Training the Small Choir ~ Selecting Repertoire
Selecting the right music for small forces can be a challenging but rewarding exercise. The good news is that there are a number of publishers who recognize the fact that numbers at choir rehearsals are dwindling and have encouraged fine composers to write original music for small forces. Knowledgeable editors have also done some research into extended works that require sopranos, altos, and basses. These pieces in their original voicings offer some wonderful moments of music making as well as providing some musical challenges.
~Successful Editions~
Sacred Music~Old & New
Advent Prayer, arr. Hal H. Hopson, English/Hebrew text, Augsburg, 11-10950, SB, opt. solo & keyboard. This arrangement of the famous 15th century advent tune,Veni Emmanuel (Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel) is quite unusual. The English melody is set contrapuntally over a simple Hebrew text in two parts. The piece begins with a unison statement of the melody that can be sung by the entire choir or soloist. The contrapuntal Hebrew part weaves through the melody, causing crossing voice parts. Set in 2/2 meter, the amateur choir will quickly learn that the half note "gets one beat." Difficulty rating 2. $1.30Christ for Us Became Obedient Unto Death, by Gerald Near, English text, MorningStar, AE112, SB & organ. Set to a text taken from "The Gradual for Maundy Thursday" (Old Kalendar), Christus factus est (Phil. 2:8-9), this stark, extremely effective piece is a must for the small church choir library. Set in 6/4 meter, the unison opening is dramatically set and perfect for developing a blended choral sound between the upper and lower voices. The long phrase shapes and simple contrapuntal writing are quite effective. Difficulty rating 2. $1.30
Crux Fidelis (Faithful Cross), by Frederick Frahm, Latin/English text, CPH, 98-3478, SAB a cappella. Set in 4/4 time, all three parts are set contrapuntally with the bass line containing phrase shapes of longer value. The crossing voice parts and elegant vocal lines set to a Latin text by Venantius Fortunatus, 530-609 AD (tr. John Mason Neale 1818-66) make this a fabulous work for the more advanced choir. Set in the key of d minor, the anthem is reminiscent of the Crucifixus of Vittoria. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.25
Ecce Fidelis Servus (Behold All Faithful Servants), by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924), Latin/English text, GIA, G-4753, SA (T)B & organ (opt. cello). This unknown setting (op. 54) was written in 1887 and revised in 1893. Written for the typical French liturgical choir of the period - "enfants," tenor and baritone, this motet is written to an assembled text from two antiphons for the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19). It is ideal for the Feast of All Saints. Written in typical Fauré style, the freshness of his compositional style is much in evidence in this moving anthem. Editor Richard Proulx has prepared this edition so that altos can be substituted for the tenor section. Difficulty rating 3. $1.20
Hide Not Thou Thy Face, by Richard Farrant (1530-80), English text, MorningStar, 50-3403, SAB a cappella. This effective edition arranged by S. Drummond Wolff was originally written for SATB voices. Ideal for the season of Lent, it is the perfect piece to program Maunday Thursday. The beautiful, mysterious harmonies in e minor are passionately set. Written homophonically, even the most amateur choir will take to it immediately. The keyboard can double the voice parts if necessary. This piece is a must for your choir library. Difficulty rating 3. $1.00
Praise to the Lord the Almighty, arr. Hal Hopson, G.I.A. Publications, G-4352, SB, congregation, organ, & four handbells. This setting of "Lobe den Herren" from the Straslund Gesangbuch of 1665 is nicely done. This fine concertato is ideal for involving the congregation and amateur ringers. Difficulty rating 2. $1.20
Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers, arr. K. Lee Scott, English text, MorningStar, 50-0204, SAB voices & keyboard. Set to the Swedish folk tune Haf Trones Lampa Färdig with text by Laurentius Laurenti (1661-1772) and translated by Sarah B. Findlater (1823-1907), this simple anthem begins in unison octaves between the men and women. The simple partwriting on expressive phrase shapes make this a joy to sing. The reference to the bridegroom, the wedding feast and Christ's coming to earth makes the piece ideal for Advent, but it could be used in a marriage service as well. Strophic in form, the work will be learned quickly by most amateur choirs. Difficulty rating 3. $1.50
Glory to God, Alleluia (Sicut locutus est ), by J.S. Bach, English/Latin text, Harold Flammer, D-5404, SAB & organ. This adaptation by Michael Larkin fromthe Bach "Magnificat" works quite nicely. Typical of most renaissance and baroque music, arrangements can be as successful as the original, particularly when the composition is beautifully crafted. This piece is no exception. Since it is the 250th anniversary of Bach's death, this piece is the great anthem to program on an all Bach Sunday. Difficulty level 3-4. $1.40
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, arr. Ruth Elaine Schram, English text, BriLee Music, BL245, SAB & piano.This popular spiritual is arranged to offer some real rhythmic challenges for the choir. It will be great fun to sing. Difficulty level 3. $1.40
The Right Hand of the Lord, by Gerald Near, English text, MorningStar, AE113, SB & organ. Set in 7/8 meter, the text setting of Psalm 118 (117):16-17, Dextera Domini is rhythmically challenging. The words are set in eighth note groups of 3+2+2. The opening unison section is set to on ascending and descending phrase shape that requires good breathing techniques. The middle section is much more challenging, with intervals set on contrapuntal phrases. Difficulty rating 3. $1.30
~Successful Editions~
Secular Music~Old & NewAround the Campfire, arr. Joshua Jacobson, Hebrew/English text, World Music Press, 022, SA(T)B, piano, percussion, and opt. clarinet. A lively medley of three songs sung around campfires in Israel and America, these Jewish folksongs are rich with Mid-East traditions. The edition includes a pronunciation guide and extensive program notes, as well as a literal translation of poems by a number of Jewish writers. Difficulty rating 3. $1.75
Fa una Canzona (Sing, Sing a Song for Me), by Orazio Vecchi (1551-1605), English/Italian text, Bourne, 117065, SAB a cappella. This charming madrigal has been effectively adapted by editor Norman Greyson. The singers have such wonderful fun as they sing about the joy of song. Difficulty rating 3. $.85
Give All to Love, by Ned Rorem, English text, Boosey, M051460533, SB & piano. Set to a text by Ralph Waldo Emerson, the piece begins contrapuntally and ends homophonically. The piece will work well with the intermediate or advanced chorus. Changing keys and some unusual intervals dominate the music fabric. Difficulty rating 3. $1.20
In These Delightful Pleasant Groves, by Henry Purcell (1659-1695), English text, Alfred, 11342, SAB a cappella. A great madrigal from the early Baroque, this charming idyll written in 1692 is reminiscent of the madrigal of the Renaissance period. The text that seems to depict a Gainsborough painting is a popular favorite. Difficulty rating 3. $1.30
O Music, arr. Patrick M. Liebergen, English text, BriLee Music, BL242, SAB, keyboard, and opt. flute. Based on a canon composed by Lowell Mason, this accessible anthem works quite well. The flute part could be played by an amateur musician. The text and melody display the charm of this period of American music by the founder of music education. Difficulty rating 2. $1.40
~Publishing Houses to Cultivate~
There are a number of American publishing houses that specialize is music for small forces or have an extensive catalogue of good two and three part music for mixed voices. Some publishers are listed below and would be happy to provide you with their current catalogue:
Augsburg Fortress
426 South Fifth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55415
1-800-328-4648ECS (E.C. Schirmer)
138 Ipswich Street
Boston, MA 02215
617-236-1935BriLee Music
P.O. Box 210829
Nashville, TN 37221
615-673-6580G.I.A. Publications
7404 South Mason Avenue
Chicago, IL 60638
1-800-442-1358Chorister's Guild (Lorenz)
501 E. Third St.
P.O. Box 802
Dayton, OH 454-0802
1-800-444-1144MorningStar Music Publishers
1727 Larkin Williams Road
Fenton, MO 63026
1-800-647-211Concordia Publishing House
3558 South Jefferson Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63118
1-800-490-9889
New Releases ~ Sacred SATB Voices ~ Sacred
Christians Rejoice, by Antonio Lotti, English text, MorningStar, 50-4409, SATB & brass quartet or keyboard. This fanfare-like piece in 2/2 meter has been edited and arranged by Kenneth T. Kosche. The brass parts are written antiphonally and in counterpoint to the choral parts which are scored a cappella. The voice parts could be supported by the organ. The organ can also be used in place of the brass players. The piece is perfect for Easter Sunday or for a festival evensong. It is set to a text by the editor. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
Come, Thou Holy Spirit, Come (Veni Sancte Spiritus), by Gerald Near English/Latin text, MorningStar, AE98, SATB & organ. A pentecostal anthem, the Latin text is taken from "The Golden Sequence, Mode 1" written in the 11th century. The English text was translated by Edward Caswall (1874-1878). This particular text is set to unmetered measures where the rhythms are grouped 2+2+3, making the anthem metrically challenging. The melody is written in unison under simple harmonies where the sopranos double the tenors and the altos double the basses an octave apart, making the piece more accessible. The last section includes some intervalic challenges that are set homophonically. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.75
Earthen Treasures, by Jane Marshall, English text, ECS, 5375, SATB & organ. Stark harmonies alternating with rich tone clusters dominate the musical fabric of an original text by the composer. The anthem celebrates the lives of people who have passed from us. The text is written in "praise to God who gives the 'greatest of these'-love-as a gift". The piece contains shifting measures where the quarter note is constant. These meter changes and tempo markings assist in the interpretation of the beautiful text. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
Eternal Light, Shine Into Our Hearts, by Richard DeLong (1951-1994), English text, ECS, 4899, SATB a cappella. Tight harmonies and changing intervals will make this piece a challenge for developing perfect intonation. Set to a text by Alcuin (c. 732-804), this short anthem was written in 1991, four years before DeLong's untimely death. A choral prayer, it is perfect for Lent or communion. The long phrase shapes written mostly homophonically require advanced breath support. To be effective, the choir must carefully follow all the dynamic marks and score articulations. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
For the Gift of Water, by Daniel Pinkham, English text, ECS, 5204, SATB & opt. organ. Homophonic in structure, this Baptismal anthem contains shifting meters and some complex intervalic relationships typical of Pinkham's compositional style. The text which speaks to the gift of water is taken from "The Book of Common Prayer." Difficulty rating 4. $1.25
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light, by Paul Manz, English text, MorningStar, 60-9019, SATB & organ with opt. congregation. Set to the hymn tune "Houston," the partwriting and descant are very accessible. The soprano section must have a high b flat. Difficulty rating 3. $1.50
Lacrymosa, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Latin/English, Presser, 392-03065, SATB & keyboard (opt. orchestra). This edition of the seventh movement of the Mozart "Requiem" contains extensive program notes and background information on the period in which the piece was written. Edited by William Thorpe, this is another fine publication in an ever-growing catalogue from this young publishing house. Difficulty rating 4. $1.25
O Lord, Make Thy Servant, Elizabeth, Our Queen, by William Byrd (1543?-1623), English text, Hal Leonard, 08741998, SATB a cappella. Written by one of England's most respected composers, this piece was composed for the new Anglican church. The rich harmonies require a great deal of vocal control on a warm tone quality. The piece is edited and arranged by The King's Singers and would be appropriate for church or concert hall. Difficulty rating 3. $1.50
O vos omnes, by Giovanni Croce (1557-1609), Latin text, MorningStar, AE114, SATB a cappella. Set to a text from Lamentations 1:12, this moving motet is appropriate for Lent or for general use. The piece requires elegant singing with stylized phrase shapes on a sorrowful, meditative tone quality. The simple counterpoint makes it quite accessible. Difficulty rating 3. $1.30
Lass dich nur nichts nich dauren (O Heart Subdued With Grieving), by Johannes Brahms, German/English text, Presser, 392-03068, SATB & organ or piano 4 hands. Typical of Brahms motets, the piece is filled with musical challenges. The elegant counterpoint and short motivic phrases can be difficult to tune. This edition from Thorpe music contains extensive program notes and background information. Difficulty rating 4. $1.40
Salvation Is Created, by Pavel Chesnokov , Russian/English text, ECS, 5636, SATB & op. organ. This chant-like anthem is one of a prolific number (400) of sacred choral pieces written in "Moscow" style. Born outside Russia in 1877, in his adult life he conducted the Moscow Choral Society, taught choral conducting in Moscow after the Russian Revolution in 1917, and led both the Moscow State Choir and Moscow Academic Choir. Set to a text from Psalm 74:12, the piece was originally used as a communion hymn for the Divine Liturgy for Friday's but can be used for any communion service. This edition by Anthony Antolini has extensive editorial observations and program notes. Difficulty rating 4. $1.25
The Souls of the Righteous, by Daniel Pinkham, English text, ECS, 5500, SATBB & opt. organ. Written for the Feast of All Saints, the anthem can also be used for a memorial service or for general use. Set to a text from Wisdom 3:1-3, the extreme dynamics are critical to the interpretive power of words. The optional organ part supports the voice writing which contains some challenging intervals. Set in 4/4 meter, the piece is written homophonically with the exception of the final "Alleluia" written with elegant counterpoint. Difficulty rating 4. $1.25
Treble Voices ~ Sacred
God be Merciful, by Paul Bouman, English text, MorningStar, 50-7039, SA & keyboard. Bouman writes beautifully for the treble voice and this piece is no exception. A re-issue first published in 1981, the anthem, set to a text from Psalm 67, has changing meters and long phrase shapes. The vocal tessitura is perfect for developing a ringing headtone quality. The two-part writing has some wonderful moments of counterpoint in contrast to homophonic sections composed in thirds. Difficulty rating 3. $1.00How Can I Keep from Singing?, arr. Michael Burkhardt, English text, Choristers Guild, CGA852, S, opt. A, & piano. Set to a Quaker Hymn and text by Robert Lowry (1826-1899), the altos have the opportunity to sing the melody in the two part section, while the sopranos sing a ringing descant in the upper tessitura of the voice. The final section contains counterpoint with crossing voice parts. The anthem is perfect for developing secure partsinging, a ringing headtone in the soprano part, and a rich tone quality in the alto part. Difficulty rating 2. $1.20
Lord of the Dance, arr. John Rutter, English text, Hope, C5102, Unison, opt. descant, & piano (opt. orchestra). A re-issue from 1963, this simple setting for unison chorus is brightly set. It is a perfect selection when a large orchestra is available. Adapted by Sydney B. Carter from a Shaker melody, this piece will be a real crowd-pleaser. Difficulty rating 2-3. $1.95
O Lord, Support Us, by Daniel Pinkham, English text, ECS, 5209, Unison, organ, & horn in F (or cello). Set to a text taken from The Book of Common Prayer, this stark melody is wonderful against the counterpoint of the organ and horn. The intervalic relationships are challenging and typical of Pinkham's compositional style. It would be ideal to program with James Quitman Mulholland's "A Psalm of Life" (Colla Voce, 10-96810) for SSA voices which also calls for french horn and keyboard. Difficulty rating 3. $1.25
Shaker Suite, arr. Nina Gilbert, English text, Treble Clef, TC-162, SSAA a cappella. Included in this fine collection of Shaker tunes are "Oh the Beautiful Treasure," "We Will Walk With Mother and Mourn," and "Hop Up and Jump Up." Gilbert captures the simplicity of these American tunes. Written for women's voices, the pieces will work well on the voices of an advanced children's choir. Holy Mother Wisdom was an important symbol in the life of the Shakers and this symbol is the dominant figure in all three settings. Difficulty rating 4. $2.10
Strike the Cymbal, by Franz Schubert (1797-1828), English text, MorningStar, 50-9421, SA & keyboard. Schubert often arranged pieces from one voicing to another, as well as borrowed melodies and harmonies from one musical medium to another. This arrangement by Dale Grotenhuis is quite effective. The original music is adapted and set to a text from Psalm 150. The English text is a good substitution for the original and fits the musical gesture. It's celebratory spirit make it the perfect choice for St. Cecilia's day or a festival in celebration of music. Difficulty rating 3. $1.00
Men's Voices ~ Sacred
Elegy for Matthew, by David Conte, English text, ECS, 5471, TTBB & piano (opt. orchestra). Set to a text by John Stirling Walker, this 10 minute work for men's voices was commissioned in memory of Matthew Shepard and had its premiere performance at Carnegie Hall on June 17th, 1999 by the New York City Gay Men's Chorus. The piece is filled with atmospheres that drive the images of the text. A major work for men's voices, the piece requires an accomplished choir that can handle contrasting phrase shapes and challenging musical gestures. Difficulty rating 4. $2.25
Four Sacred Pieces for Male Voices, arr. Dale Grotenhuis, English text, National, CH-126, TTBB & keyboard. This collection of pieces arranged for men from various original voicings is quite effective. Included in this collection is "The Spacious Heavens Declare" by John Goss, "O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee" by J.H. Percy Smith, "I Surrender All" by Winfield S. Weeden, and "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (Beecher)" by John Zundel. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.90
The Chariot Spiritual, arr. Donald Moore, English text, BriLee Music, BL255, TB a cappella. This simple arrangement of a popular spiritual is excellent for the high school men's choir or boy's chorus for contests, junior districts, or choir festivals. It is easy to learn and filled with up beat tempos, syncopated rhythms, and dynamic changes. Difficulty rating 2. $1.40
Three Sacred Pieces for Male Voices, arr. Dale Grotenhuis, English text, National, CH-124, TTBB & keyboard. Included in this collection is "How Firm a Foundation," "O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts," and "My Faith Looks Up To Thee." All three tunes are set homophonically and can be easily done by a young men's chorus. Difficulty rating 2-3. $1.30
New Releases ~ Secular SATB Voices ~ Secular
After Spring Sunset, by Peter Schickele, English text, Presser, 362-03412, SATB a cappella. Set to Japanese poems from a collection entitled "Cherry Blossoms," the cantata was written in June of 1961 while Schickele was living in Hollywood. He describes this period of his life as being tranquil, a tranquillity reflected in the music. The piece was premiered by Smith and Amherst Colleges under the baton of Iva Dee Hiatt. The composers first commission, it is gratifying to see these beautiful pieces published. This fine extended work must be performed a cappella. Difficulty rating 4. $2.75
As Torrents in Summer, by Sir Edward Elgar, English text, Presser, 392-03069, SATB a cappella. Another fine Thorpe publication, this edition contains complete background and program notes. Set to a text by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, this idyllic piece is stellar and requires a great deal of vocal control and word painting. Basically secular in gesture, one reference to God is made in the body of the text. Difficulty rating 4. $1.25
Candles in the Wilderness, by David Conte, English text, ECS, 5271, SATB & piano. Taken from Conte's opera "The Dreamers" first performed by the Sonoma City Opera in July of 1996, this piece published separately from the opera is filled with musical images not to be forgotten. Set to a libretto by Philip Littell, this love song about the night is the perfect choice for the advanced choral society or college chorus. Complex rhythms, challenging interval relationships and shifting counterpoint are all part of the harmonic landscape. Difficulty rating 4-5. $1.35
Die Nachtigall (The Nightingale), by Felix Mendelssohn, German/English text, National Music, G154, SATB a cappella. The fourth choral song from op. 59, the piece is set in 3/8 and is written in typical Mendelssohn style. The homophonic parts between soprano and alto/tenor and bass, are composed mostly in thirds. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.20
Es is verraten (It Is Betrayed), by Robert Schumann (1810-1856), German/English text, National, NMP289, SATB & piano. The fifth choral song from op. 74, "The Spanisches Liedeerspiel," this movement is filled with lush harmonies as it talks of "love's hot fires." Stropic in form, the piece demonstrates Schumann's mature compositional style. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.35
I Love My Love, arr. Philip Lawson, English text, Hal Leonard, 08742000, SSATTBB a cappella. Part of the King' Singers Choral Series, this famous English folksong is arranged by Philip Lawson. Much more difficult than the Holst setting of the same tune, this requires a chorus with tremendous vocal agility. The choir must be able to sing perfectly in tune. Difficulty rating 4-5. $1.50
O Lovely May (O Süsser Mai), by Johannes Brahms, English/German text, Presser, 392-03067, SATB a cappella. Composed between 1883-84 it is the third of six lieder and romances for chorus from op. 93a. Written at the same time Brahms wrote his second symphony, the lied is filled with challenging counterpoint. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.25
The Trysting Place (Der Gang zum Liebchen), by Johannes Brahms, English/German text, Presser, 392-03066, SATB & piano. Set to a traditional Czechoslovakian text, it is the third in a set of three vocal quartets for solo voices. Composed between 1859 and 1863, Brahms was in his late twenties and was actively involved in conducting the Hamburg Frauenchor. It was written during a period when Brahms was writing mostly treble voiced music. Written homophonically, the piece is filled with rich harmonies. Difficulty rating 3. $1.40
SATB Voices ~ Secular Extended Work
An Hour to Dance, by Gwyneth Walker, English text, ECS, SATB & piano. Titles: Key Ring (5282), SATB & piano, $1.25; Summary by the Pawns (5283), SATB & piano, $1.45; The April Lovers (5284), SATB divisi & piano, $1.45; An Hour to Dance (5285), SATB (divisi) & piano, $2.95; Slow Scythe (5286), SATB & piano, $2.25; White Darkness (5287), SATB (divisi) & piano, $1.25; Take MyHand (5288), Mezzo solo, SATB & piano, $2.95. Published separately, these fine pieces introduce the singer to the moving poetry of Virginia Hamilton Adair. They are filled with mystery and joy. As they grow in vitality, color, and romance, allow them to fade into stillness, with sight vanishing. Difficulty rating 3-4.
Treble Voices~Secular
A Girl's Garden, by John Leavitt, English text, Hal Leonard, 08703272, SSA & piano. A simplified realization of the Randall Thompson setting of this famous Frost poem, this movement is one of a set of pieces by American poets that include Edgar Allan Poe and Carl Sandburg. One movement taken from a song cycle for singers and listeners entitled "Through the Eyes of a Child," the piece is composed mostly in unison with some simple partwriting. Difficulty rating 3. $1.40
An die musik (To Music), by Franz Schubert, arr. Henry Coleman, German/English text, MorningStar, 50-9917, SA & piano. A timeless melody, this arrangement set in canonic form is extremely effective. Originally published by Oxford in English only, this edition by Marie Stultz provides a pronunciation guide, teaching tool, and background information that is valuable in the training process. A true audience-pleaser, singers will love performing it in the original language. Difficulty rating 2. $1.25
Chorus from Shelley's "Hellas," by Rebecca Clarke, English text, Oxford, 386190-9, SSSAA a cappella. This unique piece was composed by an English violist who studied with such luminaries as Sir Charles Stanford and Percy Grainger. The piece is filled with "spectacular coloristic effects and gorgeous enharmonic shifts"; it is truly profound in its gesture. A must for the accomplished woman's chorus or advanced children's treble
ensemble, the piece is gratifying though short in duration. Difficulty rating 4-5. $2.95Tragico tecti syrmate (Clothed with Tragic Robes), by Orlando di Lasso (1532-1594), Latin text, Treble Clef, TC-160, SSSAAA a cappella. Authentic to its original voicing and musical gesture, this piece is a real challenge as the choir describes the "lament for the destruction of a city." It is the high point of Renaissance music for upper voices. This is not for the conductor that has a choir of the "rare of heart," however it is a major find for treble voices throughout the world. This publishing house continues to spearhead fine editions of music originally written for women or trebles. Difficulty rating 4. $2.10
What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor?, arr Douglas Coombes, English text, Presser, 512-00994, SSA a cappella. This arrangement of a popular English folksong uses this charming melody against nonsense syllables and counter motivic materials. The divisi in the voice parts, while composing changing intervalic relationships, make this a serious arrangement. The piece is really written for an accomplished women's chorus that understands the sophistication of accomplished musical gestures under a simple melody.Difficulty rating 4. $2.85