New Releases for the Holiday Season ~ Sacred and Secular
Selecting music for the holiday season can be a daunting task. The pieces reviewed here are just a smattering of the many choral pieces released in this busy publishing cycle.
Christmas Music ~ SATB Voices
Collects for the Advent Season, by Scott M. Hyslop, English text from The Book of Common Prayer, Concordia, 98-3519, SATB & organ (opt. instruments). This simply written set of four collects include instrumental parts for flute, string bass, violin, and. Fine service music, the pieces can be easily learned by the average church choir. Difficulty rating 2. $2.25
Gabriel’s Message, arr. Gerald Near, English text, MorningStar, AE107, SATB & organ. Taken from the Piae Cantiones of 1582, this easy anthem is ideal for Annunciation, Advent or Eastertide. The piece is perfect to program in a demanding musical season. The text, Angelus Emittitur, is translated by J.M. Neale who lived from 1818-1866. Difficulty rating 2. $1.50
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, arr. David Schwoebel, English text, MorningStar, 50-1077, SATB & organ (opt. orchestra, 50-1077A). This piece begins and ends with a florid organ or (orchestral) part that includes spectacular choral fanfares. Based on the Mendelssohn harmonization, the original writing is challenging and requires large forces. The congregation can be included in verse 3 of the arrangement. Difficulty rating 4. $2.00
I Wonder as I Wander, arr. Leo Nestor, English text , ECS, 5410, SATB & mezzo solo a cappella. A refreshing setting of this famous Appalachian tune, the piece is beautifully arranged with lovely counterpoint, splits in the parts, and effective ornamentation of the melody. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.65
Lullaby Carol “Sing, Jesu, Lullay!”, by Ralph W. Buxton, English text , Peters, NDC007, SATB/ST a cappella. An elegant setting of this 15th c. text, the warm harmonies and suspensions are extremely effective. Rocking rhythms and sonorous harmonies fill the composition. Difficulty rating 3. $3.95
The Star of Christmas Morning, by Roger Nixon, English text, ECS, 1.3303, SATB a cappella. Written homophonically, this piece has some divisi in the voice parts. Lovely tone painting and rich harmonies dominate this movement that ends on a bright seventh chord. Difficulty rating 4. $1.35
Nativity Morn, by Roger Nixon, English text, ECS, 1.3304, SATB a cappella. Numerous accidentals and complex counterpoint in the voice parts makes for some musical challenges. The piece also requires control of the quiet dynamics and off-beat rhythms. Difficulty rating 4. $1.35
The Stable, by Roger Nixon, English text , ECS, 1.3305, SATB a cappella. A tricky setting of an anonymous poem, this movement is filled with challenging Clustered harmonies doubled by the piano. Wonderment seems to fill the score describing the place of Christ’s birth. Difficulty rating 4. $1.15
A Christmas Triptych, by Peter Ré, English text , ECS, Now Is the Time of Christmas (7.0408), Lullay, Lullow (7.0396), Good Day, Sir Christmas (7.0405) SATB a cappella. Surprising rhythms and divisi vocal parts makes these three pieces a real challenge. The second movement is a lullaby that suggests the
birth of Christ but makes no direct reference to Jesus. This might make it appropriate for a school setting. Difficulty rating 4. $1.35-1.65Carol, by Frank K. DeWald, English text , Boosey, M-051-47128-7, SATB & piano. Set to a touching text by Kenneth Grahame, this wonderful carol written for the composer’s high school choir is a real gem, describing Mary, Joseph, and the animals. The piece captures what the holidays are about, caroling “in the cold and sleet” while the singers ask the “doors to swing open wide.” Difficulty rating 3. $3.95
Christmas Music ~ Treble Voices
A Mozart Carol, by W.A. Mozart, English text, ECS, 5328, SA & piano. This secular carol adapted by Victoria Glaser is great for a school setting. Functional for the young choir, it is the perfect introduction to this great composer and could be sung in unison. Difficulty rating 2. $1.35
Ding Dong Merrily On High, arr. Michael Neaum, English text, Presser, 312-41753, SSAA & piano. Another arrangement for the fine English girl’s choir Cantamus, this wonderful edition will ring on treble voices. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
Long, Long Ago, by Wilfred Holland, English text, ECS, 5356, SA & piano. This charming simple carol is ideal for the young chorus . Written mostly in unison, the canonic two part writing is perfect for teaching children to sing in parts. Difficulty rating 2. $1.15
Nova, Nova! Tidings of Salvation, by Michael Bedford, English text, Lorenz, CGA838, Unison & piano (opt. flute & tambourine). This dance-like original carol is loosely based on the 15th century carol of the same name. The flute part can easily be played by recorders. It works well as a processional or concert opener. Difficulty rating 1. $1.20
The Shepherd’s Prayer, by Richard W. Young, Sr. arr. Philip M. Young, English text, MorningStar, 50-1305, Unison & keyboard (opt. handbells). This haunting melody is accompanied by simple block chords that can easily be played on Orff instruments. Alternate chords for soprano and alto metallophone are included. The piece is excellent for the young chorus. Difficulty rating 2. $1.25
Virgin Mary Had a Little Baby, arr. Michael Neaum, English text, Presser, 312-41751, SSAA & piano. Another in the Cantamus series, this fine arrangement alternates the choir with treble soloists. Off beat rhythms and effective counterpoint makes this short piece a welcome addition to the spiritual repertory. Difficulty rating 3. $1.00
Chanukah Music ~ All Voices
Nun, Gimel, Hei, Shin, by Judith Shatin, Hebrew text, Plymouth, HL-259, SSA & piano. Edited by Henry Leck, this edition contains performance notes, background information, and a pronunciation guide. This useful canon will be effective with small or large forces. The title refers to the names of the Hebrew letters on the dreidl, the four-sided top which is spun in Chanukah games. The piano part can easily be played by an accomplished student and the conductor is encouraged to include an improvised solo instrument to the musical fabric. Difficulty rating 2. $1.25
These Holy Lights (Haneirot Halalu), by Allen Shawn, English/Hebrew text, MorningStar, 50-9915, SA & keyboard. This Chanukah piece was written for Barbara Kourajian and the Bennington Children’s Chorus. It is artistically satisfying as well as fun to sing. The clapping sections and accessible Israeli text make this piece ideal for school or concert hall. For the educator needing a multi-ethnic Holiday program, this piece is perfect. A teaching tool and pronunciation guide accompany the edition. Difficulty rating 3. $1.50
Maoz Tsur, Rock of Ages, by Benedetto Marcello, Hebrew text, Transcontinental, 992055, TBB (SSA, 992056) & piano. This is one of 11 authentic melodies Marcello notated in 17th century. Difficulty rating 3.
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New Releases ~ Sacred SATB Voices ~ Sacred
And the Word Became Flesh, by Paul Bouman, English text (John 1:14, 16), MorningStar, 50-1073, SATB a cappella. This beautiful original melody is supported by rich, warm harmonies. Filled with mystery, the piece is challenging dynamically, with many pianissimos. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
Ave Maria, by Giuseppe Verdi, Latin/English text, ECS, 5358, SATB a cappella. Taken from Verdi’s last great opera Otello, this adaptation by Pasquale Tassone from the solo aria sung by Desdemona in the final act is quite effective. This quiet prayer is filled with harmonic and rhythmic challenges. Difficulty rating 4. $1.35
Cherubic Hymn, by Alexandr Grechaninov, Russian/English text, Presser, 392-03058, SATB & keyboard (0pt. strings). Excerpted from a setting of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom by editor Jonathan Barnhart, this edition contains extensive background and historic information. Written in Moscow in 1917, the use of instruments prevents the piece’s use in the Russian Orthodox Church. This prayerful hymn is filled with chilling harmonies. Difficulty rating 4. $1.30
Hear My Prayer, by Felix Mendelssohn, English text, Concordia, 98-3513, SATB, soprano solo, & organ. This fine edition by Robert S. Hines will hopefully revitalize this wonderful Hymne divided into four connected parts. The beautiful final section, O for the Wings of a Dove, is absolutely bone chilling when sung by a boy soprano. Better known in England, this new edition should stimulate more performances in this country. Difficulty rating 4. $2.50
Laetatus sum & Laudate pueri, by Giacomo Puccini, Latin text, Hinshaw, HMC1676 & HMC1677, SATB & keyboard. This great-great-grandfather of the famous opera composer was the first of five generations. These Psalm settings were written in about 1743. Both pieces alternate counterpoint with homophonic textures containing striking harmonies to better describe the text. Difficulty rating 4. $1.50
Musica Dei donum, by John Rutter, Latin text, Hinshaw, HMC1682, SATB a cappella & flute. A haunting flute part is accompanied by sonorous voice writing that is constructed homophonically. Difficulty rating 4. $1.50
Two Eucharistic Motets, Set 1, by Heinrich Isaac, Latin/English text, MorningStar, 50-1073, SATB a cappella. Stark harmonies dominate this service music. Difficulty rating 3. $1.75
Treble Voices ~ Sacred
Alleluia, by Luigi Zaninelli, English text, Shawnee, B0588, SSAA & piano (opt. brass). This brilliant Alleluia is composed homophonically. The piece poses some real challenges. The voice parts are doubled by the brass quintet with parts available separately from the publisher. The bright partwriting will ring on treble voices. Difficulty rating 4. $1.40
Be Not Afraid, by Johann Samuel Beyer, English text, Concordia, 98-3458, SSAA & continuo (opt. string quartet). This arrangement by Ronald Nelson is a great addition to the Baroque repertoire for trebles. The simple melismas and dotted rhythms will help the young choir develop musical accuracy. Difficulty rating 2. $1.25
Didn’ My Lord Deliver Daniel?, arr. Jennifer Alsup King, English text, Kjos, 6275, SSAA & sop. solo a cappella. A mature sounding choir is required for this fine arrangement of a popular spiritual. Unique to the edition is the inclusion of motions by the arranger. An accomplished singer is required for the solo passages and the counterpoint and rhythms require an accomplished
choir. Difficulty rating 4. $1.40Thou Shalt Bring Them In, by G. F. Handel, English text, Boosey, M-051-47150-8, unison & piano. Taken from Israel in Egypt, the tessitura of this piece makes it only appropriate for the more advanced ensemble. Excellent for developing a rich, warm yet focused tone in the mid range of the treble voice, this simple aria is too low for the beginning children’s ensemble. Difficulty rating 2. $1.40
V’ahavta (Love Your Neighbor), by Robert Starer, English/Hebrew text (Leviticus 19:17-18), Transcontinental, 991491, SA & piano. A sophisticated setting of this famous text, the edition includes a pronunciation guide for the Hebrew text. The piece is a wonderful introduction to this contemporary
Jewish composer’s music. Difficulty rating 3.Men’s Voices ~ Sacred
Enosh, by William Goldstein, Hebrew text (from Psalms 103: 15-17), Transcontinental, 991444, TTBB & cantor a cappella. Rich, dark harmonies dominate this setting of a text used for memorial services and Yom Kippur. It is a wonderful piece for a service or concert hall. Difficulty rating 3.
SAB Voices Sacred
I Waited for the Lord, by Felix Mendelssohn, English text, Presser, 312-41754, SAB & keyboard. Originally written for SATB voices, this adaptation for reduced forces by Walter Ehret is quite effective. Taken from the oratorio Hymn of Praise, the first part is written homophonically, with the second part in counterpoint. The piece requires some good singers, but can be done with a small choir or soloists. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers, arr. K. Lee Scott, English text, MorningStar, 50-0204, SAB & keyboard. Based on the Swedish folk tune Haf trones lampa färdig., this arrangement was originally published in a collection for SAB voices entitled Coram Deo, Set 1. The piece effectively uses unison choir in contrast to simple but effective part writing. The bass section needs to have a nice rich tone quality. Perfect for Advent, the text makes reference to the coming of the bridegroom Difficulty rating 2. $1.50
Thus Says the Lord—We Can Never Describe It, by Johann Christian Geisler, German/English text, Hinshaw, HMC1679, SSAB, baritone solo, & organ (piano or opt. strings). This is a fabulous anthem for larger forces where the choir is short tenors. The baritone solo requires an accomplished singer. Part of
the Moravian Music Foundation Series, this piece is edited by Nola Reed Knouse with original voicing and the keyboard realized by the editor from the string parts. Difficulty rating 4. $1.50George Guest’s Book Revised
A Guest at Cambridge, by George Guest is a fascinating autobiography of this consummate musician. Filled with anecdotes, music suggestions, and portraits of various musical greats, this wonderful book is one that should be read by every church musician and organist. Published by Paraclete Press, 1-55725-038-3, the book sells for only 14.95. To quote The Diapason, “A must-buy!”
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New Releases ~ Secular SATB Voices ~ Secular
Extended Works or Series Songs of a Prospector, by Stephen Chatman: Pals (M-051-47188-1), Memories (M-051-47184-3), The Scout (M-051-47187-4), Roses I Send to You (M-051-47185-0), The Calliope (M-051-47186-7) English texts by George Winkler, SATB & piano. This well-crafted set of pieces is about two scouts who “tramped the hills together.” All five pieces are filled with rhythmic challenge and effective text painting. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.40-1.80
Revels Choral Series Bheir Mí ó, Sad I Am Without You, arr. George Emlen, Gaelic text, Presser, 392-03062, SATB & piano or harp. An idyllic Scottish folksong, the edition has background information, performance suggestions and a pronunciation guide. Difficulty rating 3. $1.15
L’homme arme, The Armed Man, arr. George Emlen, English text, Presser, 392-03061, SSATBB, piano, & early instruments. This French chanson contains background and a pronunciation guide. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
Le Semeur, The Sower, arr. George Emlen, French text, Presser, 392-03060, SATB, solo, string quartet, & harp or guitar. This Cape Breton folksong is well written. Difficulty rating 3. $1.15
Latin American Choral Series Canción con todos, A Song for All People in the Americas, arr. Alberto Balzanelli, Spanish/English text, Kjos, 8789, SATB a cappella. Performance practices, pronunciation guide, and translation of the text are included in this Argentinian piece loaded with complex rhythms and divisi in the voice part. Difficulty rating 4. $1.50
Caramba, Good Gracious, My Love, arr. Alberto Grau, Spanish/English text, Kjos, 8807, SATB a cappella. Performance practices, pronunciation guide, and translation of the text are included in this Venezuelan serenade with changing meters and tricky rhythms. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.30
Estrellita del sur, Little Star from the South, arr. Enrique Iturriaga, Spanish text, Kjos, 8900, SATB a cappella. Performance practices, pronunciation guide, and translation of the text are included in this
charming Peruvian waltz. Difficulty rating 3. $1.30Milonguera, by. Oscar Escalada, Spanish text, Kjos, 8898, SATB a cappella (with rhythm instruments and palms). Originating from the word “milonga” this piece from Argentina closely resembles a tango. Difficulty rating 4. $1.50
Treble Voices~Secular
Amarilli, mia bella, Amarilli, My Beauty, by Giulio Caccini, Italian/English text, Kjos, 6255, unison & piano. Edited and translated by Nancy Telfer, this late renaissance piece works well on treble voices. Composed in Italian monodic style, the piece is ideal for building a pure, focused tone quality. An extensive teaching tool and pronunciation guide accompanies the edition. Difficulty rating 2. $1.30
Bonny at Morn, arr. Michael Neaum, English text, Presser, 392-01043, SSAA, sop. solo, & piano. Neaum’s folksong arrangements are of the highest quality and this piece is no exception. Canonic in structure, the unison passages are perfect for building lovely legato phrase shapes. Difficulty rating 3. $3.35
Making the Desert Bloom, by Binyumen Schaechter, English text, Transcontinental, 991464, SA & piano. Set to a text by award-winning playwright and lyricist Adele Ahronheim, this piece describing gardeners in the desert outside Palestine is a real find. Much of the melody lies in the lower tessitura, therefore will be ideal for building a warm tone quality. The simple two-part writing of mostly thirds and fifths will be easy to learn. Difficulty rating 3. $1.60
The Nursery Rhyme Cantata, arr. Nick Page, English text, Boosey. These charming pieces are all published separately and are ideal for school use. Difficulty rating 2-3.
London Bridge (M051471805), Theme and Variations in F, Two part & piano, $1.85
Runaway Spoon Round (M0514711825), A Round in G, Two or four part & piano, $1.80
Solomon Grundy (M051465347), A Melodrama in F, Unison & two-part & piano, $1.35
She Shall Have Music (M051465347), A Melodrama in F, Two-part & piano, $1.35
A Little Curl (M051471744), A Jazz Blues in D, Two-part & piano with opt. bass, $1.80
Old Mother Hubbard & Fairest Lady (pieces in progress), A mini opera in E flat & Lullaby in F,
Unison & piano (with guest soloists and optional descant)Men’s Voices~Secular
Reconciliation, by Stephen Chatman, English text, ECS, 7.0403, TTBB & flugelhorn. Set to Walt Whitman’s poem Drum Taps, this homophonicaly set piece is filled with accidentals which contributes to the challenge. Difficulty rating 4. $1.55
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