The Upper Voice Music of Bob Chilcott ~ Charm and Substance
Marie Stultz, Contributing EditorAbout Bob Chilcott
Bob Chilcott has been around fine choral music and fine performances all of his life. He was first introduced to great choral singing as a boy chorister at King's College, Cambridge, first under Sir David Willcocks and then under Willcocks' successor, Philip Ledger. Chilcott sang the "Pie Jesu" on the famous Willcocks recording of the Fauré Requiem, recorded in 1967. When his voice changed he continued his schooling in London, after which he returned to King's College as a Choral Scholar, as a member the choir, and also as a music student at the university.After leaving King's College, Chilcott studied composition and singing at the Royal College of Music in London. In 1985 he became a member of the King's Singers in which he sang for 12 years, regularly arranging and composing for this internationally famous touring ensemble of men. After leaving the King's Singers, Chilcott accepted a conducting position at the prestigious Royal College of Music in London, conducting the 200-voice chorus. Currently, he devotes most of his time to composition, guest conducting, and presenting workshops. With his outstanding music credentials, he brings a great deal of knowledge as he makes guest appearances all over the world. He is particularly dedicated to working with amateur singers, particularly school children, and guest conducting in large festival and honors choir venues.
The choral music of Chilcott is almost hypnotic in sound and text. He understands the human spirit and soul and is able to reflect it in his music. His music is worldly, yet simple; engaging yet refined; untiring in its expression, while touching the human heart. Much of his music is ideal for private and public school choirs of capable ability. Popular in its musical gesture, there is never a moment of compromise. The fact that he has a passionate commitment to young singers and amateur choirs in general is clear in both his choral writing, guest conducting, and workshops. His terrific sense of humor and willingness to share his knowledge with everyone he meets makes him a unique figure on the world stage. When I first met Bob Chilcott, I recognized a graciousness that he must have learned from Willcocks. His brilliance as an artist, his grace as a person, and his uncanny humor just shine through his work and music for treble voices. Below is a catalog of pieces he has composed or arranged for upper voices. Local reviews and personal comments on the pieces I have conducted are included in this catalog survey.
Chilcott's Catalog for Upper Voices
Be Simple Little Children, English text, to be published by Oxford in January 2002, SSA and piano. Written for the Crescent City Choral Festival, it was first performed in the Cathedral of St. Louis in New Orleans, under the direction of the composer.
Can you hear me?, English text, Oxford, 3415321, SS and piano. Set to a text by Chilcott, this piece is almost five minutes in length. It received its premiere performance at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, May 23, 1998, in a performance by a mass choir of children participating in the Harmony Festival under the direction of Barbara Tagg.
'Bob Chilcott's intensely moving song made poignant use of sign language. The rich harmonies and delicately crafted melodies performed with hopeful innocence combined to produce a choral gem that was a touching reminder of the gift of hearing.'
-The Telegram, St. John's, NewfoundlandCity Songs, English text, Oxford, 3415267, SS and piano. Set to a text by Chilcott, this piece is six minutes in length. It received its first performance at the New College School, Oxford, England in 1995. Performed by the Concert Choir of New College School, Oxford, the premiere performance was conducted by Roger Allen.
'This piece in four movements is wonderfully engaging. Filled with charming allegories of city life and images, my choir's favorite is "Skyscrapers in the Sky." All four movements are totally enchanting as the choir sings of concrete, glass buildings, and street vendors. It is ideal for the accomplished school chorus or community choir.'
-Marie StultzThe Elements, English text, Oxford, 3426234, SA and piano. Set to a text by Roger McGough, this 18 minute piece was first performed at the Manor Preparatory School, Abingdon, March 12 1997, by pupils from Manor School.
Feller from Fortune, a traditional Newfoundland song, not yet published. Multiple divisi and three percussion players. First performed at Festival 500 in St. John's Newfoundland, the composer conducting.
Friends, English text, Oxford, 3426285, SA and piano. Set to a text from an Aztec poem and poem by Elizabeth Jennings, this four minute piece had its first performance in Chester, July 5, 1997, by the Chester Music Society Junior Choir, conducted by Martin Cook.
Green Songs, English text, Oxford, 3426315, SS and piano. Set to a text by Chilcott, this six minute piece had its first performance in June 1997, by the New York Children's Chorus, conducted by Peter Coulianos.
Irish Blessing, traditional text, Oxford, 3432838, SSA & piano. Two minutes in length, this is a new version of the well-known SATB version of 1997.
Laugh, Kookaburra, English text, Oxford, 343279X, SSA and piano. Set to a text by Chilcott this short piece is great fun to sing. The piece was first performed at Plaza Centre, Southend-on-Sea, June 27, 1998, by the Southend Girls' Choir, under conductor Roger Humphrey.
Like a Rainbow, English text, Oxford, 3432919, SSA and piano. A brilliant setting of a Guaymi Dawn Song adapted by Chilcott, it was written for the Mississauga Children's Choir for their 20th anniversary. It is a challenging piece.
Look to this day!, English text, Oxford, 3432803, SS (div) and piano. Set to texts by John Keble, Knud Rasmussen, Asta and Rowland Kennedy, Margot Astrov, and Sanskrit text adapted by Chilcott, this three minute piece was first performed at Bethel College, St. Paul, MN, November 22, 1998 ACDA convention of Minnesota by the Elementary Honors Choir, conducted by Dan LeJeune.
'His writing seems to demonstrate an affinity for the nature and concerns of young people today.' -International Choral Bulletin
Loving Shepherd, English text, Oxford, 3432846, SSS and organ. Approximately three minutes in length, this beautiful piece is set to a text by Jane E. Leeson. Commissioned in 1999 by the New Orleans Children's Chorus, Cheryl Dupont, Director, and the St. Louis Cathedral Boychoir, Dreux Montegut, Director, this gentle folk-like melody is set to changing time signatures.
'This is a dear piece filled with some harmonic challenges on constantly changing meters. A sacred piece of gentle beauty, it is ideal for the accomplished children's choir. It is a timeless composition that works well in an honors or festival situation.'
-Marie StultzMaking Waves, English text by the composer, not yet published. A five minute work for two a cappella upper voice choirs and tuned block, this work was written to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first radio waves sent to Marconi from England to Newfoundland. It was first performed for a CBC Television Special by the choir from England, the Scunthorpe Co-operative Junior Choir, and the Newfoundland Symphony Youth Choir. Both choirs were in their respective countries at the time the piece was sung and coordinated down the telephone line!
Peace Mass, Latin text, Oxford, 3516888, SA and keyboard. A setting of the Mass, this 12 minute work was first performed at Chester Cathedral June 27, 1998 by the Chester Music Society Junior Choir and massed children's choirs, conducted by Michael Brewer.
'The writing is spacious and beautiful throughout, and the organ part is a real joy.'
-Berkshire OrganistSpells, to be published by Oxford in January 2002, SSAA & piano. This is an extended 12 minute work, with texts by the English poet, Kathleen Raine. It was written for The International Festival for Young Choirs in Chester, England, and was first performed in Chester Cathedral by the massed choirs, conducted by David Lawrence. This will also be available in an orchestral version in the Summer of 2002.
The Swallow, a traditional Newfoundland song, Oxford, 3432811, SS a cappella. This piece is set to old English texts and was written for the Louisiana ACDA Elementary Honor Choir, and first performed by them in Baton Rouge in 1999, conducted by the composer.
Two Singing Songs (from Singing by Numbers), English text, Oxford, 3415275
SA and piano or orchestra (21.2.0-0.0.0.0-strings). Taken from a larger work for SATB voices, Sing you now and The singing of birds are for treble voices. Set to texts by Thomas Ravenscroft and from The Song of Solomon, these pieces last about five minutes. The complete work had its first performance at the Association of British Choral Directors Tenth Anniversary Convention, Aston University, August, 27, 1995, conducted by Nigel Perriin.Vertue, English text, Oxford, 3415283, SS(A) and piano or organ. A 2 minute piece set to a text by George Herbert it had its first performance at the Warivick Arts Centre, April 27, 1996, by the South Derbyshire Children Chorale, conducted by Philip King.
Christmas Music
The Child, English text, Oxford, 3420694, unison voices and piano or strings. A six minute piece set to a text by Chilcott, the piece had its first performance at Severance Hall, Cleveland, OH, in December 1995, with the Cleveland Orchestra and Children's Chorus, conducted by Gareth Morrell. Orchestral material on hire.'The text is cleverly allusive, avoiding the stale images which scupper so many 'new' carols, and the music is an example of how to exploit simple and telling musical ideas effectively. A lot of choirs will perform this piece.'
-Music Teacher'Honestly and effectively sentimental'
-The Singer'This piece is enchantingly beautiful. It is particularly sweet on young voices. The timeless melody will make this a favorite for a long time to come.'
-Marie StultzFarewell! Advent, English text, Oxford, 3426153, SS and piano or orchestra (2.2.2.2-2.2.0.0-hp-glock-str). A 3 minute piece set to a text by James Ryman, it had its first performance at Roy Thompson Hall, Toronto, on December 11, 1994 by the Toronto Children's Chorus, conducted by Jean Ashworth Bartle. This may be performed separately or as the third in a set which includes Hey! Now and Mid-Winter. Orchestral material on hire.
For him all stars have shone, to be published by Oxford 2002, upper voice choir, SATB choir, & piano. This three minute piece is set to a beautiful text by the late English poet Elizabeth Jennings. It was written for the Cheyenne Chamber Singers and the All-City Children's Choir. The first performance occurred in December 2001, with Jane Iverson conducting.
Gifts, English text, Oxford, 342634X, SSet and piano. A three minute piece set to a text by Chilcott, it had its first performance at the Civic Center in Syracuse, New York, December 19, 1997 by the Syracuse Children's Chorus and Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Barbara Tagg. Orchestral material on hire. The piece may be performed separately or as the third in the set which includes The Time of Snow and This Joy.
'One highlight was the premiere of three carols by Bob Chilcott. A bubbly piece titled This Joy is framed by two lyrical outbursts: The Time of Snow and Gifts. The melodies flow with utter ease and beauty. Let's hope they are programmed again soon or recorded so we can get to know them better.'
-Larry McGinn, Syracuse Post-StandardHey! Now, English text, Oxford, 3426153, SS and piano or orchestra ('2.2.2.2-2.2.0.0-hp-cym.glock-str). Set to a text. written in the late 15th-century, this 3 minute piece was first performed at Roy Thompson Hall, Toronto, December 11, 1994 by the Toronto Children's Chorus, conducted by Jean Ashworth Bartle. May be performed separately or as the first in the set which includes Mid-Winter and Farewell! Advent. Orchestral material on hire.
Mid-Winter, English text, Oxford, 3415232 (SS version) SS or SA and piano or orchestra, (2.2.2.2-2.0.0.0-hp-str or 2tpt.hn.tbn.tba-pft-hp(opt). Set to a text by Christina Rosetti, this four minute piece received its first performance at Roy Thompson Hall, Toronto, December 11, 1994, by the Toronto Children Chorus, conducted by Jean Ashworth Bartle. Also published for SATB voices. Upper-voice version may be performed separately or as the second in the set which includes Hey! Now and Farewell! Advent.
'This is real treble music which makes the most of finely-trained young voices. Its hypnotic effect hangs in the air like frozen breath.'
-Journal, Association of Anglican Musicians'This is one of the most beautiful anthems we have ever seen, and the text comes to life as it never has before. Some subtle text painting, some powerful moments in the melody, and some lovely harp-like piano parts help make this a winner, but nothing compares with the harmonies which make this an almost impossible anthem to sing without phrasing it well. Highly recommended.'
-CreatorThis Joy, English text, Oxford, 3426331, SS and piano. A three minute piece, it received its first performance at the Civic Center, Syracuse, New York, December 19,1997, by the Syracuse Children's Chorus and Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Barbara Tagg. Orchestral material on hire. May be performed separately or as the second in the set which includes The Time of Snow and Gifts.
The Time of Snow, English text, Oxford, 3426323, SS and piano or organ A three minute piece, it received its first performance at the Civic Center, Syracuse, New York, December 19,1997, by the Syracuse Children's Chorus and Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Barbara Tagg. Orchestral material on hire. May be performed separately or as the first in the set which includes This Joy and Gifts.
New Releases ~ Sacred SATB Voices ~ Sacred
Be Thou My Vision, by Bob Chilcott, English text, Oxford, 3432927, SATB & keyboard. Warm harmonies and gentle counterpoint dominate this setting. Chilcott has been able to capture the sweetness of this simple early Irish text with luscious tone painting. Commissioned by Veronica Chambers, this six minute hymn has been orchestrated (instrumental parts available for hire from the publisher). A very accessible anthem, choirs will enjoy singing this elegant piece filled with simple counterpoint. Difficulty rating 3. $1.60
The Forman Benediction, by Daniel Pinkham, English text, ECS, 5757, SATB & opt. organ or piano. Homophonic in structure with simple, quiet harmonies, this is one of Pinkham's more accessible anthems. Commissioned by the Unitarian Universalist Association, it is set to a text by Reverend Charles Forman, who was an associate minister at King's Chapel in Boston from 1980-1998. The reverence that is captured in this quiet Benediction is uncanny. Difficulty rating 2-3. $1.25
Hallelujah!, by Emma Lou Diemer, English text, Santa Barbara, SBMP 402, SATB & keyboard. Antiphonal partwriting that imitates the sound of trumpets dominates the counterpoint of this quick piece. Celebratory in nature, some tricky harmonies that at times sound glorious and other times slightly terse in nature make the piece a real challenge. The piece is quite spectacular and requires an accomplished keyboardist. Difficulty rating 4. $2.05
Lord, Make Me an Instrument, by Jonathan Willcocks, English text, Oxford, 3505029, SATB & piano or organ. This gentle setting of a prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi is a movement taken from a larger choral work Lux Perpetua. Dedicated to newly born Florence Willcocks, it is a movement praying for the innocence and hope of the world. Ethereal in its harmonic gesture, the piece seems to almost shimmer into the air. It is a movement of rare beauty. Difficulty rating 3. $1.60
O Bone Jesu!, by Marco Antonio Ingegneri (1545-1592), Latin text, MorningStar, AE36, SATB & organ. Originally written for a cappella voices, this motet of the late Renaissance has an original organ introduction written by editor Gerald Near. The piece can be sung a cappella or with Near's organ accompaniment doubling the voice parts. The gentle counterpoint and simple harmonies are very effective. Difficulty rating 3. $1.30
O Praise God in His Holiness, by Andrew Carter, English text, Oxford, 3504952, SATB double choir a cappella. This setting of Psalm 150 begins simply enough but grows in harmonic complexity. It requires an accomplished choir that can sing with perfect balance between the two choirs or sung by an accomplished solo quartet for choir two. Written homophonically, the parts contain difficult intervals. Composed with simple rhythms, the piece is quite spectacular when sung by a choir with superb intonation. It would be most effective when sung in a cathedral with a lot of reverberation time. Difficulty rating 4. $1.75
Praise the Lord, O My Soul, by Andrew Carter, English text, Oxford, 3504960, SATB double choir a cappella. The most difficult in this round of anthems from Carter, this setting of Psalm 103 is filled with complex rhythms. The antiphonal voice writing between the two choirs is extremely effective. It is a spectacular cathedral anthem of sizable challenge. Difficulty rating 4. $1.75Rejoice in the Lord Alway, by Andrew Carter, English text, Oxford, 3504995, SATB & organ. Set homophonically, this is the easiest of Carter's output in this publishing cycle. The simple counterpoint is quite effective. The counterpoint sections are contrasted against more complex homophonic chords with some difficult intervals in the voice parts. Difficulty rating 4. $1.95
Sing!, arr. David Willcocks, English text, Oxford, 3504936, SATB (divisi) & organ. Set to be sung to the accompaniment of the Toccata from Symphony No. 5, by Charles-Marie Widor, the piece was first conducted by Jane Watts at the Royal Albert Hall, London, England on Sunday, July 11, 1999. Willcocks dedicates the piece to Jane who triumphed "against 4,000 voices." Adding choral parts was suggested to Widor by Dr. Arthur C. Becker who with the composer's approval sketched out parts for chorus and organ. His pupil William Ferris realized that version for choir, brass, timpani, and organ that was published by Oxford in 1990. This version by Willcocks has also been orchestrated and parts are available for hire. Difficulty rating 4. $1.40
Song of Praise, by Emma Lou Diemer, English text, Lorenz, 10/2624S, SATB & organ. Diemer can effectively write difficult music, as well as music that is more simple in its gesture, but both of equally high quality. This piece of more modest difficulty has a lot of unisons in the harmonic fabric. It is not too difficult to learn the octaves at the end. With a strong accompaniment, this piece is a clear winner. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.60
Extended Work for SATB Voices
Canticles of Light, by Bob Chilcott, Latin text, Oxford, 3432889, SATB, upper voices, & orchestra. This is an amazing piece that seems to stream off the page with inner light (no pun intended). It uses Latin chant as its rhythmic gesture, as Chilcott writes some wonderful moments in the supporting voice parts and in the accompaniment. It must sound fabulous with orchestra. Changing meters on luminous harmonies dominate the score. The piece strikes you as being extremely spiritual with an almost unworldly glow. The upper choir part is filled with chant-like rhythms and gestures which are so valuable for young singers to learn to execute. Written mostly in the mid-range of the child's voice, Chilcott has again captured how to write a beautiful piece of music that is accessible to all the forces without compromising his musical integrity. There is no question he writes music that is easy to listen to, but which always offers a twist of imagination that seems timeless. Difficulty rating 4. $4.95
Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, by Imant Raminsh, English text, Boosey, M-05132970-0, SATB & piano or organ. Raminsh always writes with spectacular harmonies and rhythms, and this extended work is no exception. A complex but haunting setting of the canticle to Mary, the piece requires an accomplished choir. The piece is dominated by difficult rhythms, intervals, and constant meter changes. Difficulty rating 4-5. $4.00
Treble Voices ~ Sacred
The Children's Call for Peace: Three Beatitudes, by Alice Parker, English text, Treble Clef, TC-187, SA chorus, opt. solos, & piano or organ. This simple setting filled with seconds and ninths on changing meters is a real winner. The moral lesson in the text of studying peace rather than going to war "to fight no more," is a lesson all of us need to learn. The simple piano part adds to the anthem's effectiveness. Composed with accessible rhythms on homophonic passages that are contrasted with sections of easily learned counterpoint. Difficulty rating 3. $1.50For Flowers That Bloom About Our Feet, by Richard DeLong, English text, ECS, 4898, SA voices & keyboard. A joyful setting of this anonymous 1904 text, the average church children's choir will find this quite easy to learn. The lilting keyboard part supports the opening unison melody. The two part final section will help the choir learn to sing in parts. Difficulty rating 2. $1.25
For the Beauty of the Earth, by Andrew Carter, English text, Oxford, 3420724, unison, piano, & flute. This charming original setting of this famous Pierpoint text will ring on children's voices. Some surprising key changes add to the musical interest of the piece. The flute part which can be played by an amateur flutist weaves magically through the unison voices. The piece is filled with joyful simplicity. Difficulty rating 2. $1.60
Regina coeli (Queen of Heaven), by Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687), Latin text, Treble Clef, TC-193, SSA & continuo. The florid counterpoint dominate this antiphon for Eastertide. The organ part written independently of voices supports the harmonic structure. Edited by Jonathan Hirsh, this piece is a welcome edition to the French Baroque repertory. Difficulty rating 4. $1.90
Men's Voices ~ Sacred
Only Begotten Son, by Alexander Gretchaninoff, English text, MorningStar, 50-9756, TTBB a cappella. Arranged by Robert Scholz, this edition is useful for churches with men's choir. It is set to a text taken from Liturgy 2, op 29 of the Lutheran Church. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.50
SAB Voices ~ Sacred
Ave Verum Corpus (Hail, true body of Christ), by Josquin des Près, Latin text, MorningStar, AE130, SAB & organ. An original organ introduction and accompaniment are added by editor Gerald Near to this famous a cappella motet. The edition is ideal for the small amateur church choir. The voice writing contains simple counterpoint that is supported by the accompaniment. Ideal to program during Lent. Difficulty rating 3. $1.50
New Releases ~ Secular SATB Voices ~ Secular
Amor que une con el Amor Grandisimo (Love that Unites Me with the Greatest Love), by Paul Basler, Spanish text, Hal Leonard, 08501450, SATB, Baritone solo, piano, & horn. Set to a text by the fine California poet Gabriel Navar, the piece is the ninth and final movement of Cantos Alegres (Joyful Songs). It is filled with Latin rhythms that should be sung with joy and enthusiasm. The optional French horn part is not difficult. A translation and details about the work and the composer are included in the edition. A phonetic pronunciation guide is set under the Spanish text. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.60
El Dia es Hoy (The Day is Today), by Paul Basler, Spanish text, Hal Leonard, 08501449, SATB, piano, & percussion. This is the fourth movement of Cantos Alegres, which was commissioned by the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. It is highly accessible as the Latin rhythms are constructed with homophonic partwriting. A translation, details about the work, and information about the composer are included in the edition. A phonetic pronunciation guide is included under the Spanish text. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.60
Dreamers, by Norman Dello Joio, English text, Hal Leonard, 08711295, SATB (divisi) & piano. Filled with atmospheric intervals and contemporary harmonies, the text painting of this poem assumed to have been written by the composer is quite remarkable. A very difficult piece, with challenging harmonies and rhythms, the piece requires a choir of advanced capability. The piano part does little to help with the more complex passages. The piece is brilliantly scored and well worth the work. It is good to see Dello Joio's music continue to be published after his death. Difficulty rating 4-5. $2.50
Four Brahms Quartets, op. 92, by Johannes Brahms, German text, Lorenz, SATB & piano. Each piece is sold separately: O Schöne Nacht (15/1489R), Spätherbst (15/1500R), Abendlied (15/1501R), Warum (15/1502R),. These wonderful pieces are beautifully edited by The Kansas City Chorale conductor, Charles Bruffy. Typical of Brahms' choral music, there are contrapuntal and intervalic pitfalls in learning to sing these pieces. They are driven by the rhythm and are a good example of Brahms' mature choral style. Difficulty rating 4. $1.75-1.95
Treble Voices~SecularDome Épais, by Leò Delibes, French text, Boosey, M-051-47226-0, SA & piano. A setting of this famous duet from the opera Lakmè has been arranged by Franciso Nunez. Performance notes, translation, and pronunciation guide accompany the edition. Appropriate for the advanced treble choir or women, it is much too advanced for children's chorus. This edition has been lowered a whole step from the original key of B Major. Difficulty rating 4. $1.60
Eine Kleine Snailmusik, by Libby Larsen, English text, Oxford, 3864355, SSA & contrabass. Libby Larsen has always had a great sense of humor and this piece demonstrates it. Written for the Toronto Children's Chorus, this clever piece set to a text by May Sarton is absolutely charming. References to "Handel makes the frail snail quail," etc. make the piece the perfect closing to a concert. The poem is filled with wonderful references to music. There are some difficult intervalic passages and challenging counterpoint, but the choir will have great fun learning to sing this marvelous piece. Difficulty rating 4. $2.25
Five Choral Songs, by Tom Benjamin, English text, Oxford, SA & piano. Each sold separately: The President's Tea (3863715), The Night Will Never Stay (93863723), Roses Up-Braw News (3863731), Counting-out Rhyme (386374X), There Was an Old Woman (3863758). Set to various nursery rhymes and a text by Edna St. Vincent Millay, these charming songs are filled with humor and fine text painting. Written for the Peabody Children's Singers, all five are set mostly in the middle tessitura of the child's voice. Accomplished young choirs will have great fun learning to sing and perform these charming pieces. This set of pieces was the winner of the 1993 Vincent B. Stilliman Prize. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.50
Simple Songs, by John Burge, English text, Boosey, unison/SSA & piano or orchestra. Each sold separately: The Coat (M-051-47295-6), Silverly (M-051-47296-3), Secrets (M-051-47297-0), Epilogue (M-051-47298-7). Commissioned by the St. Louis Symphony Children's Choir, all four pieces are composed in the middle and lower tessitura of the child's voice. The first three are for unison voices, while Epilogue, for three-part voices and piano duet, incorporates the previous three pieces in overlapping fashion. Appropriate for young choirs, the poems are written by Canadian poet Dennis Lee. Full score and orchestral parts are available from the publisher on rental. The editions contain program notes and performance suggestions edited by Doreen Rao. Difficulty rating 3. $1.00-1.30-1.80
The Witches' Trio, by Libby Larsen, English text, Oxford, 3863952, SSAA a cappella. This piece is cleverly constructed on shifting meters and constructed on homophonic harmonies. The text is adapted from William Shakespeare Macbeth Act IV, Scene I. Care in interpreting the score is important to the over-all artistic impression. A great crowd-pleaser, it would be appropriate to program at the end of a concert. The piece is perfect for the advanced and accomplished treble ensemble. Difficulty rating 4. $2.30