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Displaying 51-76 of 76 items.
Ola Gjeilo : A Cappella Works for ChorusReview: "Unicornis CaptiIvatur" is an exciting, adventurous piece sets an unusual Latin text to music that ranges in style from renaissance dance to shimmering chorales to chant, and in texture from unison to an expansive eight parts. Requiring highly developed musicianship, this work is sure to become a memorable concert highlight. "Sanctus" is atmospheric and intense, featuring contrasts of ethereal melody lines supported by stately, rich harmonies. Unified by a repeated, modulated motif in the "Hosanna" section, this sensual yet spiritual Sanctus from inimitably original Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo promises to be a highlight of an advanced choir's concert or service. While not easy, repetition of rhythmic and harmonic patterns coupled with the familiar Latin make this much more accessible than it appears. Completely rewarding. Inimitably original, Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo's setting of the Latin text to Psalm 126 "Nisi Dominus" exudes a musical intensity similar to Orff's Carmina Burana. Musically and vocally challenging, it offers great rewards to the most accomplished choirs. A stunning work! "Ubi Caritas" - With a sound at once modern and medieval, this remarkable setting of the familiar Latin text starts in unison and evokes plain chant, and gradually unfolds into wider harmonies and more modern harmonic language. Not unduly challenging in terms of vocal range, it's readily accessible to good high school mixed choirs for concerts or festivals at any time. Songlist: Unicornis CaptiIvatur, Sanctus, Ubi Caritas 
Ola Gjeilo : Christmas Carols Vol 1Review: Ola Gjeilo is a rising star in modern choral music and has already established a stellar reputation for original and creative work. This collection of his a cappella Christmas arrangements, in two volumes, offers well-known carols in fresh and sophisticated a cappella settings. Volume 1 includes three outstanding arrangements written for choirs with mature ranges and divisi capacity Songlist: O Come O Come, Emmanuel, In The Bleak Widwinter, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
Oscar Escalada : Latin American Choral Series Review: A wonderful collection of contemporary Latin American choral music selected by noted Argintian conductor and composer Oscar Escalada. "La Chaparrita " is a brisk Venezuelan folk melody and is fun to sing and includes the vocal imitation of a typical pattern played on a "cuarto". "Candomble", from Uruguay, is written in a rhythm very close to the tango and the habanera. "La Ninez De America" is based on a poem of Argentinian poet Alberto del Carril and is inspired by the Incas. "Cancion Con Todos " is a two-part song based on two different rhythms. The first part is calm and recognizes each area of the Americas with characteristic elements such as copper for Chile, sun for Peru etc. The second part is rhythmic and exultant with the hope of bringing all the peoples of Latin America to sing together! Songlist: La Chaparrita, Candomble, Cancion Con Todos, Se Equivoco La Paloma (The Dove Was Wrong), La Ninez De America
Review: A Tender Light is a collection of new choral music by the Welsh composer Paul Mealor, including the Ubi caritas, made famous by its inclusion in the Royal Wedding Ceremony of Prince William and Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey in April 2011. 2.5 billion people (the largest audience in broadcasting history) heard his Motet on that day and since then it has topped the Classical singles charts in the USA, UK, Australia, France and New Zealand and has already entered the standard repertoire for many choirs. For singers wanting to explore further the music of Mealor, this book also contains the luminous She Walks in Beauty, the contemplative O vos omnes and the madrigal sequence Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal. Locus iste and Ave Maria are modern yet timeless settings of well-known texts. This is a must-have collection for any mixed voice choir wanting to explore the latest and best in choral repertoire. Songlist: She Walks in Beauty, Locus iste, Ave Maria, Ubi caritas
Review: Commissioned by the University of Aberdeen to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the consecration of King's College Chapel and premiered by Polyphony, conducted by Stephen Layton. For SATB divisi chorus unaccompanied. Songlist: Locus Iste
Paul Mealor : Now Sleeps the Crimson PetalReview: Four madrigals on rose texts for unaccompanied SATB (with divisi). Commissioned by John Armitage Memorial and first performed by the joint choirs of the University of St. Andrews Chapel Choir, University of Aberdeen Chamber Choir and the Edinburgh University Chamber Choir, conducted by Michael Bawtree. Songlist: Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal, Lady, When I Behold The Roses Sprouting, Upon A Bank With Roses About, A Spotless Rose
Paul Mealor : The Paul Mealor Collection - Favorite Anthems and PartsongsReview: A collection featuring several of Paul Mealor's most popular works, as well as some of his more recent pieces, arranged for SATB choir. This collection follows the matching folio to the bestselling Decca album. Songlist: Ave verum, Blessing, How Beautiful Upon the Mountain, I am the gentle light, I Pray, In My Dreams, Let All the World, She walks in beauty, Sleep On, With a Friend Like You, Ubi caritas, Wherever you are
Philip Glass : Three Choruses for Mixed VoicesReview: Philip Glass has consistently written for choruses throughout his career including major operas (Satyagraha, The Voyage) and large orchestral works (symphonies Nos. 5 & 7, Passion of Ramakrishna). However, Three Songs is unique as the composer's only a cappella choral work. Songlist: A Clear Midnight, Haze Gold, Spring Grass
Review: Three Songs by Philip Glass is a work for unaccompanied SATB Choir featuring three different settings of words by three different poets and songwriters. Songlist: There Are Some Men, Quand Les Hommes Vivront D'amour, Pierre De Soleil
Rene Clausen : A Cappella Compositions Vol. 1Review: Rene Clausen, conductor of the Concordia Choir, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, is a graduate of St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota. He holds a Master's degree in conducting performance and a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting from the University of Illinois. Here we present you with 6 of his most well known A Cappella choral selections, a must have for any large, advanced choir! Songlist: Set Me As A Seal, Sweet Was The Song, Tonight Eternity Alone, Peace I Leave With You, Hosanna
Rene Clausen : A Cappella Compositions Vol. 2Review: 'Thank The Lord' is a beautiful 4-part sacred folk tune that begins with a great soprano solo. The unique setting of e.e. cummings' celebrated poem 'i thank you God' is a challenge, but the overall effect is stunning. Dissonance, tone color, and texture are ever-changing in this a cappella gem where chord cluster follows chord cluster. Cummings' vividly painted words are well-suited to Rene Clausen's inimitable gift of melody. Clausen's impressionistic 'La Lumiere (The Light)' is a wonderful, sensual experience in tone color and texture. As the poet's spiritual perception changes, he views his visual landscape in a new light. In much the same way, Clausen transforms the listener's aural landscape with layer upon layer of changing harmony and musical texture. Written for a cappella choir with divisi in each voice part, this modern impressionistic choral will showcase the talents of the most discerning ensemble. Choirs capable of singing 8-part harmony will love 'All That Hath life & Breath Praise Ye the Lord.' The lush chords and triumphant sound will also move the audience. Another 8-part gem, 'Magnificat' showcases Clausen's uncanny ability to weave beautiful melodies with intricate harmonies that can both sooth and excite the listener. Songlist: Thank The Lord, I Thank You God, La Lumiere, All That Hath Life & Breath Praise Ye the Lord!, Magnificat
Rene Clausen : A Cappella Compositions Vol. 3Review: This compilation contains six, delightful compositions by Rene Clausen for the express enjoyment of your mixed-voice group. "The Early Bird" is a tone poem that lets out all the stops, presenting a wonderful adventure for the advanced choir. "Song at Dusk" is much like a vocal tone poem, in how the soaring melodies dramatically illuminate the poem (by Leigh Haynes). "Plenty Good Room" is guaranteed to bring down the house, swinging with classy, jazz element including a scat solo. "Alleluia" is a dramatic piece containging marvelous harmonic build-up and a sensitive ending. "In the Bleak Midwinter" is a composition based on a poem by Christina Rossetti that was originally a Christmas poem expressing her piety and love for the beauty of nature. "Canticle of Praise" was originally written for the King's Singers (a 6-man ensemble) and the Morman Tabernacle Choir, however, this publication is the version re-scored by the Clausen for performance by his Concordia Choir. Songlist: The Early Bird, Song at Dusk, Plenty Good Room, Alleluia, In the Bleak Midwinter, Canticle of Praise
Stephen Hatfield : Three Ways To Vacuum Your HouseReview: These original pieces incorporates a multiplicity of multicultural influences, from Peru to Scotland. The text is a sequence of nonsense syllables, imitating the humming and muttering one does during housework. The first movement explores various hemiola patterns culminating in vocalized drum patterns modeled on Arabic and Indian traditions. The second movement, whose slow groove is derived from Reggae, incorporates tonalities and scale structures from Brazil and Lebanon. The final movement starts in Peru, and works upward through Latin America only to discover a hitherto unexplored Mexican/Scottish border. Lots of fun to both teach and sing! Songlist: Three Ways To Vacuum Your House - Part I, Three Ways To Vacuum Your House - Part II, Three Ways To Vacuum Your House - Part III
Steve Martland : Three Carols for Unaccompanied ChorusReview: English composer Steve Martland rejects academic dogma in favour of a plurality of musical influences, both ancient and modern, 'serious' and vernacular. His music has been adapted frequently for film and TV use, and scores for TV include the multi-media Albion, commissioned by the BBC and Granada TV's Children's drama Wilderness Edge. These are original compositions that will be rewarding and challenging for your choir and add a new creative element to any Christmas concert. Songlist: From Lands That See The Sun Arise, Make We Joy, There Is No Rose
Tarik O'Regan : Alleluia, Laus Et GloriaReview: Alleluia, laus et gloria was commissioned by the BBC for the Pro Musica Girls' Choir of Hungary, winner of the 2003 Let the People Sing competition. Songlist: Alleluia, Laus Et Gloria
Various Arrangers : Anthems for SA and MenReview: Anthems for SA & Men is the perfect collection for church choirs looking for high-quality, accessible material in three parts. Ideal for performance during Holy Communion, and suitable for use across the Church year, the nine pieces by favourite Oxford composers have been re-scored specially for this collection, with a particular focus on producing practical, singable parts for unison men's voices. The approachable accompaniments, for organ or piano, support the vocal lines throughout. Songlist: Alleluia, sing to Jesus, Bless to me this day, Faith, hope, and love, Fill your hearts with joy and gladness, From the break of day, I lift my eyes, O God,you speak your beauty every hour, Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore him, This day
Various Arrangers : Cantica NovaReview: Cantica Nova is an outstanding collection of new motets by contemporary British composers. Scored for mixed voices - a cappella and with organ the pieces present a kaleidoscope of different styles and sonorities, united in their ability to communicate fresh ideas and the skill of their vocal writing. Here are dancing, energetic rhythms and rich, ecstatic chords; simple, plainchant lines and overlapping, mesmeric phrases; pieces direct and strong and pieces radiant and spacious; motet telling in their simplicity and motets dramatic and theatrical. Encompassing a wide range of texts, with settings of some of the great hymns of the Church alongside little-known, rarely set texts, the collection will be welcomed by concert and church choirs seeking innovative and exciting contemporary repertoire. Songlist: O Lux Beata Trinitas, Pasce Agnos Meos, Ave Maria Stella, Pange Lingua, Ave Regina Coelorum, Ave Verum Corpus, A Prayer Of King Henry, In Medio Ecclesiae, Surrexit Christus, Ave Verum Corpus, Cantate Domino, Jesu Dulcis Memoria, Veni Sancte Spiritus, Surge Illuminare, Ostende Nobis Domine, Christus Est Stella, O Adonai, Et Dux Domus Israel
Various Arrangers : Christmas VoicesReview: Fourteen traditional and modern Christmas texts, all set by contemporary composers for various choral combinations and levels of accomplishment. Includes works for Unison, SSA and SATB choirs. But for one or two more adventurous pieces, these carols are sufficiently melodic and straighforward to be tackled by choirs of any size or with limited rehearsal time, while still being fresh and challenging works of today. Songlist: A Lullaby Of The Nativity, Balulalow, Dormi Jesu, Coventry Carol, When All The Angels, The Two Nowells, A Lullaby Of The Nativity, A Babe Is Born, Journey From Nazareth, Coventry Carol, Balulalow, Balulalow, The Holly And The Ivy, Heaven Knows Why, When All The Angels, Dormi Jesu
Various Arrangers : Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young A CappellaReview: Here is the 1970 pop hit by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young "Teach Your Children" in an a cappella setting that is fresh and unique! Rhythmically free and expansive, the melody harmonized in triads is juxtaposed against long accompanying vocal lines to highlight the powerful message inherent in the text. The Crosby, Stills and Nash song from their debut 1969 album "Helplessly Hoping" translates perfectly to the signature vocal style of the King's Singers. "After The Gold Rush" is the haunting song by Neil Young in a richly expressive a cappella setting. Audiences love these pop classics and great for the parents to sing along with. Songlist: Helplessly Hoping, After The Gold Rush, Teach Your Children
Review: "Sweet Baby James" is from James Taylor's first U.S. album, this gentle acoustic lullaby has a sweet country feel to it. Extended accompanying vocal harmonies support the solo melodic line of the verse which unfolds into a rich homophonic chorus, serving to highlight the poetry of the lyrics. "That Lonesome Road" - James Taylor's beautiful ballad gains new life in this simply stated a cappella setting by arranger Kirby Shaw. Sensible voice leading makes chords easy to tune, uncomplicated rhythms allow the text to speak. Awesome, accessible writing in every edition. "Your Smiling Face" - A show stopper, for sure! Arranged in a collegiate, street-corner a cappella-style, with a featured Tenor solo. A fantastic change of pace. Songlist: Sweet Baby James, That Lonesome Road, Your Smiling Face
Review: John Lennon and Paul McCartney were without doubt one of the finest songwriting teams ever and many of their songs are very well suited for a cappella. Here's an expressive a cappella setting of the classic "Here, There and Everywhere", full of wonderful textures, lyric lines, and lots of opportunities for rubato styling! "Yesterday" has lush chords with well-crafted vocal lines are the highlight of this warm a cappella setting. With opportunities for both male and female soloists, this classic Beatles tune is a perfect choice for many concert programs. This sensitive, well-crafted arrangement of the beautiful "In My Life" is great for vocal jazz groups, pop/show ensembles, and concert choirs as well. Warm harmonies and gently nuanced textures give Roger Emerson's setting special appeal. From the Beatles' 1966 hit movie and single "Yesterday" is a fun and colorful a cappella arrangement and "The Long and Winding Road" is skillfully arranged and will be a standout in any concert. Treat your audience to an a cappella moment they will remember for a long, long time. This great new arrangement of the beautiful Beatles song "I Will" fits right into a fine concert or festival selection, and will challenge and reward good high school ensembles as well as university choirs. Songlist: Here, There And Everywhere, Yesterday, In My Life, Yellow Submarine, The Long and Winding Road
Various Arrangers : The Ivy and the HollyReview: The Ivy and the Holly is a superb collection of carols and motets for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany by contemporary composers. Scored for mixed voices - a cappella and with organ - the pieces present a wide range of styles and sonorities. A great collection for church and concert choirs alike. The New Horizons series showcases the wealth of exciting, innovative, and occasionally challenging choral music being written today. It encompasses the whole gamut of small-scale choral genres, both secular and sacred, and includes pieces for upper-voice and mixed choirs. With titles by some of the most accomplished choral composers active in Great Britain and abroad, the series introduces new repertoire and fresh talent to a broad spectrum of choirs. New Horizons features composers with growing reputations for quality composition reflecting a strong individual voice. The series is continually expanding and should be the first place to look for attractive and performable contemporary choral music. Songlist: The Contest of the Ivy and the Holly, Antiphon to Mary, And all the stars looked down, Cradle Song, The Shepherds Carol, Telling, The Magi, Now we may singen, Gabriel fram Hevene-King, St. Margaret's Carol, Mary's Carol, Dormi, Jesu, Rejoice, rejoice, Veni, redemptor gentium
Various Arrangers : Women's Heavenly Pop  Review: Kirby Shaw's exquisite arrangements of two Billy Joel ballads "And So It Goes" and "Lullaby", one of the most poignant and beautiful songs of the '90s, are simply stunning. The moving lyrics and soaring vocals of the Josh Groban classic "You Raise Me Up" will inspire all who hear it and powerful poetry, deep emotion, warm choral textures are all highlights of the Sarah McLachlan hit "Angel", now in an expressive a cappella setting. Haunting! Songlist: Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), Angel, You Raise Me Up
Various Composers : Today's Choral ClassicsReview: Today's Choral Classics is a special collection of pieces from the most exciting talents in choral composition today. From the church to the concert hall, it is the perfect volume for choruses seeking a contemporary choral repertoire, rich in accessible, modern arrangements in a variety of styles. Featuring Paul Mealor's Wherever You Are, a Christmas No. 1 for The Military Wives choir, and Ubi Caritas, his specially commissioned piece for the royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; serene miniatures by John Tavener and Eric Whitacre; simple gems by Richard Rodney Bennett and Richard Blackford; and more substantial works by Judith Weir, James Whitbourn, Tarik O'Regan and Nico Muhly; choirs of all styles, sizes and abilities will discover a wealth of variety of inspiring pieces to delight singers and audiences alike. Today's Choral Classics is a fantastic addition to any music library or choral resource, and provides a solid and accessible basis for any contemporary choral concert program. Songlist: A Blue True Dream Of Sky, A Boy And A Girl, A Good-night, Alleluia Jubilate, Ave Verum, Crucem Tuam Adoramus, Domine, Kyrie, Mother Of God, Here I Stand, Nunc Autem Manet, O Vera Digna Hostia, Quanta Qualia, Set Me As A Seal, The Lord's Prayer, This Marriage, Ubi Caritas, Ubi Caritas, Wherever You Are
Review: Zhou Long (b. July 8, 1953, Beijing) is internationally recognized for creating a unique body of music that brings together the aesthetic concepts and musical elements of East and West. Deeply grounded in the entire spectrum of his Chinese heritage, including folk, philosophical, and spiritual ideals, he is a pioneer in transferring the idiomatic sounds and techniques of ancient Chinese musical traditions to modern Western instruments and ensembles. This is a collection of traditional Chinese folk songs selected to reflect the four seasons that will add a nice touch of the orient to your repertoire. Songlist: Spring - River Scenes on a Spring Evening, Summer - The True Face of Mount Lu, Autumn - Moon Song at Mount Emei, Winter - Snowy River
Zhou Long : Two Poems from the Book of SongsReview: The text from this work is selected from The Book of Songs, China's earliest anthology of poetry consisting of 305 songs popular between the 11th and 6tth centuries B.C. More than half of them are folk songs from various parts of the country, while the rest are ceremonial or festive songs sung at court or at banquets and hymns used during sacrifices to the gods or one's ancestors. Most of the poems are written in a simple and natural style to times and have been highly appreciated throughout the ages and have exerted a profound influence on the development of Chinese literature. The composer has chosen an English translation of the two poems so that this oldest of China's literary classics may be better understood. The musical style is not restricted to the traditional folk song form in pentatonic scale: freer melodic expression is achieved through atonal means and the style of a rustic song is retained. "The Peach Tree" (Tao Yao) is concerned with the popular marriage customs, where woman are considered the possession of men. "Gathering Plantain" (Fou Yi) is a work song sung by women as they gather plantain grass. Songlist: The Peach Tree (Tao Yao), Gathering Plantain (Fou Yi) |
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