Engaging the Greatest Generation of Conductors to Work With Your Choir
Marie Stultz, Contributing EditorWe all have been made aware of Tom Brokaw's writings on the generation of citizens that went through the great depression and World War II - that silent generation that worked hard, took what came to them with grace and unspoken courage. This past year, The Treble Chorus of New England has had the privilege of working with two of the greatest choral conductors of this quiet generation, English conductor and composer Sir David Willcocks (80 years old) and American composer and conductor Alice Parker (75 years old). The concept was to expose the children to two conductors who had the greatest influence on shaping my career and the way I approached the teaching of music. In my mind, my musical father and mother would hopefully connect and directly share their knowledge with this next generation of young musicians. The rehearsal experience and concerts were more successful than I could have ever hoped. As one chorister so aptly put it, "Sir David, he's the man!"
Consummate Musicians
There is no question that these two extremely famous people are consummate musicians. It is uncanny how different they are in their approach, but yet are able to impart to young musicians how to express and interpret the score as they see it. There was simply no generation gap at all, just a huge amount of respect and eagerness to please in the rehearsal and concert.Sir David Willcocks approaches and communicates the score exteriorly, making sure every articulation mark, tempo change, etc. are carefully followed. He taught a lot by example, which helped all of us understand where this great mind was going with the music. Because he has perfect pitch, he was able to work on the children's intonation and fine points of tuning. Because of that kind of careful work, my choir has the best intonation in their history.
Alice Parker works with the score in a more spiritual fashion. She loves to work with the words and explore how the composer interprets the text. She encouraged the children to interpret the text to help in the realization of the score. Her emphasis on musical accuracy was there, but she drew on their own individual musicianship in a very rare way.
Both conductors used a sense of humor and a quite gentleness in their work with the choir. High expectations in realizing the score were displayed by both even though they were working with young children.
The contrasts in approach to the score was eye opening for me as a conductor, seeing how successful and effective both approaches can be in interpreting the music. Needless to say, having both of them watch my work really put me on my toes. I grew tremendously as a conductor, composer, and teacher because of the experience. I got to spend five days with Sir David and regrettably only one day with Alice Parker. Both will hopefully return to work with the choir very soon.
A Character Example For Young People
One of the most incredible parts of the experience was the display of what we'll call "the classy character of both of them." Sir David was constantly gracious and willing to do anything as part of his time with us. (This included feeding my dogs and doing the dishes. What a roommate!) Alice had that quiet gentleness about her which the children took to immediately. Both had many fascinating stories to tell. Sir David served in World War II and had quite the conversations with Benjamin Britten who was a conscientious objector. Much of that conversation gravitated around Britten's War Requiem and the appropriateness of Sir David conducting a piece against the whole concept of war. Needless to say, Sir David won that discussion and conducted Britten's great piece with uncanny insight.Alice has been widowed for many years and has a lot of stories about raising teenagers in New York City. She truly believes that if this tragedy had not happened to her, she would not have accomplished as much as she has. What a "life's lesson" for women professionals across the country and the world. These life experiences truly must have shaped the tone of quiet dignity and ease which surrounds both of them.
How to Meet and Engage Conductors of This Stature
I met Sir David Willcocks for the very first time in Toronto, Canada, at a Toronto Children's Chorus workshop in 1998. I had studied and listened to his recordings for years. His writings, compositions and collections have been part of my library and in my folders my entire musical life. I simply approached him in Toronto and asked if he would come as part of the choir's 25th Anniversary. To my great joy, he accepted and one of the greatest choral and orchestral conductors of the 20th century joined us in Boston over Memorial Day weekend in 2000. We correspond regularly and he will return to Boston in October of 2002.I first learned of Alice Parker's work at Southern Methodist University over 30 years ago. To my great joy, when we moved to New England, I was able to watch her work with a high school honors choir teaching the difficult Flower Songs of Britten. I lived in her rehearsal room. Two years ago I reconnected with her at the regional AGO Convention in Worcester. I was telling her what a fabulous conductor she was. Her comment back, "you're not so bad yourself." I then learned that she had been at the choir's Christmas concert and that her granddaughter Alexandra sings in the choir! The end result was the commissioning of Singing Questions and a guest conducting appearance over this past Memorial Day weekend.
Some Things to Consider When Preparing for the Guest Conductors Appearance
When bringing someone in of this stature to work with your choir, there are a number of things you should do in preparation for their arrival.
- Carefully pick your program. As Sir David constantly reminds me: less is best.
- If the conductor is also a composer, program his or her music. The choir gets so much out of working with someone that is both a fine conductor and composer.
- Plan the event carefully, getting the most out of the guest's visit.
- Pick a performance venue that has good acoustics and good instruments.
- Of course, teach the choir carefully, making sure they are fully prepared. This gives the guest artist time to work on interpretation, tone, etc.
- Plan some social time with the guest conductor. You learn so much about music in sharing stories and talking with them.
- Commission the guest conductor if he or she is a composer. The choir has so much pride in preparing and performing a piece written specifically for them.
- Share the podium with the guest conductor. Your conducting will only improve by working in front of a great artist.
- Engage the conductor well in advanced. In Sir David's case, he must have a Visa to work in this country. Both conductors are extremely busy, so engaging them months or years in advance is critical.
- Because of the expense, connect with another choir of equal ability to help share the expense. For us with Sir David, it was the Mississippi Girls Choir from Jackson, Mississippi.
- Be consummately prepared yourself, guaranteeing a feeling of equal footing.
We have much to learn from this great generation of musicians and we are compelled to ensure that their contributions will carry over for many generations to come.
New Releases ~ Sacred SATB Voices ~ Sacred
Agnus dei, by Emma Lou Diemer, Latin text, Santa Barbara, SBMP 381, SATB (divisi) & piano. This Agnus Dei from Diemer's Mass is beautifully crafted. The elegant opening melody in unison is set over an arpeggiated piano part. The intervalic writing is challenging with numerous key changes. The divisi sections will need to be carefully planned and assigned by the conductor. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.55
Beatus vir, by Giacomo Puccini (1712-1781), Latin text, Hinshaw, HMC-1835, SATB & keyboard (opt. strings). This beautiful psalm setting is written by Giacomo Puccini "senior" (great-great-grandfather of the opera composer). Born in the Italian town of Lucca, he is one of five generations of composers with the last name of Puccini. This edition by Martin Banner is based upon the autograph score located in the library of the Istituto Musicale "L. Boccherini" in Lucca, Italy. The library is a resource for all the Puccini Family manuscripts. Also published in this cycle is Psalm 111, Confitebor tibi, Hinshaw, HMC-1837, SATB & keyboard (opt. strings). Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.75
Be Still and Know, by Ronald A. Nelson, English text, MorningStar, 50-9117, SATB & organ. Stark contrapuntal harmonies are set against warm homophonic sections. Harmonically challenging, the piece will be enjoyed by congregation and singer alike. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.25
Cantate Domino, by Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612), Latin text, Hal Leonard, 08596730, SATB a cappella. Based on a text from Psalm 96, this edition by John Leavitt is nicely done. The simple counterpoint in contrast to expressive homophonic sections makes this piece an excellent introduction to the German motet style. Difficulty rating 3. $1.40
Good News, the Chariot's Comin', arr. Moses Hogan, English text, Hal Leonard, 08703312, SATB a cappella. Commissioned by the North Carolina Music Educators Association Honor Choir, 2000, this setting will truly stretch your choir. Filled with subtle articulation marks and some challenging harmonies, the choir will have to work to make this artistically effective. Difficulty rating 4. $1.40
Hashkiveinu, by David Shukiar, Hebrew text, Transcontinental, 993126, cantor, SATB, & keyboard. Written for the Friday night Sabbath service, this challenging setting of the prayer for peace and protection won the Guild of Temple Musician's Young Competition Award in 2000. A pronunciation guide is included in the edition. Difficulty rating 4. $2.50
He, Watching Over Israel, by Felix Mendelssohn, English text, Alfred, 20060, SATB & keyboard. This famous piece from the oratorio Elijah is edited by Patrick M. Liebergen. The edition contains extensive program notes and background on the composer. Difficulty rating 3. $1.75
Hear My Prayer, by Moses Hogan, English text, Hal Leonard, 08703308, SATB a cappella. This original anthem is set homophonically. Written to a text by the composer, and dedicated to the memory of Jester Hairston, it is a quiet plea for mercy. Difficulty rating 3. $1.40
Lamb of God (Agnus Dei), by Thomas Morley (1557-1602), English/Latin text, Kjos, 8948, SATB a cappella. Edited by Bradley Ellingboe, the accomplished church choir will enjoy singing the elegant counterpoint on long phrase shapes. The piece is perfect for communion, Lent, or general use. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.30
Ride the Chariot, arr. Moses Hogan, English text, Hal Leonard, 08703309, SATB (divisi) a cappella. Hogan is known for his fine arrangements of African-American spirituals This one is no exception, but also typical of his arranging, this setting is very challenging. Filled with complex rhythms and difficult harmonies, this piece requires an accomplished choir. Difficulty rating 4-5. $1.40
R'tzeih, by Simon A. Sargon, Hebrew text, Transcontinental, 993111, SATB a cappella. Sargon was born in Bombay, India, of Sephardic-Indian and Ashkenazic-Russian descent. His music reflects that heritage, having a mystical quality about it. Currently composition teacher at Southern Methodist University, this beautifully crafted setting of the traditional Sabbath prayer should enter the major repertory for synagogues around the country. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.50
Sanctus and Benedictus, by Charles Gounod, Latin text, Hal Leonard, 50294300, SATB (divisi), tenor & soprano solo & keyboard. Taken from Gounod's "St. Cecilia Mass" written in 1865, these two elegant movements are perfect for church or concert. Both require accomplished soloists and keyboard player. The mass was originally written for orchestra or organ. Difficulty rating 4. $1.40
Shalom Rav, by David Shukiar, Hebrew text, Transcontinental, 993127, cantor, SATB, & keyboard. A flowing refrain, alternating with a simple but plaintive cantorial solo in a medium voice range, captures beautifully this prayer for peace. The edition contains a pronunciation guide. Difficulty rating 3. $2.50We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace, arr. Moses Hogan, English text, Hal Leonard, 08703314, SATB (divisi) a cappella. Although there is a great deal of divisi in the part-writing, it is much more accessible to the amateur choir than some of Hogan's other arrangements. Written homophonically, this peaceful setting was written for the Calvin College Alumni Choir. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.40
Who Built the Ark?, arr. Moses Hogan, English text, Hal Leonard, 08703313, SATB (divisi) a cappella. This fabulous arrangement opens with a narration from Genesis 6:12-14a. It calls for chamber men's chorus and a larger SATB chorus that is very accomplished both musically and stylistically. A real winner, the piece is filled with challenging rhythms and antiphonal sections that require fine unison singing. Difficulty rating 5. $1.40
Treble Voices ~ Sacred
Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, arr. Ken Berg, English text, Hal Leonard, 08703266, SSA a cappella. Arranged for the Birmingham Boys Choir, this fine spiritual will be great fun to sing. Edited by Henry Leck, the piece has some rhythmic challenges, but will resonate on children's voices. Difficulty rating 4. $1.40Good News, arr. Hilger Schallehn, English text, Schott, C 47521, SSAA a cappella. Filled with wonderful partwriting and interesting counterpoint, this three verse arrangement is strophic in its construction. Once the harmonies and rhythms are learned, the singers will quickly be able to develop some stylistic qualities that will make for a fine artistic impression. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.75
Great Day, arr. Rollo A. Dilworth, English text, Hal Leonard, 08703264, SA &
piano. This piece is a jubilant expression of joy and freedom. Edited by Henry Leck, the gospel-like setting is extremely effective. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.40Motherless Child, arr. Nancy Grundahl, English text, Hal Leonard, 08703265, SSA & piano. Perfect for young voices, Henry Leck includes background on the arranger and performance suggestions as part of the edition. This plaintive setting will be even more poignant on children's voices Difficulty rating 3. $1.40
Panis Angelicus (O Lord, Most Beautiful), by César Franck, Latin/English text, MorningStar, 50-9924, SSA & keyboard (opt. strings). This elegant melody has been a long time favorite of The Treble Chorus of New England. Edited and arranged by Marie Stultz for the 25th anniversary of the choir, this edition has been carefully prepared through study of the original full score. A teaching tool and performance suggestions are included in the edition. Difficulty rating 3. $1.50
Praise God in Heaven (Lobet den Herren), by Heinrich Schütz (1585-1672), German/English text, Concordia, 98-3587, SA and organ (continuo). This edition has been arranged by David W. Music. Taken from Kleine Geistliche Konzert, the piece was originally written for 2 altos and continuo, one step lower. It is ideal for building the mid and lower tessitura of a children's choir as they are introduced to this great German composer. Difficulty rating 2. $1.50
Men's Voices ~ Sacred
Ecce, delectus meus (Truly, My Best Beloved), by George Jeffreys (d.1685), Latin/English text, Hal Leonard, 08301588, TTB (or SSB) & organ continuo. Composed before 1648 in Oxford, England, this edition by Peter Aston contains extensive program and editorial notes. The piece is filled with elegant counterpoint. Difficulty rating 3. $1.85
New Releases ~ Secular SATB Voices ~ Secular
A Dream Within a Dream, by Emma Lou Diemer, English text, Hinshaw, HMC-1816,
SATB & piano. Set to a poem by Edgar Allen Poe, this piece effectively uses unison and octave phrases in the four parts that are pitted against harmonic passages, all of which perfectly describe the powerful text. The piano part is written independently of the voice parts, which are set mostly homophonically. A real winner and a must for a good high school or college choir. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.95Finale from "The Gondoliers" (Dance a Cachucha), by Arthur Sullivan, English text, Alfred, 20166, SATB & piano. A great crowd-pleaser, this piece is perfect for closing a program or as an encore. Set in 3/8, the amateur choir will enjoy singing this fun loving piece about dancing. Difficulty rating 3. $1.75
Lamento D'Arianna, by Claudio Monteverdi, Italian text, Hinshaw, HMC-1850, SSATB a cappella. This is a fabulous edition by Richard Cox of this great lament taken from the opera Arianna. Sadly the full opera is missing. This final movement was thankfully included in Monteverdi's Sixth Book of Madrigals published in 1614. This publication was used in preparing the edition. This is one of two laments by this great Italian composer. Lamento della Ninfa is more commonly known. This edition contains extensive comments, background information, and program notes. An absolute must for the accomplished choir. Difficulty rating 4. $2.95
Eldorado, by Emma Lou Diemer, English text, Hinshaw, HMC-1817, SATB & piano.Written for the Monte Vista High School Concert Choir in Dansville, California, this wonderful piece is set to another great poem by Edgar Allen Poe. The counterpoint is lovely but quite straightforward, therefore easy to execute. There is some divisi in the voice parts and the intervals between the parts and in the melody are challenging. It is perfect for the accomplished high school or college choir. Difficulty rating 4. $1.75
Oliver Cromwell, arr. John Powell, English text, Hal Leonard, 08301595, SATB (divisi) a cappella. This clever arrangement of this famous Suffolk nursery rhyme will certainly develop a choir's musical accuracy and diction. A real challenge, the choir will have a lot of fun singing this arrangement set at Con Brayo. Difficulty rating 4. $1.95Snow On My Town (Peirot Chamishah Asar), by Naomi Shemer, Hebrew text, Transcontinental, 991487, SATB a cappella. Set to a wonderful text by the popular Israeli composer, this arrangement by Gil Aldema is ideal for a choral society or any accomplished SATB chorus. Written to long phrase shapes on changing meters, the text painting is quite beautiful and the harmonies haunting. There is a pronunciation guide with the edition. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.50
Sonnet in the Sky, by Claire Liddell, English text, Presser, 392-01061, SSATB a cappella. This complex setting of a text by John Gillespie Magee Jr. was commissioned by the Scottish Arts Council. The poet was a Canadian Air Force pilot killed in action in 1941 during World War II. The setting contains a brief quotation from the famous Scots lament The Flowers of the Forest. It expresses the tragic waste of life in war. The intricate rhythms and intervalic relationships make this piece a real challenge. Difficulty rating 5. $2.75
Treble Voices~SecularCold on the Hillside, by Ian Kellam, English text, Hal Leonard, 08301592, SA & piano. Set to a text by Dee Trembath, this lovely setting is ideal for the young singer. The tessitura of the melody is perfect for building head tone with a gentle quality to it. The stepwise melody in e minor will be easy for the children to read. The simple two-part section will develop the young singer's ability to sing in parts with ease. Difficulty rating 3. $1.60
Durme, Durme, arr. Alice Parker, Ladino text, Transcontinental, 993120, SSAA a cappella. Adapted from the SATB version of one of a set of pieces entitled Zimrei Chayim (Songs of Life), Parker captures the essence of sleep in this arrangement of a Ladino folksong. The original three songs for SATB voices, also published by Transcontinental, were dedicated to Eleanor Epstein, conductor of Zemer Chai of Washington, DC. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.50
Maidens, Remember (Jeune Fillette), by Nicolas Dalayrac (1735-1809), English/French text, BriLee Music, BL300, SSA & piano with op. flute or violin. Arranged by Judy Arthur, this playful French piece is a lot of fun. Filled with nonsense syllables and simple counterpoint, it is madrigal-like in its artistic gesture. Difficulty rating 4. $1.40
Scottish Folk Song Suite, arr. Lee R. Kesselman, English texts, Boosey & Hawkes. This charming folksong suite is edited by Doreen Rao and is comprised of five individual pieces: Afton Water (M-051-47280-2), SSA a cappella; Loch Lomond (M-051-47281-9) SSA opt. piano; Skye Boat Song (M-051-47282-6) SA & piano; The Birks of Aberfeldy (M-051-47283-3) SA & piano; Auld Lang Syne (M-051-47284-0) SA & piano. Performance suggestions and program notes are included in the editions. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.30-1.50
The Silver Swan, by Orlando Gibbons, English text, Boosey & Hawkes, M-051-47278-9, SA a cappella. This simple two-part setting is a wonderful way to introduce the young singer to one of the English Tudor Schools great composers. The beautiful melody, with alto counterpoint, will simply ring on children's voices as they develop their ability to sing with perfect intonation a cappella. Difficulty rating 2-3. $1.10
Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?, arr. Michael Neaum, English text, Hal Leonard, 08301598, SSA a cappella. Neaum has arranged many British Isle folksongs for Pamela Cook and Cantamus. All are quite fine and dearly loved by the advanced treble ensemble. This gentle setting of a traditional Scottish folksong is no exception. The piece is perfect for developing the choir's ability to sing a cappella in the mid-range of the voice. Difficulty rating 3. $1.60
SAB Voices ~ Secular
De Colores (All the Colors), arr. John Leavitt, Spanish/English text, Hal Leonard, O8551476 SAB & piano (opt. string bass & percussion. Leavitt has homophonically set this Mexican folksong. The simple harmonies and numerous triplet rhythms make the piece ideal for the young mixed choir with limited numbers or abilities. A pronunciation guide and translation are included in the edition. Difficulty rating 2-3. $1.40
Los Pollitos (Baby Chicks), arr. Mary Lynn Place Badarak, Spanish text, Hal Leonard, 08703234, SAB & piano. This Latin American folksong imitates the little chicks. The choir will have great fun making the sound of chickens in the barnyard pen. A pronunciation guide and translation are included in the edition. Difficulty rating 3. $1.40
Joyfully Sing With Pleasure, by Adriano Banchieri, English text, BriLee Music, BL304, SAB a cappella. This madrigal has an accompaniment created by arranger and editor Patrick M. Liebergen. It is ideal for introducing a young choir to the madrigal style of singing. Performance notes are included in the edition. The piece was originally performed a cappella, so as the choir develops confidence, train them to sing it without the accompaniment. Difficulty rating 3. $1.40
Rio, Rio (River, River), arr. Audrey Snyder, Spanish/English text, Hal Leonard, O8551473, SAB & piano. This Chilean folksong has some challenging counterpoint and some simple divisi in the vocal parts. A pronunciation guide is not included in the edition. Snyder has captured the essence of the country in this arrangement. Difficulty rating 4. $1.40
Sondheim! A Choral Celebration, by Stephen Sondheim, English text, Hal Leonard, 08621184, SAB & piano. This collection arranged by Mac Huff includes such favorites as Comedy Tonight, Into the Woods, and Send in the Clowns. It is divided into three sections of three pieces each. It is also available for SATB voices (08621183) Difficulty rating 3. $3.50