Treasures in Heaven – Clokey
Treasures In Heaven (1941 listen) enjoyed immense popularity in the heyday of organized religion in America in the mid 20th century [1]. The work is based on the King James version of Matthew 6:19-21 and 7:7-8, portions of the Sermon on the Mount [2]. The text follows the scripture precisely at the sacrifice of a discernable meter, alternating between phrases rooted three and four beats. The most salient and dramatic feature of the arrangement features the lower three voice parts walking an inverted triad down an entire octave in support of an octave down-jump in the soprano line (Thieves break through and steal!). A soprano solo interlude introduces the Matthew 7 text (Ask and it shall be given…) between portions A and B in an ABA construction.
Joseph W. Clokey (1890-1960), the son of a Presbyterian minister, was Professor of Organ among other capacities at Miami University (Ohio). He was an active composer of sacred and secular works including symphonies, opera, and over 100 choral works. [3]
If the Clokey name has a familiar ring, it may be because the composer’s son Art was the creator of Gumby and Pokey, as well as the Davey and Goliath clay animation figures. [4]
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- [1] https://religionnews.com/2014/12/11/1940s-america-wasnt-religious-think-rise-fall-american-religion/
- [2] We have discussed an aspect of the ASK teaching here .
- [3, 4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_W._Clokey
