Choral Music of Samuel Barber
A Short Catalog Filled with
Beauty and Majesty
New Releases - Sacred
SATB
Treble
SAB & Men
New Releases - Secular
SATB
Treble & Men
Choral Music of Samuel Barber
A Short Catalog Filled with Beauty and Majesty
By Marie Stultz, Contributing EditorWhen the name Samuel Barber (1910-1981) is mentioned, one immediately thinks of chamber music, orchestral works, solo songs, and opera. One of the great composers of the 20th century, Barber is a revered creative mind in American music history, probably best known for his Adagio for Strings. But we rarely think of Barber and choral music.
Fresh and rewarding, not one choral opus number is like another; yet together they create a road map of Barber's creative life and growth. The stylistic surprises, majestic harmonies, contrapuntal textures, and text versification skills he uses continually amaze. The most striking aspect of Barber's choral output is his selection of texts. They drive him down a sophisticated path of remarkable realizations. Barber's choral music should have a major place in American choral music history. The Complete Choral Music collection is available from Hal Leonard (50334620) for $24.95, but many are also available separately, as detailed below.
A Stopwatch and an Ordnance Map, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50301170, TTBB & 3 kettledrums (opt. brass). Composed in Philadelphia on April 23, 1940, it was created during the time Barber was attending the Curtis School of music. The parts are available from the publisher. Difficulty rating 4.
" Key: c minor
" Meter: 4/4, 5/4, & 3/2
" Text Source: Stephen Spender
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Secular
" Special Music Characteristics: The performance of this piece gives the accomplished men's chorus an opportunity to sing unusual and dramatic music. The anthem opens simply, asking a musical question that is actually a declamation of the title. The entire musical structure is dominated by a text filled with surprising turns.Agnus Dei (Transcribed from "Adagio for Strings"), G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50313910, SATB & organ or piano. Difficulty rating 4.
" Key: b flat minor
" Meter: 4/2, 5/2, & 6/2
" Text Source: Traditional Latin
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Sacred Anthem Adaptation
" Special Music Characteristics: This is the most frequently performed piece in his choral catalogue. It was adapted for chorus and organ from the original orchestral version in 1967. It can be sung a cappella or with keyboard.Easter Chorale, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50312080, SATB (divisi), brass, tympani, & organ. Difficulty rating 4-5.
" Key: C Major (changing keys) ending in A Major
" Meter: 4/4
" Text Source: Pack Browning
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Sacred Anthem for Any Season
" Special Music Characteristics: Reverence and grandeur are the first words that come to mind when preparing this anthem. Barber captures the dawn of Easter morning and the excitement of Christ's reappearance. It opens with a beautiful chorale followed by an anthem breathtaking in scope. It calls for a large brass ensemble; but when performed with organ, it can be done with smaller brass forces (quartet/quintet). Stately in gesture, the words "The morning light renews the sky" brings the hope of Christ's appearance on Easter morn. The piece brings cold chills as the choir sings growing harmonic chords evoking beauty and promise. The double choir ending is stunning in its simplicity. This may be the most powerful of all Barber's choral music.Heaven-Haven (A Nun Takes the Veil), G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50308880, SATB (divisi) a cappella. Difficulty rating 3-4.
" Key: g minor
" Meter: 3/4, 4/4, & 2/4
" Text Source: Gerard Manley Hopkins
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Sacred Anthem
" Special Music Characteristics: A dramatic setting of an original solo song, the anthem contrasts bright harmonies with darker colors that amplify the words. The text declamation in this piece is masterful, as it speaks of a Nun's worldly desires. The rhythms and melodic structure are simple and straightforward, offering the perfect introduction to Barber's choral music.Let Down the Bars of Death, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50301430, SATB a cappella. Difficulty rating 3-4.
" Key: g minor
" Meter: 3/4, 4/4, & 5/4
" Text Source: Emily Dickinson
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Secular
" Special Music Characteristics: This passionate plea composed in g minor is constructed homophonically, using rich chords and surprising harmonic turns. It is dark in mood and color, fitting the dramatic text. Barber's exploration into death is profound in this short anthem.Reincarnations, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50490067 - Complete edition, containing the three works below. SATB (divisi) a cappella. Difficulty rating 4.
#1: Mary Hines (available separately: 50301440)
" Key: C Major
" Meter: 4/4, 3/4, 3/2, & 3/8
" Text Source: James Stephens (after the Irish of Raftery)
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Secular
" Special Music Characteristics: Bold harmonies prevail on interesting contrapuntal lines in this first of three anthems. The movement closes on the repeated word "airily" constructed on haunting descending and ascending half step passages.#2 Anthony O Daly (available separately: 50301450)
" Key: e minor
" Meter: 3/4
" Text Source: James Stephens
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Secular
" Special Music Characteristics: A dirge-like setting about the death of Anthony O Daly, the harmonies are mystical. The melody is generated and then moves through all the vocal parts. Set contrapuntally, the anthem concludes with the sobering words, "There is nothing but grief!"
"
#3 The Coolin (available separately: 50301460)
" Key: d minor & F Major
" Meter: 12/8 & 9/8
" Text Source: James Stephens
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Secular
" Special Music Characteristics: The Coolin actually refers to white goat's milk or wine. The harmonies are constantly shifting between homophonic passages, in contrast to lovely counterpoint on challenging rhythms. There are some divisi passages in the bass part that require larger forces. The piece concludes in F Major, making the entire set of three pieces a tremendous statement in musical contrasts.Sure On This Shining Night, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50308930, SATB & piano. Difficulty rating 4.
" Key: B Flat Major
" Meter: 3/4, 2/4, & 4/4
" Text Source: James Agee
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Secular
" Special Music Characteristics: One of Barber's most famous solo songs, this adaptation for SATB chorus is nothing short of spectacular -- using bone-chilling harmonies on long phrase shapes. The harmonies are borrowed from the piano part of the original solo song.The Monk and His Cat (from "Hermit Songs",) G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50313900, SATB (divisi) & piano. Difficulty rating 4-5.
" Key: F, a minor & F# Major
" Meter: 9/8, 6/8, & 11/8
" Text Source: 8th or 9th century (transcribed by W. H. Auden)
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Secular
" Special Music Characteristics: There is a mystical playfulness in this piece about a scholarly monk and his mischievous white cat, Pangur. The piece opens with the lower parts singing homophonic chords on the word "Pangur, white Pangur" while the sopranos sing the melody. This is a lengthy work that melodically and harmonically explores the relationship between Priest and feline as they live together in the monastery.The Virgin Martyrs, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50299760, SSAA a cappella. Difficulty rating 4-5.
" Key: C Major
" Meter: 4/4. 3/4, 3/2, & 5/4
" Text Source: Helen Waddell (After the Latin of Sigebert of Gembloux)
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Sacred Anthem
" Special Music Characteristics: Using animated counterpoint on florid phrase shapes, the text for this exquisite piece describes women martyrs gathering flowers in a field. The nuanced text painting presents each woman in turn -- with the harmonic and melodic materials changing with the mention of each woman's name. This is a must for a fine youth or women's chorus.To Be Sung on the Water, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50315310, SATB a cappella. Difficulty rating 4.
" Key: c minor
" Meter: 3/4
" Text Source: Louise Bogan
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Secular
" Special Music Characteristics: Using imitation as the key musical gesture, the tenors and basses sing a harmonic ostinato, while the sopranos and altos sing a reflective answer using the words "Beautiful, my delight." The short phrase shapes are often dominated by intervals of thirds and sixths. Barber swaps music materials between the male and female vocal groupings throughout the entire piece.Twelfth Night, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50315300, SATB (divisi) a cappella. Difficulty rating 4-5.
" Key: d minor
" Meter: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, & 3/8
" Text Source: Laurie Lee
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Sacred Anthem
" Special Music Characteristics: The text is a powerful observation of the birth and death of Christ. The spectacular text painting employs unusual and massive harmonic shifts. The counterpoint and rhythms are equally complex.Two Choruses from the opera Antony and Cleopatra (1965-66), only available in the Complete Choral Music collection, SSA, soprano solo, & piano, SATB (divisi) & piano. Difficulty rating 4-5.
On the Death of Antony
" Key: f & b flat minor
" Meter: 3/4 & 4/4
" Text Source: Zeffirelli (after Shakespeare)
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Secular
" Special Music Characteristics: This is a very challenging piece. The piano part is difficult and the voice writing is filled with complex rhythms and demanding intervallic relationships on lyrical counterpoint. The melodic material describes the complex relationship between these two famous figures.On the Death of Cleopatra
" Key: f & b flat minor
" Meter: 4/4, 3/2, 2/4, & 6/4
" Text Source: Zeffirelli (after Shakespeare)
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Secular
" Special Music Characteristics: This movement is less complex but still requires an accomplished pianist. The melodic phrase shapes are more angular and set on growing counterpoint and increasingly dramatic harmonies. There is divisi in the voice parts, with the basses and tenors singing in two parts as they move into the mid-section. The divisi requires large forces and accomplished singers.Under the Willow Tree (from opera "Vanessa" 1958), G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50308910, SATB, soprano solo, & piano. Difficulty rating 4.
" Key: a & e minor
" Meter: 3/4, 4/4, & 2/4
" Text Source: Gian Carlo Menotti (1967)
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Secular
" Special Music Characteristics: An adaptation for soloist and mixed voices by the composer, this haunting music uses elegant counterpoint on beautiful phrase shapes. The piece opens with a chillingly beautiful solo which could be sung by a male or female soloist. The chorus is composed in two and four-part counterpoint with less complex harmonies. The text refers to two turtledoves searching for a home, and Barber's melodies brilliantly capture the birds in flight. At the piece's conclusion, the birds fly away on ascending scales, landing on an A Major chord of sustained beauty.
New Releases ~ Sacred
A Dedication and an Amen, by John Rutter, English text, Hinshaw, HMC2277, SATB a cappella. Difficulty rating 3. $1.55
" Key: E Flat Major
" Meter: 4/4 & 3/4
" Text Source: John Rutter
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century English
" Style: Anglican Service Music
" Special Music Characteristics: Commissioned by Chorus America, to be used for ceremonial occasions, this short anthem is ideal for graduation, important worship services, or dedications.Brother James Air, by James Jeith McBeth Bain (1840-1925), arr. Mack Willberg, English text, Oxford, X 372245, SATB & keyboard. Difficulty rating 3. $2.25
" Key: C Major
" Meter: 3/2
" Text Source: Psalm 23 (Adapt.)
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century/American
" Style: Sacred Folk
" Special Music Characteristics: This simple setting is so in keeping with the beauty of the text and gentle melodies. It is ideal for a Sunday where rehearsal time is short. The arrangement will be a breath of fresh air on any occasion. Composed over a gentle accompaniment, it concludes in quiet unison.Canticle of the Turning (Magnificat), arr. Michael D. Costello (Star of County Down), English text, Augsburg, 9781451401615, SATTBB, organ, trombone, & opt. assembly. Difficulty rating 3. $2.25
" Key: e minor
" Meter: 2/2, 6/8, & 4/4
" Text Source: Rory Cooney, b 1952 (Based on the Magnificat)
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century/American
" Style: Traditional Irish Folk Song
" Special Music Characteristics: This piece opens and closes with a simple a cappella chant that could be sung by the entire choir or soloist. The melody uses the famous Irish tune, Star of County Down. Both the trombone and organ part are accessible.The Ground (from Sunrise Mass), by Ola Gjeilo, Latin text, Walton Music (Hal Leonard), 08501774, SATB (divisi) Difficulty rating 3. $2.25
" Key: G Major/B Major/E Flat Major
" Meter: 3/4
" Text Source: Ola Gjeilo
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century/Norwegian
" Style: Chorale
" Special Music Characteristics: A simple anthem using the tune Pleni sunt caeli, this is a lovely setting of the last movement of a full mass by a fine young composer. The simple, graceful melody supported by accessible harmonies is set over an active accompaniment that is best performed by strings or an accomplished pianist.The House of David, by Z. Randall Stroope, English text, MorningStar, 50-2571, SATB (divisi) & organ. Difficulty rating 3. $2.25
" Key: G Major/C Major (e minor)
" Meter: 4/4 & 3/4
" Text Source: Z. Randall Stroope & Zechariah 4:6b
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century American
" Style: Anthem based on the Old Testament
" Special Music Characteristics: A powerful, yet simple anthem composed for the United Methodists 2011 Convention, it is based on the familiar Biblical story. Composed on simple rhythms, the beautiful harmonies and phrase shapes are effective and quite accessible.I Will Sing New Songs of Gladness, by Antonín Dvorák (arr. Jon Washburn), English text, Walton (Hal Leonard), 08501785, SATB (divisi) a cappella or piano. Difficulty rating 4. $1.90
" Key: B Flat Major
" Meter: 4/4
" Text Source: Psalms 144-145 (adapt. Jon Washburn)
" Period and Nationality: Romantic Czech
" Style: Concert Anthem
" Special Music Characteristics: This is an adaptation for mixed voices originally conceived for solo voice and orchestra. The orchestral parts are the basis for a remarkable publication for SATB chorus. The anthem requires a strong men's section, which is often divisi. The adapted choral writing from the piano reduction is by Dvorák and expands the musical texture. Extensive program notes are included in the edition.The Lord Will Reign For Ever, by James Biery, English text, MorningStar, 50-8920, SATB, trumpet, & organ. Difficulty rating 3. $2.25
" Key: D Major
" Meter: 2/2
" Text Source: Communion Antiphon for Christ the King/Psalm 29
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century/American
" Style: Sacred Anthem
" Special Music Characteristics: A powerful setting of this great text, the anthem uses simple rhythms on harmonies switching quickly between major and minor seconds. The anthem would be best performed with a larger choir, and the organ part requires an accomplished player.Magnificat and Nunc dimittis, by Gerald Near, English text, MorningStar, 50-9815, SATB & organ. Difficulty rating 3. $1.85
" Key: e minor
" Meter: 2/2, 3/2, 4/4, & 6/4
" Text Source: The Song of Mary & The Song of Simeon
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century American
" Style: Evening Canticle in Two Movements
" Special Music Characteristics: Composed mostly in unison with some simple but dramatic harmonies, this is an accessible two-movement anthem for evensong. The Magnificat is the more challenging of the two. Both movements will work well with a small choir.A New Song, by Philip Lawson, English text, MorningStar, 50-8095, SATB/SATB a cappella. Difficulty rating 4-5. $2.50
" Key: B Flat Major, D Flat Major, F Major, E Major, & e minor
" Meter: 2/2, 7/8, 2/4, 5/8, 3/2, & 3/4
" Text Source: Psalm 96
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century American
" Style: Complex Festival Double Choir Anthem
" Special Music Characteristics: Festive in mood and filled with joyful harmonies and challenging rhythms, this piece requires an accomplished choral ensemble. This wonderful anthem celebrates the act of singing.Nunc dimittis, by C. G. Gorczycki (1665?-1734), Latin text, Lorenz, 15/2846R, SATB, SATB soloists, 2 violins, opt. 2 trumpets, cello, & continuo. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.50
" Key: D Major
" Meter: 4/4
" Text Source: Traditional Text
" Period and Nationality: Baroque/Polish
" Style: Homophonic and Contrapuntal Service Music
" Special Music Characteristics: Skillfully edited by William Bausano, this anthem is a fine addition to the Baroque choral repertoire. The publication is based on a hand-written manuscript from the Biblioteka Diecezzjalna w Sandomiezu, located in southeastern Poland. The music is composed homophonically, with some lovely diverging counterpoint.Peace, by Aaron Pike, English text, Santa Barbara, SBMP 987, SATB (divisi) a cappella. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.95
" Key: C Major
" Meter: 3/4, 4/4, & 2/4
" Text Source: Louis N. Parker
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century American
" Style: Contrapuntal Anthem for a Peaceful World
" Special Music Characteristics: A poignant anthem, the piece opens with a minor to major second relationship in the alto and tenor parts. This spectacular anthem memorializing the dead was the winner of the 2010 San Francisco Conservatory of Music Choral Competition. A wonderful piece of music, it is a must for the accomplished choir.This is the House of God, by John Rutter, English text, Hinshaw, HMC-2275, SATB a cappella. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.55
" Key: D Major
" Meter: 4/4
" Text Source: John Rutter
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century English
" Style: English Anthem Service Music
" Special Music Characteristics: Composed homophonically, this anthem was commissioned for the Church of St. Mary the Virgin. It is filled with warm harmonies on simple rhythms. As usual, Rutter uses musical surprises effectively in this anthem about the "House of God as a quiet place."You Hear the Hungry Crying, arr. Ronald A. Nelson, English text, Augsburg, 978-1451401790, SATB, keyboard, and opt. assembly. Difficulty rating 3. $1.90
" Key: E Flat Major
" Meter: 4/4
" Text Source: Jaroslav Vajda
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century American
" Style: Adaptation of Aurella by Samuel S. Wesley
" Special Music Characteristics: A provocative anthem, the piece opens with passages reminiscent of weeping, sung by the tenors and basses. Using lovely counterpoint and beautiful text painting, the anthem concludes with the congregation joining the lower three parts in unison, with the sopranos singing a beautiful descant.Wake Up, My Spirit, by J.AC. Redford, English text, Lorenz, 10/4073R, SATB, harp, and oboe. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.50
" Key: a minor
" Meter: 6/8 & 9/8
" Text Source: Psalm 57
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century American
" Style: Celebratory anthem about music/through composed
" Special Music Characteristics: Composed for Charles Bruffy and the Kansas City Chorale, this anthem is filled with lyrical charm. The oboe part (included) weaves easily through the voice and piano parts. The text painting is effective, and the divisi parts in the alto line are quite accessible.
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Beati Quorum Via, by Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924, Latin text, Alfred, 35826, SSA/SSA a cappella. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.80
" Key: A Flat Major
" Meter: 3/4
" Text Source: Traditional Latin/Psalm 119:1
" Period and Nationality: 20th Century English
" Style: Motet
" Special Music Characteristics: This fine double choir piece is edited and arranged for treble voices by Russell Robinson, from a published 1905 six-part mixed chorus edition. It is composed on long phrase shapes with simple counterpoint. Using the question and answer musical structure between the two choirs, the anthem could easily be performed antiphonally.
Confitemini Domino, by Alessandro Constantini (1581-1657), Latin text, Pavane (Hal Leonard), 08301933, SSA a cappella. Difficulty rating 4. $2.10
" Key: G Major
" Meter: Cut time
" Text Source: Psalm 136
" Period and Nationality: Italian Renaissance
" Style: Motet
" Special Music Characteristics: This is one of the greatest pieces for treble voices from the Italian Renaissance. It builds confident a cappella singing and great vocal intonation. With the right tempo and clear singing, the piece rings into the air. Pure vowels on well-articulated consonants will naturally build the voice. Edited by David Flood and Judith Herrington, the edition includes performance suggestions and program notes.Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit, arr. Rollo Dilworth, English text, Hal Leonard, 08752948, SSA & piano. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.95
" Key: E Flat Major
" Meter: 4/4 & 6/4
" Text Source: Traditional Spiritual
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century Afro-American
" Style: Spiritual
" Special Music Characteristics: This Chorus America commission on behalf of 41 children and youth choruses is a spirited arrangement of this classic spiritual. The setting uses both homophonic chords and question and answer passages to great effect. The use of unisons in the voice parts is equally satisfying and makes for sharp contrasts in terms of text declamation. The piece concludes spectacularly on a powerful E Major chord that is powerful and stylistically satisfying.
Achieved is the Glorious Work (from Creation), by Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), English text, Walton (Hal Leonard), 08501773, SAB& piano. Difficulty rating 3. $1.90
" Key: B Flat Major
" Meter: 4/4
" Text Source: Gottfried ban Swieten (1733-1809
" Period and Nationality: Classical German
" Style: Movement from Major Work
" Special Music Characteristics: Russell Robinson arranged this version of a famous movement originally scored for SATB voices and orchestra. Using the original key, this is a successful adaptation that allows younger and smaller choirs to sing this beautiful work. The piano part is somewhat altered to support the voice parts.MEN'S VOICES ~ SACRED
Gloria Fanfare, by Jeffrey L. Ames, Latin/English text, Walton Music (Hal Leonard), 08501767, TTBB, keyboard & two trumpets (optional brass & percussion). Difficulty rating 4-5. $2.05
" Key: A, C, & A Flat
" Meter: 4/4, 6/8, 2/4, & 3/4
" Text Source: Traditional Latin text/English adaptation for general use
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century American
" Style: Christmas Fanfare/Fanfare for general use
" Special Music Characteristics: A joyful proclamation of Christ's birth, this arrangement from the original SATB version is quite effective. Prepared for all sized vocal ensembles, when large forces are available the use of full brass and percussion is highly recommended.Amen ( #5 from Words from Paradise), by Dan Forrest, English text, Hinshaw, HMC2253, TTBB/TTBB a cappella. Difficulty rating 4. $1.80
" Key: E & C Major
" Meter: Cut Time
" Text Source: Revelation 7:12 & Traditional English
" Period and Nationality: 21st American
" Style: Service Music/Biblical
" Special Music Characteristics: This powerful eight-part Amen features enormous dynamic contrasts. Using elegant contrapuntal phrase shapes, the harmonic textures are glorious, with surprising unisons between the various parts. All these components add to the powerful musical fabric of this essential work for the accomplished men's chorus.
SNew Releases ~ Secular Come, Rejoice and Be Merry, by Horatio Vecchi, English/Italian text (by editor William Ballard), Alliance Publications, AP-10210, SATTB a cappella. Difficulty rating 3. $2.00
" Key: B Flat Major (modal)
" Meter: 6/8, 2/8, 3/4, 4/4, 4/8, 3/8, & 3/2
" Text Source: Horatio Vecchi (Italian)
" Period and Nationality: Renaissance Italy
" Style: Madrigal Opera Comique
" Special Music Characteristics: This fine publication is translated from the Italian by the editor, with meter signatures inserted to better present the correct text versification for both languages. This chorus is taken from Act III, Scene 5 of this early opera, which contains many dialects, in keeping with the characters' voices. The piece's graceful counterpoint on beautiful phrase shapes could easily be handled by a solo quintet. Extensive background notes are included in the edition.Il est bel et bon, Pierre Passereau (1509-1547), French text, Hal Leonard, 08596795, SATB a cappella. Difficulty rating 4. $1.80
" Key: e minor
" Meter: Cut time
" Text Source: Passereau
" Period and Nationality: Renaissance France
" Style: Chanson
" Special Music Characteristics: Originally composed for SATB voices, this edition is well done by John Leavitt. Filled with wonderful ascending counterpoint and text that speaks of good and faithful husbands in a teasing tone, the piece must be sung at breakneck speed with a light tone quality.La Otra, by Jason Michael Saunders (b.1989), Spanish text, Santa Barbara, SBMP 986, SATB, piano, & cello. Difficulty rating 5. $2.25
" Key: a, f, & g minor
" Meter: 6/8, 5/8, 6/8, 3/4, & 4/4
" Text Source: Gabriel Mistral
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century American
" Style: Spanish overtones
" Special Music Characteristics: South American overtones dominate this piece set to the work of a prolific Chilean poet. The poem was composed in 1943 after the suicide of her 17-year old son -- published in a collection entitled Lagar. The music is conceived as a shout of grief, with powerful harmonies and rhythms. The text versification is equally powerful in this sophisticated piece from this young composer.In These Delightful Pleasant Groves, Henry Purcell (1659-1695), English text, Hal Leonard, 08596796, SATB a cappella (opt. piano.) Difficulty rating 3. $1.80
" Key: B Flat and G Major
" Meter: Cut Time
" Text Source:
" Period and Nationality: Baroque English
" Style: Madrigal
" Special Music Characteristics: Purcell's lovely madrigal is great fun to sing and is the perfect introduction to his great music. The first part is composed homphonically with wonderful harmonies. Laughter is brilliantly crafted with descending counterpoint. When sung properly, this piece presents a humorous celebration of life and the beauty of spring.
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TREBLE VOICES ~ SECULARFie! Fie! Fie!, by Stephen Bouma, English text, Roger Dean, (Lorenz), 15/2854R, SSAA a cappella. Difficult rating 4. $1.95
" Key: e minor
" Meter: 4/4, 9/8, & 6/8
" Text Source: William Shakespeare
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century American
" Style: Anthem
" Special Music Characteristics: A clever setting of this text taken from The Merry Wives of Windsor, Act V, Scene V, this can only be sung by a women's chorus. The text is suggestive but tasteful in its erotic allusions. The ascending melodic line and counterpoint only add to the humor as the choir sings of "flames that aspire!" This could actually be staged with fairies assigned "to pinch him for his villainy." This piece is as naughty as any of the Morley madrigals.Je le vous dirai! (Do not dare I say it), by Pierre Certon (c. 1510-1572), French/English text, Hal Leonard, 08596794, SSA a cappella. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.80
" Key: D Major
" Meter: Cut time
" Text Source: Pierre Certon
" Period and Nationality: Renaissance French
" Style: Chanson
" Special Music Characteristics: As with many French chansons or madrigals, this song speaks of love and flirtation in a teasing style, using nonsense syllables. The music is the vehicle for reaching an imaginative desire. Here a simple melody is supported by harmonies constructed homophonically. This is the perfect choice for training the choir to perform the classic French chanson style.Let's Imitate Her Notes Above (from Alexander's Feast), by G. F. Handel (1685-1759), English text, Roger Dean (Lorenz), 15/2856R, SA & keyboard (opt. 2 violins, cello, and harpsichord or organ. Difficulty rating 3. $1.95
" Key: F Major
" Meter: 4/4 & 6/8
" Text Source: John Dryden (1631-1700)
" Period and Nationality: Baroque English (German)
" Style: Recitative and duet
" Special Music Characteristics: This classic for two voices will build a choir's tone and flexibility. Included in this publication is both a recitative, and an imitative duet, where the voice parts mirror each other. The recitative could be sung by the full chorus or by a soloist. As a solo the simple recitative will build the voice as well as train a young singer to declaim the text. The charming duet celebrates the pleasure of music. Extensive program notes are included in the edition.Now He's Sorry That He Spoke, arr. Barbara Wolfman, English text, Alliance, AP-10198, unison & piano. Difficulty rating 1-2. $1.60
" Key: E Major
" Meter: 4/4
" Text Source: Anonymous
" Period and Nationality: Early American
" Style: American Folksong from Wisconsin
" Special Music Characteristics: Filled with simple charm, this humorous folksong can be sung by young singers. Composed in two verses, everyone will find the simple stories about encounters with an unusual cat and with dynamite great fun to tell. The range and rhythms are very accessible.Fuyu No Uta, arr. Rachel Stenson, Japanese/English text, Santa Barbara, SBMP 979, SA, piano, & windchimes. Difficulty rating 3. $1.85
" Key: C Major & c minor
" Meter: 2/4
" Text Source: Traditional Japanese
" Period and Nationality: Early Japanese
" Style: Folksong/Traditional School Song
" Special Music Characteristics: There are many great teaching opportunities in this piece that combines Japanese and English. Using simple rhythms and harmonies, this is the perfect choice for introducing young singers to the Japanese language while learning one of their popular folksongs.EXTENDED WORK
A Parliament of Owls (A Celebration of Collective Nouns), by Karl Jenkins (b. 1944), English text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48021032, SSA (divisi), saxophone, percussion, & piano duet. Audience and singers alike will love these humorous, joyful pieces. All three are cleverly conceived and musically brilliant. Upper voices will enjoy the challenge of learning to perform these works with the required artistic effect and sense of humor. Difficulty rating 4. $16.95#1 IRRESISTIBLE AND NOISY
" Key: d minor
" Meter: 4/4
" Text Source: Carol Barratt
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century English
" Style: Contemporary
" Special Music Characteristics: The first of the three movements, it must be sung "quirkily" at 120 to the quarter note. The words and spoken sounds will be great fun to prepare. The rhythms in this movement are very straightforward with some wonderful harmonies and sound effects.#2 QUIETLY SITTING STILL
" Key: F Major
" Meter: 3/4
" Text Source: Carol Barratt
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century English
" Style: Contemporary
" Special Music Characteristics: This movement speaks to the sitting owl and is more thoughtful and majestic in the musical declamation. You can almost see these majestic birds in flight, while the pheasants gather in quiet stillness. The eagles follow closely behind as the groups of various animals multiply. This movement is rhythmically more challenging but cleverly set.#3 MONSTROUS MAYHEM
" Key: d minor
" Meter: 12/8, 4/4, & 2/4
" Text Source: Carol Barratt
" Period and Nationality: 21st Century English
" Style: Contemporary
" Special Music Characteristics: This movement dramatically describes the murder of crows. All the creatures are fighting one another. In this final movement the whales, rhinos, lions, apes, leopards, whales, gentle kittens, etc., are also included in the fray. The owls win out! Fish and fowl create a wonderful mayhem.MEN'S VOICES ~ SECULAR
On Music, by David Dickau, English text, Walton (Hal Leonard), 08501779, TTBB, cello, & piano. Difficulty rating 3-4. $2.25
" Key: D & B Major
" Meter: 6/8
" Text Source: Thomas Moore (1779-1852)
" Period and Nationality: Style: 21st Century American
" Special Music Characteristics: This is a sensitive setting of a text by one of England's most distinguished politicians during the reign of Henry the Eighth. The piano part is fluid, with florid arpeggios composed in contrast to the voice. Composed homophonically, the melodic structure grows in beauty and power, driven by the text. The cello part is used during the interludes.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
To order any of the music in this newsletter contact:
Spectrum Music
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Lexington, MA 02420
Phone: 781 862-0088
Fax: 781 861-1335
info@spectrum-music.com