In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Dr. Jameson Marvin

Living in: United States

Jameson Marvin was Director of Choral Activities, Senior Lecturer on Music at Harvard University for 32 years. From 1978 to 2010, Harvard's Choral Program garnered a distinguished national reputation. Under his conductorship, the Harvard Glee Club, Radcliffe Choral Society, and the Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum, rose to be among the premier collegiate choruses in America. These ensembles appeared at nine Eastern Division and seven National Conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, and the Choral Program at Harvard was named by Classical Singer magazine the top collegiate choral program in the United States.

Dr. Marvin's musicianship, comprehensive knowledge of style and performance practices of historical eras, and acknowledged mastery of ensemble music making have been the trademark of his insightful, communicative, and inspiring performances. Some 80 choral-orchestral masterworks from Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 to 2004 Pulitzer Prize winner, Paul Moravec's Songs of Love & War dot the landscape of his comprehensive experience in conducting symphonic-choral works from the 17th through the 21st centuries.

Sheet Music Series
Jameson Marvin Choral Series

Jameson Marvin : Emotion in Choral Singing

Emotion in Choral Singing explores what it truly takes to experience the transcendent power of choral music and achieve genuine emotional connection between composer, performer, and listener. With unmatched detail and authority, legendary conductor Jameson Marvin surveys the history of singing; effective rehearsal; score study; repertoire selection; and the relationship between a composer's intentions, music notation, and expression.

A particularly noteworthy feature of this book is its emphasis on polyphony, which, Marvin reminds us, encourages an individual expressivity and musicality in singers that can be applied to all styles of choral music, making it as relevant and vital today as ever. Links to recordings included within this book provide a range of examples from throughout Marvin's career.

Emotion in Choral Singing offers a new perspective on the choral art. It is chock-full of practical ideas, tips, and wisdom that will empower and inspire choral directors and musicians of all levels to achieve authentic emotional connection in their work.

Jameson Marvin is Emeritus Director of Choral Activities and Senior Lecturer at Harvard University. Under his leadership, the Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum, Harvard Glee Club, and Radcliffe Choral Society rose to be among the premier collegiate choruses in America. Dr. Marvin's choral artistry is mirrored by his knowledge of style and performance practice of historical eras and his insightful, communicative, and inspiring performances.

Songlist: Musical Gesture and Emotion, Notation and Expression, Performing Polyphony in the 21st Century, Style and Expression in Renaissance Choral Performance, The Conductor's Process, Mastery of Choral Ensemble

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-12 of 12 items.

Jameson Marvin : A Love Song to Polly

Reflections from composer Jameson Marvin on a love that is quiet and secure as a result of a life well lived and well loved. And even after many years together, the excitement of a love that can still grow is captured in the musical writing.

Composer: Jameson Marvin Performed By: Harvard Glee Club

Jameson Marvin : All Through the Night

Continuing the proud history of the Harvard Glee Club, this male voice setting of a Welsh folksong will showcase your singers at their best, offering many opportunities to develop phrasing, intonation and blend. Duration: ca. 2:45.

Arranger: Jameson Marvin Performed By: Harvard Glee Club

Jameson Marvin : Barbara Allen

Arranger: Jameson Marvin Performed By: Cantus

Jameson Marvin : Danny Boy

Arranged for the Harvard Glee Club, the beautiful Danny Boy is harmonized in a highly compelling manner. Several verses include exquisite polyphonic writing for TTBB choir, which suddenly resolve into a floating, almost ethereal unison. The tenor solo is not at all difficult. Danny Boy is probably one of the most famous and well-loved melodies of all time. It is a wonderful concert piece, challenging and most rewarding.

Arranger: Jameson Marvin | Country: Ireland

Jameson Marvin : I Dream of Jeanie

This delicate and sensitive new arrangement of beloved American classic, arranged for the Harvard Glee Club by its former director, Jameson Marvin, is worthy of any fine men's choir. With counterpoint for all voices, a melody that is passed between voices and a chance to feature a baritone soloist, this is a welcome addition to the male chorus library.

Arranger: Jameson Marvin | Composer: Stephen Foster Performed By: Harvard Glee Club

Jameson Marvin : Magnificat

Jameson Marvin, through his work with Harvard and Radcliffe, has re-established the importance of teaching polyphony in the modern choral classroom. This beautiful setting of the Magnificat by Palestrina has been editited by Dr. Marvin to accommodate modern notation, clefs and measure lines. He also maintains rhythmic groupings enabling the singers to move beyond the tyranny of the bar line and bring a beautiful and authentic performance to the stage.

Arranger: Jameson Marvin | Composer: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina Performed By: Harvard Glee Club

Jameson Marvin : Minstrel Boy

Arranger: Jameson Marvin | Country: Ireland

Jameson Marvin : She Moved Through the Fair

This haunting Irish ballad will certainly become a favorite of your singers! The modal flavor of the setting and the effective use of solo soprano will create a moment of breathtaking beauty in concert. Duration: ca. 3:10.

Arranger: Jameson Marvin Performed By: Harvard Glee Club | Country: Ireland

Jameson Marvin : Skye Boat Song

Wow! Written for the Harvard Glee Club, this is men's choral singing at its best! Jameson Marvin sets this beautiful Scottish folksong combining both the jauntiness of a sailor's air and the sensitivity of a lullaby. Skye Boat Song is exquisite.

Arranger: Jameson Marvin | Country: Scotland

Jameson Marvin : Sweet Phoebe

This arrangement of the popular English Folk Song, originally known as Sovay Sovay tells the story of a young woman who takes matters into her own hands in order to find out if the man she loves truly loves her. The character is strong, especially for the 19th century and the music is just as strong and bold. Women will love telling this story and singing this bold and beautiful folk song. Duration: 3:30

Arranger: Jameson Marvin Performed By: Harvard Glee Club | Country: England

Jameson Marvin : Swing Low, Sweet Chariot/All Night, All Day

This accessible setting of two traditional spirituals will be a very effective selection in concert. Featuring baritone and mezzo soprano soloists with choir back-up, the rich choral harmonies will resound throughout your performance space. Duration: ca. 3:45.

Arranger: Jameson Marvin Performed By: Harvard Glee Club

Jameson Marvin : Two from Hymns and Anthems

Described as choral counterpoint for church choirs, these two short selections, God Thoughts and Majesty of Mountains, are gems that can be used as responses in worship, or combined, as a lovely anthem.

Composer: Jameson Marvin Performed By: Harvard Glee Club