New Releases - Sacred
SATB
Treble
New Releases - Secular
SATB
Treble
Men
SABSUGGESTED BOOKS FOR INSPIRATION AND RESEARCH
By Marie Stultz, Contributing EditorGood music educators are always looking for new ideas and fresh inspirations.
This newsletter brings you information on some recently-published resources, as well as some classic texts providing opportunities for you to grow as music professionals.INSTRUCTIONAL BOOKS ON TEACHING
The first three books on our list, all by Peter Boonshaft, are international best sellers. Boonshaft has included inspirational anecdotes, thought-provoking quotations, and motivational ideas that will advance and fine-tune your teaching skills. "This is a must-read treasure for every music educator," says Mel Clayton, President of MENC. The National Association for Music Education finds Boonshaft's books "passionate, inspiring, uplifting, insightful, humorous and riveting - once you pick [them] up you won't be able to put [them] down."Teaching Music with Passion ~ Conducting, Rehearsing and Inspiring, by Peter Loel Boonshaft, Meredith Music Publications (Hal Leonard), 00317129. $24.95
Teaching Music with Purpose ~ Conducting, Rehearsing, and Inspiring, by Peter Loel Boonshaft, Meredith Music Publications (Hal Leonard), 00317162. $24.95
Teaching Music with Promise ~ Conducting Rehearsing and Inspiring, by Peter Loel Boonshaft, Meredith Music Publications (Hal Leonard), 00317191. $24.99
The following comprehensive books are written by one of America's leading conductors:
Evoking Sound ~ Fundamentals of Choral Conducting, Second Edition, by James Jordan, with foreword by Morten Lauridsen, GIA Publications, G-7359. $49.95 with DVD.
Choral Rehearsal ~ Volume I ~ Techniques and Procedures ~ A Comprehensive Rehearsal Technique Sourcebook, Second Edition, by James Jordan, with foreword by Tarik O'Regan, GIA Publications, G-7128. $39.95.
Choral Rehearsal ~ Volume II ~ Inward Bound ~ Philosophy and Score Preparation, by James Jordan, with chapters by Eugene Migliaro Corporon, Gerald Custer, Lynn Eustis, Matthew LaPine, and Tony Thornton, GIA Publications, G-7129. $39.95.
The Choral Rehearsal DVD ~ This companion DVD to The Choral Rehearsal Vol. 1 & 2 is a personal master class on conducting and rehearsal technique with James Jordan. GIA Publications, DVD-720, $24.95
BOOKS TO BETTER TRAIN THE YOUNG VOICE
Innocent Sounds~Building Choral Tone and Artistry in Your Children's Choir~Book I~The Singer's Journey Begins, by Marie Stultz, MorningStar Music Publishers, 90-40. According to the publisher, Mark Lawson: "The beginning of a journey is a time of hope and excitement. The first experiences of singing can be a special time of discovery for the young child, leading to fulfilling years of participation in choral ensembles, and providing a means of self-expression." $24.Innocent Sounds~Building Choral Tone and Artistry in Your Children's Choir~Book II~The Singer's Journey Continues, by Marie Stultz, MorningStar Music Publishers, 90-55. Again, from Mark Lawson: "This is the core book of the series and is an excellent resource that advances the precepts set out in Book I. Marie Stultz is uniquely qualified to equip teachers with the necessary tools to effectively train the young voice." $24.95
Lifeline for Children's Choir Directors, by Jean Ashworth Bartle, Gordon V. Thompson, V1422. Bartle is one of the premiere authorities on children's singing, and her perspective led the way with the children's choir movement worldwide. This book continues to be a staple of music education programs and choir directors worldwide. $39.95
Sound Advice~Becoming a Better Children's Choir Conductor, by Jean Ashworth Bartle, Oxford, 5141788. This hard-cover book "is an indispensable resource for the beginning children's choir conductor as well as the seasoned professional. Children's choruses, their artistic and management staffs, and all who care about children who sing in choruses will value the comprehensive and thoughtful information shared in Jean Ashworth Bartle's newest book, says conductor Judith Willoughby. $45.00BOOKS ON THEORY AND SIGHTSINGING
Music Reading by Intervals, by Brock McElheran, Brichtmark Music, BRM-1 (9658910-0-3). This is a fabulous resource for conductors and singers alike. With a forward by the distinguished conductor Robert Shaw, the book is a modern sight-reading and ear-training method for singers, conductors, and teachers. First published in 1998, this book uses score fragments of great choral literature from Bach to Stravinsky. It is carefully organized in stages, interval by interval, using melodies from some of the great cantatas McElheran has conducted in his vast experience with chorus and orchestra. The author advises the following: "Study the discussion of the intervals treated in each stage and then turn to the musical exercises and follow these instructions." $24.95STEP ONE: Identifying the Interval
STEP TWO: Singing the Interval
STEP THREE: Error detection.
This is the most practical and useful method for sight-singing and sight-reading this editor has experienced. The answer to the quest for teaching advanced choral sight singing by using actual music has been resolved by this musician and author.
Nancy Telfer's Successful Choral Curriculum from Neil A. Kjos Publishing is a series of performing, sight-singing and warm-up books. There are Singer/Vocal editions and Teacher/Conductor editions for each book.
Successful Performing helps choirs achieve a higher standard of performance. Concise and inspiring weekly lessons provide instruction in a variety of technical and expressive skills. Increased understanding and enjoyment of music leads to better performance. Each book includes two years' worth of lessons. The Conductor's Edition provides comprehensive information for creative rehearsal ideas, score interpretation, and concerts. Singer's edition (VM6S, $7.95); Conductor's edition (VM6T, $24.95)
Successful Sight-Singing These books of exercises progressively develop the basics of rhythm and pitch, as well as skills such as finding cues. Using just five to ten minutes of each rehearsal, this approach is an enjoyable way to help singers become more independent. Successful Sight-Singing is appropriate for fourth grade through adult singers.
Book 1, Vocal edition (V77S, $7.95); Book 1, Teacher edition (V77T; $24.95); Book 2, Vocal edition (V82S, $7.95), Book 2 Teacher edition (V82T, $24.95).
Successful Warm-ups helps bring focus and organization to choral warm-ups. A wealth of materials for all ages helps singers develop vocal agility and better tone quality. Progress charts for evaluations are included. Each book includes enough warm-ups for two years. Book 1, Singer edition (V83S, $7.95); Book 1, Teacher edition (V83T, $29.95); Book 2, Singer edition (V84S, $6.95); Book Teacher edition (V84T, $24.95).
Sight-Singing for SSA, by Joyce Eilers and Emily Crocker from Hal Leonard, (Teachers Edition, 47819106, $14.95 and Student Edition, 47819105, $3.50). This is an excellent introduction to sight singing for SSA chorus. It includes 3-part exercises and songs (accompanied and a cappella) that begin from square one, assuming no previous training, and presents musical elements in a logical sequence that will yield quick results. Recommended for Grades 6-12.We invite you to come into the store and check out the wealth of books there to assist you. This article highlights only a small sample of the many titles at Spectrum that will build your musicianship. My personal library is filled with indispensable texts which have expanded my own skills and were discovered at the store. Check out the CHORAL ROOM feature on our website as well for additional ideas. Spectrum Music is always looking for new ways to enlighten our customers, as we dedicate ourselves to careful research to assist the music professional.
New Releases ~ Sacred *Agnus Dei (from Lux Aeterna), by Morten Lauridsen, Latin text, Peer Music, 62377-122, SATB (divisi) & organ. It is wonderful to see this stunningly beautiful last movement published separately. Lauridsen is known for his radiant compositional style. Originally composed with orchestral accompaniment, the organ part for this separate publication was realized by James Buonemani of St. James' Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. The anthem is composed homophonically, with strikingly beautiful harmonies. A translation and program notes are included in the edition. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.60
*All Who Dwell in the Shadow of the Lord, by Z. Randall Stroope, English text, MorningStar, 50-2530, SATB & piano or organ. Set to Psalm 90 and 91, Stroope's interpretation of the text is quietly clear in his music. Add the harmonic materials filled with simplicity and refined beauty, and you have a real winner that church performers will rejoice in performing. This is an accessible anthem possessing gentle counterpoint and glimmering harmonies. The anthem opens in A Major with the phrase "Lauda, laude!" inserted between the Psalm texts. It closes with great power in the key of B Major, on homophonically- constructed chords sung double forte. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.85
Be Thou My Vision, by Daniel Nelson, English text, Paraclete, PPM00912, SATB & piano. The setting of this 8th Century Irish text is quite accessible, and filled with elegant unison passages and straightforward harmonies of reflective beauty. Set in B Flat minor, the open harmonies are set homophonically. The text versification is skillfully done, composed in 6/8 and 9/8 meters. Difficulty rating 3. $2.10
Ecce Concipies, by Matthew Martin, Latin text, Faber, 0-571-52135-5, SATB/SATB a cappella. This haunting Latin setting is filled with minor seconds on chanting phrase shapes that are minimalist in nature. Because it is written for double choir, it requires an accomplished ensemble of singers who can effectively work off each other. The piece opens with the sopranos and altos singing the repetitive chant fragments on repeated G Sharps that must be sung at break- neck speed. The men's section picks up the fragments with a dark tone quality that is almost foreboding in nature. To sing this piece effectively, the choir must have impeccable intonation. The repetitive nature of the piece makes it a bit more accessible, however. Difficulty rating 4. $3.25
*For the Fallen (An Anthem of Remembrance), by Brendan Ashe, English text, Faber, 0-571-52156-8, SATB & piano or organ. The harmonies used in this piece almost create the feeling of the dust and smoke of battle. Filled with surprising unisons and tender phrase shapes, this is an excellent choice for an accomplished choral society or cathedral choir. The anthem uses a number of text sources, including Isaiah 40:6 and the poetry of Binyon and Owen. It also quotes some of the hymn "Pascha Nostrum." Difficulty rating 4. $3.25
Irish Blessing, by David Conte, English text, ECS, 7038, SATB a cappella. Set to an anonymous Irish text, this striking anthem only a minute in length employs rich harmonies on surprising turns of harmonic texture. Composed in B Flat Major, the partwriting is filled with unusual turns typical of Conte's signature compositional style. The anthem was commissioned for the retirement of the minister of music at the West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Rocky River, Ohio. It is the perfect choice either to close a concert or to use as an encore. It should be performed with great simplicity and warmth. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.50
Jubilate Deo, by Nigel Hess, Latin text, Faber, 0-571-52143-6, SATB & organ. This fine anthem requires an accomplished organist. It is filled with spectacular, joyous phrase shapes that are fun to sing. Known for his theater music, Hess composed this work for a production of Shakespeare's Henry VIII performed at the Chichester Festival Theater. The piece opens with a treble soloist on a lilting melody sung a cappella. An exciting anthem that should be sung with majestic tone and thoughtful interpretation, the four-part writing uses imitative passages of great beauty. Brass parts are available separately from the publisher. This is a spectacular piece of music and is the perfect choice for Easter or for festival occasions. Difficulty rating 4. $3.50
*Psalm 150, by Walter L. Pelz, English text, Augsburg, 0-8066-9720-8, SATB & organ, opt. brass quartet & timpani. This bright and festive setting of the famous psalm was composed for the First Presbyterian Church of Topeka, KS. The anthem is filled with jubilant harmonies on homophonic passages; the majestic phrase shapes will absolutely take the house down. Full score and brass parts are also available from the publisher. Difficulty rating 3. $1.75
EXTENDED WORKS
*Magnificat and Nunc dimittis, by Iain Quinn, English text, Paraclete, PPM01026, SATB & organ. This two-movement work requires an accomplished organist and choir, since its changing meters offer a great deal of rhythmic challenge. Composed over long phrase shapes, both movements are hauntingly beautiful. The use of minor seconds and unisons between the parts is quite effective, and the text versification is gently expressive. There is a simplicity of structure and gesture in this beautiful work for evensong or concert -- another winner from this fine publishing house and composer. Difficulty rating 4. $3.60On the Transmigration of Souls, by John Adams, English text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48019451, SATB, children's chorus, orchestra & pre-recorded sounds. Commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center's Great Performers after the harrowing experiences in New York on 9/11, it had its premiere on September 19, 2002 at Avery Fisher Hall. The texts are based on poems posted by family members at Ground Zero. There are no movements - rather the work is a steady stream of emotional reflections on lost family members. Included in the basic structure of the work is the Ives "The Unanswered Question." A recording of the first performance can be found on the Nonesuch Label, # 79816-2. This is a major work by a fine American composer. Parts and full score are available from the publisher. Difficulty rating 4-5. $10.99
TREBLE VOICES~SACRED
A Cradle Song, by Kurt Knecht, English text, Walton (Hal Leonard), HL08501732, SA & Piano. This unusual piece is set to a text by William Blake (1757-1827). The composer has created a Gershwin-esque style and harmonies in setting these famous words. A four-minute work, the middle section is composed in thirds and is in sharp contrast to the opening and closing. Because of the reference to the Nativity in the poem, it is appropriate for the Christmas season. Young singers will have great fun creating the moods and singing a quality piece that references one of America's great composers. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.15Ave, Regina Coelorum (Rejoice, Virgin Glorious), by Larysa Kuzmenko, Latin text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48020757, SSA & piano. Featuring florid counterpoint on long phrase shapes, this anthem is filled with challenging accidentals. It is set to a 12th century Latin text with monastic origins. Written for the University of Toronto Women's Chorus, the piece is filled with intervallic stretches requiring an accomplished treble ensemble. Composed on changing meters, the text versification is unusual but effective. Difficulty rating 4. $1.90
Exsultate Justi, by Rollo Dilworth, Latin text, Hal Leonard, 08751309, SA & piano. Dilworth knows the voice -- and particularly treble voices. The partwriting of this piece rings off the page in an anthem that is quite accessible. Part of the Henry Leck Choral Series, this piece is perfect for community chorus or festival time. Set in 6/8 in the bright key of D major, the simple counterpoint and jubilant harmonies reflect how successfully Dilworth can construct a piece of music that is effective but easy to learn. Difficulty rating 3. $1.80
New Releases ~ Secular Ej, Saulite, Driz Pie Dieva (from Under the Baltic Sun), arr. Imant Raminsh, Latvian text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48020622, SATB & piano or orchestra. Although this Latvian folksong arrangement deals with the sun and its relationship to God, it is considered secular due to its reference to life in general. Florid in nature, the piece is challenging, but beautifully written. Raminsh musically suggests the sun in this F Major arrangement. The atmospheres Raminsh creates in this piece introduce the gorgeous melody that became the region's national anthem under Soviet domination. This unique arrangement will resonate throughout the world with its gentle counterpoint and brilliant vocal writing. A pronunciation guide, translation and performance notes are included in the edition. Difficulty rating 4. 1.80
O My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose, arr. Simon Carrington, English text, Hal Leonard, 08750226, SATBBB (divisi) a cappella. The King's Singers are renowned for featuring the individual voices in their arrangements and this piece is no exception. Set to a text by Robert Burns (1759-1796), this famous folksong is floridly arranged, using lovely counterpoint. Expressive singing is critical to the artistic success of the piece, whose melody is shared between the various voice parts. This beautiful folksong can be sung by solo voices or with a large choir. Set in C Major, the work requires an accomplished bass section. Difficulty rating 4. $1.90
*Skylark, arr. John Rutter (1945), English text, Hinshaw, HMC2221, SATB, solo, flute & piano. The famous Hoagy Carmichael tune with words by Johnny Mercer is a musical divergence for this famous English composer. As unusual as this step is for Rutter, we are safe in the hands of a master composer. The piano part is full of glistening runs and appropriate harmonies, while the flute part imitates the bird itself. The piece opens with a solo that must be sung by someone who understands the jazz style of this music. The choir provides an accompaniment until the end, where they pick up the melodic statement in beautiful blues harmonies to conclude the piece. Rutter's arrangement is ideal for the accomplished high school choir or choral society. This is just pure fun! Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.05
*The Stolen Child, by Eric Whitacre, English text, Hal Leonard, 08751017, SATB, & solo sextet a cappella. This is a major piece of music from this expressive composer. Set to a poem by William Butler Yeats, and dedicated to Whitacre's teacher, John Corigliano, this expansive, powerful eight-minute piece is simply stunning. Composed for the King's Singers and SATB chorus, the piece can be performed with solo sextet or chamber ensemble. You can hear the world premiere of this magnificent piece on You Tube. Whitacre has this to say about his piece, "The National Youth Choir would represent the voice of the human child, innocent and naïve, and the King's Singers would represent the highland faeries of the 'water and the wild', seducing the children away from a world full of troubles with the promise of endless revelry and eternal youth." It is difficult, but well worth the effort. Someone must do a Boston premiere! Difficulty rating 5. $3.95
Wayfaring Stranger, arr. Gwyneth Walker, English text, ECS, 7403, SATB (divisi) & or opt. brass quintet, percussion & organ. This is a clever and unusual arrangement of this popular folksong. It was commissioned by the Ocean Grove Choir Festival in 2008. Walker explains, "The lyrics describe two forms of journey-the journey "home" to be with parents, and the journey to the "Heavenly home" to be with God." Filled with nonsense syllables and playful melodic and harmonic characteristics, the piece is more secular than sacred in nature. Full score and parts are available for sale from the publisher. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.65
EXTENDED WORKS AND COLLECTIONS ~ SATB VOICES
Animal Crackers, by Eric Whitacre, English text, Hal Leonard, 08751016, SATB & piano. These playful pieces are as humorous musically as they are poetically. Set to texts by Ogden Nash, this is the second volume of a total set of six pieces. In this volume, we find The Canary, The Eel, and finally The Kangaroo. They can be performed separately or as a group. Each one is quite short but filled with rhythmic and harmonic challenges. The work requires an accomplished pianist who can handle the nuances as Whitacre creates each animal. This second set was composed in 2009. (The first set has been posted on You Tube.) Difficulty rating 5. $2.95
Choral Folksongs from South Africa, ed. Robert DeCormier, African/English texts, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50486503, SATB a cappella with chosen percussion instruments. De Cormier has always been on the cutting edge of the world's music, and this collection was researched and edited when there were only two African scholars in the entire city of New York. This edition, a reissue of the 1960 edition, contains introductory notes and a pronunciation guide. The forward and English lyrics are by the famous folk singer Pete Seeger. All vocal combinations are represented in this fine collection. Difficulty rating 3-4. $9.95
Constellation (Three Poems of Sara Teasdale), by Frank Ticheli, English text, Hindon (Hinshaw), HPC7100, SATB (divisi) a cappella. This extended work uses the Teasdale poems, From the Sea, The Falling Star, and There Will Be Stars, and lasts just about seven minutes. Large phrase shapes and elegant counterpoint dominate all three movements of this short extended work. Ticheli creates harmonies that he describes as "sound worlds" on lyrics that he claims set themselves. A second set of Teasdale poetry settings, There Will Be Rest, was published in 1999; and the two combined offer a wonderful programming opportunity. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.35
TREBLE VOICES ~ SECULARBoatmen's Song, by Bright Sheng, Chinese text, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50486623, SSAA, harp & percussion. This challenging, adventurous work was commissioned by Francisco J. Nunez and the Young People's Chorus of New York City. According to the composer, the work is based on a folk song from northern Shaanxi Province in China. Bright Sheng goes on to explain that pulling a boat down the river is very dangerous business, and she tries to capture that danger in her music. This is a real challenge but an excellent choice for a festival or honors chorus. A full explanation of the piece and clear pronunciation guide are included in the edition. The piano part is for rehearsal only. It is imperative that a harp be used for the performance. Difficulty rating 4-5. $1.95
If, by Mary Goetze, English text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48019923, SA & piano. Set to the charming and thought-provoking poem by E. E. Cummings, the piece uses clever musical gestures to express the text in the thoughtful manner for which Goetze is known. As the composer points out, Cummings' text warns us to "be careful what we wish for, lest we get it." The piece starts out on staccato notes that describe "freckles," quickly moving to a charming waltz in ¾ time. Difficulty rating 3. $1.95
Now Is the Time, by Robert Kyr, English text, ECS, 7376, SSAA a cappella with optional percussion. Set to an original poem by the composer, the words "war and truth" are key to the musical gesture of this piece, whose harmonies vacillate between starkness and rich, joyful warmth. This remarkable piece, composed for the Pacific Youth Choir, requires singers capable of singing complex harmonies and rhythms with great accuracy. The multiple meter signatures will take explaining and study. The use of drums with a cappella voices is unusual and quite provocative. Percussion parts are available separately from the publisher. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.15
What Bird So Sings, by Carl Ashley, English text, Walton (Hal Leonard), 08501737, SSA (divisi) & Piano. This fabulous piece set to a text by Thomas Dekker (1570-1632) creates an atmosphere of birdsong that chorally rivals Messiaen. The use of repetition and imitation between the parts will help with the learning of the piece. We have rated it as a 4 because of the rhythmic contrasts between the vocal parts. The bird chirping syllables are brilliantly set, giving you a feeling of an early spring morning aglow with natural sound. Ashley has truly captured this poem musically, basing his musical ideas on actual recordings of birds as they sing back and forth to each other. It had its premiere in 2009 with an Anglo-American girl's middle school chorus in Moscow, Russia. Difficulty rating 4. $2.05
MEN'S VOICES ~ SECULAREl Aire Lloro, by Francisco J. Nunez, Spanish text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48020740, TB & acoustic guitar or piano. This popular form is usually arranged in "Spanish melancholy flamenco style." In his setting, Nunez has put an Americanized popular spin on this traditional Spanish text. The original guitar part adds to the popular effect, lightly supporting the low voices. Set in d minor, the Spanish rhythms and harmonies make for a very effective piece. An IPA Pronunciation Guide and Translation are included in the edition. Difficulty rating 3. $1.90
EXTENDED WORK~MEN'S VOICES
Four Yeats Songs, by Alice Parker, English text, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50486880, TTBB & viola. This fine set of songs includes the poems The Lover Tells of the Rose in His Heart, The Pity of Love, A Drinking Song, and The Fiddler of Dooney. The publisher tells us, "The Irish lilt of the poetry, the tradition of the singing bard with a twinkle in his eye, the Celtic gift of gab, and the irresistible rhythms of dancing feet are all reflected in this music." The viola part reflects the same ideas. These pieces will be an amusing crowd pleaser as the choir sings well-crafted music appropriate to the interpretation of the text. Commissioned by the University Glee Club of New York City, Francisco J. Nunez, Director, these 10-minute pieces are an excellent addition to the extended repertory for men. Difficulty rating 3-4. $4.95Long Live the King (S. 1789), by P.D.Q, Bach (1807-1742?), English text, Presser, 312-41856, SAB a cappella (or SATB chorus or STB soli). P.D.Q. Bach (aka Peter Schickele) has been a favorite for years. An eccentric, his sense of humor has made many singers and their audiences laugh. He has edited this piece for smaller mixed voices with a gleam in his eye and with the desire to introduce Bach in an entirely new way. With characteristic humor, style, and originality, P.D.Q. Bach has again taken the stuffiness out of the Baroque period. Difficulty rating 3. $1.65
* New releases marked with an asterisk (*) are especially recommended.Difficulty Ratings Guide: All selections reviewed in The Choral Room are given a difficulty rating to help you select the music most appropriate for your singers. 1 - easy; 2 - accessible; 3 - medium difficulty;4 - advanced difficulty; 5 - extreme difficulty