Multi-Cultural Music: Britain, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, China
In this review of recently released folk and ethnic music, we have selected original compositions or arrangements of high quality music that will enhance your program both vocally and pedagogically. The following editions have been chosen from a variety of cultures and based on the quality of the arrangement, as well as their teaching value.
Revels Collections
John Langstaff continues to make an enormous contribution to the collection of folk materials, particularly from the British Isles and America. As a noted music educator, singer, and author, he grew up in New York where he began his musical training as a choir boy at Grace Church. He pursued formal study at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Julliard School of Music. He co-founded Revels at Harvard University with his daughter Carol in 1971. Langstaff has compiled two in-valuable collections that celebrate the seasons of the year.
A Revels Garland of Song, (In Celebration of Spring, Summer, and Autumn), compiled by John Langstaff, English texts, Music Sales, RI 10096, all voices & piano. This collection of traditional processionals, carols, rounds, pub songs, and children's songs is a great resource. All the music is in celebration of what Langstaff describes as the gentle seasons: Rof spring and the greening of the year, of summer and the planting of the fields, of autumn and the bounty of the harvest. The collection includes original early American music as well as unusual text settings from England, Scotland, and Ireland. Most of them are arranged simply, but effectively by numerous arrangers. Difficulty rating 2-3. $17.95
The Christmas Revels Songbook, (In Celebration of the Winter Solstice), comp. Nancy & John Langstaff, English texts, Music Sales, RI 10095, all voices & piano. This collection of carols, processionals, rounds, ritual, and children's songs, first published in 1985, is a wonderful resource for developing a light-hearted concert in celebration of the holidays. The simple arrangements are by numerous composers. Difficulty rating 2-3. $16.95
Ethnic Music for SATB Voices
Chinese Melodies, arr. Jon Washburn, Chinese/English text, Jaymar Music, 02.374, SATB, alto/bass solo, a cappella. Arranged for the Vancouver Chamber Choir, the piece uses two popular Chinese melodies (Kang Ding Love Song and Looking for Plum Blossoms in the Snow). The choir parts in divisi effectively imitate the Chinese lute and flute. The melodies which appear in all voices is accompanied by repetitive motives that are rhythmically challenging. The harmonic texture contains many open fourths and fifths. Difficulty rating 4. $2.00
Springtime Love (Som Stjrnorna P Himmelen), arr. Wilhelm Peterson-Berger, English/Swedish text, Walton, WW1260, SATB, a cappella. Close harmonies and unusual shifts in the intervalic structure between the voice parts make this a special folksong arrangement. The wide ranges are perfect for developing a colorful, warm vocal tone. Set strophically, the English translation is by Marcus-Luboff. Difficulty rating 3. $1.10
The Sun has Brought Another Day (Se, Solens Skjonne Lys Og Prakt), arr. Trond Kverno, English/Norwegian text, Walton, WJMS1006, SATB, organ. A sacred piece concerning rest and peace, this provocative short work contains contemporary harmonies. A comprehensive pronunciation guide is included. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
The Water of Tyne, arr. Michael Neaum, English text, (Roberton) Presser, 392-00896, SATB, piano. This stunning melody, set mystically, will be popular with everyone. Difficulty rating 2. $2.25
Ethnic Music for Treble Voices
Lokk (Farmyard Song), by Edvard Grieg, Norwegian/English text, Kjos, 6246, SSA a cappella. Edited by Bradley Ellingboe, an authority on Scandinavian music and particularly the music of Grieg, this trio from op. 61 is great fun to sing. The articulation marks and dynamic indications develop the choir’s musical accuracy. The folk-like melody uses patterns of 5-3-1, 2-7-6, and intervals of a ninth. The harmonies and rhythms imitate the sound of barnyard animals. A comprehensive pronunciation guide is included in the edition. Difficulty level 3. $.95
On the Eve of the Wedding (Kak pri vechere), arr. Vadim Prokhorov, Russian text, Musica Russica, FS018, SSAA a cappella. This song was sung during the devichnik, where the bride bids farewell to freedom and her friends. It is a lament that was immortalized in Igor Stravinsky's Les noces (The Wedding). This arrangement is filled with sorrowful harmonies set to a steady, even rhythm. Since it has a wide range (F to a flat 2), the piece is probably more appropriate for a women's chorus. Program notes are included in the edition. The Russian is edited phonetically with IPA symbols. Difficulty rating 4. $1.25
Three Chinese Songs, arr. Liu Zhuang, Chinese text, Boosey, OCTB6828, SSAA a cappella. Written for the Syracuse children's Choir, Barbara Tagg director, these delightful pieces hold real challenge. Filled with quartal harmonies and wonderful tonal colors, these three pieces will develop the mid and lower range of the young voice. The rhythms and repeated vocal motives will increase the choir's musical accuracy. A comprehensive pronunciation guide and performance suggestions are part of the edition by Doreen Rao. Difficulty rating 4. $1.75
New Releases ~ Sacred SATB Voices ~ Sacred
Ding Dong! Merrily on High, arr. Robert Rhein, English text (trans. Woodward), MorningStar, 50-1062, SATB (divisi) a cappella. The repetitive bell motives, coupled with harmonies in thirds between the various voice parts, make this anthem quite accessible. The bell counterpoint is great fun to sing against the melody, which builds to a bright and sparkling conclusion. It is a fine alternative to the popular Charles Wood arrangement. Difficulty rating 4+. $1.75
God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, arr. Jerome Epstein, English text, (Thorpe) Presser, 392-03052, SATB (B solo), brass, & handbells. A straightforward arrangement, fresh harmonies along with effective counterpoint make this edition a great choice of an old favorite. The concluding descant over warm harmonies brings this fine arrangement to a powerful and unusual end. Difficulty rating 2. $1.30
Of a Rose, a Lovely Rose, by Richard DeLong, English text, ECS, 4926, SATB a cappella. This refreshing new anthem for advent is simply another in a string of wonderful pieces by this fine composer. The Medieval English, translated by Brian Stone, has been sensitively set on a pentatonic scale to shifting meters of half and quarter note values. Ideal for church liturgy, this piece would also be effective in a concert or evensong environment. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
Sent Down by God is an Angel (Posl boha Andel), Benesov Songbook (c. 1576), Czech/English text, (Thorpe) Presser, 392-03051, SATTB a cappella. This motet is both thoughtful in sound, as well as indicative of CzechoslovakiaUs link to European music. Found in the Hymnal of Bohemian Brethren, it was introduced to Revels director John Langstaff by Marleen Montgomery. When performing it with her early music ensemble Quadvivium, she often doubled the vocal parts with early music instruments. Difficulty rating 3. $1.00
The Angel Gabriel from God was Sent, arr. David Patrick, English text, (Roberton) Presser, 392-00926, SATB & organ. An unusual setting of this famousEnglish tune, the alternating meter signatures are filled with surprising intervals and harmonies. Difficulty rating 3. $2.25
Yes, Indeed!, by Daniel Pinkham, English text, ECS, 4551, SATB & organ (harp). A challenge, the choir sings in two's as the accompaniment plays in three's. Difficulty rating 4. $1.25
Christmas the Morn, by Kirke Mechem, English text, Hal Leornard, 50482930, SSAA a cappella. Set to a stunning poem by Eleanor Farjeon, the work was commissioned by the Phoenix Boys Choir in honor of its 50th anniversary. This brilliant new work is filled with shimmering harmonies and elegant, almost regal counterpoint. Seventh chords in downward vocal cascades seem to imitate the brilliant shooting star. The piece, which ends quietly, should become part of the permanent treble repertory. Difficulty rating 4. $1.75
El Cant dels Ocels (Carol of the Birds), arr. Valerie Shields, Spanish/English text, Kjos, 6244, SA, piano, 2 violins, & cello (viola). This florid, almost haunting setting of this famous Catalan Christmas carol is extremely accessible, while allowing the chorus to sing with strings. It has an oriental flavor in its harmonic gesture. A complete teaching and pronunciation guide accompanies the edition by Nancy Telfer. Difficulty rating 2. $1.40
Hark, the Glad Sound, by Mary Goetze, English text, MorningStar, 50-0401, unison & organ. This simple text is set in multiple rhythms (6/8-3/4). The piano part is in three’s, while the simple melody is composed in two’s. Children who learn to sing in borrowed divisions, develop tremendous vocal accuracy. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25I Sing of a Maiden, by Bruce Neswick, English text, Paraclete, PPM09714, SA & organ. This setting of a famous 15th century text is quite unusual. Neswick approaches the melodic gesture almost like Gregorian chant, particularly in terms of rhythm (2 against 3). The melody is filled with intervalic challenges. Difficulty rating 4. $1.60
Sweet Little Jesus Boy, arr. by Michael Neaum, English text, (Roberton) Presser, 392-00952, SSAA(SA solo) & piano. The shimmering, mournful setting of this spiritual makes this arrangement exceptional. The elegant partwriting and beautiful harmonies simply ring on treble voices. Difficulty rating 3. $2.00
Men’s Voices ~ Sacred
Aro Que Nostre Seigne Es Nat, (Now That Our Lord is Born), trad. Provencal, French (Provencal) dialect, (Thorpe) Presser, 392-03050, TB ( or SA) & early instruments. This simple piece, sung in a dance-like swing, is edited by Kay Dunlap. A thorough pronunciation guide, performance suggestions, historic background, and translation of the text are included in this edition as part of an on-going effort on the part of this publisher to make these Revels editions available to the public. Difficulty rating 2. $1.00
SAB Voices ~ Sacred
Bethlehem Star, arr. Robert Leaf, English text, (Coronet) Presser, 392-42091, SAB & organ. Adapted from the Philip Nicolai (1556-1608) setting, the voice parts are set simply, with effective harmonies against a joyful, bell-like arpeggiated organ part. The piece is so straightforward that it could be learned just before the service. Its simplicity is what adds to its charm and beauty. Difficulty rating 2. $1.15
Zion Hears the Watchmen Singing, by Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707), English/German text, A.M.S.I., 742, SB & organ. This edition by James and Kathleen Rodde has been carefully thought out. Originally a duet from BuxtehudeUs cantata, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, it has been pitched up a fourth higher than the original and interludes have been interpolated between the two statements of the melody. Difficulty rating 2. $1.30
Hebrew Music for SAB voices a cappella
These are very accessible arrangements suitable for liturgical or concert settings from the Developing Choral Series, Matthew Lazar, EditorShalom Aleichem, arr. Aldema, Transcontinental Music 99170
L’chah Dodi, arr. Braun, Transcontinental Music 991751
Orcha Bamidbar, by David Zahavi, arr. Givon, Transcontinental Music 991752
New Releases ~ Secular SATB Voices ~ Secular
Il me suffit (In SorrowUs Shade), by Claudin de Sermisy (1490-1562), French/English text, National, NMP-232, SATB a cappella. This fine edition of this popular French chanson by Stephen Curtis is a great introduction to this renaissance form. Written in homophonic style with some simple counterpoint, this work is quite accessible. Difficulty rating 3. $1.15
In the Night We Shall Go In, by Imant Raminsh, English text, Jaymar Music, 02.369, SATB, piano & cello or strings. Changing meters written to shimmering contrapuntal lines make this piece hauntingly beautiful. Motives that shift between frugal voicing contains numerous seconds and octaves as the singers describe a walk through a garden at night. Difficulty rating 4. $2.00
Lost in the Stars, by Kurt Weill, English text, (Andreu Marc) HLH, SEC 152, SATB & piano. Arranged from the musical of the same title by Margaret Boudreaux, this solo song has been nicely adapted. The text refers to a son that can no longer be reached. Although there is a reference to God amongst the stars, the piece is basically secular in nature. It is perfect for high school or for a group that likes to sing high quality theater music. Difficulty rating 4. $2.25
Madrigal, by Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900), English text, (Andreu Marc) HLH, SEC 100, SATB & piano. This charming madrigal was written to open Haddon Hall which Sullivan called Ran Original Light English Opera.S The Victorian text has been slightly altered by the editor, but the original version has been printed in the edition. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
September Song, by Kurt Weill, English text, (Andreu Marc) HLH, SEC 153, SATB & piano. Arranged from the musical Knickerbocker Holiday by Margaret Boudreaux, this famous popular solo song recorded by such artists as Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole is sensitively set. The piece is perfect for inclusion in a concert of fine theater music. Difficulty rating 3. $2.25
Three English Madrigals, ed. John Leavitt, English text, Warner, SV9729, S(S)ATB a cappella. These three madrigals are organized around the topic of love; they make a great set to include in a spring concert. Notes and performance practices are included in the publication. The edition includes Fyer, Fyer (Morley), Weep O Mine Eyes (Bennett), & Fair Phyllis (Farmer). Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.75
Treble Voices ~ Secular
A Norse Lullaby, English text, Boosey, OCTB6896, SA & piano. Crossing voice parts, contemporary harmonies, numerous suspensions between the voices, and effective piano accompaniment all create an atmosphere of winter. This is the perfect mood piece or contemporary art song that describes the natural beauty of snow, the reindeer, a cozy fire, and the love of family. It is perfect to program for a holiday concert where universality is needed. Difficulty rating 3. $1.40
One Day by the River a Young Cossack Roamed, arr. Lana Walter, English/Russian text, Boosey, OCTB6899, SSA (SA soli) a cappella. This straightforward setting of a Russian folksong is ideal for teaching children to sing in this unfamiliar language. A pronunciation guide and performance suggestions are part of the edition. Difficulty rating 3. $1.50
Three Anonymous Irish Love Songs, arr. James Mulholland, English text, Colla Voce, separate numbers, SSA & piano. These arrangements of I Will Walk With My Love (10-96890), Hey Ho, the Morning Dew (10-96880), and Green Grows the Laurel (10-96870) have some wonderful moments. The piano part is descriptive of the text and the voice parts are accessible and vocally developing. The range and part-writing displays an understanding of the young voice. Difficulty rating 3. $1.30
Three Flower Songs, by Mrs. H.H.A. Beach (1867-1944), English text, Walton, WLC-2001, SSA a cappella. The first published woman composer in this country, these pieces from op. 31 were written in 1896. They were premiered in 1898 to rave reviews. Set to texts entitled The Old Garden by Margaret Wade Campbell Deland, these pieces will ring on treble voices. During their time, they were extremely popular with women's choral societies throughout the United States. Difficulty rating 3. $1.35
Widmung (Dedication), by Robert Schumann, German/English text, Colla Voce, 20-96880, S(A) & piano. This great solo art song has been arranged by James Mulholland. The part-writing works, but this elegant solo song is best sung on perfectly trained unison voices by the intermediate or advanced singer. Difficulty rating 3. $1.30
SAB Voices ~ Secular
Songs of the Lights, Set I, by Imant Raminsh, English text (translated from Navajo Indian or Native American), Boosey, each published separately, SAB (originally SSA & piano (optional flute, glockenspiel and orchestra). These four pieces, originally arranged for treble voices, are set for limited mixed voices by the composer. Set to dramatic texts of Native America, these pieces have been an important contribution to choral literature from the beginning of their appearance on the compositional music scene. Song of the Stars (6888), The Sower (6958), The Sun is a Luminous Shield (6959), and Daybreak Song (6960) hold a diverse challenge for the conductor and singer, as the texts are musically set in brilliant terms. Raminsh is right in arranging this great music for mixed young voices. They should be performed by adult choruses as well. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.20-$1.95
Men's Voices ~ Secular
The Piper O’Dundee, arr. Derek J. Clark, English (Scottish) text, TTBB a cappella, Roberton (Presser), 392-00938. This edition uses nonsense Syllables and Scottish dialect performance suggestions of the consonants and vowels. All of these elements contribute towards an authentic performance of theis fine arrangement, where all the voice parts have the opportunity to sing the melody. Difficulty rating 3. $1.95
Durch Einsamkeiten, by Richard Strauss, German text, TTBB (divisi) a cappella, Schott, C 48737. Set to a poem by Anton Wildgans, this is one of a very few opus numbers written for a capella voices by this great contemporary German composer. Written in 1938, the piece is filled with rich harmonies and challenging intervals. Difficulty rating 5. $2.95
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