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

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

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

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 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

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

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.

Arranger: Mark Sirett | Composer: Mark Sirett

Here is a spirited setting of an anonymous Christmas text that though contemporary, has a dance-like medieval quality to it. An ideal program opener or concert theme, it requires an excellent pianist. Duration: ca. 2:05.

Composer: Michael Gilbertson

This is the centerpiece of the May You Heal Project, a series of five short choral works that have been written and recorded during the pandemic. The project offers music of comfort, peace, renewal and self-awareness. In this piece, Mark captures the essence of the text in a poignant, contemplative choral setting.

Composer: Mark Sirett

This beautiful and simple melody for mixed, unison choir or solo is the perfect ending to a worship service or concert. It can be sung a cappella or with the optional clarinet, violin, viola and cello accompaniment or with only the clarinet (included in the octavo). Each version is equally effective and beautiful.

Arranger: Judith Clurman

Written as a solo song for Sesame Street's Big Bird, this arrangement was made for the Lincoln Center Holiday Tree Lighting celebration and warm wishes for joy and peace on Christmas Day and every day of the year.

Arranger: Michael Gilbertson | Composer: Gene Gilroy

This work, using adapted words by one of Canada's most treasured poets, Archibald Lampman, underscores the urgent need for us all to be respectful and mindful of the fragility of mother earth, which gives us life and sustains us. This is a beautiful work for any concert lifting up earth day, the environment, socially conscience themes or plant and animal life.

Composer: Mark Sirett

This popular song by Debbie Friedman is a beautiful and complex arrangement. Using a clarinet like a shofar and the piano like a klezmer band, this is a worthy piece for any fine choir.

Arranger: Sally Lamb McCune | Composer: Debbie Friedman

This beautiful folk ballad has been preserved in the Appalachian mountains through oral traditions. A Bluegrass fiddle part adds to the authentic style along with transparent harmonies indicative of the style.

Arranger: David Chase

Broadway giants Sheldon Harnick (Fiorello, Fiddler on the Roof, A Christmas Carol) and Larry Hochman (orchestrator for The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten, Monty Python's Spamalot) team up for this beautiful and inspirational SATB anthem. This song of patriotism, peace and freedom is the perfect message now and always.

Composer: Larry Hochman