Musical Theater Repertoire
By Marie Stultz, Contributing EditorMusical theatre as an art form has been popular with audiences and singers worldwide since the earliest stage productions. Musicals first began as minstrel shows or vaudeville performances -- musical revues with no dramatic unity or plot development. The catchy tunes, lively rhythms, dances, and sincere sentiments drew everyone into the magic of this unique early 19th century theatrical world. From these unstructured beginnings, a group of 20th century composers and lyricists used their collective vision to establish the roots of musical theater in Great Britain and the United States.
These highly creative artists used as their model the smaller scaled European operetta, which was in turn based on the grand opera form. Many extremely popular and successful operettas were created by such distinguished composers as Jacques Offenbach (90 works), Johann Strauss and Franz Lehár. The most innovative of all the operetta creators was the famous British team of Gilbert and Sullivan, whose operettas became and remain tremendously popular throughout the world.
In choosing musical theater repertoire for your choir, take your lead from history. Start with a revue, cabaret, or pops concert based on a central theme much like the early minstrel shows did. Musical revues are an excellent way to explore this form and an excellent method for building your individual talent pool. Starting small with the possible goal of building to a full-blown musical over time insures confidence in both your performers and in your audience. (In the Summer 2004 and Fall 2004 Choral Room Newsletters, I dealt with the many details of putting together a successful musical theater production.)
Finding Arrangements of Favorite Tunes
One of the greatest difficulties facing the conductor who would like to do a selection or a short set of pieces from a musical comedy or operetta is the quality of the available arrangements. Too often arrangements don't adhere to the original compositional gesture. One way to study the original songs and thereby be in a better position to evaluate any choral arrangements is through the vocal selections or vocal scores from the individual shows. Vocal scores are available for purchase in the $40 - $100 range. Piano/vocal selections, which cost from $10 - $20, contain the high points of the musical, often in the original key. Some books also list characters or provide other notes. Many of them contain pictures from the original musical and are a tremendous resource for costume suggestions.
Mixed collections are another great resource for original material. The Singers Musical Theatre Anthology series was compiled and edited by Richard Walters between 1993 and 2000, in thirteen volumes, and published by Hal Leonard. The beauty of these volumes is that they are categorized by voice parts and "excerpted from the original vocal score." Published in the original key and with the original piano accompaniment, the editor has included a variety of songs from a range of musicals and films like Cabaret, Guys and Dolls, Desert Song, and Lady in the Dark (including the songs "My Ship" and "The Saga of Jenny" made famous by Gertrude Lawrence). The variety is quite extensive and is carefully considered, including music from all periods of musical theater, Gilbert and Sullivan, and light operetta, spanning over two centuries. This series includes performance information, as well as premiere and source information. Each volume in the series sells for $19.95, including the following:
HL #00361071 Soprano Volume 1
HL #00747066 Soprano Volume 2
HL # 00740122 Soprano Volume 3
HL #00361072 Mezzo-Soprano/Belter Volume 1
HL #00747031 Mezzo-Soprano/Belter Volume 2
HL #00740123 Mezzo-Soprano/Belter Volume 3
HL #00361073 Tenor Volume 1
HL #00747032 Tenor Volume 2
HL #00740124 Tenor Volume 3
HL #00361074 Baritone/Bass Volume 1
HL #00747033 Baritone/Bass Volume 2
HL #00740125 Baritone/Bass Volume 3
HL # 00361075 Duets Volume 1
HL # 00740331 Duets Volume 2These original solos and duets can be a fine jumping off point for a concert, but there are several publishers that provide choral arrangements of musical theater repertoire:
Hal Leonard and Warner (dist. Alfred) publish most of the arrangements of show singles and medleys in a variety of voicings. They vary in quality and adherence to the original source. The older, classic shows such as those by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Loewe, and Andrew Lloyd Webber tend to be more satisfying with their straightforward melodies and rhythms. More contemporary shows, such as Rent and Wicked with their rock/pop rhythms, tend to be less successful.
Novello publishers a few show medleys such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Phantom of the Opera, as well as a few singles, such as Castle on a Cloud, Close Every Door, The American Dream, On The Night of a Thousand Stars, I Know Him So Well, and I Dreamed a Dream. These arrangements are quite full, although a little challenging to read and on the expensive side.
Hinshaw Music publishes several Stephen Sondheim tunes arranged by Robert Page, including two excellent medleys: Comedy Tonight and Not a Day Goes By.
ECS Publishing has a number of authentic Gilbert & Sullivan tunes and medleys, such as music from Yeoman of the Guard and Iolanthe, as does Faber Music. A good King's Singers collection of Gilbert & Sullivan pieces is available from Hal Leonard.I hope some of these suggestions are helpful. Just remember: because you like the piece does not mean you are going to find a good arrangement to suit your needs. There is nothing wrong with singing the original in unison or in the original voicing. A bad arrangement of a popular tune can be deadly. My college choir was terribly fond of the musical Rent. They desperately wanted to sing it, so I went out and purchased the best arrangement I could find. The end result was a disaster, since the arranger had not stayed with the original musical gesture and the pieces were arranged in the wrong keys. It was disappointing for all of us. That is a "life lesson" I won't forget.
Hopefully this article has begun to help sort through the more authentic arrangements, in all vocal configurations, of the great musical shows. The Fall 2006 Newsletter will continue this exploration, dealing with the musical form in what we call the Pop Standards category, those legendary tunes we have sung and loved forever. Music by such luminaries as George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin will be included in that installment.
New Releases ~ Sacred A Shelter in the Time of Storm, by Timothy Broege, English text, Boosey & Hawkes (dist. Hal Leonard), 48019118, SATB a cappella. Poignant harmonies and offbeat rhythms fill this setting of a gospel hymn text by Ira D. Sankey. Sankey's music was quite square and Broege has cleverly developed varying verses and refrains to add to the liveliness of the anthem. Filled with wonderful jazz-like qualities, the piece is perfect for a Pentecostal service or festival where the conductor is looking for an alternative to a spiritual arrangement. The piece will be great fun to sing and liven up the church service. Difficulty rating 4. $1.70
Ave Maria, by Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611), Latin text, GIA Publications, G-6228, SATB a cappella. This stunning motet is beautifully edited by Richard Proulx. Set to the famous 13th century Latin text based on Luke 1:28, 42, this edition includes the elegant Gregorian chant from Mode 1 as the first part and the actual motet as the second part. The motet itself is filled with effective counterpoint on long contrapuntal phrase shapes. Editorial performance suggestions are included in the edition. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.50
By Their Side, by Janet Smiley, English text, Music for the Church Publishing, 05/001, SATB a cappella. A short peaceful setting of a poem taken from a collection entitled "Poems of the Western Highlanders by G.R.D. McLean, this piece is perfect for communion or for a funeral or memorial service. The melody is quite beautiful and set under lovely harmonies. Difficulty rating 3. $1.35
Come Dwell in Solomon's Walls, by Z. Randall Stroope, English text, MorningStar Music, 50-7068, SATB & piano. Commissioned by St. Paul United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, this anthem is set to a moving text written by the composer. The poetry talks about the power of the church with reference to the wisdom of King Solomon. The anthem is filled with effective unison and harmonies of great beauty and power. The piece is perfect to program when celebrating the "life of the church" and the power that prayer can have in the life of the celebrants who attend there. It is filled with graceful phrase shapes filled with homophonic harmonies that are tremendously effective. There is some divisi in the soprano and bass parts at the anthem's powerful conclusion. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.90
Come, Sing for Joy, by Jeffrey Cobb, Walton Music (dist. Hal Leonard), 08501598, SATB (divisi), solo & piano. This gospel setting of Psalm 95 with text adapted by the composer was composed for the Traverse City Central High School Chorale for their performance at the 1999 ACDA National Convention in San Antonio, Texas. It is filled with powerful harmonies and intricate rhythms that will offer some wonderful challenges for the accomplished school or church choir. To say that the text is set joyfully is an understatement, for this anthem is one long shout! Difficulty rating 4. $1.95
Drop, Drop, Slow Tears, by Janet Smiley, English text, Music for the Church Publishing, 05/005, SATB (divisi) a cappella. This sensitive setting of this popular text is filled with lovely suspensions on long phrase shapes that are both original yet satisfying. The divisi in the voice parts is not difficult but requires a balance of vocal forces to achieve the artistic expression necessary to make this piece a success. There are no dynamic marks indicated; therefore the singers and conductor must learn to sing the words with true expression and drama. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.65
Great Getting' Up Morning, arr. David Giardiniere, Walton Music (dist. Hal Leonard), 08501601, SATB (divisi) a cappella. This arrangement, filled with offbeat rhythms and divisi in all the voice parts, requires an accomplished choir that understands this type of driving, almost hypnotic setting. The piece is filled with powerful, rich harmonies that pay homage to the choral language of two great spiritual arrangers, William Dawson and Jester Hairston. The piece builds in power to the very end with all parts in divisi with hands clapping. This is another "barn burner" and a great arrangement to add to your choir's spiritual catalogue. It would be most effective with large forces. Difficulty rating 4. $1.95
God, in Your Grace: To Transform the World, English text, Augsburg, 0-8006-2028-3, SATB, organ & opt. congregation. This is fine service music with the choir and congregation singing the effective but simple refrain, while the choir sings the verses in unison or parts between the women and men's sections. The harmonies in the organ part add to the effectiveness of this plea for God's grace and mercy. Difficulty rating 2-3. $1.60
Nisi Dominus, by Ola Gjeilo, Latin text, Walton Music (dist. Hal Leonard), 08501590, SATB (divisi) a cappella. The power of this piece comes in its rhythmic gesture on homophonic phrases of great harmonic power and range. The composer is Norwegian and is currently studying at the Julliard School of Music. His fine compositional training is most evident in an anthem that uses Psalm 127, verses 1-4 (in the Latin vulgate, Psalm 126). Poetic translation and performance suggestions are included in the edition. This would make a powerful addition to an honors choir program or festival where there are large numbers of accomplished voices involved. The divisi sections are challenging but powerfully constructed to tremendous effect as the "Amen" concludes on triple forte. Difficulty rating 4. $2.25
Purest and Highest, arr. Charles Villiers Stanford, English text, GIA Publications, G-5957, SATB & organ. Set to a tune by the great Renaissance composer Orlando Gibbons, this arrangement by Stanford was first published in 1976 by the Royal School of Church Music in England. Arranged with long, elegant phrase shapes on effective harmonies on a text by Robert Bridges, this is a classic setting in English Cathedral style so typical of Stanford's fine compositional technique. An accessible anthem, it will be an excellent addition to the church choral library. Difficulty rating 3. $1.30
St. Patrick's Hymn ~ Christ, Illumine and Guide Me, by K. Lee Scott, English text, Augsburg, 0-8006-2019-4, SATB, organ & opt. trumpet. This is a grand and expansive setting of a text Scott has adapted from St Patrick, 387-493 and James Clarence Mangan (1803-1849). Set on changing meters of 6/8, 9/8 and 3/8, the anthem is quite grand in its scope. It contains some challenging rhythms and vocal tessituras, particularly in the soprano section filled with many g2's. The optional trumpet part also has some challenges. Difficulty rating 4. $1.90
The Souls of the Righteous, by David Cherwien, English text, MorningStar Music, 50-6066, SATB (double choir in divisi) a cappella. This anthem for double choir is filled with tone painting images of great beauty and depth. Choir 2 is a small ensemble of SAT voices (approximately 6-9 singers), which the composer suggests be situated above and behind the listeners. It uses the text of the "Epitaph placed on his daughter's tomb by Mark Twain." Choir 1 is for SATB voices and uses the text "from the Angels of God as found in the Wisdom of Solomon" and adapted by Robert Richardson (1850-1901). The unusual text is surrounded by vocal images that suggest the wind as its breezes blow over the prairie. The dark, quiet harmonies are filled with great beauty and magic. This is an unusual but very beautiful piece. Difficulty rating 4. $1.90
Thine Is the Glory, by Jonathan Willcocks, English text, Lorenz, 10/3364R, SATB, organ & Congregation. Taken from a larger work called "The Risen Christ," this anthem for choir and congregation quotes the famous tune from Handel's Judas Maccabaeus and is set to a text by Edmond Budry that has been translated by Richard Hoyle in 1923. The" alleluia" sections for choir and the harmonic structure of the choral harmonies sung under the congregation are quite effective. This is an excellent piece for introducing the congregation to this great tune by Handel. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.95
SATB ~ EXTENDED WORK
Lightsongs, arr. Adrian Mann, English & Hebrew text, Transcontinental (dist. Hal Leonard), 993102, SATB & piano. This suite of Chanukah songs is set with a great deal of charm and joy. The tunes include such popular melodies as My Dreydel, Chanukah Candle Blessings and Kindle the Taper, to name a few. It also incorporates Benedetto Marcello's Maoz Tzur. Including solos and some appropriate clapping, the entire work is filled with great traditional Jewish melodies celebrating the holiday. The piano part shows a lot of imagination as the work moves through many key changes. Alternating between English and Hebrew texts with ease, this piece would be excellent to program at a light holiday concert. A pronunciation guide and translation are included. Difficulty rating 3-4. $3.00
Catalonian Carol (What Shall We Give), arr. Cary Ratcliff, English text, Boosey & Hawkes (dist. Hal Leonard), 48019122, SA, oboe & harp (piano). This is an unusual setting of this famous carol tune. Scored for harp and oboe, it is filled with surprising harmonic turns. The change of key is quite unusual but effective. The oboe part doubles the unison singing and bridges the setting of the strophic verses. The official title of the carol is "El Noi de la Mare (The Song of the Virgin)" and was originally collected by Joseph Canteloube. The English translation in this edition is by the composer. The simple two-part writing is homophonic and composed in thirds. Difficulty rating 3. $1.70
Deus Noster Refugium, by Kurt Knecht, Latin text, Walton Music (dist. Hal Leonard), 08501581, SSAA & piano. . Filled with rhythmic intensity on some challenging harmonies, this piece was composed for the Blake High School Advanced Women's Chorus for the 2004 Florida ACDA convention. Set to Psalm 46: 1,2 and 10, the agitato sections that open and close the piece are in sharp contrast to the lyrical middle section that is filled with effective harmonies on longer phrase shapes composed contrapuntally. The rhythms are quite the challenge to perform because of the speed and the Latin text. This is a spectacular piece of music for an accomplished choir. Difficulty rating 4-5. $1.80
Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, arr. Moses Hogan, English text, Hal Leonard, 08745537, SA & piano. Originally arranged for mixed voices, this adaptation for treble voices by Janet Klevberg Day is quite effective. Listed as a two-part setting, there is actually divisi in the soprano part and a fine descant in the last section that can be sung by a few voices. Filled with intricate rhythms and appropriate syncopation, this arrangement is an excellent addition to the spiritual repertoire for treble voices. Day has held true to the original Hogan artistic gesture. This will call for an accomplished ensemble and in particular a small group of singers that understands this performance style. Difficulty rating 4. $1.70
For the Fruit of All Creation, by Alice Parker, English text, GIA Publications, G-6264, SA & keyboard. Commissioned by the Trinity United Church of Christ in Tiffin, Ohio, this is one in a long series of hymn settings Parker has arranged over the last 20 years. This arrangement, like others, includes the congregation in response to the choir. A hymn version composed in four parts is also included in the edition. The publication includes performance and interpretive suggestions by the composer. Difficulty rating 3. $1.50
Pie Jesu, by Christopher Rathbone, Latin text, Banks Music (dist. Hal Leonard), 08744603. SS & organ. This is an unusual and wonderful setting of this famous Latin text. Filled with numerous accidentals that are both unusual and very effective, this anthem is a must for the accomplished children's choir or women's chorus. Much of the partwriting is in thirds, but quickly diverges into more challenging harmonies. Composed homophonically on both short and long legato lines, this will develop both the note accuracy and artistry of your choir. It is ideal service music but would also be successful on the concert stage. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.65
A CANTATA FOR TREBLE VOICES
From the Circling Wheel, by Robert Kyr, English texts, ECS, , 6246 & 6247, SSAA a cappella. These three motets, set to texts by Hildegard von Bingen with translations into English by the composer, are quite brilliant in their gesture. The three pieces were commissioned by Tapestry, a woman's choir founded by Laurie Monahan. Performance suggestions are included in each edition, which are all published separately. $2.05 each.
Song to the Creator (6245) is filled with changing meters and makes reference to "the turning wheel of life." The harmonies include a divisi in the upper soprano part. It is composed homophonically with wide ranges in the voice parts.
Song of the Virgin to Her Son (6246) is filled with florid counterpoint and "features melismatic solos and ensembles in which the singers embody different aspects (or virtues) of the Virgin as she addresses Her Son upon His death and resurrection.
Song to the Virgin (6247) is filled with long phrase shapes composed contrapuntally. This movement refers to the Virgin as a redemptive force. It begins with a simple chant that quickly moves into phrases of great beauty and power.Ruach Elohim, arr. Stephen Richards, Hebrew/English text, Transcontinental (dist. Hal Leonard), 993156, SAB, cantor & keyboard. This arrangement of a simple melody composed by Lisa Levine is ideal to use with the middle school chorus where the number of male singers is limited. The cantor part is not very difficult and can easily be handled by an accomplished soprano. The Hebrew text is the priestly blessing from Numbers 6:24-27, which is interpreted by the composer as "May the love of friends be your shelter from every storm," a wonderful sentiment to teach young people. The piece would also be ideal for an interfaith service. The soprano and alto parts are composed homophonically with the men singing a simple rhythmic counterpoint that will be fun to sing. Difficulty rating 3. $2.25
MEN'S VOICES~SACREDO What a Pretty Little Baby, arr. Susan Gardner, English text, ECS, 6690, TTBB & piano. Composed for the Rutgers University Glee Club and conductor Patrick Gardner, this Christmas Gospel melody is composed homophonically in 12/8. The words are adapted by the arranger and are set to make for a rousing conclusion to a concert. The solo part should have some improvisational qualities to it and requires a singer that understands the Gospel style. The piece is one joyful romp with off beat rhythms and changing key signatures. The "alleluia" sections are both playful and joyous. Composed in 1979, it is good to see this arrangement enter the permanent repertoire for men's voices. Difficulty rating 4. $1.75
New Releases ~ Secular A Stephen Foster Medley, arr. Jon Washburn, English text, Walton (dist. Hal Leonard), 08501606, SATB & opt. piano. This Foster medley includes such popular favorites as Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair, Camptown Races, My Old Kentucky Home, Beautiful Dreamer and O Susanna. This extensive medley that lasts about 7 minutes was recorded by the Vancouver Chamber Choir and is an excellent introduction to this 18th century American composer of popular music and the entire concept of minstrel singing and vaudeville. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.95
Fayer, Fayer (Fire, Fire), arr. Mark Zuckerman, Yiddish) text, ECS, 6218, SATB a cappella. This piece is great fun and a perfect choice for a Winter holiday concert. The piece was originally about lokshn or noodles, but the arranger has adapted it to celebrate the love of latkes or potato pancakes, one of the favorite foods of Chanukah. The melody and poem were written by famous Russian born composer and concert pianist Vladimir Heyfetz (1893-1970), who worked and played in New York for over fifty years. This lively arrangement about hot pancakes that can burn the mouth will have everyone laughing. The piece is perfect for the accomplished high school choir. A translation and pronunciation guide is included in the edition. Lasting only one minute, it would be the perfect concert closer or encore. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.75
First to Know, arr. Stephen Hatfield, English text, Boosey & Hawkes (Hal Leonard), 48019115, SSA (or B) choir & SATB choir a cappella. This fabulous arrangement of a traditional African-American spiritual was commissioned by the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir for double choir. Filled with offbeat rhythms and harmonic challenges, the question and answer method of composition is used extensively throughout the piece. Both ensembles need to have a fine understanding of style as they interpret the extensive dynamics and articulation marks throughout the score. Hatfield is an accomplished composer and this piece truly demonstrates his compositional craft. Difficulty rating 4-5. $2.25Neighbor, Take This Torch of Peace, by Emma Lou Diemer, English text, Kjos Music, 9042, SATB (divisi) & piano. Composed for the Waging Peace Through Singing project of the University of Oregon, the piece is set to a poem by Diemer's great-grandmother who wrote the poem after 9/11. The powerful melody is set over an active offbeat piano part with the altos and basses singing in unison. This choice of voices adds to the power and darkness that beautifully interpret the text. This is a powerful piece, filled with accidentals in all voice parts. The broad and rich harmonies in contrast to the unison passages make this a powerful musical statement about the worlds need for peace. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.60
Back to Top of PageIsn't That Something?, by David L. Brunner English text, Boosey & Hawkes (Hal Leonard), 48019151, SSA & piano. Set to a charming text about music, tambourines and violins, this fine piece opens by asking the question in 7/8 meter, "Isn't that something?" Commissioned by Lillian Lee and the Mississippi Girlchoir for Treble Song 2005, the piece is filled with changing meters and some triplets that add to the earning level of the choir. Filled with special moments of unison and octave singing, the piece is filled with joyous images. The straightforward clapping sections celebrate "His eye grabs hold of a Tambourine in Me. The piece is perfect for the middle school choir, community chorus or in a concert in celebration of music. Difficulty rating 4-5. $1.70
Omnia Sol (Let Your Heart Be Staid), by Z. Randall Stroope, English/Latin text, Lorenz, 15/2135H, SSA & piano. A macaronic setting of a text taken from Carmina Burana, this piece is filled with poignant harmonies and unisons of great beauty. The text painting, change of keys and powerful phrase shapes all add to the intensity of the artistic impression. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.85
Perhaps They Are Not Stars, by Steven Sametz, English text, Walton (dist. Hal Leonard), 08501603, SA (divisi) & piano. The text of this piece is an Intuit proverb that was included in a letter from a middle school student to the parents of a child who died at the tender age of 12. Instead of planting a tree or placing a plaque, the Lower Macungie Middle School in Macungie, Pennslvania requested a piece for their school chorus of 200 to sing. his special piece for Mukul Gupta is soothing and peaceful and a wonderful piece for middle school chorus. Filled with pleading phrases of great beauty, the piano part underscores the voice parts set on changing meters. This is a wonderful piece to program any time of the year, but it is indeed special when tragedy has struck and hope is needed. Difficulty rating 3. $1.80
Songs of the Seasons, by Samuel Adler, English text, Boosey & Hawkes (dist. Hal Leonard), 48018896, SA & piano. Set in four short movements that celebrate the seasons of the year, these pieces are dedicated to the Young People's Chorus of New York City for the series "Transient Glory," Francisco J. Nunez, Artistic Director and Editor. These charming pieces set to texts by college colleague Janet Freeman effectively describe the seasons of the year in beautiful choral color. The pieces are ideal for teaching the young choir simple counterpoint and word painting. "Fall" is set in G Major, "The Late Year" in F Major, "Rain" in A Major and "Summer" in C Major, all fine keys to train younger choir's to build their reading skills. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.70
The Unsuitable Suitor, by Margaret King, English text, Boosey & Hawkes (Hal Leonard), 48019114, Unison & piano. This simple song set to an anonymous carefree text about toads, trains the younger choir about changing meters on eighth note divisions. King begins in 6/8 and shifts to 3/8 as she tells this charming story filled with humor and charm. Set in the middle tessitura, the melody rises to E Flat 2, building a young choir's headtone. The piece is ideal for school or the concert stage. Difficulty rating 3. $1.70
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MEN'S VOICES ~ SECULAR
Three Folksongs, arr. Curtis Heard, English text, Kensington Choralworks (dist. Hal Leonard), 08739941, TTBB a cappella. Arranged for the Notre Dame Glee Club, this publication includes arrangements of She's Like the Swallow, On the Banks of the Don and Farewell, My Friends, all lovely a cappella settings for men's chorus. The harmonies on long phrase shapes are vocally developing. The warm and sensitive harmonies make all three very satisfying. The entire group lasts eight and a half minutes. They can be performed as a group or separately. Difficulty rating 3. $1.95You can see samples of all of these pieces in the Choral Room at Spectrum Music or to order any of this music contact:
Spectrum Music
1844B Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA 02420
Phone: 781 862-0088
Fax: 781 861-1335
e-mail: info@spectrum-music.com