TWO CANTATAS BY GEORGE FREDERICK ROOT~A 19TH CENTURY AMERICAN COMPOSER WITH MASSACHUSETTS ROOTS
By Marie Stultz, Contributing EditorThe Life of George Frederick Root
George Root is probably one of America's least known and most prolific composers of the 19th Century. He was born in Sheffield, Massachusetts on August 30, 1820 and died on August 6, 1895 on Bailey's Island in Maine. He is best known as a composer for his patriotic songs "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp" which was composed in 1865, "The Battle Cry of Freedom" composed in 1862 and "Just Before the Battle Mother" composed in 1863. In total he wrote about 50 patriotic songs inspired by the Civil War and a prolific amount in the mid to late 19th century.Root had close ties to Boston and in particular North Reading, Massachusetts. His parents moved to North Reading in 1826. His interest in music occurred in early childhood and was immediately cultivated. He actually played organ at the First Congregational Church in North Reading while he studied composition with George Webb and Benjamin Baker in Boston in his early teens. A plaque commemorating his time as organist is proudly displayed on the church's choir loft door. A number of his early cantatas and vocal pieces were performed in the North Reading Town Hall concert hall where many minstrel shows were also produced. The North Reading Library, which is now in the town hall, holds a large number of manuscripts (including these two cantatas), photos and information on Root. They all can be studied by permission from the head librarian.
George Root taught music with Lowell Mason, the founder of music education, at Boston's Academy of Music from 1841 to 1844. He firmly believed in Lowell Mason's concepts of education and wrote books and curriculum following his teacher's devoted path to the future of music education in America. In fact, Mason's concepts of music dominated Root's entire compositional life.
In 1884, after his training and teaching in Massachusetts as an assistant to Mason, he moved to New York where he taught at the New York Institution for the Blind. There he met Fanny Crosby who wrote a number of lyrics for his music including the cantata "The Pilgrim Fathers." In 1850 he went to Paris to study music and composition for one year. On his return to New York in 1851 he wrote his first secular cantata for his students entitled "The Flower Queen." In 1853, two short years after his return from Paris with a side trip to London, he helped found "the first Normal Musical Institute for training teachers in the methods of Lowell Mason." It was during this period that he wrote two of his major cantatas with ties to New England and in particular Massachusetts. "Pilgrim Fathers" was composed in 1854 and "The Haymakers," an operatic cantata was composed in 1857. Root obviously composed from his experiences.
In 1859 he moved to Chicago and joined his brother's publishing house where most of his music was made available for the music loving public. Ebenezer Root and Chauncey M. Cady established the firm in 1858. The publishing house burnt in the great fire of Chicago and was subsequently rebuilt. George Root contributed funds towards the rebuilding and became a partner in 1860, with the owners putting him in charge of major publications. In 1872, after a second important trip to London, the University of Chicago conferred an Honorary Doctorate on him.
Throughout his entire life he devoted his compositional career to simple music, music that could be accessible to everyone. He is considered a layman's composer because much of his music has a limited range and is quite easy to sing. Unfortunately, little of his music is available or in print today.
TWO CANTATAS WITH MASSACHUSETTS LINKS
George Root wrote 35 cantatas both sacred and secular, including Christmas cantatas dealing with Santa Claus. He truly wrote for the common person and their interests. "The Haymakers," his third cantata, is the one that was written about North Reading and life on a farm in New England. The cantata is a charming secular opera about the cutting and rolling of hay, during the hay harvest. It literally describes a day on the farm from dawn to dusk. From waking up in the morning, to eating, to a fire and rainstorm in mid-day, it describes the working life of a farm community. Like many of his cantatas, it is composed in two parts. Part I is titled MORNING AND NOON with the first recitative and aria sung by the farmer who calls for his crew to "Awake, Boys!" Part II is titled AFTERNOON AND EVENING and begins with "How Pleasant Are Those Cheerful Words" and closes with "Harvest Home." The 42 choruses, recitatives and arias are filled with simple charm about rural America. Two of my favorite choruses in the entire cantata are "Toss It Hither, Toss It Thither" and "Hark to the Cheerful Sound."Root didn't believe in amateur singers performing opera, thus labeled this work a secular cantata that was to be fully staged and costumed with the composer offering detailed instructions on the proper performance. "The Haymakers" became so popular, that it was considered one of the successful major American stage works of the 19th century. Over three-quarters of a million copies were sold and thousands of performances were staged worldwide. It was first published by Mason Brothers in Boston, but was published by other major American publishing houses as well. In England, Root's friend Vincent Novello, prepared an edition that led to numerous performances in Europe. Many of the movements remind you of the madrigal, chanson and folksong style of all singing countries. In general, the choruses would be sung a cappella or with an improvised accompaniment developed from the voice part by the pianist. All recitatives and arias, with rare exception have composed accompaniments. The entire work is naïve but quite charming in gesture.
National Music Publishers has just released three choral movements from "The Haymakers" edited by Robert L. Harris and all published separately at $1.60 each.
Good Morning, a cappella, catalog #NMP-398.
Light-Hearted Are We, a cappella, catalog #NMP-399.
A Shower! A Shower! with piano accompaniment, catalog #NMP-400.The second cantata with Massachusetts and English roots is "The Pilgrim Fathers." It is composed in two parts, with text by Miss Frances J. Crosby, the blind poetess Root met in New York. This score was published by Oliver Ditson & Company of Boston. The cantata "is founded on incidents, real and supposed, in the history of the Puritans, from the time shortly previous to their embarkation in the Mayflower to the famous treaty with Massassoit which gave them peace for so many years." The choruses are all sung a cappella with the solo arias and recitatives composed with simple accompaniment. The cantata begins with the chorus of Puritans singing "How Long, Oh How Long Shall Oppression's Dark Night" and closes with "Blessed is the Nation." This American cantata truly expresses Root's understanding of the nation he lived in and its roots to England, a country he loved to visit.
Both cantatas can be viewed at the library in North Reading and may also be found in the Brown Collection at the Boston Public Library. This editor plans to do a full edition of "The Haymakers" in the next couple of years as part of the Young Opera Company of New England Opera Series. Both operas are totally charming and all of Root's music needs new exploration with proper editions that show scholarship and a love of this period of American music.
New Releases ~ Sacred Agnus Dei, by Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612), Latin/English text, Kjos, 9028, SATB a cappella. This "Agnus dei (Lamb of God)" is taken from one of Hassler's masses and is beautifully edited by Bradley Ellingboe. The composer studied with Andrea Gabrieli from 1584-1585 in Venice, therefore his music reflects the Italian school of music composition of the Renaissance. The lyrical counterpoint on long, elegant phrase shapes are in contrast to harmonies of great beauty. The English translation is by the editor but it is recommended that the piece be sung in Latin. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.60
Angelus, by Aaron David Miller, Latin text, Paraclete Press, PPM00528, SATB and organ. This is a spirited setting of the famous text that proclaims the birth of Christ. It is cleverly composed in canon between the sopranos and tenors and altos and basses in tandem. In contrast to the contrapuntal sections, there are more challenging homophonic sections of great beauty with some harmonic surprises and unusual harmony. The "alleluia" picks up on the canonic opening with all sections singing the counterpoint. It concludes on a powerful F Major chord of great beauty and expanse. The anthem is the perfect choice for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Difficulty rating 3-4. $3.00
Dominus dixit ad me (Introit for Christmas Midnight Mass), by Brian William Luckner, Latin text, Paraclete Press, PPM00529, SATB, handbells, oboe, brass quartet and organ. This Introit uses both Latin words from the GRADUALE ROMANUM and an English antiphon from PSALM 2:1,2:7 and 8. It was composed in September of 2004. The combination and handbells and brass make this a glorious and joyful setting. The anthem begins with chant-like passages accompanied by oboe, organ and handbells, with the trombones in counterpoint. The harmonic textures are brilliantly set between the various instruments. The trumpets do not enter until the last section, adding to the building power as the sopranos and basses are scored in divisi. The piece requires an accomplished choir that understands chanting gesture and elegant counterpoint. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.80
Enter His Gates (Gehet zu Seinen Thoren), by Ernst Wilhelm Wolf (1735-1792), English/German text, Mark Foster (dist. Music Sales), MF6005, SATB and organ. This edition is taken from a manuscript housed in the Salem, North Carolina Moravian collection by John V. Sinclair. It is edited under the supervision of the Moravian Music Foundation that was established for the preservation of this great culture's music in 1956. Filled with homophonic harmonies of expanse and beauty, the accompaniment is a reduction from a large orchestral original. Program notes and background are included in this fine edition. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.90
Exsultate Iusti in Domino, by Jakob Handl (Gallus), Latin text, Mark Foster (dist. Music Sales), MF4015, SSAATTBB a cappella. This edition by R. Paul Crabb was prepared from Denkmäler der Tonkunst in Österreich, Band 51-52. This double choir piece is filled with glorious textures on shifting major and minor modes. The anthem sounds complex because of the brilliant scoring but the piece should be accessible to most accomplished high school, college and church choirs. Composed antiphonally, the piece begins homophonically, but unfolds into some elegant counterpoint that is bone chilling in its effect. The choir sings in eight part only briefly in the middle section and at the anthem's powerful conclusion. Performance notes accompany this edition. Difficulty rating 4. $1.75
God Is Our Refuge, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, English text, National Music, CH-168, SATB a cappella. This brief piece was written when Mozart was only nine and is the only piece he wrote in English. Mozart was on tour with his family from 1763 to 1765 in Paris and London, including a 15-month stay in London. The family toured the newly opened British Library and presented three gifts: the newly published piano sonatas from Paris, an engraving and this little "Chorus by Mr. Wolfgang Mozart, 1765." The piece is not entirely the boy's, as hehad a helping hand from his father Leopold. The simple counterpoint set in 3/2 meter is quite poignant and simple. It is composed in the key of g minor. Difficulty rating 2-3. $1.60
I Want Jesus to Walk with Me, arr. Alice Parker, English text, MorningStar Music, 50-6058, SATB a cappella. This heavy, dark setting brilliantly imitates the heaviness of the people singing it. Filled with powerful counterpoint and effective harmonies, this piece describes the weight of people who have known nothing but hardship. This is a wonderful arrangement and will offer the conductor a spiritual setting in sharp contrasts to some of the more up-beat spiritual tunes. In her composer's notes Parker says. "I have often led it before groups who sang it apathetically until I used the image of a chain-gang, and demonstrated the heaviness of the footsteps which brought forth the strong beat of the music." Parker composes thoughtful arrangements and this setting is no exception. Difficulty rating 4. $1.75
Over the Hills Young Mary Hastes (Übers Gebirg Maria geht), by Johannes Eccard, English/German text, SSATB a cappella. This edition by Susan Palo Cherwien is based on Preussische Festlieder, Ander Theil, Königsberg of 1644. The motet is set to a text based on Luke 1:39-55 and Ludwig Helmbold (1532-1598), with translation from the German by the editor. A strophic motet, the elegant counterpoint between the five parts is very effective. The prayerful and moving harmonies help tell the story of Elizabeth's meeting with Mary. Difficulty rating 3. $1.75
Run, Come, See Jerusalem, arr. Robert DeCormier, English text, Hal Leonard, 08744738, SATB a cappella and baritone solo. This is a reprint of an arrangement first published in 1952. It is the perfect example of a call and response song attributed to Bahamian style. It tells a wonderful story of an uncanny boat ride. DeCormier arranged for Peter, Paul and Mary for many years and this arrangement shows the influence of such folksingers from the fifties. It is wonderful to have this great arrangement available again. The piece was recorded by The Weavers, with recording information and background on both the piece and the composer included in the publication. Difficulty rating 4. $1.70
Two Hymn Settings, arr. Moses Hogan, English text, Hal Leonard, 08744698, SATB (divisi) a cappella. These two beautiful arrangements of I Surrender All and I Need Thee Every Hour are simply and soulfully composed. With rich warm harmonies filled with colorful surprises, these two short pieces are perfect for benediction or as a response. They should be available in every church library as an alternative in a special service. Difficulty rating 3. $1.60
What Sweeter Music, by Richard Busch, English text, Paraclete Press, PPM00525, SATB, soprano solo and organ. Composed strophically, this carol set to a text by Robert Herrick from A Christmas Carol is simple but quite effective. The homophonic writing is filled with beautiful, sensitive harmonies that reflect the text. The carol was composed for the Choir of St. Paul's Church in Nantucket, Christmas 2003. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.80
TWO AMERICAN MUSIC COLLECTIONS
Glad Tidings (Early American Hymn Anthems), arr. F. Mark Siebert (1926-2005), English text, Paraclete Press, PPM00520, SATB/Unison a cappella (optional continuo). This superb collection of nine historic hymns is invaluable. Taken from such collections as Wyeth's Repository of Sacred music of 1820, is quite authentic and well thought out. This is a must for your choral library if your church or school appreciates this kind of authentic American music brilliantly arranged by Siebert. Difficulty rating 3-4. $6.80Early American Musings on Music, by William Billings, English text, Walton (dist. Hal Leonard), 08501573, SATB a cappella. This fine collection edited by Richard Pisano and Jonathan Elkus includes the humorous "Modern Music," the effective "Is Any Afflicted?" and the elegant "Connection." All are beautifully edited and the three are some of Billings' best pieces on music. Difficulty rating 3. $2.45
Ave Maria, by David Reznick, Latin text, Lorenz, 15/2051R, SSAA a cappella. Unusual harmonies that are chillingly effective dominate the setting of this popular Latin text. Accidentals abound in the 2'45 second anthem filled with some lovely counterpoint and divisi partwriting. The piece is a challenge but quite beautiful. The choir needs to be of advanced capability and is ideal for both children's choir or women's chorus. Difficulty rating 4. $1.50
Canticle, in Remembrance, by Francisco J. Núñez, English text, Boosey & Hawkes (dist. Hal Leonard), 48018828, SSSAAA a cappella. This is a moving piece that seems almost unworldly. Dedicated to Janet Galvan and composed in memory of Dr. William McIver, this remarkable piece had its premiere at the Eastern Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association in Old South Church, Boston, MA on February 13, 2004. Núnez comments," When a great teacher dies, we are impressed at the profound effect that a teacher can have on their students and the students of their students-thus the ripple effect." The text painting in this piece is radiant and devout. Set to texts from Micah and Revelation, the piece simply "rings" off the page. This piece is ideal for the advanced collegiate or woman's chorus. It is part of IN HIGH VOICE, a series for the advanced women's ensemble edited by Sandra Snow. Difficulty rating 5. $1.70
The Gate of the Year, by Eleanor Daley, English/Latin text, Walton Music (dist. Hal Leonard), 08501568, SSAA, soprano solo or semi chorus a cappella. Set to a poem by Minnie Louise Haskins, Eleanor Daley truly captures the light with startling, glistening harmonies of great beauty. The use of the words "Lux Aeterna" is bone chilling when it is used. The alternation between the English and Latin is tremendously effective. The piece opens with s solo or semi-chorus in unison that glistens with beauty. The Latin is composed with some simple counterpoint while the English is composed homophonically in four parts with beautiful suspensions. The final section using repeated statements of "Lux Aeterna" takes the light into eternity. This piece is perfect for women's chorus but would also sound stunning with the capable children's chorus. Difficulty rating 4. $1.70
Ich bitte dich (I Call on You), by J.S. Bach, German/English text, Boosey & Hawkes (dist. Hal Leonard), 48018860, unison and organ. This adaptation by B. Wayne Bisbee is the chorale from CANTATA 166. It uses the original Bach text translated by Frances E. Cox (1812-1897), with a second stanza in English by Johann J. Schütz (1640-1690). In this particular chorale tune, the simple soaring melody on long phrase shapes is set over a florid, independently composed accompaniment. Difficulty rating 2. $1.70
Little Tree, by Mark G. Sirett, English text, Hinshaw, HMC2039, SSA and piano (opt. flute, harp and cello). This is a stunning setting of a poem by Cambridge Massachusetts-born poet, E.E. Cummings (1894-1962). The text versification of this widely read poet is sensitively done, perfectly emulating the natural melody of the poem. That is a difficult thing to do to a poem that already has its own melody. The changing key and meter signatures are challenging, therefore the piece requires a more accomplished choir. The tessitura for each voice part is beautifully done on mostly homophonic partwriting. The contrapuntal writing is effective and sensitive as the piece comes to a homophonic conclusion. Difficulty rating 4. $2.00
O Gloriosa Domina, by William Byrd (1543-1623), Latin text, Mark Foster (dist. Music Sales), MF3101, SSA a cappella. This expressive motet was prepared by editor Jameson Marvin for the Radcliffe Choral Society. Set a fourth lower than the original, this Lauds hymn for the Office of the B.V.M. juxtaposes polyphonic and homophonic phrases throughout this short work. Set to a text extolling the virtues of Mary, the motet will work well in a church or concert setting. The singing of long phrase shapes that apply to the cadences will make for an artistic performance. Difficulty rating 4. $1.60
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, arr. Ken Berg, English text, Hal Leonard, 08745000, unison and piano. A simple setting of this famous spiritual, the edition allows younger singers to learn this great tune. The piano part, written independently of the melody, supports the vocal line. The piece was written for the Young Musicians of Mountain Brook Baptist Church. It is appropriate for a church service or concert environment. Difficulty rating 2. $1.60
MEN'S VOICES ~ SACRED
The Kings (Die König), by Peter Cornelius (1824-1874), German/English text, Kjos Music, 5585, TTBB (opt. solo) a cappella. Based on "How Brightly Shines the Morning Star" from a Chorale (1597) by Philip Nicolai, this beautiful arrangement is by Erick Lichte. It combines the chorale tune in the tenor and basses in harmony with the baritone section or soloists singing the Cornelius melody. It is recorded on the CD, Comfort and Joy: Volume 1. This Christmas carol is part of the Cantus Choral Series. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.30
New Releases ~ Secular Come Said the Muse, by Emma Lou Diemer, English text, National Music, NMP-409, SATB and piano. Although commissioned by First Parish in Lexington, MA, Unitarian Universalist in honor of 20 years of musical direction by Lee S. Ridgway, the text by Walt Whitman is more secular in character. The anthem can be done by either school or church with great effect. Composed homophonically and filled with rich chords of great expansive and beauty, the piece effectively expresses the text. Diemer is a composer who knows her craft well and this piece is no exception. Difficulty rating 3. $1.75
Der Rebe Elimelekh (When the Rabbi Elimelech), arr. Robert DeCormier, English/Yiddish text, Hal Leonard, 08745011, SATB and piano (opt. clarinet or violin). This charming Yiddish song about the rabbi is so typical of the village music of Eastern Europe. Part of the Counterpoint choral series, the piece opens with a tenor solo much like a canto role. The clever harmonies and voice parts vocally create the fiddling sound on well-constructed counterpoint. This piece is challenging, but great fun to sing. It is perfect for introducing singers to this great ethnic music. The violin and clarinet parts are published at the back of the edition. A pronunciation guide and historic comments are also included. Difficulty rating 4. $1.60
Over the Sea to Skye, arr. Daniel Hall, English text, Walton (dist. Hal Leonard), 08501566, SATB, piano and clarinet. This is a lovely setting of this popular Hebridean rowing song. Composed for the choirs of West Texas A & M University, it opens on long unison phrases from women to men. The clarinet part weaves gently through the voice parts and increases in difficulty. It is composed in counterpoint to the voice and piano parts. The piano writing imitates the sea and the choral parts are simply written mostly in homophonic style with some counterpoint. Difficulty rating 3. $1.85
Penny Lane, arr. Bob Chilcott, English text, Hal Leonard, 08744712, SATTBB a cappella. Filled with classic a cappella syllables that imitate instruments, this piece is cleverly arranged. A reprint from 1967 when Chilcott was a member of the King's Singers, this arrangement of a Lennon/McCartney tune written for the Beatles is dedicated to Paul Spicer. The piece is a great challenge but is cleverly done and great fun to sing. It requires an accomplished ensemble to guarantee an artistic performance. Difficulty rating 5. $1.70
She's Like the Swallow, arr. Bob Chilcott, English text, Hal Leonard, 08744708, SATBBB a cappella. Filled with expressive counterpoint, this piece imitates the text with lovely harmonies on elegant, long phrase shapes. The rhythms are quite complex and challenging but extremely effective. The arrangement of a Canadian folk tune is approximately 4 minutes long and fabulous for an accomplished high school or college choir. It was arranged for the King's Singers. Difficulty rating 4. $1.70
Cepeni, arr. Zdenek Lucás, Czech/English text, National Music, NMP-384, SSAA a cappella. This is a compilation of a number of Bohemian folksongs. It refers to the wreath an unwed girl would wear as a symbol of her virginity. The piece is filled with changing meters and homophonic chords of great beauty in contrast to some short contrapuntal sections. An extensive pronunciation guide of the Czech language is included. Difficulty rating 4. $1.80
How Many Bards, by Michael Richardson, English text, Boosey & Hawkes (dist. Hal Leonard), 48018787, SSA, piano and oboe or violin. This charming arrangement of a Keats poem is quite accessible and beautifully set. The use of imitation and effective unison passages make the piece easy to learn. The middle canonic section is cleverly done and much of the choral writing is in thirds. The oboe or violin part imitates the ancient bards or roving singers that can be played by an accomplished student. The instrumental part is included in the back of the edition. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.70
J'ai vu le loup (I Saw a Wolf), arr. Stephen Hatfield, French text, Boosey & Hawkes (dist. Hal Leonard), 48018832, SSA a cappella. This is a fabulous setting of this ancient French melody dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. It reminds me a great deal of the Poulenc "Five Songs (Petite Voix)." The opening of the arrangement is filled with imitative writing in two parts allowing the choir to get into the artistic gesture of the piece. Filled with clever key changes, the middle section has the seconds singing the melody and is composed homophonically with the other two parts in descant or supporting the melody. As the piece builds in power there are quite a few sections with divisi in the voice parts. The wonderful ending is composed in four parts and concludes with portamento glides downward, adding to the humor about the wolf, fox and hare! This is a must for the accomplished treble voiced ensemble and is appropriate for women's chorus as well. Difficulty rating 4. $1.70
Love Is Capable of Uniting, by Henry Leck, English text, Hal Leonard, 08744963, SSA and piano or organ. The text of this lovely piece is based on the "Celtic Love Cross." Leck's understanding of the treble voice is reflected in this fine piece composed for his daughter's wedding. It is filled with effective unisons and partwriting that rings off the page. The octave writing is also quite beautiful and the melody is filled with graceful and elegant phrase shapes. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.60
Newborn Snow, by Arne Running, English text, Lorenz, 15/1963R, SSA and piano. This is a stunning piece of music and is perfect for a winter concert. The opening unison on a sensitive text by the composer is chillingly beautiful. The harmonic writing is fresh and accessible. The piano accompaniment imitates the snow falling. The music on the text "the path shines bright amid the night" is sumptuous in tone, alternating between unison and beautiful harmony. The quiet ending on changing meters reflects the vocal beauty of a fresh snow storm. Difficulty rating 4. $1.70
Nursery Songs for Young Choirs, arr. B. Wayne Bisbee, English text, Boosey & Hawkes (dist. Hal Leonard), 48018886, Unison, piano and percussion. This is a fine set of arrangements for young choirs. Filled with charm, these are all melodies and poetry all of us should know. It is refreshing to see a composer take the time to write for young singers. The accompaniments are written independently of the unison melodies, which helps build a young singer's musicianship. The use of simple rhythm instruments such as a cowbell affords children the opportunity to use these instruments in an artistic fashion. This piece is a must for every school chorus. Difficulty rating 2. $2.50
Painted Memories, by David L. Brunner, English text, Boosey & Hawkes (dist. Hal Leonard), 48018859, SA, piano and oboe. This piece was commissioned by the Kentucky Music Educators Association for the 2004 KMEA All-State Children's Choir and is quite striking. It is set to a text by Bill Worrell, a Texas sculptor and artist who runs a gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It received its inspiration from some early cave paintings in the Lower Pecos River. The text versification of this piece is quite brilliant. The piece is filled with changing meters. Brunner uses a lot of unison in the opening, with the oboe part adding to the expressiveness of the piece. The piano accompaniment is quite florid and requires an accomplished player. The music is as imaginative as the text. Difficulty rating 4. $1.95