Moses Hogan - In Memory of Leading African-American Arranger
Marie Stultz, Contributing Editor"In the world of 20th century choral arrangers, the name of Moses Hogan belongs right at the top of the list."
- Philip Brunelle
Artistic Direct and Founder
Plymouth Music Series of MinnesotaThis newsletter is dedicated to the great African-American arranger and composer Moses Hogan. Sadly, he died at the age of 46 in February during the American Choral Directors Association National Convention in New York. He will be sorely missed. Fortunately, we have a large body of his works in print for generations to enjoy.
ABOUT MOSES HOGAN
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on March 13, 1957, Moses George Hogan earned an international reputation as one of the world's leading arrangers of the African-American spiritual. Not since Jester Hairston has the world seen such a sensitive arranger of this significant American oral tradition, the black spiritual. A gifted pianist and conductor, Hogan was engaged in workshops all over the world in his brief but powerful career. His spirituals have been performed by most of the major choral organizations across America including the Boy's Choir of Harlem, which has sung his music on television and radio. He has earned the respect of choral directors world wide, with high praise coming from the American Choral Directors Association and the Grammophone magazine.Moses Hogan published almost exclusively with Hal Leonard. Exceptions are a wonderful collection of his spirituals published by Oxford University Press and My God is So High, published by Alliance Music. To purchase a recording of his music or to learn more about this great arranger, visit his web site at: www.moseshogan.com
SOME OBSERVATIONS ABOUT HIS STYLE
Moses Hogan's compositional style is dominated by the text of the melody he is setting. He does not churn out just another spiritual arrangement, but writes unique pieces as different as the texts. The melodies of the various pieces seem to also influence the arrangement's gesture. They are usually quite difficult, but because they are so brilliantly written they are always worth the effort to learn. Dominated by a sense of improvisation and an outpouring of belief in what he is setting, they are filled with warm, sensitive harmonies. Many are powerfully set, almost as if they come from another world. His use of "blues-like" notes and intervals, coupled with jazz-like rhythms, makes them sound spontaneous, almost improvised in their gesture. Because they are so well written, singers easily develop a stylistic interpretation of the score. Often his music starts simply, building in complication harmonically, contrapuntally, and rhythmically. Most of his pieces end with a feeling of finality with open harmonies and straightforward rhythms.
NEWER WORKS BY HOGAN
SATB Voices
Do Lord, Remember Me, arr. Moses Hogan, English text, Hal Leonard, 08703326, SATB (divisi) a cappella. Constructed in block chords of great beauty, the text painting of this wonderful spiritual is sensitively set. Lasting 3-1/2 minutes, it is appropriate for any advanced high school ensemble, as well as the accomplished college or community ensembles. The divisi in the voice parts and the blue harmonies are extremely striking. Dedicated to his parents, Moses and Gloria Hogan, this is a fabulous spiritual that will be enjoyed by performers and audiences alike. Difficulty rating 4. $1.50Surely He Died on Calvary, arr. Moses Hogan, English text, Hal Leonard, 08703331, SATB (divisi) & solo a cappella. The opening solo of this striking spiritual for Easter is a classic example of Hogan's use of jazz rhythms and "blues" notes. The opening choral entrance is filled with glorious suspensions that are almost bone chilling in nature. The elegant counterpoint in the choral parts which are mostly sung on the "oo" syllable are challenging. The choir literally offers a tonal backdrop for the soloist who needs to understand the spiritual style and be an accomplished singer. The piece is absolutely perfect for the service of tenebrae on Maundy Thursday, but would be a knockout when programmed on any occasion. Difficulty rating 4-5. $1.50
Walk Together, Children, arr. Moses Hogan, English text, Hal Leonard, 08703332, SATB (divisi) a cappella. A primary example of Hogan's text painting, this arrangement is constructed around a walking pattern that is to be sung slow and unhurried. The spacious harmonies and choral divisi sections are simply spectacular. The rhythms, harmonies and articulation marks are quite challenging. The piece expands and grows into a powerful center section that states, "walk together, children, don't get weary, sing on, my children." The final 7 to 11 chord cluster at the conclusion requires a large choir that has good intonation and a great sense of style for this type of music. Difficulty rating 5. $1.50
Treble Voices
Music Down in My Soul, arr. Moses Hogan, English text, Hal Leonard, 08743329, SSA (divisi) & piano. This powerful arrangement was written for the Michigan State University Children's Choir for the 6th World Choral Symposium on Choral Music. Filled with challenging harmonies and rhythms, the piece sings of peace and love in our hearts. The arrangement requires an accomplished treble ensemble that can generate real style in the performance of it. This is a wonderful addition to the spiritual repertory for treble voices. Difficulty rating 4. $1.50See earlier issues of The Choral Room for suggestions of spiritual arrangements and reviews of other music by Hogan. Spring 2002 and Summer 2002 feature articles about the American spiritual form, some historical data, and resources. A review of Hogan's excellent collection The Oxford Book of Spirituals published by Oxford University Press can be found in the Spring 2002 issue.
New Releases ~ Sacred SATB Voices~ Sacred
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, arr. Emma Lou Diemer, English text, Presser, 392-01115, SATB & keyboard. Based on the hymn tune Reformation, this simple arrangement was written for the Reformation Lutheran Church in Washington, D.C. There have been many arrangements of this powerful tune over the years, but it is great to see someone of Diemer's compositional stature arrange this tune. Filled with some surpassing harmonies and variations on the original tune, this arrangement holds some pleasant surprises. The piece ends in unison with a beautiful descant. Difficulty rating 3. $1.45
A Nign, arr. Joshua Jacobson, Hebrew text, Transcontinental, dist. Hal Leonard, 00191062,
solo, & keyboard. Arranged to a tune by Lazar Weiner (1897-1982) on text by L. Magister (pen name for Leibush Lehrer, 1887-1965), the piece is meant to assist the worshiper reach a spiritual state through meditation, dancing, and singing. The piece relates somewhat to the American Shaker tradition in that joyful singing and dancing helps place the practitioner in a trance. The edition contains a translation, some background information of the melody and text, and a pronunciation guide. An accomplished soloist is required because the singer sings throughout while being accompanied by SATB chorus that sings both homophonically or in counterpoint. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.00Al Hanissim, J.A. Kawarsky, Hebrew text, Transcontinental, dist. Hal Leonard, 00191061, SATB
(divisi), clarinet, & piano. Written in rondo form (ABACADA), the choir sings the chorus while the soloists sing the varying verses. Written for Chanukah, this fine piece is part of the Westminster Choir College Jewish music series. The edition contains some background, translation, and a guide to the Hebrew pronunciation. The text setting is quite rhythmic and filled with accessible rhythms. Some unison partwriting dominates the musical fabric. A fresh and wonderful piece, it is well written and spirited with the choir clapping and singing with great joy. Difficulty rating 4. $2.25The Breath of God, by James Quitman Mulholland, English text, Colla Voce, 10-96500, SATB, treble (or solo) & keyboard. This joyous anthem, set to a text by James Hoggard, is filled with simple rhythms, changing meters, and a soprano line which requires secure notes in the upper tessitura. The children's part is a simple alleluia that is repetitive and easy to learn. The piece is based on the hymn Meirionyd and is ideal for the church director who would like to combine both children's and adult choirs. Written for the University Christian Church in Forth Worth, Texas, it is a joyful statement about the power of music and the breath of the Lord. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.95
Canticum Hebraicum, by Louis Saladin, Hebrew text, Transcontinental, 982038,
SATB, solo SAT, & small orchestra. Edited by Joshua Jocobson, this is another wonderful edition of early Hebrew music. Excellent background information, pronunciation guide, and translation accompany the choral score. The editor points out that this piece is one of the "few examples of Jewish polyphonic music composed before the nineteenth century." The piece vocally begins in simple thirds between the counter tenor and tenor solo. The choral parts are written homophonically. Part of the French Baroque tradition, the piece is divided between five part string sections, choral dances, arias, and simple choral sections. Written in two parts, this
is a joyous work set to a text about the joy and beauty of rejoicing in God's presence. The piece is appropriate for synagogue, church, or concert setting. Difficulty rating 3-4. $3.00Dear God Bestow on Us Your Grace, arr. Emma Lou Diemer, English text, Presser, 392-01113, SATB & keyboard. A meditative setting of this famous text by Martin Luther, Diemer fills this unpretentious piece beautiful harmonies. The rhythms are simple and straightforward with much of the anthem written in unison. Difficulty rating 2. $1.45
Eyli, Eyli, arr. Simon Sargon, Hebrew text, Transcontinental, dist. Hal Leonard, 00191049, SATB, choir, & keyboard. A composer of Sephardic-Indian and Ashkenazic-Russian descent, Sargon has had a long and distinguished career. Set to a text by Boris Tomashefsky, this soulful piece is filled with contemporary harmonies. Based on a song by Jacob Sandler, written for the Yiddish theater, this piece tells the story of a Jewish girl who is about to become martyred for her faithfulness. The edition contains background information, pronunciation guide, and translation by editor Joshua Jacobson. Difficulty rating 3. $2.25
Magnificat and Nunc dimittis, by David Willcocks, Latin text, Oxford, 3516926, SATB (divisi), baritone solo, & organ. This wonderful canticle to the Virgin Mary is composed with chant-like phrase shapes of immense beauty. Ringing harmonies are set over a brilliant yet supportive organ part. The choral parts are written both in homophonic and contrapuntal passages. The simple baritone solo could be sung by the entire bass section. Willcocks is a masterful composer using wonderful voice leading and elegant text setting. Difficulty rating 4. $3.50
Mi Chamochah (Who Is Like You), by Allan Naplan, Hebrew text, Transcontinental, dist. Hal Leonard, 00191048, SATB, solo, piano, & cello. Naplan was born and raised in Marblehead, MA. Early in his high school years, he demonstrated a great talent for composing and was the winner of the 2001 Guild of Temple Musicians' Young Composers Award. Sumptuous chords, often in minor, support a sparse cello part. The cantor part is elegant but not terribly difficult. The choral parts written mostly homophonically, support the soloist. Mystical chords in the voice and accompaniment bring the piece to the startling key change of A major. This is a very fine and well crafted piece. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.75
Musica animam tangens, by Joshua Shank, Latin text, Santa Barbara, SBMP 487, SATB a cappella. This piece was winner of the 2003 ACDA Raymond W. Brock Student Composition Award. At 23, Shank is the youngest composer to win this prestigious prize. The work had its premiere in New York in February at the National Convention. It is et to a poem by Ryan Newstrom, a text with reference to music and how it helps us touch a higher power. Long phrase shapes on simple sustained rhythms dominate the compositional fabric. The piece requires an accomplished choir with good breath control. Information about the composer and poet, a translation of the text, and performance suggestions accompany the edition. Difficulty rating 4. $1.60
Yah Anah Emtza-acha, by Charles Davidson, Hebrew text, Transcontinental, dist. Hal Leonard, 00191437, SATB, solo, a cappella. A beautiful piece, with lovely text painting, this work is set to a text by the Spanish Jewish poet Judah Halevi (1075-1141). Contrapuntal phrase shapes weave in and out of the voice parts. Set in the key of d minor, the edition carries background information, translation, and pronunciation guide. Difficulty rating 4. $2.00
EXTENDED WORK ~ SATB
The World of the Spirit, by Benjamin Britten, English text, Oxford, 335395-4, SATB, SATB solo, 2 speakers, & orchestra. This concert version was prepared by Donald Mitchell for the Aldeburgh Festival for a performance in the Snape Maltings Concert Hall on June 27, 1998. This 42-minute piece is the second of Britten's religious cantatas. Written in 1938, it was composed during the time Britten was also working on his piano concerto. A difficult piece, the work requires an accomplished choir that understands Britten's text painting and musical gesture. Like Rejoice in the Lamb, it is filled with challenging rhythms and harmonies on changing meter signatures. The texts were assembled by R. Ellis Roberts who worked with Britten during his BBC days. Orchestral parts and full score are available for hire from the publisher. Difficulty rating 4-5. $9.95 (vocal score)
Treble Voices ~ SacredAll My Heart This Night Rejoices, arr. Valerie Shields, English text, Colla Voce, 20-96640, SSAA, flute, & piano. This charming carol is based on J.G. Ebeling's "Warum Solt Ich" and set to a text by Paul Gerhardt with translation by Catherine Winkworth. Shields has adapted the poem and interpolated it into texts from Luke 2:14. The flute part could easily be played by an accomplished high school flutist. The divisi in the voice parts at the "gloria" section is challenging and composed to be sung by two choirs. Difficulty rating 4. $1.60
Canticle of Mary, by Jeffery L. Ames & S. Scott Leaman, English text, Colla Voce, 18-96830, SSAA, piano, bells or chimes, & oboe. This canticle, set to a text from Luke 1, uses only the first part of this classic text, what is commonly known as the Magnificat. The opening bells announce the beginning of the evening service as the treble soloist chants the opening verse. Beautiful harmonies dominate the choral parts over a simple accompaniment. The oboe part can easily be played by an accomplished student. The center section builds in difficulty with changing meter signatures. The chanting of individual voices adds to the pieces eeriness. The oboe part is printed on the back inside cover of the publication. Difficulty rating 4. $1.45
Deep River, arr. Allan Bevan, English text, Colla Voce, 20-96570, SA & piano. A simple setting of this famous spiritual, some nice counterpoint and lyrical phrases add to the piece's effectiveness. The arrangement is just about 2 minutes in length. Difficulty rating 3. $1.40
Dona Nobis Pacem, arr. Helen Litz & Annette Hay, Latin text, Colla Voce, 20-96405, SSA, flute, & piano. This is an unusual setting of this famous text written by the great Italian composer Giulio Caccini (1545-1618). It is set here with flute (oboe) and optional violin and cello. Set homophonically at a tempo marking of adagio, it is quiet and meditative as the singers pray for peace. The florid soprano line in the last part of the arrangement has some challenging melismas. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.50
Jewels, by George F. Root (1820-1895), English text, Presser, 392-42388, SA & keyboard. This arrangement by Henry Kihlken does not identify the source of the edition, but it is always wonderful to see some of our early American music revived. Most of George Root's music is out of print and much of it is in archives available at the public library in North Reading, MA. He resided in that community for many years and played the organ at the Congregational Church. A number of his cantatas were premiered in that township. This piece is simple, constructed homophonically, making it an excellent introduction to this early American composer's music. Difficulty rating 2. $1.25
Thoughts on Music, by James Quitman Mulholland, English text, Colla Voce, 10-96490, SSA & keyboard. Set to a text written by Martin Luther, here is another wonderful commission by the Centennial Children's Chorus of Fort Collins, Colorado as part of their 20th anniversary celebration. This piece contains some challenging rhythms and some competent major second singing. The thought that children are singing about the healing powers of music in such a joyful setting is so inspirational. Hats off to the composer for another fine composition for the young singer. Difficulty rating 4. $1.60
Twenty Christmas Canons, by Brent Heisinger, English text, Santa Barbara, SBMP 489, unison to 4 parts. This is a wonderful collection of canons written as a greeting to friends as part of the family Christmas card. They are ideal for carol singing or just as a greeting at the opening of a holiday concert. They are not difficult and will be great fun to sing. Difficulty rating 2-3. $1.60
SACRED ~ Treble Voice Extended WorksA Blake Triptych, by Andrew Carter, English text, Oxford, 340188-6, SSA (divisi) & piano. This 10-minute work composed for Joyce Ellis and the Kinder Children's Choirs of High Peak for their tenth anniversary, is a challenge but also quite delightful. In three movements, The Tyger and Summer are secular settings. The Cradle is sacred and makes reference to both Easter and Christmas. Set to texts by William Blake, the poems are taken from the famous collections Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience published in 1789 and 1794. All three pieces are brilliantly set, with the middle movement in sharp contrast to the two outside movements. This is a wonderful new extended work for treble voices. Difficulty rating 4. $6.95
Mass in Times of Struggle, by Dan Krunnfusz, English text, Boosey, M-051-32971-7, SSAA (divisi) & solo a cappella. This mass is not for the faint of heart. It screams musically of its frustration to God. The opening Kyrie has the following instruction: "With great anguish, 'Angry at God'." It is profound in its harmonic gesture, with powerful rhythms and harmonies. Edited by Betty Bertaux, this is a masterful mass and a major contribution to the treble repertoire. It was composed for the Madison Boychoir. It includes a Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, O Salutaris, and a quiet Agnus Dei that suggests that the rage in the world has burnt out. Difficulty rating 4. $4.50
Requiem, by John Starr Alexander, Latin text, Colla Voce, 20-96550, SA & keyboard (opt. orchestra). This is a lovely, lyrical requiem, filled with beautiful phrase shapes and memorable melodies. The partwriting is simple but quite effective. This is a much needed addition to the treble repertoire. The movements are the following: Requiem aeternam, Kyrie; Gradual; Offetorium; Sanctus; Pie Jesu; Agnus Dei; Lux aeterna; and Libera me. This is a wonderful alternative to the Messe Basse by Fauré. There is also an SATB version of this piece available from Colla Voce for $4.95(20-96545). Difficulty rating 3-4. $3.95
Te Deum a 3, by Giacomo Puccini, Latin text, Hinshaw, HMB236, SSA & keyboard (opt. strings). This challenging Te Deum was written by the great opera composer's great-great-grandfather. There were five generations of composers in the Puccini family and most of them wrote sacred music. This piece is scored for 2 violins in unison, cello, and bass. Written in 1761, this edition is based on an autograph in the library of the Istituto Musicale in Lucca, Italy. Beautifully edited by Martin Banner, program notes and editorial comments are included in the edition. Orchestral scores are available from the publisher. This fabulous extended work is in 11 movements. Difficulty rating 4. $5.25
When the Night Is Sweet With Starlight, by Stephen Hatfield, English text, Boosey, M-051-47345-8, SSAA, SSAA, piano, & 3 percussionists (including autoharp and handbells). This is a very unusual cantata for Christmas. Hatfield makes reference to both Luke and Matthew as he develops his text that tells the story of the birth of Christ. There are comprehensive program notes and performance instructions in the edition. Written for the Peace College Chamber Singers of Raleigh, N.C. this piece requires an accomplished choir. The piece is extremely dramatic and very effective. Difficulty rating 4-5. $7.50
Men's Voices ~ Sacred
Magnificat, by Healy Willan, English text, Cypress, CP1074, TTBB a cappella. Based on Tone VIII, this short Magnificat is one of over 800 compositions Willan composed. Written in 1954, this edition is edited by Diane Loomer. Chant passages are alternated with full blown choral parts with stark, riveting harmonies. The chanting sections sung by a small group of singers are hypnotically written and offer some wonderful contrasts. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.60
New Releases ~ Secular SATB Voices ~ Secular
Ja vem a Primavera, by Henrique de Curitiba, Brazilian Portuguese text, Santa Barbara, SBMP 453, SATB a cappella. This short piece about spring is filled with mystical harmonies and advanced counterpoint. Written in Portuguese, the edition contains performance notes, background on the composer, a translation of the poem, and a pronunciation guide. The text is set on changing meters with some complex rhythms. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.45
Der Tanz (The Dance), by Franz Schubert (1797-1828), German text, Hal Leonard, 08596739, SATB & piano. Edited by John Leavitt, this short piece about dancing and the return of good health is set to a text by K. Schnitzer von Meerau. Written in the early months of 1828, the piece wasn't published until 1892, after the composer's death. The rhythmic accompaniment is typical Schubert and the energetic melody and quick rhythms are great fun to sing. $1.50
Hayoshevet Baganim (O You Who Tarry in the Garden), arr. Aryeh Levanon, Hebrew text, Transcontinental, dist. Hal Leonard, 00191050, SATB & keyboard. This charming love song was originally written by Nissim Cohen Hav-Ron. The text is taken from the Song of Songs 8:13-14 and has been arranged with some wonderful text painting. The octave middle section is sung on the "la" syllable which is repeated at the end of the piece. This carefree section is followed by a sultry section that refers to the beloved. This piece is ideal for the high school, college, or community chorus. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.00
Passing Strangers, by Norman dello Joio, English text, Hal Leonard, 08711392, SATB & piano. Filled with challenging tone clusters, this piece is set to a text written by the composer that talks about a search for true love. Complicated rhythms and changing meter signatures dominate the compositional fabric. The piano part requires an accomplished pianist. It ends quietly on simple harmonies. Difficulty rating 4. $1.95
SECULAR ~ SATB Extended WorksShaman Songs, by Gary Kulesha, English text, Boosey, M-051-32950-2, SATB, speakers, clarinet, & string quartet (opt. piano). This very unusual work in six movements uses texts written by the Inuit people. They are liberally translated and written to an accompaniment with very challengingvocal parts. Shaman literally means "medicine man". According to the composer, the Inuit are very musical people and are constantly singing in every activity they engage in. Challenging intervals on changing meters make this a piece that requires an accomplished choir. Difficulty rating 4-5. $5.75
Two Poems from "The Book of Songs," by Zhou Long, English text, Oxford, 386519-X, SSSAATTTBBB & tenor solo a cappella. This piece might be most effective using soloists on each part. The texts are taken from one of China's earliest anthologies that contain 305 songs written between the 11th and 6th centuries B.C. Both movements are in English for a better appreciation of the music and text, The Peach Tree concerns itself with marital customs. Gathering Plantain is a work song that refers to the gathering of grass. Filled with extremes in dynamics and spoken dialogue, this work requires careful study and interpretation by the conductor. Difficulty rating 5. $8.95
Treble Voices ~ Secular
Buried Love, by Robert Baksa, English text, Presser, 392-01101, SSA a cappella. Filled with tight harmonies, this a beautiful piece that is composed mostly homophonically. It is excellent for building fine intonation in your a cappella choir. Set to a text by Sara Teasdale, the text painting
is simply glorious. Difficulty rating 4. $1.25Call of the Flowers (Duet from Lakmé), by Léo Delibes, French/English text, Santa Barbara, SBMP 464, SA & piano. This famous duet will sound fabulous on treble voices. Edited by Ronald A. Nelson, the translation is quite wonderful. Nelson has made the decision to lower the piece a minor third to make it more accessible for more choirs. This is a wonderful introduction to this great opera. Difficulty rating 3. $1.45
Come My Little Children, by James Quitman Mulholland, English text, Colla Voce, 10-96530, SSA & piano. Set to a text by Robert Louis Stevenson, the text painting is quite striking in this setting about songs in children's heads. Some stark harmonies and crossing voice parts add to the challenge. The gentleness of some passages is in sharp contrast to the forte passages that refer to the "echo in your head," and makes for some dynamic challenges. Difficulty rating 4. $1.85
Give Us Love, Give Us Peace, by James Quitman Mulholland, English text, Colla Voce, 10-96470, SSA & keyboard. Composed to a text by Jean Ingelow (1820-1897), this fine piece was commissioned by Lillian Lee, director of the Mississippi Girlchoir. The composition opens with a lovely unison melody that moves into some effective canonic writing that explodes into beautiful three-part harmonies as the poet writes of the nightingale. The work is as pleasing as Mulholland's popular composition Think on Me. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.60
Hillside and Seaside, by Malcolm Hawkins, English text, ECS, 5853, SSA (divisi) & piano. Set to texts by the composer, these nature poems describe the area and activities where the pieces were premiered, Peterborough, New Hampshire. Performed by the Peterborough Children's Choir on May 20, 2001, they are charming settings. The text painting of all three movements is striking. They are charming compositions for young children to be learning. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.40
Hillside and Seaside II, by Malcolm Hawkins, English text, ECS, 6044, SSA & piano. Set to texts by the composer, this set of two songs - Boston Tea Party and Ride, Little Girl - are equally appealing. The first one is very cleverly set with some divisi in the voice parts. The bell section should be great fun to sing and teaches children that music can have a lot of humor. The second piece is filled with meter changes with simple partwriting in contrast to unison passages. The piano part describes the rider and the cantering horse quite well. Difficulty rating 4. $1.95
Hymn of Life and Love, by James Quitman Mulholland, English text, Colla Voce, 18-96820, SSA & keyboard. Set to a text by Brian A. Wren, this piece was commissioned for the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Gulf Coast Youth Choirs. It is an excellent vehicle for teaching borrowed division as the singers learn to sing the beautiful melody. The piece alternates every other measure between 6/8 and 2/4. Composed homophonically in parts, much of the piece is composed in unison. The challenge comes in singing the metric changes without rushing. This is another beautiful piece from a fine composer. Difficulty rating 3. $1.85
Papageno-Pagpagena Duet (from The Magic Flute), by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, German/English text, Boosey, M-051-47395-3, SA & piano. This famous duet from one of the world's great operas is the perfect introduction to Mozart's music. Taken from the finale of Act II, young singers will enjoy learning this amusing bird duet. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.25
Pavane, by Gabriel Fauré, scat syllables, Boosey, M-051-47394-6, SA & piano. This famous melody from op. 50 will sound wonderful on young voices. Arranged by Doreen Rao, the conductor could choose to sing the piece in the original unison or the composed parts by Rao. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.50
Spells, by Ruth Watson Henderson, English text, Hinshaw, HMC1917, SSA, unison voices, & piano. Written for the Appalachian Children's Chorus and set to a text by James Reeves, this amusing piece is cleverly set. Edited by Jean Ashworth Bartle, it is composed for both an intermediate and advanced choir, allowing two choirs of different capability to sing together. Set over a florid piano part, a hallmark of Ruth's compositional style, the canonic partwriting for the older children is answered by the younger choir. A fabulous piece, it would be ideal for events with large forces. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.75