Weston Noble

Review: Text for college classrooms, private voice studios and those who are currently in the choral classroom. A concise, yet comprehensive study of vocal technique along with an extensive collection of related vocalises. The vocalises are presented in a manner that is "user-friendly," complete with accompaniments and numerous transpositions. This book contains more than 60 different exercises each designed to address specific vocal concepts. Whether you are a student of choral/vocal pedagogy, a beginning director or a veteran of many years in the classroom in need of new and fresh warm-ups to begin your daily rehearsals, this is the text that you have been waiting for. There is an accompanying student book so that every student can see the exercises, making introduction of new material much easier and more efficient.

Songlist: Breathing Technique, Making the First Sounds, Freedom and Relaxation, Tone Quality, Legato, Sostenuto, Dynamics, Consonants, Flexibility, Synthesis, Variation, Aesthetic Qualities, Vocalises

Review: Decorah, Iowa's renowned Luther College music ensembles, the Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, Nordic Choir, Concert Band, Pike Kor, Cathedral Choir, Collegiate Chorale, Norsemen and Cantorei present a stellar collection of 15 songs, beginning with rich a cappella renderings of Kurt Bestor's "Prayer of the Children," and Morten Lauridson's lovely "O Magnum Mysterium." Other favorites include Roger Folstrom's "A La Nanita Nana," Eric Whitacre's "Sleep," Frank Ticheli's a cappella "There Will Be Rest," Eleanor Daly's "What Sweeter Music," Pete Seeger's "The Bells of Rhymney" and "The Gartan Mother's Lullaby." A powerful, touching, well-chosen collection from Luther College's, and some of the world's, finest ensembles!

Songlist: Prayer Of The Children, O Magnum Mysterium, All Is Well, The Fairy Garden From Mother Goose, A La Nanita Nana, Rocking Carol, Sleep, Nocurne From A Mid Summer's Nights Dream, There Will Be Rest, Away In A Manger, A Childhood Hymn, What Sweeter Music, Pastorale From Christmas Orotorio, The Bells Of Rhymney, The Garten Mother's Lullaby

Review: Certainly considered to be one of the great American choral conductors Weston Noble last concert tour is represented on this fine recording. After 57 years at the helm of this top-notch choir Weston Noble certainly knows how to get the very best out of both the material and the singers and this recording is a cumulation of those many years of talent and ability. Eric Whitacre's "Lux Aurumque" is performed to perfection as are all these a cappella pieces.

Songlist: Be Not Fraid, Gloria A 7 Voci, Who Is This?, Hodie, Christus Natus Est, Drop Drop Slow Tears, Alelouya (Haitian Easter), I Heard A Great A Great Voice, O Clap Your Handds All Ye People, Amore De Mi Alma, Gloria, Lux Aurumque, He'll Make A Way, O Lord God, When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

Review: Not surprisingly, on most of their excellent CDs the Nordic Choir focuses on selections of Christian sacred and spiritual music. In a dramatic change of direction that highlights the Choir's versatility, "Horses" is a collection of World music, beginning with the thundering drums of David Fanshawe's "African Sanctus" and the gentle guitar riffs of "A La Nanita Nana" by Roger Folstrom, the CD continually surprises us. The powerful "Betelehemu" is a "bring the house down" piece in concert, "Prayer of the Children," brings tears remembering children caught in bloodshed and ethnic conflict in the former Yugoslavia in the 1970, and the Chinese "Usuli Boat Song," celebrates finding ways to be happy. The final cut, the title tune, a Mongolian song actually called "Naiman Sharag," gives the feeling of horses running, the song ends quietly, as if the horses are in the far distance. Some strong percussion and light accompaniment. A wonderful, powerful CD!

Songlist: African Sanctus, A La Nanita nana, Betelehemu, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Prayer of the Children, Hacia Belen va un borrico, Cantos Sagrados, African Noel, Song of Cherubim, Usuli Boat Song, Noel Ayisyen (Haitian Noel), Shut de Do, Naiman Sharag (The Eight Chestnut Horses)

Review: Weston Noble has taught at Luther College since 1948, the year the Nordic Choir was founded, becoming its first director as well as director of the Luther College Concert Band. Noble and the Choir have received a host of awards. "Weston Noble Conducts" contains some of the Choir's best recordings, 16 sacred songs. Favorites include a pair by William Byrd, "Haec Dies" and "Sing Joyfully Unto God," Bach's "Singet Dem Herrn Ein Neues Lied" and "Komm, Jesu, Komm," the Jester Hairston-arranged spiritual "In Dat Great Getting' Up Mornin'" and a pair by Paul Tschesnokoff, "Let the Holy Spirit" and "O Lord God." A beautiful, impressive collection.

Songlist: Laudate (Choral Fanfare), Haec Dies, God Is With Us, Praise The Name Of The Lord, Singet Dem Herrn Ein Neues Lied, Exultation, Psalm 50, Sing Joyfully Unto God, Credo, Kom, Jesu, Komm, Let Thy Holy Spirit, Arma Lucis, African Sanctus, In Dat Great Gittin' Up Mornin', Shut De Do', O Lord God

Review: Creating the Special World is a collection of lectures that epitomize the teachings of Weston Noble, on of the most influential leaders in choral music of the past 55 years. His enthusiasm emanates from the pages, providing insight into his artistry.

Songlist: The Special World Of Choral Music, Choral Pedgogy, Stylistic Awareness, Choral Music: A Retrospective

Review: For sixty years Weston Noble has been touching hearts, nurturing minds and changing the lives of musicians. By providing insight into what has sustained this legendary conductor as his legacy has grown, this DVD is a strong offering for the improvement of conductor preparation and the enlightenment of practicing conductors and singers. Marvel at the vitality that springs forth from this man, at age 82, as he motivates, educates and unifies a diverse group of volunteer singers. Whether interacting with the choir or speaking candidly during interviews, Weston Noble reveals his faith, vision, humor and joyful optimism.

Songlist: Extended Interviews with Weston Noble, Professionals vs. Amateurs, Realignment, The Challenge Of Discovery, A Point Of Reference, Archtypes And Symbols, A Home For The Spirit, The Football Player And Handel's Messiah, Beginnings, Influences, Choral Pedogogy, Positioning Singers To Achieve, The First Noel, Optimum Voice Matching, All Music Must Dance, Singers' Tributes, A Chorister's Point Of View, Luther College, Trailer