How to Select and Evaluate the Popular Standard Repertoire
By Marie Stultz, Contributing EditorA popular standard is a vernacular or popular tune that has stood the test of time. Often referred to as the "Great American Songbook," these are songs by such luminary composers as Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin. The music generally reflects the era in which these composers lived and usually describes or reflects a special understanding of the pulse of their time. However, just because a melody is popular and well-loved doesn't necessarily mean there are great choral arrangements available to us. In selecting these arrangements, one should apply the same standards as one would in selecting music of all genres. Just because it is a vernacular melody doesn't mean compromise.
In order to insure a quality edition of a great Pop Standard, it is important to look at the original source. If the piece was part of a show, it might be possible to study the vocal score, but in many cases these scores are not available. However, there are many collections and individual sheets of popular songs published in their original sheet music format. (The two primary publishers of this type of music are Hal Leonard and Alfred.) Understanding the composer's original intent, both melodically and rhythmically, will help you evaluate an arrangement's authenticity. I was visiting someone years ago who collected piano player rolls, including a roll of George Gershwin actually playing his famous Rhapsody in Blue. The nuances in Gershwin's playing were an eye-opener to me. Michael Tilson Thomas actually studied that specific piano roll when he practiced to record a more authentic version of this great piece. Likewise, a good choral arrangement will work best when the arranger adheres closely to the original compositional gesture. An arrangement of George Gershwin's music should sound like Gershwin. The arranger's voice should not take precedent.
It is also important to evaluate whether the arrangement sounds like the period in which the music was written. A good example of the negative is Benjamin Britten's realization of Henry Purcell's music. The realizations sounded more like Britten and the 20th century than the music of the early English Baroque of Purcell. Similarly, an arrangement of a Cole Porter tune that sounds like 50's rock and roll might lose the playfulness of the words and will be unsatisfying.
As with choosing any choral music, it is important to look for arrangements that follow the standard practices of good voice writing. Look for arrangements in which the voice parts are in a reasonable range and will develop the singers. You want to pick an arrangement that challenges and stretches your singer just like a fine Renaissance madrigal would. One giveaway that an arrangement might not be effective is if the same arranger has done the piece for all voicings. In general, a good composer or arranger hears an inner voice in the melody. Vocal colors are an important element in music. When songs are arranged for every vocal possibility, the compositional standard is often compromised.
It is helpful to talk to other professionals who perform this music. They can make recommendations of successful pieces, as well as make performance suggestions. I think the key here is not to work in a vacuum, but to develop a working knowledge of this music - just as you would a spiritual, folksong or opera chorus. As with all fine music, a working knowledge of the period of the piece you want to program is essential, if you are going to acquire a library of editions that will be satisfying for everyone.
New Releases ~ Sacred A Mountain Psalm, by Alice Parker, English text, GIA Publications, G-6267, SATB & organ. There is a mystical quality to this simple, yet beautiful setting of Psalm 35:5-9. Simply constructed on long homophonic phrase shapes, the straightforward melodic writing on simple rhythms requires a real purity of tone if the piece is to be effective. The play of the melody between the men and women adds to the mystic quality of the piece. Commissioned by the Plymouth, New Hampshire Congregational Church in memory of Joan Campbell, the anthem seems to reflect the atmosphere of the mountains of New Hampshire. Difficulty rating 2-3. $1.50
Agnus Dei, op. 75, by Kirke Mechem, Latin text, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50486224, SATB a cappella. This lovely setting was composed for the 25th anniversary of the Camarata Singers of Monterey County, California. It begins quietly on harmonies and melodic turns of great beauty. Many of the descending phrases are magical in gesture. Numerous accidentals add to the challenge of keeping the piece in tune. The "Dona nobis pacem" section is composed with a great deal of energy and must be sung cantabile. The offbeat counterpoint between the vocal parts has some surprising moments that leave you breathless. It is the opening movement of a larger work entitled Peace Motets. Difficulty rating 4. $1.70
Ain't-a That Good News, arr. Robert DeCormier, Hal Leonard, 08745675, SATB a cappella. This joyful setting of this great Afro-American spiritual proclaims a better life in heaven. Part of a collection of pieces arranged for DeCormier's professional ensemble Counterpoint, this short arrangement is filled with lively rhythms and stirring harmonies. It requires a great deal of style and interpretive skills to be effective. A real barn burner, this piece will work well with the accomplished high school choir or choral society. Difficulty rating 4. $1.70Ave Maris Stella, arr. Eleanor Daley, Latin/English text, Oxford, 3869586, SATB a cappella. This is a sensitive setting of an adaptation of the Vesper Hymn, "Scribere Proposui," from Piae Cantiones, beautifully adapted by the composer. The anthem opens with the soprano and altos chanting the haunting melody. In typical Daley style, it is filled with lyrical phrases on surprising harmonies of great beauty. After the second statement of the melody, the sopranos and altos sing in descant as the tenors and basses pick up the melody. The closing Amen is breathtakingly beautiful with ringing harmonies that conclude on a double forte with divisi in the voice parts. Perfect for church or concert, the piece was written for the Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams, Director and conductor. Difficulty rating 4. $1.60
Ave, Maris Stella (Hail, Star of the Sea), by Tomás Luis de Victoria, Latin text, GIA Publications, G-6008, SATB a cappella. This Victoria setting is in sharp contrast to the Daley setting of the same text. Filled with long phrase shapes composed in counterpoint, the verses are set strophically. This edition is beautifully edited by William Tortolano and contains some fine performance notes. The text is taken from the Roman Breviary and is used at Vespers for the feast of Our Lady. The English translation of the verses is by Athelstand Riley from 1891. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.40
By the Rivers of Babylon (Super flumina Babylonis), op. 71, by Kirke Mechem, Latin text, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50486223, SATB a cappella. Set in the poignant key of e minor, the text painting in this anthem is quite beautiful. Composed for the Dale Warland Singers, the piece is filled with challenging rhythms and harmonic relationships that require an accomplished choir if the piece is to be sung artistically. The descending passages with numerous accidentals will require fine intonation and intervalic accuracy. The dynamic requirements also require accomplished singers. (The sopranos, for instance, must sing a g#2 on a piano dynamic mark.) Difficulty rating 4-5. $1.70
Hold Out Your Light, arr. Moses Hogan, English text, Hal Leonard, 08745282, SATB (divisi) a cappella. Composed in harmonies with many thirds and fifths, this is a very accessible anthem for the high school chorus that wants to sing a well-crafted spiritual arrangement. The piece does require a soprano soloist that can sing a b flat 2 with ease. The anthem is approximately 2 minutes in length and would be an ideal encore. Difficulty rating 3. $1.60
Hymn to God, by Eleanor Daley, English text, Oxford, 3869543, SATB (divisi) a cappella. Composed in E Major to a text by the English poet John Donne (1572-1631), this fine anthem has many strophic aspects that help with learning the music. Composed in three verses, the final verse is filled with changing meters and interval and rhythmic aspects that are quite challenging. This piece requires an accomplished choir of great capability and agility. The text painting and rhythmic aspects of the piece offers some real artistic challenges. Difficulty rating 4. $1.70
I Was Glad, by Henry Purcell (1659-1695), English text, Carus-Verlag, CV 9.111, SSATB a cappella. This is a fine edition by Günter Graulich of the famous a cappella anthem written for the coronation of James II in 1685. Set to words from Psalm 122 verses 1.4-7, this is a popular text that has been set by numerous composers for centuries. This glorious setting is filled with elegant harmonies and lyrical counterpoint so typical of Purcell's Monarchial music. The anthem does require an accomplished chorus. It would be equally effective sung by five soloists. Difficulty rating 4. $2.95
Laboravi (Psalm 68.4), by Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764), Latin text, Carus-Verlag, 21.009, SST(A)TB and continuo. This publication affords a rare opportunity to sing the sacred music of this great French Baroque composer. The surviving sacred music of Rameau is limited to three grand motets for choir, soloist, and orchestra - and this motet, which was published in 1722. Composed in fugal style, this motet is filled with elegant counterpoint with a very wide range for all voice parts. For instance, the sopranos begin their part on a2 and continue to sing in the upper tessitura through much of the piece. The long phrases need to be sung with elegance, controlling the long phrase shapes filled with numerous melismas. The continuo part does support the vocal writing, but the piece requires an accomplished choir and would be equally effective on solo voices. Difficulty rating 4. $5.95
Laudate Dominum (No. 9 from Symphony of Psalms), by Imant Raminsh, Latin text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48005182, SATB (divisi) & piano (orchestra). This minimalist setting of Psalm 150 is filled with great challenge. It may be one of Raminsh's most difficult pieces to date. The complete Symphony of Psalms was originally composed for treble voices, commissioned in 2002 by the Lourdes Singers of Miami (Dr. Candace Wicke, conductor). The 75-minute piece was subsequently re-voiced for SATB chorus, soloists and orchestra and received its premiere at Carnegie Hall in April of 2002. The full work contains nine Psalm settings composed in eight languages. Performance notes and translations are included in this edition of the final movement. This piece is filled with changing meter signatures of great challenge and intervals and rhythmic patterns that will require great artistry and agility. It could be compared to Benjamin Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb. Orchestral parts and Full Score are available from the publisher as a rental. Difficulty rating 5. $2.50
Love divine, all loves excelling, by David Willcocks, English text, Oxford, 3356333, SATB & organ. An original melody set to the famous text by Charles Wesley (1707-1788), the anthem is filled with lyric charm. The women open in unison accompanied by the organ. They quickly break into parts composed mostly in thirds in the key of G Major. The middle section is composed for SATB voices a cappella in the key of D Major. The anthem returns to G Major for all voices and repeats the opening melody. The divisi on the final G Major chord makes a spectacular ends to this fine anthem. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.70
Lullay, my liking, by David Willcocks, English text, Oxford, 3355590, SATB a cappella. This simple carol setting set to an anonymous 15th century text was composed as part of a collection of carols from British composers in honor of John Rutter's 60th birthday. It is quite unusual in that it uses the five verses for individual soloists with a refrain composed in four-part harmony. The refrain can be sung after each verse or as an opening and final refrain. Each verse is through composed and has a different melody that beautifully declaims the text. Willcocks composed this piece in the summer of 2005 during his annual summer workshop in New Hampshire. This writer had the privilege of seeing the original manuscript as a work in progress, when the composer was 85 years young. Difficulty rating 3. $1.50
My Lord, What a Mornin', arr. Robert DeCormier, English text, Hal Leonard, 08745676, SATB (divisi) a cappella. First published in 1892 in a collection entitled The Story of the Jubilee Singers by J.B.T. Marsh, this expressive arrangement of a spiritual provides an opportunity to feature baritone and alto soloists. The haunting melody is first sung by the baritone soloist and accompanied by the chorus on rich humming harmonies composed in divisi. DeCormier magically creates choral effects to declaim the text that describes the Afro-American's hunger for freedom. The piece requires a choir of fine skill in singing this music with artistry and passion. It is appropriate for the professional ensemble, the accomplished high school or college choir, or a choral society looking to program an elegant setting of this great melody. Difficulty rating 4. $1.70
Laus Trinitati, by Jocelyn Hagen, Latin text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48019173, SATB (divisi) a cappella. Part of the Yale Glee Club New Classics Choral Series, this piece won the Emerging Composer Composition Competition in 2005. The award is more than well deserved. Conductors who like fine contemporary music must watch for this composer on a regular basis. The composer uses elegant melodic kernels in all the voice parts that form striking harmonies of great beauty. The middle section uses two chants between the sopranos and tenors and the altos and basses that contain uncanny harmonic sound. The piece then rises out of these continuous chants into harmonic brilliance at a double forte. The piece closes at double piano that must be sung with great artistry. This short anthem in the hands of an accomplished choir will be glorious. Difficulty rating 5. $1.70
O Come, Let Us Sing Unto the Lord, by Eleanor Daley, English text, Oxford, 3869578, SATB & organ. Commissioned by the Diocese of Hamilton, Ontario, for the Jubilee 2000 Diocesan Celebration, the anthem boasts a spectacular organ part that will require an accomplished player. Filled with changing meters, this setting of Psalm 95 is the perfect choice for a festival environment or celebratory service. The text versification is quite spectacular and some of the meter changes can be challenging, but in typical Daley style, the work required in the learning of it will be musically gratifying. Difficulty rating 4. $2.00
The Beatitudes, by Bob Chilcott, English text, Oxford, 3355547, SATB & organ. This simple, straightforward setting of Matthew 5:3-11 is filled with numerous and effective key changes. The simple counterpoint and rhythms make the piece very accessible for a choir of average capability. The choir will love the lyrical melody and simple counterpoint as they sing these famous words. Difficulty rating 3. $1.70
Veni Creator Spiritus, by Eleanor Daley, Latin/English text, Oxford, 386956X, SATB a cappella. The combination of Latin and English is beautifully mixed in this lovely anthem. Set to a 9th century Latin text, Veni Creator Spiritus, with translation by John Cosin (1594-1672), the piece opens with a simple three-part cluster for soprano and alto semichorus chanted over an elegant, spine-tingling tenor melodic line. After a short unison soprano section, Daley writes harmonies of great beauty for four-part chorus that are not difficult but breathtakingly beautiful. Many of the harmonies in the piece are composed in thirds and fifths with great effect. The closing "amen" is filled with elegant phrase shapes. The piece closes as it opened, with chanting semi chorus, while the tenors repeat a portion of the opening melody. The piece effectively closes on a large open E Flat Major chord of great expanse on the final word "come." Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.50
EXTENDED WORKS
And Peace on Earth, by Bob Chilcott, English text, Oxford, 335566-3, SATB, soprano, children's choir and chamber orchestra. This Christmas cantata for female vocalist (or solo alto), children's choir, SATB choir, piano, bass, brass ensemble, and two percussion players is composed in jazz style. Seventeen minutes in length, the cantata includes The time draws near (Alfred, Lord Tennyson), Good day, Sir Christemas (anon., mid 15th century English), This endris night (anon., 15th century English), Put memory away (Elizabeth Jennings), and Run, shepherds, run (William Drummond of Hawthornden). It was commissioned by the city of Birmingham for its Christmas celebration in Symphony Hall and premiered on December 19, 2004. A sophisticated piece, this would make an unusual holiday offering. Difficulty rating 4. $8.95Four Canticles of Praise, by Eleanor Daley, English text, Oxford (each published separately), SATB a cappella. All four anthems listed below are set to texts from Borrowed Light: Hymn Texts, Prayers, and Poems by Thomas H. Troeger. They are all spectacularly set and can be sung independently or as a set. The anthems were commissioned by the Canadian Mennonite University for a performance at the Refreshing Winds Conference held in January of 2005. All four pieces are filled with changing meters and composed on accessible harmonies with effective text painting. The first three canticles are a cappella with the fourth accompanied by organ. Each piece is $1.50.
Make our church one joyful choir (3869659)
Angels visit when we sing (3869640)
The hidden stream that feeds (3869551)
Direct us, Lord, through darkness (3869632)
TREBLE VOICES~SACRED
Ave Maria, by Cecilia McDowall, Latin text, Oxford, 3355566, SSA a cappella. Filled with stunning suspensions on both seconds and sevenths, this piece is an excellent choice for the advanced treble ensemble or woman's chorus. The simple counterpoint allows for unusual, riveting harmonies that speak to the soul. Premiered on April 4, 2004 at St. Mary of Charity, Faversham, Kent by the Canterbury Chamber Choir conducted by George Vass, it is the second of a set of three Latin motets. The other two are "Ave Regina" and "Regina Caeli" both for SATB voices. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.95
Hold On!, arr. Robert DeCormier, English text, Hal Leonard, 08745241, SSAA/SSAA a cappella. Composed for double choir, this challenging spiritual arrangement will require an accomplished choir. New lyrics have been included in the piece and were written by Louise Dobbs. The offbeat rhythms and clustered harmonies will require a lot of appropriate stylistic singing if the piece is to be effective. The key change from f minor to f# minor is quite effective. This arrangement is probably more appropriate with the accomplished woman's chorus. Difficulty rating 4. $1.60Hold the Light, arr. Rollo Dilworth, English text, Hal Leonard, 08745610, SSAA & piano. An original gospel-style anthem for trebles, the piece incorporates the popular spiritual "This Little Light of Mine." Commissioned by the Fort Wayne Children's Choir conducted by Fred Meads, the anthem is filled with challenging harmonies and off beat rhythms. This is an excellent and unusual addition to the spiritual repertoire. Difficulty rating 4. $1.60
Were We Dreaming?, by Cary Ratcliff, English text, G Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50486208, SSA & Harp. Composed with numerous unison passages, simple counterpoint, and harmonies in thirds, this is a musical theater treatment of Luke 1 and 2. The elegant counterpoint on long phrase shapes will develop a young choir's breath control and artistic legato singing. When using it in a church environment, it would be excellent to pair with "Past Three O'Clock" for men's voices (reviewed below). In a concert setting where strings and harp are available, this lovely carol would be beautifully programmed with Bob Chilcott's three carols, "The Time of Snow," "This Joy" and "Gifts." All three of these carols are published by Oxford Press. Difficulty rating 3. $1.70
Past Three O'Clock, by Cary Ratcliff, English text, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50486206, TTBB (divisi) & opt. harp. This is an extremely effective setting of a famous 17th century text found in the 1665 edition of John Playford's Dancing Master - combined with the 19th century George Ratcliffe Woodward poem telling of the angel choirs and the King's journey to the stable in Bethlehem. The Playford refrain frames each of the verses, using strikingly beautiful, yet simple harmonies portraying the night watchmen singing on the London streets. This is a real winner for men's chorus in a holiday concert and will be most effective when harp can be used. The a cappella sections are composed with straightforward, glorious homophonic harmonies. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.70
New Releases ~ Secular Everything Is Music, by Robert DeCormier, English text, Hal Leonard, 08745239, SATB a cappella. This is an original piece commissioned by the Vermont Arts Council for their 40th Anniversary. The words used in this commission are adapted from the famous writings of Romain Rolland (1866-1944) and is a celebration of how music is everything to us. Filled with changing meters with three effective key changes, this piece is reflective of the DeCormier relaxed, tongue-and-cheek, yet challenging style. The piece begins on the word "Everything" with a vocal cluster that is constructed to spell an E, d1, b flat- g# of great mystery. The lyrical vocal lines begin in unison between the tenors and basses and expand into moments of harmonic beauty. This composer knows how to create vocal colors and this piece is no exception. The piece moves through a number of key signatures that finally lands in G Major. Vocal nonsense syllables so in keeping with the composer's style occasionally accompany some beautiful melodic lines. Difficulty rating 4. $1.60
For the Four Winds, by Imant Raminsh, English text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48019227, SSATBB (or sextet) a cappella. This challenging setting of a Lindsay Kesselman text was composed for the six-member a cappella Finnish singing ensemble Rajaton, a group the composer first heard at Festival 500 in Newfoundland in the summer of 2003. Because of the capability of the ensemble, the piece is filled with melodic and rhythmic challenges on some uncanny harmonies. Colors dominate this piece that begins quietly and gains in intensity. It progresses through a cycle of descending thirds into the rich key of G flat major, then D major and finally returns to B flat major, the opening key. Raminsh never compromises his musical ear. An emphasis on the understanding of text in order to make the music accessible makes his beautiful and harmonically colorful music well worth the effort. Difficulty rating 4-5. $1.70
Her Sacred Spirit Soars, by Eric Whitacre, English text, Hal Leonard, 08745015, SATB/SATB a cappella. This piece for double chorus is built on step-wise ascending and descending scales using quarter note and eighth note passages. The difficulty rating is based on the double choir writing rather than on musical difficulty. Much of the phrase shapes as well as the melodic structure are repeated in the other vocal parts. The piece is constructed canonically and will be easy to learn. Composed for the Heartland Festival in Platteville, Wisconsin in 2002, this is quite an effective piece. This large work uses a text by C. Anthony Silvestri and is appropriate for the large accomplished high school or college choir. It would be ideal in a festival setting, which is how the piece was conceived. Difficulty rating 4. $2.95
O Columba, by Ken Johnston, Old Irish Text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48019324, SATB (divisi) a cappella. Although built on Scottish plainchant found in a manuscript entitled Incholm Antiphoner and composed in the 14th century, the piece is mostly secular in its textual gesture. The edition contains a great deal of information about the musical sources. English translation and performance notes are also included. The piece is filled with changing meters and tone clusters that can be a challenge to sing. The large phrase shapes are loaded with chanting qualities so appropriate to its musical source. Difficulty rating 5. $2.50
To Those Who Matter, by Bob Chilcott, English text, Oxford, 385752-9, SATB, upper voices & piano. Composed for the Potomac School in McLean, Virginia, this simple piece is set to text by Roberta Hill Whiteman. The lyrical melody and straightforward rhythms make this an accessible anthem, ideally suited for combining an elementary and high school choir in a town concert. Difficulty rating 3. $1.80
We Are As One, by Mary Goetze, English text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), SATB & piano, 48019210 or SSAA & piano, 48019090. This piece was composed for the Young Voices Festival in 2006 with Lynne Gackle conducting. It is set to a powerful text by Moses Jumper, Jr. referring to all of us as, "We are as one, and with Mother Earth we are as one." The poetic images and universal thinking make this piece a real winner for the young singer. Goetze has set a text that will touch the soul of both singer and audience alike. The piece is filled with lyrical melodies on changing meter signatures. The unison writing between the four parts makes this anthem quite accessible. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.70
EXTENDED WORKS
Birthdays Round Numbers, op. 72, by Kirke Mechem, English text, G. Schirmer (Hal Leonard), 50486229, SATB & piano. This clever extended work of seven movements can be performed in its entirety or separately. All seven pieces were composed as birthday presents for family and friends. Each begins as a canon that develops into a full concert piece. The texts are great fun as the composer traces birthdays from ten to seventy years of age. The composer recommends that the poems be read aloud before the performance. This piece is perfect for the accomplished high school or college choir when some humor is needed. Adult choral societies will also enjoy the tongue-and-cheek humor of each passing birthday. Difficulty rating 3-4. $3.95I Share Creation, by Bob Chilcott, English text, Oxford, 335570-1, SATB & percussion. Set in four movements, this eight minute environmental cantata is an ideal choice for an Earth Day celebration. This fine extended work was commissioned by the English based Reading Phoenix Choir and the National Environmental Research Council for a gala concert in celebration of the environment. The cantata uses an unusual collection of short poems from cultures as diverse as Chinese, Eskimo, Aztec and Indian. It is an unusual piece, filled with lovely harmonies, changing meters and some tricky rhythms. Melodically it is filled with beautiful text painting and is an accessible work appropriate for high school or college choirs. The percussion parts are optional and are written into the score. The Difficulty rating 3-4. $7.95
Catch a Falling Star, by Bob Chilcott, English text, Oxford, 3355469, SSA & piano. Commissioned by Robyn Lana and the Cincinnati Children's Choir for Worldsong 2005 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the composition is set to a charming poem by John Donne (1572-1631). It speaks of mermaids and falling stars, some beautiful poetic images. The melodic writing is quite lovely with some offbeat rhythms. Much of the three-part writing is strophic and composed of homophonic chords in second inversion. This makes the piece easy to tune and builds the young singer's ear. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.80
Lascia Ch'io Pianga (Leave me to weep) (from Rinaldo), by George Frideric Handel, Italian text, Hal Leonard, 08745649, SSA & piano. This opera aria is an adaptation for treble voices prepared by Henry Leck. It is an ideal piece to introduce young singers to Handel's great operas as well as train them to sing in Italian. Arranged homophonically, the piece is quite accessible and a welcome addition to the treble opera repertory. Difficulty rating 3. $1.60
London Bells, by Bob Chilcott, English text, Oxford, 3433338, SSA, piano & opt. tubular bells. This arrangement is the third movement of Chilcott's cantata for SATB and upper voices entitled Songs & Cries of London Town. Originally scored for piano duet, the reduced accompaniment for one piano for this edition was prepared by Ralph Woodward. This movement is set to an anonymous text from the 18th century, and evokes the street cries of London surrounding the various cathedrals and major landmarks in London. This octavo also includes the upper voice parts of the fifth movement of the cantata, which can be used in conjunction with the vocal score. Difficulty rating 3. $2.00
The Piper, by Mary Goetze, English text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48019089, SSA & piccolo. Set to a text by William Blake from Song of Innocence, this cheerful song for trebles and piccolo is wonderful. Young singers will soon reach a new artistic level when singing a piece that requires carefully placed enunciation of the text in order to better illuminate the words. The piece is filled with joyful moments and great fun, as the singers sing fabulous music set to this great poem. The piece does require an accomplished player and a choral ensemble with fine intonation and interpretive skills. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.70
Then, Now, Forever, by David L. Brunner, English text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48019169, SA & piano. This is a haunting piece set to a text by Bill Worrell & Robert E. McCormick, composed for the Children's Chorus of San Antonio in memory of Bob McCormick. It deals with an important life passing in a poignant and sensitive way. In his program notes, Brunner makes the following comments. "The union of breath, hearts and souls are the wings given by the Great Spirit, that you and I might fly together in our journey, and love forever. This seems a fitting tribute to Bob from the singers ……" Difficulty level 3-4. $1.70
MEN'S VOICES ~ SECULAR
Carrickfergus (The Sick Young Lover), arr. Mark G. Sirett, English text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48019311, TBB & piano. This is a fine arrangement of an Irish folksong premiered by the Cantabile Young Men's Chorus on November 3, 2001, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The tune was first published in a broadsheet by Haly in County Cork in the mid 1830's. The text is both humorous and a little desperate as the men sing about the perils of love. The arrangement is mostly composed homophonically and is accessible for a young men's chorus. It would be perfect to program at a festival or with a men's honors chorus. Program notes are included in the edition. Difficulty rating 3-4. $1.80The Circles of Our Lives, by David L. Brunner, English text, Boosey (Hal Leonard), 48019111, TTBB & piano. A sensitive anthem set to a poem by Wendell Berry, the lyrics are taken from his poetic collection entitled Song from the Wheel. Commissioned by the Endowment Fund of the American Choral Directors Association and premiered at the seven division conventions in 2000, it was initially for SATB voices. This lyrical setting, arranged for the Turtle Creek Chorale, works beautifully on men's voices. It is filled with text painting through effective harmonies and sensitive melodies on long phrase shapes.Difficulty rating 3. $1.95
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