Kate Janzen : Am Fischerhause

Heinrich Heine's poem is offered in both German and English, thanks to the composer, Kate Janzen. Kate is a new entry into the choral composition world, and her craftsmanship is immediately evident. Toggling between 3/4 and 6/8 meters, we are drawn into a story about the sea where both joy and sorrow dance.

Composer: Kate Janzen

Matthew Emery : Be Still, My Heart

Sometimes profundity emerges through simplicity. Composer Matthew Emery specializes in making musical statements that carry all the harmonic weight of a divisi choir, while using only four voice parts. This meditative piece matches his musical artistry with the wisdom of polymath Rabindranath Tagore. Sing it through on sounds without words, then add the text, and you will be transported.

Composer: Matthew Emery

Jasper Randall : I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

The poem by William Wordsworth makes solitude a sacred and wonderful experience, embracing nature and radiating gratefulness for all that surrounds us. Here, the music that supports the poem's words does the same. It is both soothing and glamorous, meditative and grandly all-encompassing. High school, college, and community choirs will find this selection easily programmable.

Composer: Jasper Randall

Living in the moment is a mantra and goal that is as easily forgotten as it is to pursue. The poem in this motet proclaims its value in colorful ways. Each verse is followed by a Latin phrase that coalesces the thoughts in flowing counterpoint. The middle section plays with the words from which the piece gets its title. This is a lovely and thoughtful piece for high school, college and community choir concerts.

Composer: Allan Robert Petker

Living in the moment is a mantra and goal that is as easily forgotten as it is to pursue. The poem in this motet proclaims its value in colorful ways. Each verse is followed by a Latin phrase that coalesces the thoughts in flowing counterpoint. The middle section plays with the words from which the piece gets its title. This is a lovely and thoughtful piece for high school, college and community choir concerts.

Arranger: Allan Robert Petker | Composer: Allan Robert Petker

You need a concert closer that will have the audience, laughing, clapping, singing and on their feet? This delightful piece from the off-Broadway hit Showing Off does just that. Easy to learn.

Arranger: Christopher Peterson | Composer: Douglas L. Bernstein

First made popular in performances by the famous choral ensemble, Chanticleer, the composer has revoiced it for SATB choir. The music is original although its connection to Irish Celtic music is undeniable, and quite intentional. The words have no meaning but continue the essence of the folk song idiom it is celebrating. It is a joyful concert piece with a challenging title to pronounce.

Composer: Paul Ely Smith | Performed By: Chanticleer

The hymn is an old favorite and this arrangement does not veer away from that respect. Rather, it builds on it and grants us a rendition that is refreshing and familiar. Easy to medium in difficulty.

Arranger: Hyun Kook | Composer: W.B. Bradbury

Yeats is a famous poet whose words have many meanings. This poem is weaved into three sections and Milne follows that by constructing his motet into three verses. His melody is as haunting and thoughtful as the poet's lyrics. Furthermore, he keeps the vocal lines free of divisi yet full of suspensions and resolutions that entice the listener. A fine concert piece for high school and college choirs.

Composer: John Milne