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Imant Raminsh
Born in 1943 in Ventspils, Latvia, Imant Raminsh came to Canada in 1948. After completing an ARCT diploma in violin at the Royal Conservatory of Toronto and a Bachelor of Music programme at the University of Toronto, he spent two years at the Akademie "Mozarteum" in Salzburg, Austria, studying composition, fugue, violin and conducting, and playing in the professional Camerata Academica orchestra. His music has been heard on 6 continents, and performed in such renowned halls as Carnegie Hall and Notre Dame. |
Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media
Displaying 1-6 of 6 items.
Imant Raminsh : Slavic Folks Songs The pieces of the first set are arrangements of folk-songs from the Russian and Doukhobor traditions and were prepared for the Vancouver Chamber Choir's 1989 tour of the former Soviet Union. Of the three, "All Throughout the Great Wide World" and "Along the Peterskaya" are well-known Russian tunes, highly rhythmic and vigorous; and employ quasi-instrumental accompaniment effects, whistling, and optional sleigh-bells and slap-stick (whip). The second (The Black Raven) comes from the Doukhobor community of British Columbia, Canada, and is a poignant lament of great lyricism and power. It uses a contralto soloist to introduce and carry melody through a piece. Songlist: Of Home and the Great Wide World, Two Slavic Folk Songs, In a Pine Forest, The Black Raven, Along the Peterskaya, America's Like a Sister, Canada's Like a Mother 
Imant Raminsh : Northwest Trilogy 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
Imant Raminsh : Earth Chants - Native American Songs This set of seven movements uses a broad palette of choral orchestration. The first piece, "The Lands Around My Dwelling" (Inuit), features free and changing meters and frequent divisi. Movement two, "As My Eyes Search" (Chippewa), is energized by close canonic entries. Movement three "War Song" (Sioux), is a vigorous piece with canonic imitation and some tone clustering, starting with a single voice parts and expanding to full SSAATTBB texture. Movement four, "Love Song" (Nahuatl), in alternating 8/8 and 9/8 is a lyrical, rhapsodic setting of a ravishing text. Movement five, "Pleasant It Looked" (Winnebago), features a soprano soloist (imitating a boy soprano) and is a quiet meditation. Movement six, "Upward Going" (Tewa), is again move vigorous, and Movement seven "Two Dream Songs" (Wintu), concludes the work in a quiet benediction. Songlist: War Song, Upward Going, Two Dream Songs, Pleasant It Looked, Love Song, The Lands Around My Dwelling, As My Eyes Search
Imant Raminsh : Of Mothers and Children In this cycle, Raminsh explores the relationship between mother and child. Includes vocal texts and notes on the songs.
Imant Raminsh : Saeta Que Voladora Three songs on poems of early Spanish Romantic poet Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer. Includes vocal texts and translations.
Imant Raminsh : Magnificat Full score and instrumental parts available on rental from Boosey & Hawkes. Contents: Magnificat - Et exsultavit - Quia respexit - Fecit potentiam - Suscepit Israel - Sicut locutus est - Gloria Patri - Sicut erat. Songlist: MAGNIFICAT - ET EXSULTAVIT, QUIA RESPEXIT, FECIT POTENTIAM, SUSCEPIT ISRAEL - SICUT LOCUTUS EST, GLORIA PATRI - SICUT ERAT |
Displaying 1-46 of 46 items.
A Hebrew setting of Psalm 23 (The Lord Is My Shepherd), this is the central movement of Imant Raminsh's Symphony of Psalms. For SATB chorus, soprano solo, and piano (optional orchestral parts available from Boosey & Hawkes), the soprano soloist shines, and the choir just soars to a rousing climax and then finishes with a soothing, restful final statement, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever. Duration: ca. 8:15.
This Chippewa text is energized by close canonic entries.
Country: Native American
A setting of Psalm 130 in German is set here for SSATTBB choir and piano (optional orchestral parts available from Boosey & Hawkes).From the larger work, Symphony of Psalms, lyricism, rhythmic drive, and soaring vocal lines set this movement apart as a emotional supplication to the Lord. Duration: ca. 6:40.
Country: Germany
A beautiful rendition of the sacred text from the Gospel of Luke set for SATB divisi chorus and mezzo soprano soloist. This work has been recorded by the Vancouver Chamber Choir, Jon Washburn conducting. Duration: 4:45.
This Ojibwa text, adapted by the composer, explores the beloved flower of the forest, Sky-treading bird of the prairie, wonderful fawn-eyed one. Opening with a joyful fanfare-like exclamation of the word Awake and ending as though in soaring flight, this is an excellent selection for advanced women's choir repertoire.
A gentle Russian Doukhobor lullaby, the second movement of "Northwest Trilogy." Varied textures and voicings bring this song of warmth and simplicity to life.
Country: Canada
Written as a twentieth-anniversary gift for Jean Ashworth Bartle and the Toronto Children's chorus, this new Christmas Carol sets the charming text by Ruth Sawyer in simple flowing diatonic lines, answering the question What will come to Bethlehem on Christmas morn? Duration: ca. 4:30.
Daybreak Song, the fourth and final movement of Songs of the Lightes, Set I, is based on a Navajo text. The text and harmonies blend to beautifully express the sounds and sights of breaking dawn. For voices and piano with optional Flute & Glockenspeil parts included in the vocal score. Duration: ca. 5:10.
Country: Native American
A movement of a larger suite, Under the Baltic Sun, this Latvian folk song is the lament of an oppressed people. For mixed chorus and piano, the publication includes text translation and IPA pronunciation guide. Orchestra score and parts available on rental from the publisher. Duration: ca. 3:00. Orchestra score and parts available on rental from Boosey & Hawkes.
Country: Latvia
A Latvian folk song from long ago, but poignant for our time. The poem speaks of a soldier who has returned from war to find his young sister grown. Intelligent vocal part writing that is rich and sophisticated in men's voices. One of a set of five folk songs that may be performed together or individually.
Country: Latvia
This collection of four variations, one for each of the four winds, is the first in a set of pieces based on Carl Sandburg poems. The piece is stormy and sometimes gently, ending with a burst of wind.
Poetry By: Carl Sandburg
This short and accessible Christmas anthem begins with a lilting 9/8 section, becoming harmonically richer and fuller as it builds to a joyous Gloria. With piano or organ. (3:45)
Jubilation is given full voice in this rousing setting of Psalm 150! Laudate Dominum is the final movement of Raminsh's Symphony of Psalms for chorus and orchestra; full vocal and orchestral materials are available from Boosey & Hawkes Rental Library.
Written for the 4th International Children's Conference on the Environment, this work was premiered by 800 children from 70 countries. With Piano.
This Nahuatl text is a lyrical, rhapsodic setting of a ravishing text. Features a Soprano Solo.
Country: Native American
This setting of Solveig's Song from Act V of Ibsen's Peer Gynt is a gentle lullaby in ABA form. It features a variety of choral textures, some alternation of meters and interplay between the mezzo-soprano soloist and the rest of the choir. The middle section is characterized by increased divisi writing, contrapuntal imitation and some degree of modulation resulting in overall intensification.
Country: Norway
Raminsh sets this section of the Requiem text with richly interwoven voices, meditating on eternal light and eternal rest with quiet strength and exultation. With organ, brass quintet and optional timpani.
My Heart's Friend is set to an interpretation of a Shoshone love song by the great American novelist, Mary Austin, best known for her works about the Indian tribes of the southwest. Duration: ca. 3:20. Performed by Anima-Young Singers of Greater Chicago. Emily Ellsworth, conductor.
Country: Native American
This native welcoming song from British Columbia features free incantation alongwith evocative choral writing. First movement of "Northwest Trilogy."
Country: Canada
The first movement of the cantata In the Trail of the Wind, In the Shadow of God is based on an eighth-century Islamic text that expresses the awe and wonder of God's created things. The complete cantata by Imant Raminsh explores the common thread of human experience found in varying world religions and dogmas. Duration: ca. 4:00.
with Alto & Tenor Soli, with Percussion Contents: All Throughout the Great Wide World, The Black Raven, Along the Peterskaya.
Country: Slovenia
Stunning homophonic choral passages and the plaintive melody of a mezzo-soprano soloist bring this Spanish setting of Psalm 51 to life. From the larger work, Symphony of Psalms, this movement offers a great chance to showcase a well-balanced choir. Optional orchestral parts are available on rental from Boosey & Hawkes. Duration: ca. 7:30.
This Winnebago text is a quiet meditation, featuring a soprano soloist (imitating a boy soprano).
Country: Native American
Representing one of the eight languages included in Raminsh's Symphony of Psalms, this stylistically French movement is filled with compelling vocal lines that embody the contemplative portion of this choral symphony.
Country: France
This is a new setting of the text of a Catalan Christmas carol. While there are many meter changes, the melody actually lilts along in alternating groups of two and three eighths and the smooth conjunct movement creates the feeling of a folksong. (3:00)
Folksy, poignant, and slighty tongue-in-cheek, this lament portrays the thoughts of a dying British Columbian cowboy. Third movement of "Northwest Trilogy."
Country: Canada
This powerful invocation is resonant and resplendent in praise! With keyboard reduction; parts for 3 trumpets, timpani, strings and organ available via rental from Boosey & Hawkes.
A beautifully sorrowful Latvian folk song arranged by Imant Raminsh. As the sun sets, the speaker remembers his dearest mother who has gone beyond and asks the sun to take to her sweetest evening peace. Absolutely delightful and masterful vocal writing and counterpoint. One of a set of five folk songs that may be performed together or individually.
Country: Latvia
This joyful and animated setting of Psalm 24 is the eighth movement of Raminsh's grand-scale work Symphony of Psalms. Full vocal and orchestral materials are available from Boosey & Hawkes Rental Library.
Beginning in mysterious darkness and progressing through brightness to exultation, this first of Raminsh's Two Visionary Songs is a luminous gem. With piano.
The lyrical and evocative text of this work was collected amongst the Eskimos of the northwest shore of Hudson Bay by Danish explorer and ethnologist, Knud Rasmussen. Composer Raminsh has crafted a work that requires the full vocal ranges of a fine college or professional choir. The harmonic structure is contemporary but not avant-garde. It is recorded on Songs of the Lights, Vancouver Chamber Choir, Jon Washburn, Director. Duration: ca. 7:00
This Inuit text features free and changing meters and frequent divisi. (3:45)
Country: Native American
3 selected scenes from Imant Raminsh's stunning children's opera, The Nightingale. This unique work features the children's chorus as the most central role, giving your choir the chance to truly participate.
Musical: The Nightingale
Based on a Navajo text, The Sower is the second movement from Songs of Light. The piece is developed from an opening solo call with the chorus responding with the same chant-like motive extended and developed by the soprano and alto voices. The meter characteristically changes from 4/4 to 3/4 to 2/4 in order to maintain a simple and sustained chant quality in the melody. With optional flute and glockenspiel. Duration: ca. 2:00,
Country: Native American
The second of Two Visionary Songs, this piece treats the words of medieval mystic Mechthild of Magdeburg to fluid, dance-like melodies progressing from wistfulness to passionate ecstasy. With piano.
A sweet Latvian folk song featuring the story of two brothers falling in love with two sisters, while the third sister is yet too young to marry. Absolutely delightful and masterful vocal writing and counterpoint. One of a set of five folk songs that may be performed together or individually.
Country: Latvia
This movement concludes the larger work Earth Chants in quiet benediction. Features a Soprano Solo.
Country: Native American
These are settings of two poems on night themes by native Okanagan poet, Ben Abel: Nighthawk - Stars Do Tell. Includes optional flute part. Duration: 5:45. Performed by Anima-Young Singers of Greater Chicago. Emily Ellsworth, conductor.
The two pieces of this set, scored for SATB (divisi) a cappella and Baritone & Mezzo-Soprano Soli, are arrangements of folk songs from the Ukranian and Doukhobor traditions. Contents: America's Like a Sister, Canada's Like a Mother · In a Pine Forest.
Country: Slovenia
Commissioned by the Cathedral Church of St. George (Kingston, Ontario), Dr. Mark G. Sirett, Organist and Music Director, in celebration of its Bicentennial May, 1992, this work is characterized by smooth chant-like melodic tones and modal harmonies. Duration: ca. 5:00.
This Sioux text is a vigorous piece with canonic imitation and some tone clustering, starting with single voice parts and expanding to full SSAATTBB texture.
Country: Native American
The third movement of the cantata In the Trail of the Wind, In the Shadow of God (written for the 2006 International Bach Festival in Toronto) sets the dying words of the great Blackfoot chief Crowfoot in his final attempt to define the meaning of life. The question is asked three times by unaccompanied TTBB chorus; the answers are supplied by treble voices, and finally by the full choir. Duration: ca. 5:00.
The first of Two Windsongs, Windwolves is a strongly rhythmic, energetic piece which tries to capture the unrelenting momentum of a wolf pack in hot pursuit. It calls for agile declamation of text and close attention to dynamics.
The second of Two Windsongs, Windy Nights is a setting of Robert Louis Stevenson's well-known text for treble chorus, oboe and piano. A variety of textures, from unison to imitatively contrapuntal and finally to richly homophonic, give color to the evocative ideas of the text.
Poetry By: Robert Louis Stevenson
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