Mr. Ramsey lives and works in Kansas City, Missouri where he plays the pipe organ and composes. His compositions have won various prizes chiefly in the church music arena. His catalog includes a broad range of chamber and sacred pieces, from solo piano and organ works to large-scale choral works with chamber orchestra. He has written music for woodwinds, brass, concert band, string ensembles, solo voices and choruses, handbells, and dance groups. He was the first local composer to be performed in the magnificent new "Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts" in Kansas City. His "Requiem" for Chorus, Strings, Flute, Oboe and Organ has had two performances by Kansas City area churches. Recently his "Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis has been scheduled for three concerts in Kansas City, Missouri, Concord and Exeter, New Hampshire.
This anthem is a setting of an early 20th Century hymn text. It utilizes metaphors in nature to describe a life of good character and is suitable for worship. It is free of gender specific language, and therefore speaks to all people of good will. The music is somewhat reminiscent of early 20th Century church […]
A traditional text for Psalm Sunday in the Christian Calendar. However, since it is also found in the Psalms, it is appropriate for uses at other times, especially for festive, celebrative occasions. Church choruses love this exuberant setting as do congregations. Organists will appreciate opportunities to shine as well.
These Biblical texts are often associated with the Advent season of the Christian calendar. It is also sung anytime of the year at “Evensong” in Episcopal and Anglican traditions. The accompaniment is a traditional Woodwind Quintet. The composer knows of no other choral piece that uses this instrumental combination to accompany a choral work. If there are none, then, […]
This award winning setting of “Psalm 150” uses an inclusive language version of this beloved Psalm. Many congregations prefer not to use male pronoun references to God, and in this instance, “his” and “him” as well as the word “Lord” are replaced simply with “God”. The organ part is of particular interest, as it was […]
Mr. Ramsey’s Requiem sets the traditional Latin mass for the dead. It is intended to be a liturgical work, but is also at home in a sacred concert setting. The music stands in the traditions of Duruflé and Fauré, but is different from both. Two performances prove it to be within reach of non-professional, church […]
“Thou God” is the title of a text by Dag Hammarskjöld, Secretary-general of the United Nations from 1953 to 1961. A deeply moving and personal faith statement, it is set here as an anthem for mixed choir and organ. Hammarskjöld’s book Markings, from which this text comes, is an enduring spiritual classic still widely read […]
A dramatic, contemporary setting of the Biblical passage “The Trumpet Shall Sound”, which was also used in Handel’s “Messiah”. The baritone and trumpet dialog throughout with the organ underpinning and expanding the harmonic structure. The trumpet begins and ends using a straight mute, but plays open in middle portions. It is appropriate for memorial services, […]
William Blake’s beloved poem “Little Lamb” is set here for soprano voice with piano accompaniment. It was first sung in a worship service and dedicated to a child being baptized. The poem is perfect for such an occasion. However, the popularity of the poem makes the song a useful addition to any musical occasion.
Jazz Ground is a brief fairly simple piano solo, Gershwin-like in feeling. A third or fourth year student could manage it. It would serve as a break or change of pace in a heavier, classical recital. It is appealing and likable.
This is a traditional Rag with a bit of a twist. 2 Pianists of moderate skills can play this with practice. It is just good fun. Would provide a nice break to a heavy program of a classical nature.
A Piano Suite of five pieces that express something of the character and style of ancient dances, without adhering to their classical forms. The prelude establishes harmonic and melodic materials which are utilized throughout the suite. The following four pieces capture a generalized characteristic of their historical namesakes. A nine-tone scale is used in all […]
Organ Voluntary on an Ancient Hymn tune from Medieval times, often associated with Festival Celebrations in Christian Churches. The tune is also known as “Deo Gratias”. It is most often associated with the hymn “O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High”. This dramatic piece works perfectly as a prelude to a worship service in […]
Variations on “Adoro te devote” is organ music appropriate for worship, especially as a Prelude or during Eucharist. The melody is always present being accompanied by a variety of harmonies and styles of music. It culminates with a fugue in which the melody appears in segments in the pedal. It is possible to select from […]
“Madrid” is a traditional Spanish melody that is most often associated with the hymn “Come Christians Join to Sing”. It is found in most protestant hymn books, and is sung regularly in many “Mainline” churches. The complete set of variations is one that will find many uses in worship services as a longer prelude or […]
Trio for Three Flutes may be played by three flutes or two flutes plus alto flute. For larger groups, the third part may be played by a mix of alto and soprano flute, depending upon availability of instruments. The Trio is an excellent contest piece, providing a range of playing styles and tempos in a compact length of […]
A dramatic, contemporary setting of the Biblical passage “The Trumpet Shall Sound”, which was also used in Handel’s “Messiah”. The baritone and trumpet dialog throughout with the organ underpinning and expanding the harmonic structure. The trumpet begins and ends using a straight mute, but plays open in middle portions. It is appropriate for memorial services, […]
This String Quartet is a balance of dramatic and lyrical material, varying greatly. The opening movement begins with poignant polyphony, but then morphs into rapid-fire exciting passage work in the central portion, returning in time to the quieter mood of the beginning. Movement II reminds one of a classic Siciliano, with its dotted rhythmic patterns […]
Mr. Ramsey’s Requiem sets the traditional Latin mass for the dead. It is intended to be a liturgical work, but is also at home in a sacred concert setting. The music stands in the traditions of Duruflé and Fauré, but is different from both. Two performances prove it to be within reach of non-professional, church […]
A quiet, reflective meditation on the well-known and loved Twenty-third Psalm. Suitable for worship during communion, as a quiet prelude, or for funeral services.
This Processional was used four times in weddings of the composer’s family. It is also available in an organ only version. Being sectionalized, it is easily abbreviated to fit a particular time frame for a particular wedding party and sanctuary space. This is not a traditional wedding march, but unique and different, should such be […]
A grand, stately processional, perfect for a formal wedding or a festive occasion or concert. Based on a nine-tone scale, it has a modern quality, but without harshness. The piece is sectional in nature, making it easily adjustable to a specific wedding party and space. The piece is also available in an Organ and Brass […]
A favorite of orchestra and concert band audiences, “Procession of the Nobles” by Rimsky-Korsakov is here made available for brass quintet, organ and percussion. Trumpet parts are printed in alternate transpositions. Percussion parts are available in a 1-player and a 2-player version. The recording provided here is the 1-player version. The music has a wide variety of uses, from concerts, to […]
Based on the hymn tune, “National City”, this is a festive Easter work for trumpet and organ, appropriate as a prelude for festival Sundays or concert settings. The tune was written by Dr. Lawrence Schreiber, who was organist and minister of music for the National City Christian Church in Washington D. C. for 40 years. […]
Dale Ramsey’s Prelude for Organ is a quiet, melodic piece for the Oboe stop on the organ. Intended as a prelude piece for a wedding, it works well as a prelude for general worship, or any time a brief, quiet piece is appropriate.
“Picardy” is a French province where this beautiful 17th century melody originates. It is popularly associated with the hymn “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” which originates from first century Jerusalem. This setting, in keeping with its roots, is gentle and reflective. The violin is the perfect instrument to express its sensitivity and beauty. The organ accompaniment borrows from […]
Advent Music for Trumpet is rare. This piece might be just the ticket. It is cheery, easy to listen to, and approachable for an average pianist and good high school trumpet player. While Advent is a reflective season for the church, there is also reason for cheerful and hopeful prospects. This music supplies such a […]
Peaceful Spirit is a gentle, idyllic piece that might best be described as a pastorale. The Flute and Organ play together in a quiet give-and-take dialog. Neither part is difficult. It is appropriate anywhere a soft, melodic piece is called for. Audience appeal is very strong.
Peace Dream is an instrumental prayer for Handbell Choir. For churches that observe Peace Sunday in December, this is a perfect selection–though it shouldn’t be limited to that. The piece is approachable both technically and stylistically. Harmonies are rich and with a light touch of modernity. The tempo is moderate and it should be within […]
Four traditional Christmas carols from Spain, set for Brass Quintet and one percussionist. Styles include simple folk melodies, a Samba, a lyric ballad, and a robust “troubadour” song. Perfect for Concert or Carol Service. Percussionist needs: Triangle, Maracas, Bells, Bass Drum, Field Drum.
These pieces for violin and organ are based on folk melodies that are commonly used in contemporary hymnbooks. As such, they are individually useful for worship services. As a group they work quite well for recitals or study purposes. Protestant congregations will most likely be familiar with some of the melodies — some perhaps even […]
“Festival Flourish” is an adventurous fantasy piece on the well-loved hymntune, “Union Seminary” which is commonly associated with the words “Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether”. The music is appropriate for Festival Sunday Worship or Concert. The middle section, which directly quotes the melody, can be used as an introduction to the hymn before singing.
An organ “Fantasy” based on the hymntune Crucifer, which is used with the popular hymn “Lift High the Cross”. This seven-minute work was the first prize winner of an international competition celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Greater Kansas City Area Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and was premiered by organist Chelsea Chen […]
This group of “character” pieces are not profound, intellectual, historic, serious or sacred. Rather, they are light-hearted, brief, clever perhaps, even cheerful secular works. Still, they are written in a modern style and are pieces that informed music lovers should find entertaining. The titles suggest various “conversations” one might have with others: A Pronouncement, A […]
Little contemporary music is written for the Harpsichord, so “Andante and Jubilation” for Harpsichord, Flute and Cello is a welcome addition to the available new music. The music is written idiomatically for all three instruments. The result is a sound that achieves a fresh expression of Baroque sensibilities without attempting to copy that period’s idioms.
