Victor C. Johnson : An Easter Exclamation

Noble gestures call the faithful to worship the risen Lord in this festival offering. Leaping with triumph, the tune lifts the Latin phrase Christus resurrexit! Resurrexit vere! to soaring heights. Optional handbells will add to the celebration.

Victor C. Johnson : Siyahamba

A stellar setting of the South African folk song for developing singers with logical part-writing, stylistic rhythms, and an energized accompaniment!The PerformancePlus+ series is an innovative addition to the ever-expanding MakeMusic Cloud interactive library. These engaging selections are presented with educational resources designed to enrich the rehearsal process and create outstanding performances.

Composer: South African Folk Song | Country: South Africa

A perennial favorite is treated to new sonic clothing in this engaging arrangement. Filled with innovative choral contrasts, this fresh approach provides many moments to linger over. Audiences will thrill to its impact in both worship and concert settings.

The popular carol Good People All Rejoice is musically surrounded by delightful original words and music creating a truly festive atmosphere for your holiday or Christmas concert. This arrangement works well as an opening number with a rhythmic piano accompaniment that supports this joyful selection for young voices.

Joyous "noels" resound in this bright, festive holiday celebration from gifted composer Victor Johnson. Contrasting legato sections add to the musical interest and help to spell success in this excellent programming choice for young and developing choirs.

Victor's arrangement of this gentle nativity carol from Spain is sung entirely in the original language (a pronunciation and translation are included). This sensitive treatment captures the lullaby mood and adds a light rhythmic undercurrent in moderate 3/4 time. The tonality shifts seamlessly between D minor and D major to reflect a text that moves from quieting the baby to a rushing fountain and singing birds. While the words do return, no two verses are set in the same manner, creating an ever-evolving arrangement. Piano fingers dance over the keys with triplet turns and easily grasp the bigger chords in the supportive and stylistic accompaniment. A nice contrast on holiday programs.

Christina Rossetti's beloved "In the Bleak Midwinter" sings beautifully in this lovely setting for expressive choirs. The meaningful text and breathtaking music are worthy of artistic interpretation. A gracefully supportive piano contributes a few soloistic flourishes and an optional C-instrument (oboe on our recording) adds a gentle obbligato.

Uses: Easter, Eastertide Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10; John 20:1-10 Alive with vibrant praise, this acclamation of life is a festive flourish for Easter Sunday. The rhythmic theme is punctuated by a message of confidence and unbounded joy, and the majestic brass and timpani and sparkling handbell parts will lift this invigorating anthem to the skies. Glorious! Score and Parts (tpt 1-2, tbn 1-2, tmp) available as a digital download. A separate handbell part (3 octaves, 34 bells) also available as a digital download.

Opening with its simple and poignant melody, Johnson's 2-part setting of the Latin text then divides to independent melodies echoing loveliness with each measure. The middle section moves forward in minor, building to a more dramatic close, then returning to the original 2-part melodies and a quiet closing. A beautiful selection for elementary and treble choirs.

Here is a bright Venezuelan Villancico in a warm and colorful setting for young voices with piano, flute and percussion. An excellent choice for Christmas or concert, the voice parts are accessible to assure confidence and success! Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 1:50.

Country: Venezuela

A best-seller, this dynamic setting of the traditional African carol is now available for treble voices. Percussion parts for sticks, shaker, bongo or African drums, triangle, and tambourine are included and lend an exciting, rhythmic flavor. The limited ranges, repeated sections, and creative choral arranging guarantee success for programming contrast.

Country: Africa

Fresh and innovative writing brings this African tune to choir lofts and joins it with a spiritually energizing 19th Century hymn text. This pleasing fusion brings the spirit of worship alive for Pentecost or any time. For a colorful touch, add the easy-to-learn percussion to make this a truly memorable call to worship. Joyful!

Country: Africa

Whether it opens your concert or serves as a closer, this rhythmic and exciting spiritual arrangement will be just the perfect fit. Beginning in a lighter manner, the piece develops with solo opportunities and builds to a powerful closing.

ÁStart the fiesta! with this animated, Latino programming gem about playing drums. The use of small percussion adds to the fun of this lively and spirited folk song from Panama. An optional English text is also provided as a performance option, along with a pronunciation guide for the Spanish. Percussion instruments include: Cowbell, Claves, Maracas, and Conga Drum.

Country: Latin America

Victor Johnson's treatment of this highly respected and loved spiritual is quite stunning, arranged with thoughtfulness and respect. A reflective piano accompaniment lies beneath lush vocal harmonies that sing with musical strength, ebbing and flowing dynamically throughout this work for concert, festival and sacred performance.

Alfred Music proudly welcomes gifted composer Victor Johnson to our catalog with this warm choral setting. So beautifully melodic and expressive---this may be precisely the way Stevenson imagined his famous "I will make you brooches" text. Cue-size notes in the SSA voicing offer optional opportunities for four-part divisi.

Here is the beautiful Scottish song in an expressive and emotional setting for men's voices. Stunning! Available: TTB. Performance Time: 2:50.

Country: Scotland

Here is the beautiful Scottish song in an expressive and emotional setting for men's voices. Stunning! Available: TTB. Performance Time: 2:50.

Country: Scotland

Uses: General, Church Renewal, Baptism Scripture: Revelation 7:17; Revelation 22:1-2 From the always-creative pen of Victor Johnson comes this stunning new setting of Robert Lowry's well-loved text. Sweeping melodic gestures, rich harmonic moments, and a lush keyboard accompaniment make this an anthem you will return to again and again. The a cappella appearance of the hymntune HANSON PLACE is a masterful touch. Highly recommended!

This stunning arrangement of the evocative American folk tune features a text perfectly suited to male choirs. The rich choral sonorities, the musically-engaging accompaniment, and the dramatic role of the cello all unite to create this superbly-crafted, emotional and heartfelt work.

Country: United States

This multicultural original features two simple Spanish sentences meaning, "Come my friend, sing (and dance) with joy!" Developing singers will enjoy performing with the guitar-inspired piano accompaniment, optional percussion ostinati, or the Latin-flare SoundTrax CD. "Canta con alegría!"

Country: Latin America

An ancient text known widely from its use in musical theatre, this new choral setting is a lovely option for a prayer response or benediction. Brief and effective, the lyrical contours of the tune are appealing and rewarding to sing. Enhanced by strong vocal part-writing and supported by a pleasant piano accompaniment, this octavo will be used time and again for a moment of simple beauty in your worship planning.

Victor Johnson's driving setting of the traditional African-American spiritual conveys a sense of urgency that builds from beginning to end, including a dramatic optional descant in the final chorus. A hardy piano accompaniment propels the arrangement and supports the syncopated singers, who are fully harmonized in all voicings.

Sara Teasdale's poignant commentary on the challenges and rewards of love is the foundation of this sensitive choral setting. Strong homophonic writing puts a focus on the words, while scattered harmonic suspensions and gentle ebbs and flows of tempo invite a deep understanding of the text. These are the gifts of love.

Poetry By: Sara Teasdale

This kickini gospel arrangement of the traditional Christmas spiritual is a standout! Victoris spirited treatment boasts rousing rhythmic syncopation, perfect choral harmony, and a highly creative (and stylistically appropriate) gospel breakdown section with a couple of riff-like solo opportunities. Your audience (or congregation) will be convinced long before the uplifting key change and sensational final chorus.

In his setting of the ancient Japanese text about the sunlight that fills the sky with the return of spring, Victor Johnson has captured its mystery through haunting melodies and simple harmonies. The added instrumentation offers color and texture as well as framing the English-language middle section. A pronunciation guide is included.

Country: Japan

Also known as "Keep Your Hand on the Plow," here's a traditional spiritual that is appropriate for concert or contest, stage or sanctuary. Singers will easily grasp the bluesy harmonies that often flip between major and minor, and lock into the steady swing tempo. Consistent rhythmic anticipations create singable syncopation and add energy. A supportive piano accompaniment lays beautifully in the hands as well as providing a reliable groove. You simply cannot go wrong with a setting like this as prepared by top-tier choral conductor and arranger, Victor C. Johnson.

Lyric based on the poem by Sidney Royse Lysaght, speaks the blessings of when love enters our lives. Melodic writing rises and falls weaving with rich choral arranging, rests above a well-crafted and challenging piano accompaniment propelling this musical work.

Victor Johnson's expressive writing continues with this SATB setting of Swinburne's poetic work. Layered harmonic writing above a sophisticated accompaniment creates musical pictures of the romantic text: If love were what the rose is, and I were like the leaf, our lives would grow together.... A gorgeous selection for concert of contest.

An offering of gratitude for the seasons of life, this bittersweet anthem reminds us to live abundantly with a heart of praise. This sacred song provides many moments for expressive singing and beautiful harmonies.

This delicate worship anthem is a call to reflection wrapped in a winsome melody and elegant harmonies. Finding the voice of God as we learn to listen beyond the clamor and noise of the world is the essence of this lovely offering. Easily learned vocal parts allow for great attention to be paid to the expressive elements of the score, and a restrained piano accompaniment brings a calming peace over the whole.

Commissioned by the 2016 TMEA Region IV Middle School/Junior High All-Region Combined Concert Choir, the music-themed text motivates and inspires one to sing of the beauty found all around us in the name of music. The piano accompaniment flourishes, supporting the dynamic contrast found throughout the piece. Rich harmonies paint the natural melody, creating a stirring work for concert or contest.

And as the snow falls from above, we fill our hearts with joy and love and tidings of peace to one and all. A picturesque choral for winter, rich with nostalgia and glowing vocals is achieved in this original from Victor Johnson. A beautiful selection for Christmas or holidays as well as winter-themed concerts.

Set in multiple voicings, this traditional railroad work song tells the dramatic story of John Henry who died with his hammer in his hand! A driving piano accompaniment keeps this work on track to be a powerful performance your singers will love.

Country: American Folk

Contemporary choral harmonies and a driving piano accompaniment are the hallmarks of this exuberant setting of the timeless Latin text. A legato English language section in the middle provides contrast before an energetic return to the original material. Highly recommended for concert or contest!

Here's a kickin' gospel original with energy to spare. Spirited syncopations and intricate chord changes authenticate the style, and a short piano solo paves the way for a funky vocal stack that drives to the end and brings it all home!

Let's gather together, let's celebrate, let's sing! The action-packed main theme of this glorious original work organizes rhythmic accents into 332 subdivisions and seamlessly pivots from key to key, before opening up to full choral harmony. A reverent "Gaudeamus Hodie" passage assembles lyrical lines section by section in smooth choral counterpoint, leading to a triumphant fanfare that bookends this jubilant song of exaltation. Ideal for school and/or church. This title is available in SmartMusic.

Uses: Christmas Eve, Epiphany, Communion, Good Friday Scripture: Mark 15:42-47; Luke 2:4-7 Look beyond the manger and see the unfailing love that sent Christ to die in our place. This creative text reminds us of a rented manger and a borrowed tomb and takes us on our own journey of faith. Inspired music supports and enriches the experience with creative harmonies and memorable melodies. An ideal selection for Candlelight Communion observances. Truly unique!

Uses: Christmas Scripture: Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 2:10-11 Aflame with gospel fire, this cheerful choice for seasonal programming brings toe-tapping joy to the sanctuary or concert hall. The wonderful 12/8 swing of this winner is instantly appealing. Solid idiomatic piano stylings set the stage, while strong four-part writing and call and answer vocal techniques assist in easy learning. Sure to be a hit with your singers!

Composer: Tom Eggleston

Interesting vocal and piano textures combine with an arching Latin lyric to create a superb choral showcase for the developing choral ensemble. Available: 3-Part Mixed. Performance Time: Approx. 2:50.

This gentle setting of a Japanese text captures the mystery and flavor of ancient Japan and frames the middle section, which is in English. Haunting melodies and simple harmonies are complemented by the addition of optional chime tree and rain stick for a distinctly Asian mood. A pronunciation and translation guide is included.

Country: Japan

This emotional poetic setting will create an expressive moment in concert as fluid melodies and beautiful harmonies are further enhanced by the warm piano foundation. When stars pursue their solemn flight, oft in the middle of the night, a strain of music visits me, hushed in a moment silvery.

An optional solo opens this serene, flowing, and extremely expressive original, complemented by luscious harmonies and a rich accompaniment.

Country: Scotland

Victor Johnson delivers the ultimate festival opener with this joyful mixed-meter selection meaning "clap your hands, all the earth." A strong minor-key motive, harmonized in sturdy open fifths, is punctuated by rhythmic handclaps. A contrasting section quiets the middle before a brief accelerando builds back to the triumphant return of opening material. Prominent dynamics and captivating rhythms create excitement.

Mark Burrows's new melody beautifully conveys the message of St. Patrick's ancient prayer as it alternates with verses of the Irish hymn "Be Thou My Vision." Along with the opportunity to join the choir for the final verse, your congregation will delight in the lovely flute obbligato, rich harmonic colors, and a signature piano accompaniment by Victor C. Johnson.

Country: Ireland

Bright syncopations and powerful rhythms are the hallmark of this concert selection for male voices. Great vocal ranges for developing voices and a mixture of textures make this an excellent festival showcase.

Vivid rhythms and exciting minor to major tonalities are the hallmark of this concert selection. Fine choral writing for young voices is brilliantly displayed, with great vocal ranges for the changing voice and a mixture of textures and styles. An excellent festival showcase.

The inclusivity of grace is a hopeful promise of the faith. This invitation to unity in Christ is set to gorgeous music that reaches out to embrace the congregation with sincere affection.

A plaintive oboe solo floats above an expressive piano accompaniment in this inspired arrangement of the much-loved American folk song. Featuring unique harmonic twists and turns, and a gradual broadening of the original melody that mimics the movement of the river itself. A refreshing reimagining of a treasured classic.

Country: American Folk

Uses: Advent, General, Concert Scripture: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 28:16 The prophetic scriptures of Isaiah provide inspiration for this festive message of celebration. Set to energizing music, this creative piece is a fresh choice for Advent. Solid part-writing gives each section a moment to shine, and the invigorating accompaniment offers ample variety and flourish. Sensational for sanctuary or concert hall usage!