Music Publishing - SBMP 1380

This piece was inadvertently attributed to Mr. Gartner for his arrangement of a song shared by the Nairobi Girls Chorale. The true author is Humphrey Kisia, and directors are strongly encouraged to attribute his authorship as such. For further questions or copyright information, please contact Santa Barbara Music Publishing directly.

​

SATB/SAB Publications

​

Make Way for the King

Choristers Guild - CGA1618

This anthem for SATB choir and optional unison children's choir is a celebratory way to open a Palm Sunday or Advent service. It captures a spirit of excitement exclusive to these special times in the Christian year.

​

CLICK HERE to hear a reference recording created by Choristers Guild

​

Let the People Shout Hosanna

Lorenz Corporation - 10/4842L

This piece is a triumphal way to welcome Christ into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. An alternating rhythmic structure keeps movement and momentum going as Christian congregations start their journey on Holy Week.

​

CLICK HERE to hear a reference recording created by the Lorenz Corporation