Westminster Williamson Voices performs Thomas LaVoy's "Alleluia"

Composer: Thomas LaVoy

The soprano solo is optional.

Composer: Thomas LaVoy

Composer: Blake R. Henson

A setting of a Sara Teasdale poem that is an ode to beauty. A performance piece for SATB (with some divisi), piano, and cello; duration ca. 6:00. Though it requires substantial vocal forces, it is a "big" work that is not overly difficult, staying within the established tonality and remaining mostly homophonic.

Composer: Blake R. Henson

Composer: Blake R. Henson

"Elegy," by Gerald Custer, is a setting of three texts associated with Robert Kennedy during his lifetime. This glorious work for SATB divisi and piano captures Kennedy's idealism and his faith in the inherent good of all people. It is a fitting song of lament and tribute, filled with the hope of a man whose dreams continue to inspire.

Composer: Gerald Custer

Listen"Brandon Waddles opens his moving arrangement of Fix Me Jesus with an extended, eight-part chromatic choral tapestry, weaving voices together into what he instructs should be a warm, seamless whole. The introduction gives way to the chorus of the piece, first introduced by a simple soprano solo that floats over the vocal 'oohs' like prayer.ÊÊ... The final return of the chorus is peaceful, cathartic, and profound."Choral Journal, May 2019, Volume 59, Number 10

Arranger: Brandon Waddles

Composer: Blake R. Henson

A choir with successful divisi (particularly bass/baritone) will want to take a serious look at this staple of Christmas Americana.The harmonic richness and resplendent sonorities beautifully enhance this haunting melody.The setting opens and closes with a captivating role for a confident mezzo-soprano soloist with a wide range, exquisite tuning, and comfort in singing a cappella.Highly recommended.

Arranger: Steve Pilkington | Composer: John Jacob Niles

Composer: Blake R. Henson

Composer: Blake R. Henson

Audio track below performed by the Greenwave Singers of Fort Meyers High School (Florida)-Matthew Koller, conductor

Composer: Jackson Hill

Arranger: Gail B. Poch

The "O Magnum" has been memorably set by composers from Vittoria to Lauridsen, and the tradition continues with this essentially homophonic SSAATTBB setting with harp. A mostly quiet and reflective setting with rich harmonic texture.

Composer: Gerald Custer

Composer: Brandon Waddles

A vigorous setting of personent hodie scored for SATB (with significant divisi), organ, and handbells. It journeys through several keys, includes a robust "verse" for organ alone, and goes out in a blaze of glory on a sustained final chord with first sopranos on high C, and everyone else singing near the top of their range!

Composer: William A. Payn

Composer: Anthony J. Maglione

The Basso Continuo is optional.

Composer: Jan Sweelinck

Composer: Felix Mendelssohn

Composer: Peter Relph

A serious choral work for eight mixed voices, organ, brass quintet, and timpani on texts in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The vocal score is 19 pages 219 measures in length. Composition began on 9/11/01, and the work was published for the tenth anniversary of the events of that day. It's a work that calls for peace through unity and pluralism. The title refers to a fence along the Israeli-Lebanon border on which the flags of both countries fly over a plaque containing Isaiah 2:4 inscribed in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.Ê

Composer: Blake R. Henson

Composer: Anthony J. Maglione

Arranger: Carl W. Haywood | Composer: William A. Payn

Composer: Colin Britt

From the Evoking Sound Choral Series, this expressive Christmas anthem employs effective tone painting for this beautiful John Chrysostom text. For the larger, more experienced choir.

Composer: William A. Payn

Composer: William A. Payn