In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Counterpoint

Mixed Choral Chorus from Montpelier, VT, United States.

Robert De Cormier acted as music director of the New York Choral Society for seventeen years and under his leadership the group became renowned for its high standard of excellence in choral singing and unique variety of programming. As Music Director Emeritus he guest conducted a performance of the Verdi Requiem in 1990, the Berlioz Requiem at St. Paul's Cathedral, New York City in 1992 and the premiere of a commissioned work, the Missa Iona in 1993 at St. Bartholomew's in New York City. A graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, Mr. De Cormier's other conducting engagements have taken him from Broadway and opera to the Berkshire Choral Institute, the Zimriya World Assembly of Choirs in Israel and numerous concert tours throughout the United States and Canada with his own professional group, the Robert De Cormier Singers. He spent many years as conductor and arranger for Harry Belafonte and has been music director for the popular folk trio, Peter, Paul and Mary for the past twenty years.

In 1993 he helped found the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus and Chamber Chorus and as their director he both prepares and conducts performances with the symphony. In the fall of 2000 he established Counterpoint, an 11 voice professional vocal ensemble based in Vermont. He has written several works ranging from choral to ballet to Broadway scores (music for The Wall and The World of Sholem Aleichem). His cantata, The Jolly Beggars, based on the poetry of Robert Burns, premiered in New York to critical acclaim. His ballet score, Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder, is in the active repertoire of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. His choral works, Legacy, Four Sonnets to Orpheus, Shout For Joy and Under A Greenwood Tree were premiered at Carnegie Hall by the New York Choral Society. Spiritual Suite, commissioned by the West Village Chorale premiered in New York in 1991 Mr. De Cormier has also arranged extensively, from African-American spirituals to American and international folk songs.

Discography

Displaying 1-4 of 4 items.

Counterpoint : Counterpoint Christmas

Review: The Choral Excellence Series has joined legendary choral conductor and arranger Robert De Cormier to produce a A Counterpoint Christmas -- a fanciful journey around the world during the holiday season. Selections include familiar and less-familiar melodies and carols from around the world ending with the splendid suite of Argentinean Carols, Navidad Nuestra, by Ariel Ramirez. This beautifully-produced CD will put you in the spirit of the season while presenting a unique collection of exciting Christmas music. If you are looking for something new this holiday season, a Counterpoint Christmas will be a great selection.

Songlist: Navidad Nuestra, Ritsch Ratsch Filibom, Away In A Manger, A Wealden Trio, The Souling Song, Christmas Song, Christmas In The Southwest, La Trulla, Betelehemu

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Counterpoint : Folk Songs and Dances of a Young Nation

Review: Here they present their latest album that brings together new arrangements, ranging from traditional to contemporary, of some of the best known and loved Israeli folk-songs. Unlike European folk-songs, whose origins tend to be vague and lost in the past, most of these songs originated in the 20th century and have known composers and poets. Yet they are folk music just the same, for they live now in the oral tradition. Several generations of Jews have grown up singing them, and some songs, such as Tsena Tsena, Shalom Chaverim and, of course, Hava Nagila, have achieved mainstream recognition. The purpose of Israeli folk-songs was to inspire a new national cultural identity through which, in the words of Hinei Ma Tov, Jewish brothers and sisters from many lands would dwell together in unity. Among many Jews and Israelis throughout the world the songs evoke sentiments of pride and belonging. And despite the inner conflicts between Israelis today and the violent conflicts with its neighbors, the message of this disc is the sincere hope that the entire region may someday achieve unity and peace.

Songlist: Mayim, Los Bibilicos, Hinei Achal'la Bachalili, Rounds Of Israel, Saleinu Al Ktefeinu, Hinei Ma Tov, Ba'a Mnucha, Mi Ze Hidlik, Hana 'Ava Ba Banot, Ayi Ayil, Erev Shel Za Hav, Lo Yisa Goy, Hora Zemer Lach & Hava Na Gila, Al Har Im, Laila Laila, Shir LaShalom, Israeli Medley

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Counterpoint : Choral Excursion

Review: The Choral Excellence Series has joined legendary choral conductor and arranger Robert De Cormier to produce a A Choral Excursion, featuring his professional vocal ensemble Counterpoint and instrumentalists from across the United States and South America. They will be a wonderful inspiration for your ensembles and great entertainment for anyone who loves choral music. The program is made up of Twentieth Century music from around the world. If you are a teacher needing an activity for a substitute to use, this is a worthwhile way for your singers to spend a class period!

Songlist: Choruses From The Lark, - Prelude, - Benedictus, - Spring Song, - Sanctus, - Court Song, - Soldier's song, - Requiem and Gloria, Romancero Gitano, Baladilla de los Tres Rios, La Guitarra, The Procession of the Virgin, Pricesion - Paco - Saeta, Memento, Baile, Crotalo, Missa Criolla

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Counterpoint : Counterpoint Christmas DVD

Review: The Choral Excellence Series has joined legendary choral conductor and arranger Robert De Cormier to produce a A Counterpoint Christmas -- a fanciful journey around the world during the holiday season. Selections include familiar and less-familiar melodies and carols from around the world ending with the splendid suite of Argentinean Carols, Navidad Nuestra, by Ariel Ramirez. This beautifully-produced DVD will put you in the spirit of the season while presenting a unique collection of exciting Christmas music. If you are looking for something new this holiday season, a Counterpoint Christmas will be a great selection. If you are a teacher needing an activity for a substitute to use, this is a worthwhile way for your singers to spend a class period!

Songlist: One Horse Open Sleigh, Ritsch, Ratsch, Filbom, Christmas In The Southwest, Oh, Mi Belen!, El Desembre Congelat, Alegria, A La Nanita Nana, Las Posadas, Campana sobre Campana, El Belen Tocan a Fuego, El Noi de la Mare, Chiquirrquitin, El Rorro, Away In A Manger, The Wealden Trio, The Souling Song, Navidad Nuestra, Betelehemu

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