Canadian Choral Music

Les Chantres Musiciens : Camille Saint-Saens - Works For A Cappella Choir

Review: This is an amazing recording of most of Camille Saint-Saens' male choir pieces (orpheons). With enchanting harmonies and delightfully rich texture, these musical adaptations of poems of the early 20th century will make a cold heart melt. The Chantres Musiciens male choir sings with near perfection all the masterpieces on this album, be it the Winter Serenade, the charming "Le Matin," or the virile "aux Aviateurs," a tribute to the first aviators who took great risks in trying to conquer the skies, (and immortality...). Thoroughly, a must have for fans of male choral music.

Songlist: Aux Aviateurs, Serenade D'hiver, Hymne au printemps, Aux Mineurs, Chants d'automne, Les soldats de Gedeon, Les Marins de Kermor, Le Matin, Saltarelle

Musica Intima : Into Light

Review: 12-strong, mixed-voice Canadian a cappella ensemble Musica Intima was inspired to record "into light" after performing at the Pollyfollia festival in France in 2006, where, to their delight, the Canadian choral works they had always performed and commissioned were very well received and admired. The album is a 14 song celebration of original compositions by Canadian composers, some favorites are Imant Raminsh's "Ave Verum Corpus," R. Murray Schafer's 3-part "Three Hymns (from The Fall Into Light)," Rupert Lang's "Agneau de Dieu," Claude Vivier's "Jesus Erbarme Dich," Rupert Lang's "Earth Teach Me," a pair of folk songs by Derek Healey, "Salish Song" and "Inuit Hunting Song;" Bruce Sled's "Ice," Rodney Sharman's "Love" (from "Love, Beauty, Desire") and Lionel Daunais' "Le Pont Mirabeau." "Into light" is a lovely, surprising collection, much of it new to our ears, from a brilliant and talented ensemble, Canada's Musica Intima!

Songlist: Ave, Verum Corpus: Ave verum corpus, The Fall Into Light: First Hymn, The Fall Into Light: Second Hymn, The Fall Into Light: Third Hymn, Agneau de Dieu, Jesus erbarme dich, Exaudi, Earth Teach Me, Salish Song, Inuit Hunting Song, Ice, On Monsieur's Departure, Love, Le Point Mirabeau

St. Marys Children's Choir : Angel Choir

Review: Regarded as one of Canada's finest children's choirs since its formation in 1981, the choir focuses on musicianship, personal growth and a lifelong love of music. "Angel Choir" is a joyous Christmas collection of 25 songs. Included here are songs we haven't heard, like "The Angel Choir and the Trumpeter," the Catalonian carol "Winter Heaven's Opened," "Christmas Angel," the lilting "Christ is Here," "All Winter Long," Bob Chilcott's "Mid-winter" and "This Joy," Mansel Thomas' "Christmas Star," W.H. Anderson's "Sleep, Little Jesus," Alexander Tilley's "When Christ Was Born of Mary Free," Michael Coghlan''s "December's Rose," Peter Cornelius' "The Three Kings" and others. Combine those with favorites such as "Gesu Bambino," "Carol of the Bells," "O Holy Night" and "Ring Those Christmas Bells," and you have a memorable, joyful Christmas album you will want to play year after year! Some narration, and light accompaniment, particularly piano, on most cuts.

Songlist: The Angel Choir and the Trumpeter, The Task, Book VI, Winter Walk at Noon, Gesu Bambino, Winter heaven's Opened, Christmas Angel, Christ is Here, A Merry Note, All Winter Long, Mid-winter, Christmas Star, Prepare Thyself, Zion, Sleep, Little Jesus, Luke 2 verses 1-14, When Christ Was Born of Mary Free, Love Came Down at Christmas, December's Rose, The Three Kings, This Joy, From the Bells, Kling Glockchen, Nino Lindo, Carol of the Bells, O Holy Night, A Visit from St. Nicholas, Ring Those Christmas Bells

St. Marys Children's Choir : Heart Of Courage

Review: The 90 singers of St. Mary's Children's Choir & Festival Singers are divided into 3 groups conducted by Eileen Baldwin, Brio and Presto, both treble voice choirs, and the Festival Youth Singers, a chamber choir for mixed voices; they are four-time winners of the national Association of Canadian Choral Festivals Competition and have won many more awards. "Heart of Courage" is an inspirational collection of 21 religious, classical and folk tunes, all accompanied by either piano or organ. Favorite religious cuts are John Rutter's "I Will Sing With the Spirit," Handel's "Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound," Eleanor Daly's "The Birds," Mozart's "Alleluia," Mendelsson-Bartholdy's "Ye Sons of Israel," Mark Sirett's "Praise to God," Simon Lole's "The Father's Love" and John Butler's "Psalm 150." Favorite folk songs are Martin Shaw's "The Song of the Music Makers," the rousing "John Barleycorn," the Scottish folk song "Ae Fond Kiss," the Newfoundland folk song "I'se The B'y" and three "Reflections of a Lad at Sea," "The Captain's Mate," "Thoughts of Home" and "The Ghost Ship." Another great collection by one of Canada's favorite, most professional children's groups.

Songlist: The Song of the Music Makers, I Will Sing With The Spirit, Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound, Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley/Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen, The Birds, I Vow to Thee My Country, Alleluia, Ye Sons of Israel, John Barleycorn, Ae Fond Kiss, The Trout, Praise to God, I'se The B'y, The Father's Love, Psalm 150, Panis Angelicus, Reflections of a Lad at Sea, -The Captain's Mate, -Thoughts of Home, -The Ghost Ship, Flying Free, Blessing

St. Marys Children's Choir : The Music In Us

Review: St. Mary's Children's Choir has been providing performing experiences for youth in southwestern Ontario, Canada since 1981. The 139 choristers of SMCC range in age from 6 to 20 years, and are divided into 4 choirs. These 33 beautiful, upbeat songs, some piano accompanied, are also divided into four groups, "Praise," "Nursery Rhymes," "Around the World" and "The Music In Us." Favorites are Eleanor Daly's "Rise Up, My Love" and "Canticle to the Spirit," the Jutland folk hymn "When the Stars Fall," the spiritual "Ride The Chariot," "Grand Old Duke of York," Ralph Hunter's "Humpty Dumpty," "Little Bo Peep"and "Old King Cole," the traditional Scottish "Loch Lomond," Japanese children's song "Hotaru Koi," the French Canadian folk song "Vive la Canadienne," "Homeward Bound," James Taylor's "That Lonesome Road," the spiritual "Let It Shine," and Berthold Carriere's "Butterfly Dreams," "Important to Me" and "The Music in Me." A feel-good, fun, joyous collection from one of Canada's most talented, entertaining children's choirs!

Songlist: Little Wheel Spiritual, The Children's Friend, Children Blessed of the Lord, Rise Up, my Love, Canticle to the Spirit, When the Stars Fall, The Word was God, A Celtic prayer, Cantate Domino, Ride the Chariot, Sing A Song Of Sixpence, Grand Old Duke of York, Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo-Peep, Little Jack Horner, Old King Cole, White Paternoster, Bless You, Ein hennlein Weiss (A Little White Hen), Loch Lomond, Braul amestecat (Mixed Brau Dance), Watane, Hotaru Koi, Vive la Candienne (Long Live the Canadian Girl), The Lake Isle of Innisfree, Homeward Bound, That Lonesome Road, Say, Love, Eletelephony, Let It Shine, and more

Toronto Children's Chorus : A Ceremony of Carols

Review: This CD is a compilation of the most popular Christmas selections from the Toronto Children's Chorus previous Marquis recordings, Dancing Day and Mostly Britten, along with several never before released performances of favourite carols. Both John Rutter's "Dancing Day" and Benjamin Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols" - the two major works on this CD - are popular favourites.

Songlist: Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen, The Huron Carol, D'ou viens-tu bergere, Dancing Day, Prelude, Angelus ad Virginem, A virgin most pure with, Personent hodie, Interlude, There Is No Rose, Coventry carol, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, I Saw Three Ships, Stille Nacht, Noel nouvelet, A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28, Procession, Wolcum Yole!, There is no Rose, That yonge child, Balulalow, As dewe in Aprille, This little Babe, In Freezing Winter Night, Spring Carol, Adam lay ibounden, Recession, Cantata No. 142, Alleluia

Toronto Children's Chorus : A Song For All Seasons

Review: The TCC has performed an extensive and varied repertoire in prestigious venues throughout North America and Europe, including Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and Royal Albert Hall, and is directed by its founder, Jean Ashworth Bartle. 15 songs, lightly accompanied by piano, organ, harp and flute. A couple of our favorites begin the program, J.S. Bach's lovely "Wir eilen mit schwachen" and "Suscepit Israel." Sir Edward Elgar's soaring "The Snow," Sir David Willcocks' "Psalm Trilogy," Claude Debussy's "Salut Printemps" and Stephen Hatfield's a cappella "Queen Jane" are also favorites. The voices of the Choir are unbelievably fine, and the material excellent. Another winner for the TCC!

Songlist: Wir eilen mit schwachen, Suscepit Israel, The Snow, Three Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Psalm Trilogy, Benedictus, Salut Printemps, City Called Heaven, Stephen Hatfield:, The Birds, Song for Canada

Toronto Children's Chorus : Adeste Fideles

Review: Share in a world of distinctive rhythms and incomparable harmonies which Canadians call their own at Christmas! Uniting the festive season traditions of the world's peoples in a program first presented for Governor General Ramon Hnatyshyn, Adeste Fideles makes a musical pilgrimage through Europe with guests baritones Louis and Gino Quilico and members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Songlist: La Cloche De Noel, Un Flambeau, Cantique De Noel, Trio Des Ismaelites, Pat-a-Pan, Fum-Fum-Fum, Ave Maria, Panis Angelicus, Variations On Adeste Fideles, Gesu Bambino, Schafe Konnen Sicher Weiden, Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprunden, Maria Wiegenlied, Ave Maria, Stille Nacht, O Tannenbaum, Carol Of The Bells, The Sleigh

Toronto Children's Chorus : Along The Road to Bethlehem

Review: The sound of the children's voices raised in song is a touchstone of the holidays. Add to the mix the internationally renowned tenor Ben Heppner and members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and you have a recipe for a truly special Christmas disc! The Chorus invokes a magical quality to Christmas music past and present, ranging from traditional favourites to a contemporary holiday fable sure to charm even Scrooge!

Songlist: Star Carol, The Kings, Sussex Carol, See Amid The Winter's Snow, Jesus Child, Song Of The Crib, Wexford Carol, The Garden Of Jesus, Good King Wenecelas, Hey Now, Mid-Winter, Farewell!!! Advent, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, Jesus Christ The Apple Tree, The Last Straw - A Christmas Fable

Toronto Children's Chorus : Come Ye Makers of Song

Review: This is a live recording from the 60-voice Toronto Children's Chorus' tour of Australia and New Zealand in August, 1999. 25 mostly (Christian) spiritually-oriented songs, directed by Jean Ashworth Bartle and accompanied by Ruth Henderson. "Come, Ye Makers of Song" captures all the excitement, energy and spirit of these incredible live concert performances!

Songlist: Come, Ye Makers of Song, Freedom Trilogy, Dixit Dominus, Psalm Trilogy, Stabat Mater, Agnus Dei, Laudate Pueri, Lift Thine Eyes, Ave Maria, Prayer of St. Francis, Petites Voix, Glory to Thee, My God This Night

Toronto Children's Chorus : How Sweet The Sound

Review: Jean Ashworth Bartle founded the TCC in 1978, and has been happily developing it into one of the world's great choral ensembles for children. This accompanied (sometimes by piano, massive church organ and other instruments) collection of 19 songs of Christian faith and joy includes such gems as Johann Haydn's "St. Leopold Mass," Debussy's "Noel des enfants," Johannes Brahms' "Ave Maria," Srul Irving Glicks' 3-part "Psalm Trilogy," Kodaly's "Evening Song" and the final cut, Paul Halley's soaring "Freedom Trilogy." This spirited children's chorus reminds us of angels singing these beautiful, inspirational songs - truly lovely!

Songlist: Dixit Dominus, St. Leopold Mass, Cantique De Jean Racine, Noel Des Enfants, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Psalm Trilogy, Psalm Of Praise, Evening Song, Freedom Trilogy

Toronto Children's Chorus : My Heart Soars

Review: "My Heart Soars," the title coming from a poem by Chief Dan George, is a celebration of Canada, from coast to coast. All 19 songs are from Canadian pens, and each speaks of a different time, of laughter, love, triumph and tragedy in Canadian history. The 58-voice Toronto Children's Chorus , directed by Jean Ashworth Bartle, has won awards and established a first-class reputation in its 18-year history. Accompanied by Ruth Henderson on piano, Richard Dorsey on oboe, Virginia Markson on flute, as well as selected members from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Extensive liner notes in English and French, with the words and history of the songs. Fascinating!

Songlist: I'se the B'y, The Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle, Song for the Mira, Cape Breton Lullaby, Away From The Roll of the Sea, Four Songs of Early Canada, Moments in Time, Keewaydin, The Blue Eye of God, Pie Jesu, My Heart Soars, Cantante Comino

Toronto Children's Chorus : Song of the Lights

Review: The repertoire of the Toronto Children's Chorus ranges from sacred music of the Renaissance to contemporary works from many cultures. In addition they have maintained a 20-year tradition of presenting the treble works of Canada's finest composers to the world. "Songs of the Lights" is live recordings from the Chorus' 1999 tour of Australia and New Zealand, and features songs from folk, jazz and popular music genres. Most songs are piano accompanied by Ruth W. Henderson. There are 20 cuts here, our favorites being the 4 tunes from Imant Raminsh's "Songs of the Lights," "African Celebration," the six songs from Patriquin's "World Suite One," accompanist Henderson's "Don't Ever Squeeze A Weasel," "George Gershwin Medley," and Leonard Bernstein's "Somewhere." Excellent!

Songlist: On suuri sun rantas autius, Songs of the Lights, Micma'q Honour Song, African celebration, City Called Heaven, Go Down Moses, World Suite One, Don't Ever Squeeze a Weasel, Sing Me a Song, We Rise Again, George Gershwin Medley, Somewhere

Toronto Children's Chorus : Sounzscapes

Review: With performances spanning the last five years, Sounzscapes: From Our Lands celebrates Elise Bradley's first five years as Artistic Director of the Toronto Children's Chorus, and features works from both Canadian and New Zealand composers, representing a true melding of cultures - the Toronto-based Chorus, and Ms. Bradley's native New Zealand. The music includes Maori pieces rarely heard outside of New Zealand, including the Maori kapa haka piece "I Te Timatanga" (In the Beginning) and "Te Iwi E" (To the People). The Canadian music includes Srul Irving Glick's beautiful "Magic Prayer" from Three Songs of the Light and Allister MacGillvray's famous and haunting "Song for the Mira". The Toronto Children's Chorus is often called the finest chorus of treble voices in the world.

Songlist: I Te Timatanga, Cantate Domino, Ohana I runga rawa, Magic Prayer, Magnificat, Child with the Starry Crayon, Peace Song, Sanctus, Weep No More, Watane, Tsimshian Welcome Chant, Cape Breton Lullaby, Te Iwi E, Song for the Mira, I Went to the Market

University of Alberta Madrigal Singers : The Passing of The Year

Review: While the centrepiece of this recording is the rich and diverse soundscape of the title track (by British composer Jonathan Dove), the award-winning ''Mads'' have crafted yet another showcase of choral tradition and variety.

Songlist: God Is Gone Up, Op. 27, No. 2, Magnificat, Hail, Gladdening Light, Geistliches Lied, Op. 30, Der Mensch Lebt Und Bestehet Nur Eine Kleine Zeit (Op. 138, No. 1), Nachtlied (op. 138, no. 3), Ave Maria, Op. 23, No. 2, Let Not My Love Be Called Idolatry, Invocation, The Narrow Bud Opens Her Beauties To The Sun, Answer July, Hot Sun, Cool Fire, Ah, Sun-Flower!, Adieu! Farewell Earth's Bliss!, Ring Out, Wild Bells

Vesnivka : Rejoice

Review: Kolyadky (carols) and Shchedrivky (New Year's songs) are one of the oldest genres of Ukrainian folk music, dating back to the pre-Christian era. With the coming of Christianity in 988, pagan songs were replaced with Christian carols and hymns, and these delightful (all accompanied) songs reflect sectarian life and express wishes for good health, wealth and happiness. The all-woman Vesnivka Choir was established in 1965 by conductor/director Halyna Kondracki and has won many awards. The Toronto Ukrainian Male Chamber Choir was founded in 2001 by Kondraki in affiliation with Vesnivka. 15 tunes, from "Christ is Born" and "Heaven and earth rejoice" to "The beautiful guelder-rose" and "The Carol." Wonderful solos on "The stars shone from heaven" and "A son is born." This beautiful music, from another culture and another time, is all new to us, but that only increases our appreciation for and enjoyment of it!

Songlist: Christ Is Born, Let Us Rejoice, The Stars Shone From Heaven, Heaven And Earth Rejoice, A Son Is Born, Wondrous Tidings, The Carolers, Schedrivka, Christ Sat Down To Supper , The Peacocks The Guelder - Rose Meadow, Malanka, The Beautiful Guelder - Rose, In The Master's Household, The Carol

Chor Leoni : Canadian Safari 2

Review: Diane Loomer, founder of Chor Leoni in 1992 with the purpose of singing the best, most difficult "classical" works for male choir, is unable to explain how the lions have now recorded their 3rd CD of folk songs. One good reason seems to be that Canadian folk music is the art of the people - sometimes rough, sometimes achingly beautiful, humorous, whimsical, warm and full of heart. Although they are using more accompaniment now and have performed with several symphony orchestras, the spirit, energy and sheer vocal power of Chor Leoni is as infectious as ever. "Safari 2" is a generous 2-CD collection of 25 tunes. Many favorites, but in particular "Royal Hudson," the foot-stomping "Watching the Apples Grow," "Feller from Fortune," "Trinque l'amourette," Gordon Lightfoot's classic "In the Early Morning Rain," the rousing "The Nancy," "The Black Fly Song," "The Mary Ellen Carter," "The Field Behind The Plow," "The Williams Lake Stampede" and "Canadian Pacific." A powerful, big fun 6th CD from the lions of the North country!

Songlist: Royal Hudson, RIse Again, The Skye Boast Song, The Old "Mayflower", Watching the Apples Grow, Feller from Fortune, Dondaine la ridaine, Indian Reels, Trinque l'amourette, In the Early Morning Rain, The Maple Leaf Forever, Amazing Grace, All the Diamonds, The Nancy, Heather Bonn/Island Ferry, The Black Fly Song, April in Whitehorse, The Mary Ellen Carter, Blow the Wind Southerly, Springtime in Alberta, Frobisher Bay, The Field Behind the Plow, Kettl Valley Railroad, The Williams Lake Stampede, Canadian Pacific

Chor Leoni : Choral Christmas Collection

Review: A perennial favourite with Vancouver audiences, Corlynn's sweet and gentle 'Christmas Angel' has elements of traditional and popular music. it is sure to be a hit with your audiences too. A smooth and jazzy version of 'Silent Night,' this piece is straightforward and suitable for any Christmas concert. Written in a traditional chant-like style with unison lines alternating with lush harmonic passages, Chor Leoni discovered Willan's previously unpublished version of 'Magnificat' and instantly fell in love with it. One of Chor Leoni's favourite modern Christmas carols, 'Yuletide Fires' is

Songlist: Christmas Angel, Silent Night, Magnificat, Yuletide Fires

Chor Leoni : Choral Collection Vol. 2

Review: Stan Rogers, Canada's folk music hero speaks to all of us through his words and music. 'Fogarty's Cove' is faithful to Stan's musical Style and it's great to sing! 'Ave, Maris Stella' is a favorite Nova Scotia Latin canticle with a simple harmonic arrangement. Included is a solo for tenor or unison tenor section. 'Loch Lomond' begins with a tenor or baritone solo, and develops into a rousing rhythmic chorus which drives to the end of the piece. in between are richly textured choral verses.

Songlist: Ave, Maris Stella, Loch Lomond

Eleanor Daley : Seasons of Love

Review: The English part song is back, with New World freshness and flair! A prolific composer, Eleanor Daley has a remarkable gift for melody. Her works are most notable for their sensitive interweaving of text and music. She has over one hundred published choral compositions and is commissioned extensively throughout North America.

Songlist: Spring, Midsummer, Autumn, Winter

Elektra Women's Choir : Choral Classics

Review: "Adam Lay Ybounden" was written originally for a small church choir, this piece takes the ancient text and sets it with a mystical angularity, but maintaining a beautiful sense of line. Includes a small soprano solo. Written for Elektra Women's Choir, this piece is now heard around the world. Using only the words "Ave Maria" this rhythmic and visionary work is suitable for women's or very advanced children's choir. "Missa Brevis" is a short mass setting for unaccompanied women's or treble choir consists of Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei. Although not technically demanding, the work requires sensitivity of phrasing and detailed attention to text and word stress. The heartfelt simplicity of expression underlines the inherent reverence and beauty of this liturgical text. Performance note: Missa Brevis can also be sung by a mixed chorus with tenors doubling sopranos and basses doubling altos. "Salve Regina" is one of the Catholic Church's four Marian antiphons, is set for unaccompanied women's choir and solo flute or solo soprano. With thick, luscious harmonies, this is a challenging piece of music, at times requiring 8-part divisi. The work requires a good sense of flow, attention to word stress and a convincing understanding of the piece's structure.

Songlist: Adam Lay Ybounden, Ave Maria, Missa Brevis, Salve Regina

Imant Raminsh : Northwest Trilogy

Review: Born in Latvia, Imant Raminsh came to Canada in 1948 and has become one of Canada's most highly regarded choral composer and arrangers. "Northwest Trilogy" is a wonderful set of songs from British Columbia. "Nootka Paddle Song" is a native welcoming song that features free incantation along with evocative choral writing. The piece contains some modern effects such as whispering and tone clusters, and is characterized by a feeling of building excitement and jubilation. "Bye, Bye Baby" - Based on a traditional Russian lullaby and would have been sung by members of the Doukhobar communities. A gentle, tonal work with rich harmonic background with varied textures and voicings bring this song of warmth and simplicity to life. "Sunset" - Folksy, poignant, and slighty tongue-in-cheek, this lament portrays the thoughts of a dying British Columbian cowboy. Replete with imitations of wailing coyotes, muffled death march drums, and other instances of word painting, this is a fun piece to perform.

Songlist: Bye, Bye Baby, Sunset, Nootka Paddle Song

Ruth Watson Henderson : Shades of Love

Review: The path of love is not always sunlit. In "Shades of Love," the music expresses a variety of emotions brought on by the diverse stages of love: ecstasy, tenderness, bitterness, wistfulness, eternal devotion. The colours and harmonies shift to match the mood of the poetry as each song portrays a different aspect of love.

Songlist: She Walks In Beauty, Annabel Lee, When We Two Parted, Awake My Heart, Remember

Stephen Hatfield : Folk Songs for 3 Part Treble

Review: The "Apple-Tree Wassail" comes from the cider country of Devon and Somerset, where it might be sung in the orchards or at the farmer's door. Wassail comes from the Anglo-Saxon wes hael - to be healthy. "The Green Shores of Fogo" bears marks of Irish provenance, although its musical origins were lost before Kenneth Peacock collected the song from Mrs. John Fogarty in 1952. The tune, which Peacock considered one of the most beautiful modal melodies he had ever heard, has attracted more than one set of lyrics, and is also known in Newfoundland as "The Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle." Colcannon, made from various combinations of cabbage, kale, onions, scallions and potatoes mashed with butter and milk, is one of Ireland's most famous traditional dishes. Although this piece at first seems like a tribute to food, it's really a tribute to memory, and to times gone. The verses take us from the home, to the school, to courting on a country lane, with the narrator a little older in every verse, and a little more aware of the magic of the moment. "Girl of the Branches" emulates the long phrases and finely developed breath control that is a hallmark of Gaelic singing. Also included is the Jutland folk song "When The Star Falls".

Songlist: Girl of the Branches (Nighean nan Geug), When the Stars Fall, Colcannon, The Green Shores of Fogo, Apple-Tree Wassail

Stephen Hatfield : Folk Songs for 4 Part Treble

Review: Battant Son Plein is French slang, literally "hitting his fill," the equivalent of the English "in full swing." Written for Scala, a children's choir from Bruxelles, the title refers to what these children sound like when they sing, and the piece is a salute to their confidence and daring. Duration: ca. 5:10. Nukapianguaq presents Inuit music in a choral setting that remains as faithful as possible to the aesthetics of the original tradition. "Rosebud in June" is drawn from the English tradition that brought blessings to crops and flocks, this Somerset melody is rousingly arranged for full chorus. Also included in this package is "Sida Rudaia," a traditional Ukranian song arranged by Stephen Hatfield 4-pt treble a cappella, and "Double Shot" as performed by Sweet Honey In The Rock.

Songlist: Nukapianguaq, Rosebud In June, Sida Rudaia, Battant Son Plein, Double Shot (Honey in the Rock)

Stephen Hatfield : Three Ways To Vacuum Your House

Review: 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

Stephen Hatfield : Treble Voice Fun! - Vol 1

Review: Stephen Hatfield is noted for his exciting arrangements of world music, and for his original works which weave influences from diverse cultures into a fresh and distinctive idiom. His choirs have earned gold medals in national festivals, and he has received various awards for his work in education and music. With "For Elizabeth:.." Hatfield uses the old Italian technique of matching the vowels of her name to the corresponding sol-fa syllables to create an ostinato that metaphorically translates her into music. The piece combines poignancy with lots of sparkle, lots of interlocking ostinati. The mix of tenderness and energy has effected audiences strongly. "Glettur" is an Icelandic word that signifies a mischievous but ultimately good-hearted sense of humour. Launching itself from a snatch of an old fiddle jig, "Glettur" lives up to its name with crafty changes of style and key, and with ironic allusions to a couple of other famous pieces of music that have something to do with high spirit. With "Fashion Victim, Drama Queen" we have a slangy de profundis about trying to placate your peer group. The soli section acts as the Drama Queen, while the rest of the choir takes the part of the peer group, commenting on the outsider in a mixture of English and Tex-Mex Spanish slang. Each movement of Missa Brevis incorporates folk melodies from a different country. The moods and the tempi of the originals have been altered; melodies have been unraveled, spliced together and persuaded to modulate.

Songlist: For Elizabeth: Gold, Frank Innocence, and Mirth, Glettur, Fashion Victim, Drama Queen, Missa Brevis

Various Arrangers : Canadian Folk Songs

Review: "Nukapianguaq" (pronounced Nuhk-ah-pee-ang-guaq) attempts to present Inuit music in a choral setting that remains as faithful as possible to the aesthetics of the original tradition. Inuit chants are usually reflective in nature and spiritual in intent. "On The Rooms" - An audience need not be familiar with the history of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's easternmost province, to get the sense that an epic story is unfolding before them. Based on the maritime heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador, this modern folk song creates an atmosphere of sea air and hard work. The arrangement of this beautiful Indian song "Land of the Silver Birch" was made by the Finnish music educator Pentti Paalanen in the 1970s for his high school choir in the town of Joensuu. Since all three verses are set to the same music, the necessary contrasts must come from a careful consideration of the text. These contrasts, or variations, need not be very great, however, as a certain monotony and mystery belongs to the character of this song. This Canadian Folksong "Petty Harbour Bait Skiff" describes the tragic sinking of a Bait Skiff near Petty Harbour in 1852, losing all but one of the crew.

Songlist: On The Rooms, Land of the Silver Birch, Nukapianguaq, Petty Harbour Bait Skiff, Oolichan

Various Arrangers : Toronto Children's Chorus Choral Series Vol. 1

Review: 'In Remembrance' an a cappella piece for 4-part women's voices. from Eleanor Daley's 'Requiem' was awarded the 1994 National Choral Award for Outstanding Choral Composition of the Year by the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors (ACCC), in May, 1994. 'When Music Sounds' was commissioned by the Alliance for Canadian New Music Projects in reconition of its 25th Anniversary. This four part treble voice piece has a beautiful piano accompaniment and fairly simple harmonies. 'She's like the Swallow' and 'Sing Me a Song' were written for unison voices and piano. 'Songs of the Nativity' includes 6 christmas carols for women's voices - Chanticleer (SSAA), Before the Paling of the Stars (SA), The Kings of the East (SSA), The Lamb (SSAA), Peach (SSAA), Christ is Here (SSA). All have piano accompaniment.

Songlist: In Remembrance, She's Like the Swallow, Sing Me a Song, Songs of the Nativity (Six Songs), When Music Sounds

Sarah Quartel : A Winter Day

Review: This five-movement work celebrates the long Canadian winter, setting texts by the composer, Sara Teasdale, Lucy Maud Montgomery (of 'Anne of Green Gables' fame), and Melville Cane. Each movement depicts a different time of day, beginning with the cold darkness before dawn ('Timid Star') and concluding with the evening turning into dusk and then darkness ('Snow Toward Evening'). The music conjures up vivid images of a cold and crisp winter, and of swirling, dancing snowflakes.

Songlist: Timid Star, A Winter Dawn, Into Morning, A Winter Day, Snow Toward Evening

Sarah Quartel : Snow Angel

Review: Already a firm favourite with choirs across the world, Snow Angel is an evocative five-movement choral work that explores themes of love, rebirth, and beauty through the eyes of children and the heavenly army of angels that watch over them, yearning to make a difference to their lives. The work may be performed with narration, in which three angels present their perspectives on their earthly charges. Quartel weaves a haunting and poignant cello line throughout the work, and a vibrant part for djembe in movement four, 'Sweet child', carries the listener from the ethereal and mystical realm the work predominantly inhabits into an emphatic anthem with a distinctly African feel. The musical language is emotive and pictorial, allowing performers to play an active role in the storytelling.

Sarah Quartel : Snow Angel

Review: Snow Angel is an evocative five-movement choral work that explores themes of love, rebirth, and beauty through the eyes of children and the heavenly army of angels that watch over them, yearning to make a difference to their lives. The work may be performed with narration, in which three angels present their perspectives on their earthly charges. Quartel weaves a haunting and poignant cello line throughout the work, and a vibrant part for djembe in movement four, 'Sweet child', carries the listener from the ethereal and mystical realm the work predominantly inhabits into an emphatic anthem with a distinctly African feel. The musical language is emotive and pictorial, allowing performers to play an active role in the storytelling.