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French Choral Music Arrangements
| The French choral music tradition began centuries ago with both liturgical and court music thru the renaissance period and beyond. There have been many great French composers of choral music such as Faure, Saint-Saens, Poulenc, Ravel, Debussy and many more. |
Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media
Displaying 1-18 of 18 items.
Florent Schmitt : A contre-voix These popular pieces are available for the first time in a single volume. This beautiful, newly-engraved edition includes a piano reduction line to aid in rehearsals. For four or six voices. Songlist: Retour a le terre, Si mes poches, Trois Goelettes, Arche de Noe, Pour vous de peine, Bonnet vole 
Francis Poulenc : Quatre motets pour le temps de Noel Completed in 1952, Poulenc often returned to traditional forms of French church music popular in the Renaissance, such as the motet, that had fallen out of favor in the late eighteenth century. Following the narrative of the nativity, Poulenc intended that the movements be performed together. Songlist: O magnum mysterium, Quem vidistis pastores dicite, Videntes stellam, Hodie Christus natus est
Francis Poulenc : Figure Humaine (The Face of Man) French/English. Cantata for double chorus (SSATBB/SSATBB). Songlist: De Tous Les Printemps (Poulenc), En Chantant Les Servantes (Poulenc), Aussi Bas Que Le Silence (Poulenc), Toi Ma Patiente (Poulenc), Riant Du Ciel Et Des Planetes (Poulenc), Le Jour Metonne Et La Nuit (Poulenc), La Menace Sous Le Ciel Rough (Poulenc), Liberte (Poulenc)
Francis Poulenc : Sept Chansons Poulenc was a member of Les Six, a group of young French composers, Milhaud, Auric, Durey, Honegger and Tailleferre, who also had links with Erik Satie and Jean Cocteau. He embraced the Dada movement's techniques, creating melodies that would have challenged what was considered appropriate for Parisian music halls. Here is a fine set of his unaccompanied choral works. With English translation by Robert Hess. Songlist: La Blanche Neige, A peine defiguree (Barely Disfigured), Par une nuit nouvelle (Through a New Light), Tous les droits (All the Rights), Belle et ressemblante (Beautiful and Resembling), Marie, Luire (To Dawn)
Francis Poulenc : Click Clack Wooden Shoes Dance This is a fun a cappella arrangement of the Poulenc classic song.
Frank Dobbins : The Oxford Book of French Chansons The 84 chansons in this collection are mainly for SATB, and were selected first and foremost for their musical value. Care has been taken to represent the great masters as well as lesser-known composers who made significant contributions to the genre. Songlist: Mille Regrets, A Paris A Trois Fillettes, La Plus Belle De La Ville, Je Suis Desheritee, Douce Memoire, Je Ne Suis Pas Si Sot, and many more...
J. Robert Carroll : Seven French Noels - TTBB edition
Judith Blezzard : French Motets This is a collection of seven beautiful motets by French composers of the 19th century. It includes evocative settings by the lesser-known Massenet and Caplet as well as motets by Franck, Faure, Saint-Saens and a new two-part version of Gounod's Ave Maria (based on J. S. Bach's Prelude in C). Songlist: O Salutaris Hostia, Priere de St Bernard, Maria Mater Gratiae, Ave Maria, Ave Maris Stella, O Salutaris Hostia
Leonard Bernstein : The Lark (French Choruses) "The Lark", a play about the life, trial, and death of Joan of Arc, opened on Broadway on November 17, 1955. Songlist: Court Song, Soldier's Song, Spring Song
Mark Williams : Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle French traditional song for 8 part a cappella.
Maurice Durufle : Quatre Motets sur des Themes Gregoriens, Op. 10 Durufle's Four Motets on Gregorian Themes for SATB a cappella chorus, composed in 1960 and beloved by choruses around the world, appears in a fresh new edition with new music engraving and with historical introduction in English and English translation of the Latin texts. Includes the movements Ubi caritas, Tota pulchra es, Tue s Petrus, Tantum ergo. Songlist: Ubi caritas, Tota pulchra es, Tue s Petrus, Tantum ergo
Peter Schubert : French Noels These Christmas songs have been chosen from those transcribed by Andrienne Block and are particularly interesting because the music was originally composed for secular texts, and the Christmas texts were substituted in the following decades. Unaccompanied with rehearsal piano. Songlist: Chantons, grands et petits, Quand le fils Dieu prit naissance, Votre beaute, Ecoutez la trompette
Philip Lawson : Five French Madrigals Orlando di Lasso was a Franco-Flemish composer of the late Renaissance known for his mature polyphonic style. Equally adept in many languages and both sacred and secular forms, his compositions remain a staple of the modern choral repertoire. This collection of French chansons includes five representative works and is an excellent value! Songlist: Bonjour Mon Coeur, Dessus Le Marche, Paisible Domaine, Toutes Le Nuits, Vignon, Vignette
Various Composers : Music from Les Choristes (The Chorus) The highly successful French movie Les Choristes (The Chorus) was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and "Vois sur ton chemin (See Upon Your Path)' was nominated for Best Original Song with the musical theme reoccurs throughout the movie and expresses the central image of the story: Joys of childhood, too quickly forgotten erased. A golden light shines steadily at the very end of the path. "Caresse sur l'ocean" is an enchanting melody with wonderful interwoven harmony, this expressive song paints an evocative image of a bird aloft on the wind, traveling far distances, from snowy far-off lands to castles in Spain. "Cerf-volant " is a buoyant song that beautifully depicts the image of a kite flying high in the air implying a child's imaginative wishes and dreams. "Lueur d'ete" dramatically portray the emotions, dreams and fears of the children in the story. Images of summer, like our childhood memories, remain always in our heart. Includes the original French and English lyrics. Songlist: In Memoriam, Vois sur ton chemin (See Upon Your Path), Caresse sur l'ocean (Caress Upon the Ocean), Cerf-volant (Kite Flying), Lueur d'ete (Summer's Warm Light), Compere Guilleri
Various Composers : French Songs & Choruses This collection of French Songs & Choruses includes a wealth of original choral music by French composers, as well as many wonderful arrangements of some of the greatest French songs ever composed. Suitable for Mixed-Voice Choirs of all sizes and abilities, this is the perfect collection for finding new performance pieces, but would work equally well as a complete concert program. The selections in this songbook are second-to-none, with some of the most beautiful and affecting French choral music compiled into one volume. Many original works are included here, with these choral compositions by giants of French classical music often being regarded as some of their finest work. Pieces like Madrigal by Gabriel Faure, a new edition of Maurice Ravel's incredible Trois Chansons, Camille Saint-Saens's Calme Des Nuits and Trinquons as well as Reynaldo Hahn's three Rondels, originally written for SATB choir. The harmonies of songs like Chanson D'Amour by Gabriel Faure convey just how stunning a song this is to hear as well as to sing, while others like Debussy's Beau Soir offer a similarly beautiful take on a different theme. With all of these songs, the joy will be in careful selection, fantastic practice and the thrill of performance for you and your audience. Please note that most of the lyrics are in French, but English translations are included. Songlist: Bailero, Le Ballet Des Ombres, Beau Soir, Nuit D'ƒtoiles, Chanson D'amour, Madrigal, A Chloris, Trois Rondels, Gardez Le Trait De La Fenestre, La Nuit, Deux Prieres: Beata Viscera Mariae, O Magnum Mysterium, Nos Souvenirs Qui Chantent, Chanson Francaise, Trois Chansons: Nicolette, Trois Beaux Oiseaux, Ronde, Calme Des Nuits, Trinquons, Choral Inappetissant
Walter Ehret : Christmas Carols of France A collection of French Christmas carols for unison or 2-part voices with French and English texts. Songlist: We Sing in Celebration, He is Born, the Holy Child, Angels O'er the Fields Were Singing, O Come Away, Ye Shepherds, The Sleep of the Infant Jesus, What is This Perfume So Appealing?, Neighbor, What Has You So Excited?, O Holy Night, Pat-a-Pan, Ballad of Jesus Christ, Although You Still are Weak and Helpless, Christmas Comes Anew, Sleep, Little Dove, Shepherd, Shake off Your Drowsy Sleep, Whence Comes This Rush of Wings Afar?, March of the Kings, Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella, Touro-Louro-Louro, Whence Art Thou, My Maiden?
Ward Swingle : Suite Quebecoise Canada has a rich lore of folk music. The three melodies in this Suite come from the province of Quebec. These arrangements were commissioned by the McGill Univeristy Chamber Choir in Montreal. Songlist: Tout garcon qui sert, Le Roi Boit, Rossignolet
Ward Swingle : Swingle Folk 'Pastime With Good Company' is an evocation of Renaissance vocal and instrumental styles in which some of the singers are asked to imitate recorders, tabors and shaums. 'The Agincourt Song' recounts the victory of Henry V over the French at Agincourt. As in 'Pastime with Good Company,' the singers must imitate the sounds of Renaissance instruments. 'Country Dances' is a fast-moving potpourri of traditional country tunes. One theme that recurs is that of the Arkansas Traveler. The accompanying sounds evoke various country-music instruments: fiddles, banjos, jugs, etc. 'Music History 101 is a trip through Music History to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," treated as a Gregorian Chant, a Medieval Round, a Madrigal, a Bach Chorale, a Schubert Lied and many other styles including jazz and rap. El paisanito features an alto duet with an accompaniment that imitates strumming Spanish guitars. In the men's version, the duet is sung by two male altos. 'L'amour de moi' features a soprano solo with a string-like accompaniment along with vocalized bass and drums. The three melodies in 'Tour garcon qui sert bien son maitre' come from the province of Quebec. These arrangements were commissioned by the McGill Univeristy Chamber Choir in Montreal. Songlist: Pastime with Good Company, The Agincourt Song, L'amour de moi, Country Dances, El paisanito, Music History 101 |
Displaying 1-50 of 87 items.
The French tune Ah, vous dirai-je Maman has become more commonly known as Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and other children's songs, has been set and arranged countless times by some of history's great composers including a set of 12 variations by Mozart, Beethoven's improvisations and Saint-Saens in Carnival of the Animals. Here, Francisco Nunez continues this distinguished tradition with an arrangement for the Mostly Mozart Festival of New York City.
Composer: Francisco J. Nunez | Country: France
What a beautiful twist on the partner-song style! The lyrics of the traditional French carol are set to endearing new melodies and the familiar chorus of Gloria in excelsis Deo is also included. Fresh and musically interesting, this will be a delight on both school and church programs.
Composer: Vicki Tucker Courtney | Country: France
The French love their onions as you can hear in this French marching song from the 1800s. The verses tell the story (in compound meter) and the refrain helps the marchers stay in step (in duple meter). Impressive sounding and easily learned!
Arranger: Emily Crocker | Country: France
Written in remembrance of a loved one, this work has its given place as a concert centerpiece. The composer's style touches on the French romantic masters, bringing a rich variation of colors to the performance. Duration: ca. 6:30.
Composer: Sydney Guillaume | Country: France
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.
Arranger: Stephen Hatfield | Country: France
These 18th century French country songs are delightful whether performed as a set or singly. Popularized by J.B. Weckerlinis solo settings in 1913, these new choral arrangements may be sung in either French or English. In both strophic settings, SSA singers become villagers reflecting on life and love.
Arranger: John Lewers | Composer: J. B. Weckerlin | Country: France
These 18th century French country songs are delightful whether performed as a set or singly. Popularized by J.B. Weckerlinis solo settings in 1913, these new choral arrangements may be sung in either French or English. In both strophic settings, SSA singers become villagers reflecting on life and love.
Arranger: John Lewers | Composer: J. B. Weckerlin | Country: France
This playful French chanson by di Lasso is delightful! Easily learned and effective in performance! Also includes an English text. Performance Time: Approx. 1:00
Composer: Orlando Lassus | Country: France
This lively French carol form the 17th century is skillfully set to be accompanied by Flute, Oboe, Violin and Piano. All the women sing verse one in unison with each verse expanding, dividing and introducing a beautiful polyphonic final verse.
Arranger: Shawn Kirchner | Country: France
A lilting flute obbligato floats above the dance-like vocals of this French carol in an accessible arrangement that will enhance performances by treble choirs of all ages. Beginning with a unison first verse and progressing to two and then three parts, this will be a welcome Christmas addition.
Arranger: Julie Ann Ballard | Country: France
An enchanting melody with wonderful interwoven harmony, this expressive song paints an evocative image of a bird aloft on the wind, traveling far distances, from snowy far-off lands to castles in Spain. Includes original French and English lyrics. Performance Time: Approx. 2:00
Composer: Christophe Barratier | Country: France
This setting of a sixteenth century French poem celebrates May Day, the mid-point between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice, which in many traditions marked the beginning of the pastoral summer season.
Composer: Mark Sirett | Country: France
Two lively and fun French carols are paired together in this sparkling new arrangement filled with joy and jubilation. Showcase your choir; the vocal parts are easy to learn, yet the performance sounds much more advanced than it really is!
Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Country: France
This buoyant song beautifully depicts the image of a kite flying high in the air implying a child's imaginative wishes and dreams. Includes original French and English lyrics. Performance Time: Approx. 2:00.
Composer: Christophe Barratier | Country: France
Womenis choirs will adore performing this stunning song of love. Features a lovely French text, flowing vocal lines, contemporary harmonies, and a stirring piano accompaniment. Perfect for concert or contest.
Composer: Matthew Armstrong | Country: France
This celebratory song first appeared at Disneyland Paris in 2005 and was written for their holiday parade. The opening melody is easy to sing yet sounds sophisticated and majestic. This can easily be a processional for your holiday concert and one that will surely put your audience in a holiday mood.ÿ
Composer: Vasile Sirli | Country: France
This bright and joyful French tune is a favorite for many a choir and is newly arranged for mixed voices in all levels as well as for women's voices. The lyrics are in French and English, making it a fresh and stand-out choice for your holiday concert.
Arranger: Jill Gallina | Composer: Paul Lacombe | Country: France
A fresh approach to this early French carol. Polyphony resounds as sections of the choir perform unique and overlapping lines in a minor mode. Performance options include any combination of a cappella choir, handbells or tonechimes, piano, hand drum, and tambourine. Impressive.
Arranger: Michael Larkin | Country: France
This traditional French children's song used in the Oscar-nominated French film The Chorus is easily learned and fun to sing. Includes original French and English lyrics. Performance Time: Approx. :30.
Arranger: Bruno Coulais | Country: France
A traditional Québecois carol, this arrangement will immediately captivate your choir and audience. Its lullaby-like qualities are both soothing and entrancing.
Arranger: Mark Sirett | Country: French Canadian
This lilting setting of the traditional French carol recounts the Nativity by a series of questions and answers about the miracle at the manger. A buoyant selection for treble choirs! In French. Duration: ca. 2:15.
Arranger: Thomas Bell | Country: France
In addition to his vast output of German poetry, Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) composed nearly 400 poems in French. His poems on roses struck me as especially charming, filled with gorgeous lyricism, deftly crafted and elegant in their imagery. These exquisite poems are primarily light, joyous and playful, and the musical settings are designed to enhance these characteristics and capture the delicate beauty and sensuousness of the poetry. Distinct melodic and harmonic materials recur throughout the cycle, especially between Rilke's poignant Contre qui, rose (set as a wistful nocturne) and his moving La rose complète. The final piece, Dirait-on, is composed as a tuneful chanson populaire, or folksong, that weaves together two melodic ideas first heard in fragmentary form in preceding movements. --Morten Lauridsen
Arranger: Morten Lauridsen | Country: France
In addition to his vast output of German poetry, Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) composed nearly 400 poems in French. His poems on roses struck me as especially charming, filled with gorgeous lyricism, deftly crafted and elegant in their imagery. These exquisite poems are primarily light, joyous and playful, and the musical settings are designed to enhance these characteristics and capture the delicate beauty and sensuousness of the poetry. Distinct melodic and harmonic materials recur throughout the cycle, especially between Rilke's poignant Contre qui, rose (set as a wistful nocturne) and his moving La rose complète. The final piece, Dirait-on, is composed as a tuneful chanson populaire, or folksong, that weaves together two melodic ideas first heard in fragmentary form in preceding movements. --Morten Lauridsen
Arranger: Morten Lauridsen | Country: France
Sung in French, Gabriel Guillaume's text is a dialog between man and his God. This beautiful and rewarding work requires a mature choir - advanced high school or college. A full English translation is included in the program notes. Duration: ca. 7:40.
Composer: Sydney Guillaume | Country: France
This French Canadian game song actually dates back as far as the 15th century and is featured here in a rollicking and playful arrangement by Cristi Miller. Loosely translated as let's get the ball rolling, the refrain and verses may be sung in English, French or a combination of both. Well-crafted vocal and piano lines add to the fun of performing. Available: 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 2:00.
Arranger: Cristi Cary Miller | Country: French Canadian
Three French Canadian folk songs make a superb set for any concert program. Roll On, My Ball, Roll On tells a tale of ducks and hunting and silver guns and an evil prince, all the while you can picture a small child rolling a ball down a lane. Provided in the original French, all three songs enable an exploration in French-speaking Canada. The complete set includes J'ai Cueilli la Belle Rose, Petit Rocher, and En Roulant Ma Boule Roulant.
Arranger: Matthew Emery | Country: French Canadian
The words by French poet Paul Verlaine set the frivolous tone for the women's mature voices. The playful vocal setting is matched by an elaborate piano accompaniment. This brief vignette will add spice to your concert program. Duration: ca. 2:10.
Arranger: Alan Raines | Country: France
This joyful Christmas carol from 15th century France may be sung in either the original French or in English. If a children's choir is used, it can sing the soprano part throughout. The words nouvelet and noel both come from the French root word meaning news or newness and this arrangement by Wayland Rogers is just that, fresh and new.
Arranger: Wayland Rogers | Country: France
This joyful, buoyant friendship song is from French Canada. With both English and French texts to choose from, this is the perfect middle number for the Songs of the World trilogy, but like the others, can stand alone just as well.
Composer: Sara Glick | Country: French Canadian
Sonja and Berta Poorman have taken the familiar French melody The Friendly Beasts and created a round; adding their own touch with original words and melody. It's so easy to learn with lots of educational opportunities because of text, song, musical writing and the use of rounds.
Composer: Sonja Poorman | Country: France
Hopsa! Lisella!, an 18th century Alsatian folk song, quite literally sways back and forth as it is sung. The feeling of acceleration typical of 18th century song is captured through ritards, accelerandos and tempo changes at the beginning of each verse. Add tambourine and triangle to enhance the French character of the song. In two parts, this accessible setting will work nicely with any treble group. Duration: ca. 3:05
Arranger: Russell Robinson | Country: France
The theme from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, this song recorded in English by Nikki Yanofsky and in French by Annie Villeneuve perfectly captures the universal message of the games: Believe in yourself and in your talent and follow your dreams. The English version is recorded on the ShowTrax CD and the printed music includes English and French. Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Score and parts available digitally (hn 1-2, gtr, b, dm, perc, vn 1-2, va, vc). Duration: ca. 3:30.
Arranger: Mark Brymer | Country: France
Now available for women's voices, this popular French chanson relates the gossipy conversation of a pair of French housewives as they chatter about their husbands. Dance-like phrases echo back and forth along with colorful wordplay and double meanings.
Arranger: John Leavitt | Country: France
This sparkling setting of the traditional French carol will show your treble choir at its best! Includes an optional finger cymbal and drum part. A French pronunciation guide available on the VoiceTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:15. Available separately: 3-Part Treble div. a cappella and VoiceTrax CD.
Arranger: Nancy Grundahl | Country: France
A very creative combination of the well-known French carol with the "Gloria In Excelsis" text. High School and above. 3:21
Arranger: Ruth Elaine Schram | Composer: Traditional French Carol(s) | Country: France
This traditional French carol is set in an arrangement that sparkles with rhythmic vitality of mixed meter. Utilizing one verse and chorus, the French text is simple to learn and makes for a wonderful introduction to the language.
Arranger: Russell Robinson | Country: France
This delightful treble setting of the sparkling French carol will delight your audience and be fun to sing as well!
Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Country: France
From the French film The Chorus, this setting of the Latin text from the requiem mass features a powerful vocal accompaniment chanting Kyrie eleison while treble solo voice soars above. Performance Time: Approx. 3:20
Composer: Bruno Coulais | Country: France
This fleet-footed setting of a medieval French folksong is packed with energy and self-assurance. Sure to please!
Arranger: Stephen Hatfield | Country: France
Three French Canadian folk songs make a superb set for any concert program. This selection shares the spring pastime of a young girl collecting the first white rosebuds of the season. Provided in the original French, all three songs enable an exploration in French-speaking Canada. J'ai Cuelli la Belle Rose, Petit Rocher, and En Roulant Ma Boule Roulant.
Arranger: Matthew Emery | Country: French Canadian
J'ai vu le loup is a French folk song that dates to the medieval era. Many versions of the song exist, but they all feature animals imitating humans by dancing, laughing, and singing. This arrangement includes a version of the song along with additional music and lyrics created by the arranger.A whirling, twirling Andalusian dancer is vividly portrayed in this setting of a traditional Spanish folksong. Well-crafted vocal lines over a colorful piano accompaniment make this an excellent choice for developing choirs to show their flair! Spanish and English.
Arranger: Emily Crocker | Country: France
Hear the steady ticka-tacka of the mill wheel in this brisk setting of a French Canadian folksong. Use the pronunciation guide on the VoiceTrax CD or on the inside cover to practice the French lyrics, this selection is easily learned and fun to sing! VoiceTrax CD also available. Performance Time: Approx. 2:15
Arranger: Emily Crocker | Country: French Canadian
Now available for women's ensembles! Introduce your ensembles to the famous French chanson with this excellent edition. Includes French and English texts. Available separately: SATB, SSA a cappella. Duration: ca. 1:00.
Arranger: John Leavitt | Country: France
Joyful cascading vocal lines and fa la la's will enliven your treble choir's concert or festival performance! The optional percussion creates a dance-like feel in this delightful madrigal edition.
Arranger: John Leavitt | Country: France
Pierre Certon's dancing and lighthearted work is made more accessible for younger voices with this fine arrangement. The harmonic and textural elements remain true to the original, preserving the frivolity of the piece. You may choose to sing only the French and end at the optional fine, or extend the length and continue singing using an English text. Add the flute and percussion parts to create the perfect performance.
Arranger: Jerry Estes | Country: France
Written for the Cincinnati Children's choir, this simple and haunting melody by Nick Page is written using an original, Impressionistic piano accompaniment that will allow young singers many opportunities for expression and freedom. The French text is simple and, as always, an IPA is provided. Duration: ca. 2:00
Arranger: Nick Page | Country: France
Perfect for jazz and concert choirs, this fresh setting of the traditional French carol works well as a jazz waltz. Sing with a smooth, mostly straight tone to stay in the pocket and clinch the style. Super cool.
Arranger: Donald Moore | Country: France
An incredibly dynamic adaptation of this beloved French folk song. Quick and rhythmic, the work reflects the determination and liveliness of the girl in the poem who won't let others dictate her love or her future. Meter changes, body percussion and the dancing oboe and piano parts all work together in this challenging arrangement. Sure to be a favorite of choirs and audiences alike! With piano, oboe, opt. frame drum and body percussion. Duration: ca. 3:45
Arranger: Joni Jensen | Country: France
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