Uses: Concert, Thanksgiving Scripture: Psalms 96 & 22 A modern masterpiece that is now standard repertoire for All-State choruses, university choirs and festivals the world over. Majestic and powerful featuring meaningful text taken from Psalms 96 and 22, this energizing anthem is a study in effective choral composition.

Written for the 100th anniversary of the St. Olaf choir, this work is commensurate with ability of one of the great choirs in America. The music makes consistent use of divisi texture, expansive arcs of musical phrase, and coloristic harmonies that demand excellent intonation, balance, and blend - all hallmarks of the St. Olaf Choir sound.

It is such a joy to sing music by a composer who truly understands the voice. With logical voice leadings in and out of thorny places, wonderful use of suspensions and resolutions and a beautiful setting of this traditional text, concert choirs and accomplished church choirs will love bringing this music to life.

Composer: René Clausen

In the style of an early American song, the pentatonic melody gives great strength to this upbeat piece. Unison men's voices open and are then followed by women's as the texture builds throughout. Carpenter's tools forge the text's metaphor of working for God to build a "spirit strong."

This beautiful Swedish folk hymn is beautifully set for the concert stage. The SATB divisi, a cappella setting allows for subtle changes between verses and requires richness of tone and child-like simplicity.

Perfect for large churches, festivals and celebrations. Scored for a brass quintet of 2 trumpets, 2 trombones and tuba, the instrumental writing is superb. Clausen always knows how to support the singers without covering them. And yet there is lots of room to feature the players.

When most conductors see the name Rene Clausen attached to a piece of music, they tend to associate that selection with college or professional singers. Happily, on occasion, Rene brings his compositional talents and deep understanding of the voice to a broader range of ensembles. Although not easy, this piece is perfectly suitable for a high school or community treble choir.

With a joyful text by this early Christian mystic, Rene Clausen has created an energetic and tuneful piece that will be a joy to learn and sing. The imagery created by the text will demand creative and insightful work by both singers and director.

Composer: René Clausen

This 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. Changing meter and tempo further accentuate the unbridled happiness expressed in the text. Cummings' vividly painted words are well-suited to René Clausen's inimitable gift of melody. If you and your choir are up to a challenge, this stellar anthem of thanksgiving is for you.

This beautiful poem of love begins with 7 words from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and then moves to Colonel Heveningham's original words. As the colorful imagery of the text unfolds, the music reflects the textual meaning. The music touches on several tonal centers and closes with a recap of the opening section with the final measures repeating the most poignant words of the poem - Sing on.

Poetry By: William Shakespeare

The text of this anthem is from John 14:15-16, and can be used in several places throughout the church year. Beautiful part-writing- a worth alternative to the classic Tallis setting.

The composer does a masterful job of setting this beloved text. Dramatic and beautiful -- choirs will love this piece.

Commissioned by the Texas Choral Directors Association for their 2009 honor choir, this lush setting of a classic Langston Hughes text uses the full range and dynamics of the woman's voice. Dr. Clausen has crafted a piece that will find its way on festival lists for years to come.

Poetry By: Langston Hughes

Here is a new, original setting of the beloved Edmund Sears text. This new setting cries out for gentleness of spirit, warmth of tone, a touch of wistfulness, and an interpretation always informed by the imagery the text offers.

This English folk song, also commonly sung throughout the American Revolutionary War, tells the unfortunate eternal story of soldiers going off to war, leaving loved ones at home. René Clausen artfully uses the soprano sax to establish the sad, melancholy emotion of the text while the voices reflect the emotions of those left behind.

Country: England

What a creative, change of pace programming choice for treble ensembles! This original folk song tells the story of young Johnny, who is quite popular in the eyes of the young women in his town, but seems immune to their charms or wishes...he just can't seem to commit! As the piece unfolds, the young women lament their frustrations about Johnny, creating a humorous tale told through gossip!

Breathtaking. Exquisite. This powerful prayer for peace and mercy is sheer beauty. Layers of sound and color and texture weave seamlessly into an intricate tapestry of devotion. From the larger work, Memorial, written in response to the events of September 11, Kyrie is a moving, emotional plea for peace.

Composer: René Clausen

Rene Clausen's impressionistic La Lumiére (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.

Psalm 117, Paraphrased Rhythmically exciting, colorful, and reflective of its joyful text, Laudate is truly dynamic! Contrasting men's and women's sonorities and the mix of English and Latin texts add texture and intensity to this impressive praise anthem.

Composer: René Clausen

For SSAATTBB chorus, this original setting of the Christina Rossetti text is rich, sustained and gracious. Challenging but satisfying to learn and sing.

Festive and dramatic, with great rhythmic drive contrasted by Latin chant-like phrases, this piece opens with the text of the title. At the end, a "Gloria" section builds to the final utterance of this text. A wonderful opener for a Christmas concert, it is best sung by a large choir.

The fresh, clear newness of morning can be heard and felt in this lovely anthem. Pastoral and lyrical, this melodic rendition of Morning Has Broken is very expressive. Rejoicing in simplicity, this beloved song is suitable for general worship use, concert, or festival.

Composer: René Clausen

This lovely folk melody is beautifully set by René Clausen. Utilizing the haunting quality of the clarinet to embellish the melancholy text, this simple folk song becomes the centerpiece of any choral concert. The clarinet part is included in the back of the octavo.

Commissioned by a consortium from Chorus America, this is a setting of a traditional Navaho poem. Beginning with a provocative first line Now Talking God, this three word phrase is used as a simple rhythmic motive that becomes the underlying fabric of the piece,reflecting the beautiful directness of expression of Native American spirituality.

This text is most famous for being set by Samuel Barber. This setting for piano, cello and women's choir is lush and distinct for its contemporary harmonies and constant motion in the accompaniment. Utilizing the full range of the female voice and wide dynamics this is perfect for the mature women's choir.

Rich, full, sonorous harmonies as only René Clausen can write them! This magnificent arrangement of the beloved O Holy Night is a must for Christmas! Making a grand impression, this anthem is quite accessible to most church choirs with SATB divisi capabilities. It is not particularly difficult. Scored for piano or orchestra.

Composer: Adolphe Adam

Rich harmonic textures, sweeping piano lines, and 19th century Romantic nuances bring this Robert Burns poem to life in Rene Clausen's exquisite choral setting.

Composer: René Clausen | Poetry By: Robert Burns

This masterful setting is appropriately luminous and lush. For advanced SATB divisi choirs, (SSAATTBB but with a few measures of even more divisi.) This is Rene Clausen at his finest, evoking lyrical and sensitive singing.

Conjuring an image of windy gray-green Celtic hills, the minor mode, open fifth choral harmonies, and poignant keyboard dissonances make this setting of a Christmas tune from the Isle of Man enchanting.

In this piece, film composer Ennio Morricone has ingeniously juxtaposed two choirs, string quartet, percussion, and oboe solo to create music which is representative of the Jesuit church music tradition of the era (choir 1 and strings), the native musical elements of the South American Guarani culture (choir 2 and percussion), tied together by the soaring melody of Grabriel's oboe. With nearly 10,000 viewers on YouTube, this has been one of Rene's most requested arrangements and we are extremely pleased to be able to bring it into print. Duration: Ca. 3 minutes 45 seconds

Composer: Ennio Morricone

Setting the traditional French carol Besancon with the advent text by British poet and author Elizabeth Farjeon, here is a lively and lilting arrangement. The flute and clarinet bring spirit and energy and the choral writing is transparent and full to the end.

Playful and fun with a surprise ending, this sophisticated novelty piece makes clever use of rhythmic motifs, call and response, and independent part singing to create a humorous tribute to our favorite indigenous marsupial. Sure to help build your choir's concepts of rhythm and independence, this fantastic teaching piece features ranges that lie comfortably for young voices and a strong, supportive accompaniment.

Composer Vijay Singh brings fresh creative drama to this famous St. Francis of Assisi text. The originality of this setting will intrigue listeners and singers alike in this fine concert piece.

Composer: René Clausen

Joy set to music! One of the most exuberant of scriptural texts is presented here in a rhythmic, exciting setting. The lightly dancing meter shifts and rousing Alleluia chorus make this dynamic anthem positively electric. Expect spontaneous applause from Psalm 100 - even in church!

Arranger: Drew Collins

One of the most exuberant of scriptural texts is presented here in a rhythmic, exciting setting.

This lilting arrangement of the 23rd Psalm recalls for us David, the musician; David, who danced before the Lord; David, who found great joy in his love for God. René Clausen's Psalm 23 is fresh and dance-like, expressing the poetry of a man who was confident and strong in his faith. It is a wonderful anthem with a familiar text for use any Sunday of the year.

Composer: René Clausen

Composer: René Clausen

Quiet and relatively short in duration, this a cappella work is pensive and wonderfully expressive. Often selected for performance in contests and festivals, it has earned its reputation as a 20th century choral classic.

Quiet and relatively short in duration, this a cappella work is pensive and wonderfully expressive. Often selected for performance in contests and festivals, it has earned its reputation as a 20th century choral classic.

Arranger: Robert Scholz | Composer: René Clausen

Arranger: Robert Scholz | Composer: René Clausen

Much like a vocal tone poem, the colors brought forth in this piece, along with the soaring melodies, dramatically illuminate the poem by Leigh Haynes, once poet laureate of the state of Virginia. Divisi in all parts, it is recommended for the advanced high school or college ensemble.

Tell my Ma when I go home the boys won't leave the girls alone. So begins the tale in this clever Irish ballad. For a special touch, perhaps add a coda of an Irish fiddler improvising on the upbeat tune. Incorporate a dancer or two, and you might have a show-stopper!