Joseph Joubert : Freedom's Plow

Poet Langston Hughes writes, A long time ago, an enslaved people heading toward freedom made up a song: Keep Your Hand on the Plow! Hold On! The plow plowed a new furrow across the field of history. Into that furrow, the freedom seed was dropped. From that seed a tree grew, is growing, will ever grow. That tree is for you, and me and everybody. This is for an advanced choir with an accomplished accompanist.

Arranger: Joseph Joubert

Mark Sirett : Seek Justice

Throughout history, prophets, visionaries, poets, and peacemakers have cried out for justice in our world. Justice must be actively pursued, and this music flows and moves as a metaphor of pursuit.

Composer: Mark Sirett

This text is one of several interspersed love notes from Gertrude Stein to her partner Alice B. Toklas. These beautiful words are set like a courtly love poem of the Renaissance, and the result is a modern madrigal.

Composer: Amelia Brey

Pulitzer prize winning composer Shulamit Ran here provides us with a grand statement in praise of the pursuit of knowledge. Wisdom, understanding, and learning are highlighted as a means to justice, judgment, and equity. The music is rhythmic and polyphonic and full of strength and power.

Composer: Shulamit Ran

This is an a cappella setting of Psalm 23, set in Hebrew. Composer Judith Shatin wrote this piece in 1995 and dedicated it to the memory of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

Composer: Judith Shatin

The 23rd Psalm remains one of the most comforting texts to those who are afflicted with pain, loss and grief. Here is a beautiful melody written by Daniel and Nina Faia Mutlu and arranged beautifully by Broadway superstar David Chase. The music is hopeful and comforting to those who sing it as well as those who listen.

Arranger: David Chase | Composer: Nina Faia Mutlu

With a piano introduction that is both virtuosic and emotional, this Hebrew text, chosen by series editor Judith Clurman in memory of her parents, was the perfect vehicle for Michigan composer Paul Schoenfield to honor those who have lived a life of faith. With frequently changing and uneven meter, shifting tonal centers and an extended range for all voice parts, this is a concert work worthy of the finest choirs. Those choirs who choose it will experience the impact that such a work can impart.

Composer: Paul Schoenfeld

The flowing lines of this short a cappella work are woven into an elegant vocal tapestry that will create an atmosphere of serenity and warmth. Duration: ca. 3:30.

Composer: Craig Urquhart

Recorded by the New York Concert Singers and premiered at the Lincoln Center Tree Lighting by Project Youth Chorus and the Muppets, this sweet a cappella setting is a simple and warm salute to the December holidays especially appropriate for diverse audiences. We are different and the same, all together. What we want this holiday is peace forever. The full recording is available at www.newworldrecords.org and dramonline.org. (Lance Horne, All Together, New World Records NW80592. P 2001 C 2001, Anthology of Recorded Music, Inc. Used by permission).

Arranger: Judith Clurman

Vivid vocal colors leap into being in this bright and rhythmic acclamation. A stunning opener for advanced high school choirs and up. Duration: ca. 1:05.

Composer: Paul McKibbins

Mozart's delightful melody is paired with an original text by the arranger suitable as an opening number for concert choir. The musical theme and accessible vocal writing will appeal to both high school and advanced middle school singers, too. The piano accompaniment is pure Mozart and a wonderful showcase for your pianist.

Arranger: Jacob Narverud | Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Combining the traditions of Orthodox Jewish music with the counter culture of the 1960s, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach created Jewish folk music that reached out to young Jewish seekers. Here, Brant Adams has arranged Carlebach's most famous melody for a select honor choir bringing this music full circle in style and impact.

Arranger: Brant Adams | Composer: Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach

This classic patriotic song has been arranged many times but never in such an expansive and dramatic way. Ryan Nowlin has arranged this for Grade 3 concert band and intermediate to advanced choir. Premiered on the television production of the 2014 Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, countless viewers have been clamoring for this arrangement and it is finally available. A very effective reduction for piano has been created for performance use as well.

Arranger: Ryan Nowlin

America has, for hundreds of years, been a country built on tradition, the most powerful of which may be the hope that their children might have a better life. Father/daughter songwriting team Laurie and Larry Hochman have created a tribute to the American dream that connects the past, present and future, framed with the treasured America the Beautiful. Ideal for schools and community concerts for all levels!

Arranger: Judith Clurman

The final section of a larger work, this work opens with a solo voice and weaves a magical spell as the message of peace unfolds. Some fear the world, they hear the dissonance and say it always will be. I see the world as one community that must be joined by one law. Duration: c. 3:45.

Composer: Marvin Hamlisch

Broadway arranger and conductor David Chase brings his considerable musical talents to this exciting and wonderfully creative arrangement of the traditional French carol, written for Judith Clurman's Essential Voices USA recording Holiday Harmonies: Songs of Christmas on the Sono Luminous label.

Arranger: David Chase

Attributed to Azriel Dovid Fastag, a Hasidic Jew, and composed on a cattle car headed for Treblinka. Jews trapped in the ghettos and concentration camps during World War II found solace in ths song. This beautiful arrangement for SATB choir and cello is heartfelt with the cello establishing a mournful tone while the choir sings the melody polyphonically weaving the sorrow between voices. Insightful notes along with an easy to interpret Pronunciation guide are provided and the cello part is included in the back of the octavo

Arranger: Ryan Nowlin

Jazz musician, Tedd Firth, has created this new arrangement of the classic melody and text for Judith Clurman and her professional choir Essential Voices USA. Beginning with a lush, a cappella opening, it moves into a jazz ballad style. Perfect for new beginnings, graduations and, of course, ringing in the new year.

Arranger: Tedd Firth

This is a pair of short songs for two-part choir and piano. The first is a lullaby titled Sweet, Come Away and the second, When Laura Smiles is a lively serenade. These two songs set Renaissance text with new music.

Arranger: Judith Clurman

Scored for choir, solos, body percussion, piano, and optional violin and set in an uneven meter, this energetic music gives your choir a chance to explore self awareness and the possibilities available to them.

Composer: Marie-Claire Saindon

This is an arrangement, by Zalmen Mlotek, for mixed chorus, of a Yiddish Chanukah song written in 1921, by Solomon Golub and Abraham Reisen. The text describes a father chanting the blessings over the Chanukah Menorah.

Arranger: Zalmen Mlotek | Composer: Solomon Golub

This cycle of three psalms captures key ritual moments in the Jewish life cycle. Birth, marriage and death are the powerful milestones that frame our existence. Composed by Bruce L. Ruben, Director of the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College and arranged by Broadway composer and arranger Larry Hochman, this setting of the Psalms for SATB choir, solo, piano, clarinet, violin and cello works equally well in worship or concert. Mvt. 1) Baruch Haba (Psalm 118); Mvt. 2) Adonai Maon (Psalm 90); Mvt. 3) Ivdu Adonai (Psalm 100).

Arranger: Larry Hochman | Composer: Bruce Ruben

Sally Lamb McCune has arranged three timeless American folk songs for mixed choir, piano, snare drum, piccolo and optional strings. This can be performed as a set: 1) Simple Gifts; 2) When Johnny Comes Marching Home; 3) Get Off the Track; or each piece can be sung individually. Historical notes included from the arranger offer a solid beginning for further study for you and your singers.

Arranger: Sally Lamb McCune

Linda Studley's poem helps us realize that, despite the frustrations and anxieties from being alone and being silenced or voiceless as musicians, we have come to realize that we are still learning, growing, and sharing together in our communities, with so much purpose and meaning. The music reflects this spirit and is bright and Hopeful.

Composer: Marie-Claire Saindon

Bridging the sound between the Old English carols and the High Lonesome sound of the Appalachians, this beautiful carol with words by Isaac Watts is a delicate addition to any Christmas concert. The violin obbligato reminds us of the fiddle so present in the Appalachian music community while the a cappella choral setting allows the choir to realize the quiet and sensitive time while the baby sleeps.

Arranger: David Chase

Perhaps the most beloved of the Jewish Passover Seder songs is Dayeinu; this hymn is over 1000 years old but this wonderful arrangement by Broadway legend Trude Rittmann is fresh and new.

Composer: Trude Rittmann

With a text by Christina Rossetti, this a cappella piece for mixed voices displays a full dynamic range through rich homophonic textures. A challenging and compelling work! Duration: ca. 2:20

Composer: Georgia Stitt

This wonderful melody by Steve Sher was recorded and made popular by the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary. it has been performed in concerts and weddings throughout the world. Brant Adams was commissioned to create this arrangement by series editor Judith Clurman for the wedding of her son Ari Ruben.

Arranger: Brant Adams

Here is a piece from the five piece set May You Heal Project. Many of us must mourn the loss of a loved one. All of us mourn what the pandemic has done to the world. This work gives us the space to remember those individuals lost, healing in the present and a look forward to the brighter future ahead of us.

This is the third song in a five song set titled Appalachian Stories. This individual piece, Down In A Coalmine is sturdy and begins hymn like. Each pieces uses a stylish Appalachian fiddle and here the fiddle handles the segue from the opening hymn style to a dance as they tell the story of the workers who travel deep into the coal, deep underneath the ground.

Arranger: David Chase

Chanukah is a celebration of freedom. Legend has it that when the eternal light was rekindled, there was only enough oil for one day. It miraculously lasted for eight. This new piece celebrates the festival and the miracle.

Composer: Judith Clurman

Although this arrangement is written for Junior High and High School singers, the imagery and emotions will resonate with anyone who has found themselves in love, regardless of their age. The final section in the music reminds us that a song of love is better whispered than shouted.

Arranger: Brant Adams | Composer: Yosef Hadar

Written for and premiered by Nashirah: The Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia, this poem by Sima Faitelson is full of power, and loss and the pain that accompanies loss. This incredibly creative composition will leave listeners and singers breathless.

Arranger: Judith Clurman

Here is a thoughtful and reflective setting of two great Irving Berlin songs--Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor and God bless America. Hope is always front and center in Irving Berlin lyrics and there is no exception here. The lamenting sounds of the cello keep us grounded in our commitment to welcoming the stranger as we sing over and over again I lift my lamp. This is a wonderful concert closer.

Arranger: David Chase | Composer: Irving Berlin

Arranger David Chase has been music director and arranger for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and this bright and brilliant arrangement of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen sparkles and jumps off the stage as if it were part of that event. This is a concert closer for any Christmas/ Winter Concert.

Arranger: David Chase

With a debut at Carnegie Hall as part of the New York Pops annual holiday concert, Habari Gani celebrates the inspiring message of Kwanzaa. Drawing from the beat box style so popular in today's a cappella style singing, string bass, rhythmic bass line in the bass voice, and a cappella choral with duets over the top, this is a wonderful selection for a holiday/winter concert or anytime.

Arranger: Larry Hochman

First, setting a more modern and poetic translation of the Ave Maria followed by a traditional setting of this text, this is music for advanced choirs. We have come to expect Mr. Cutter's music to be transparent and sensitive and this does not disappoint.

Composer: William Cutter

As part of the new Judith Clurman Rejoice: Honoring the Jewish Spirit series, this rhythmic and energetic setting of Psalm 150, Praise the Lord, Praise God in His Sanctuary is in Hebrew. A clear and concise Hebrew pronunciation guide is provided for this and all of the music in this new series.

Composer: Larry Grossman

Salamone Rossi (1570-1630) was a Jewish musician at the court of Duke Vincenzo Gonzaga and a contemporary of Monteverdi, but his musical style foreshadows the chorale style yet to come. This beautiful setting of the evening prayer is perfect for the concert hall or the sacred service.

Arranger: Judith Clurman

With a text inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, who said There is no way to happiness, Happiness is the way. Although all people desire the experience of Home, true home can be found within ourselves in our everyday lives. The harmonies are ethereal while the atmosphere is inviting. The words and the music are a blessing to those who sing and hear this beautiful piece.

Composer: James Sizemore

Broadway composer Andrew Lippa composed this work for the Brooklyn Youth Chorus to a text by Emily Dickinson. The uplifting message unfolds above an accompaniment that alternates between flowing lines and stately chords. Duration: ca. 5:00.

Composer: Andrew Lippa

Celebrated contemporary poet Charles Anthony Silvestri has written a text that reflects the personal insights and positive and negative aspects of being a teenager. Composer Narverud has set these insightful lyrics to depict the way that teenagers feel about the dichotomy of life: doubt and frustration coupled with excitement and passion - standing on the threshold of all things new.

Composer: Jacob Narverud

Here is the closing piece from the 5 work project May You Heal. This project offers music of comfort, peace, renewal and self-awareness. Here, the Whitman poem explores the human connection. The music is joyful and a wonderful way to close the much needed song cycle.

Composer: William Cutter

With a text adapted from the Bible, the composer has crafted a universal statement of peace. The oboe obbligato soars over this beautiful text while the choral writing is homophonic and establishes a beautiful foundation for both the text and the solo.

Composer: Dominick DiOrio

With a text adapted from the Bible, the composer has crafted a universal statement of peace. The oboe obbligato soars over this beautiful text while the choral writing is homophonic and establishes a beautiful foundation for both the text and the solo.

Arranger: Dominick DiOrio | Composer: Dominick DiOrio

John McCrae's iconic 1915 poem memorializing his fallen compatriots in Flanders Fields transcends time and place. It elevates sacrifice, honor and valor to an almost metaphysical plane. Here the composer has responded to this universal power with rapt, hymn-like verses, which accumulate in depth, complexity and urgency as they reach their emotional peak, then dissolve into prayerful benediction.

Composer: Robert Beaser

Here is an uplifting work celebrating the marvels of life and diversity through the images of wondrous flowers. In Susan Windle's poem, nature becomes a metaphor for that which grows, reaches, blossoms and changes. The music unfolds with lyrical melodies and rich, flowing harmonies, culminating in a joyous Alleluia blessing.

Composer: Andrea Clearfield

With a joyful and serene text by Bengali poet, writer, composer, philosopher and painter Rabrindranath Tagore, here is a skillfully crafted song for mixed choir and piano with an optional string quintet.

Composer: Mark Sirett

This piyut, a spiritual poem from the 12th century, is inspired by Jeremiah 18:3-6 and Isaiah 64:7. The poets draw on a vivid array of metaphors from everyday life - potters, masons, glass-blowers, sailors - all shaping and guiding their work with their hands and forming the material into new and more beautiful forms.

Arranger: Ryan Nowlin | Composer: Judith Clurman

Full emotional expression and melodic richness are the hallmark of these two folksongs from the Ladino heritage, the nearly lost music and language of Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492. The two songs included are the chant-like Camini por altas torres (I Have Walked by High Towers) and the light and rhythmic La, la, la (When I See a Pretty Girl).

Arranger: David Ludwig