SKU: CF.CM9576
ISBN 9781491153987. UPC: 680160912483. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: G minor. English. Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) , Walt Whitman (1819-1892).
The two pieces, Who Robbed the Woods? and O Cool is the Valley Now, combine to create a set that both explores the subtle beauty, serenity, fragility, and resiliency of nature and examines our relationship to the natural world around us. The first song combines a short poem by Emily Dickinson with a journal entry excerpt by Walt Whitman entitled The Lesson of the Tree. Only two stanzas in length, Dickinsons poem considers the ways in which people use and exploit trees for their own purposes and asks, on the trees behalf, who would do such a thing? Whitman ponders a trees silent majesty and power and its ability to be yet say nothing at all. The musical setting begins and ends in the mode of G-Dorian while moving briefly in the middle section to Bb major. The Dorian mode, similar to the natural minor but with a raised sixth scale degree, possesses a mysterious and whimsical sound, fitting for a poem that considers the possibility of talking trees. The accents and syncopation of the piano accompaniment should be carefully observed, with particular attention paid to the syncopation found in gestures occurring in mm. 712. The beginning a cappella section should be hushed yet intense; a richer, fuller sound may be brought out in the middle section where the key shifts to Bb major and the choir sings of the many noble qualities of trees (mm. 3953). O Cool is the Valley Now also makes use of a modal scale. Set primarily in D Mixolydian, similar to D major but with a lowered seventh scale degree, this modes lack of a leading tone gives the melody a folk-tune quality. The piano should at all times remain legato and flowing, its ascending and descending gestures, found in mm. 910, imitating the rolling hills and valleys evoked in the text. The phrases of the vocal lines should also be flowing and carefully shaped. Additional rubato and dynamic subtleties may be added to accentuate any number of the suspensions and dissonances that occur, especially on p. 14.The two pieces, aWho Robbed the Woods?a and aO Cool is the Valley Now,a combine to create a set that both explores the subtle beauty, serenity, fragility, and resiliency of nature and examines our relationship to the natural world around us. The first song combines a short poem by Emily Dickinson with a journal entry excerpt by Walt Whitman entitled The Lesson of the Tree. Only two stanzas in length, Dickinsonas poem considers the ways in which people use and exploit trees for their own purposes and asks, on the treesa behalf, who would do such a thing? Whitman ponders a treeas silent majesty and power and its ability to be ayet say nothing at all.a The musical setting begins and ends in the mode of G-Dorian while moving briefly in the middle section to Bb major. The Dorian mode, similar to the natural minor but with a raised sixth scale degree, possesses a mysterious and whimsical sound, fitting for a poem that considers the possibility of talking trees. The accents and syncopation of the piano accompaniment should be carefully observed, with particular attention paid to the syncopation found in gestures occurring in mm. 7a12. The beginning a cappella section should be hushed yet intense; a richer, fuller sound may be brought out in the middle section where the key shifts to Bb major and the choir sings of the many noble qualities of trees (mm. 39a53). O Cool is the Valley NowA also makes use of a modal scale. Set primarily in D Mixolydian, similar to D major but with a lowered seventh scale degree, this modeas lack of a leading tone gives the melody a folk-tune quality. The piano should at all times remain legato and flowing, its ascending and descending gestures, found in mm. 9a10, imitating the rolling hills and valleys evoked in the text. The phrases of the vocal lines should also be flowing and carefully shaped. Additional rubato and dynamic subtleties may be added to accentuate any number of the suspensions and dissonances that occur, especially on p. 14.The two pieces, aWho Robbed the Woods?a and aO Cool is the Valley Now,a combine to create a set that both explores the subtle beauty, serenity, fragility, and resiliency of nature and examines our relationship to the natural world around us. The first song combines a short poem by Emily Dickinson with a journal entry excerpt by Walt Whitman entitled The Lesson of the Tree. Only two stanzas in length, Dickinsonas poem considers the ways in which people use and exploit trees for their own purposes and asks, on the treesa behalf, who would do such a thing? Whitman ponders a treeas silent majesty and power and its ability to be ayet say nothing at all.a The musical setting begins and ends in the mode of G-Dorian while moving briefly in the middle section to Bb major. The Dorian mode, similar to the natural minor but with a raised sixth scale degree, possesses a mysterious and whimsical sound, fitting for a poem that considers the possibility of talking trees. The accents and syncopation of the piano accompaniment should be carefully observed, with particular attention paid to the syncopation found in gestures occurring in mm. 7a12. The beginning a cappella section should be hushed yet intense; a richer, fuller sound may be brought out in the middle section where the key shifts to Bb major and the choir sings of the many noble qualities of trees (mm. 39a53). O Cool is the Valley NowA also makes use of a modal scale. Set primarily in D Mixolydian, similar to D major but with a lowered seventh scale degree, this modeas lack of a leading tone gives the melody a folk-tune quality. The piano should at all times remain legato and flowing, its ascending and descending gestures, found in mm. 9a10, imitating the rolling hills and valleys evoked in the text. The phrases of the vocal lines should also be flowing and carefully shaped. Additional rubato and dynamic subtleties may be added to accentuate any number of the suspensions and dissonances that occur, especially on p. 14.The two pieces, Who Robbed the Woods? and O Cool is the Valley Now, combine to create a set that both explores the subtle beauty, serenity, fragility, and resiliency of nature and examines our relationship to the natural world around us. The first song combines a short poem by Emily Dickinson with a journal entry excerpt by Walt Whitman entitled The Lesson of the Tree. Only two stanzas in length, Dickinson's poem considers the ways in which people use and exploit trees for their own purposes and asks, on the trees' behalf, who would do such a thing? Whitman ponders a tree's silent majesty and power and its ability to be yet say nothing at all. The musical setting begins and ends in the mode of G-Dorian while moving briefly in the middle section to Bb major. The Dorian mode, similar to the natural minor but with a raised sixth scale degree, possesses a mysterious and whimsical sound, fitting for a poem that considers the possibility of talking trees. The accents and syncopation of the piano accompaniment should be carefully observed, with particular attention paid to the syncopation found in gestures occurring in mm. 7-12. The beginning a cappella section should be hushed yet intense; a richer, fuller sound may be brought out in the middle section where the key shifts to Bb major and the choir sings of the many noble qualities of trees (mm. 39-53). O Cool is the Valley Now also makes use of a modal scale. Set primarily in D Mixolydian, similar to D major but with a lowered seventh scale degree, this mode's lack of a leading tone gives the melody a folk-tune quality. The piano should at all times remain legato and flowing, its ascending and descending gestures, found in mm. 9-10, imitating the rolling hills and valleys evoked in the text. The phrases of the vocal lines should also be flowing and carefully shaped. Additional rubato and dynamic subtleties may be added to accentuate any number of the suspensions and dissonances that occur, especially on p. 14.The two pieces, Who Robbed the Woods? and O Cool is the Valley Now, combine to create a set that both explores the subtle beauty, serenity, fragility, and resiliency of nature and examines our relationship to the natural world around us. The first song combines a short poem by Emily Dickinson with a journal entry excerpt by Walt Whitman entitled The Lesson of the Tree. Only two stanzas in length, Dickinson's poem considers the ways in which people use and exploit trees for their own purposes and asks, on the trees' behalf, who would do such a thing? Whitman ponders a tree's silent majesty and power and its ability to be yet say nothing at all. The musical setting begins and ends in the mode of G-Dorian while moving briefly in the middle section to Bb major. The Dorian mode, similar to the natural minor but with a raised sixth scale degree, possesses a mysterious and whimsical sound, fitting for a poem that considers the possibility of talking trees. The accents and syncopation of the piano accompaniment should be carefully observed, with particular attention paid to the syncopation found in gestures occurring in mm. 7-12. The beginning a cappella section should be hushed yet intense; a richer, fuller sound may be brought out in the middle section where the key shifts to Bb major and the choir sings of the many noble qualities of trees (mm. 39-53). O Cool is the Valley Now also makes use of a modal scale. Set primarily in D Mixolydian, similar to D major but with a lowered seventh scale degree, this mode's lack of a leading tone gives the melody a folk-tune quality. The piano should at all times remain legato and flowing, its ascending and descending gestures, found in mm. 9-10, imitating the rolling hills and valleys evoked in the text. The phrases of the vocal lines should also be flowing and carefully shaped. Additional rubato and dynamic subtleties may be added to accentuate any number of the suspensions and dissonances that occur, especially on p. 14.The two pieces, “Who Robbed the Woods?†and “O Cool is the Valley Now,†combine to create a set that both explores the subtle beauty, serenity, fragility, and resiliency of nature and examines our relationship to the natural world around us.The first song combines a short poem by Emily Dickinson with a journal entry excerpt by Walt Whitman entitled The Lesson of the Tree. Only two stanzas in length, Dickinson’s poem considers the ways in which people use and exploit trees for their own purposes and asks, on the trees’ behalf, who would do such a thing? Whitman ponders a tree’s silent majesty and power and its ability to be “yet say nothing at all.â€The musical setting begins and ends in the mode of G-Dorian while moving briefly in the middle section to Bb major. The Dorian mode, similar to the natural minor but with a raised sixth scale degree, possesses a mysterious and whimsical sound, fitting for a poem that considers the possibility of talking trees. The accents and syncopation of the piano accompaniment should be carefully observed, with particular attention paid to the syncopation found in gestures occurring in mm. 7–12. The beginning a cappella section should be hushed yet intense; a richer, fuller sound may be brought out in the middle section where the key shifts to Bb major and the choir sings of the many noble qualities of trees (mm. 39–53).O Cool is the Valley Now also makes use of a modal scale. Set primarily in D Mixolydian, similar to D major but with a lowered seventh scale degree, this mode’s lack of a leading tone gives the melody a folk-tune quality. The piano should at all times remain legato and flowing, its ascending and descending gestures, found in mm. 9–10, imitating the rolling hills and valleys evoked in the text. The phrases of the vocal lines should also be flowing and carefully shaped. Additional rubato and dynamic subtleties may be added to accentuate any number of the suspensions and dissonances that occur, especially on p. 14.
SKU: HL.14019150
The Lines from 'The Youth of Man' is dedicated to the University of Birmingham Motet Choir. Crafted with the composer's usual skill in choral writing, it uses the technique whereby two voice parts often double each other an octave apart. In three continuous sections, it rises to three climaxes, the third of them, which is the biggest, has much subdivision at the words 'Depths of thyself'. These are then repeated as the quietening peroration.
SKU: OU.9780193565401
ISBN 9780193565401. 10 x 7 inches.
For SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Dona nobis pacem combines two lines about peace from the Ordinary of the Latin Mass. A slow tempo lends grace and poise to the gentle, sustained vocal lines, and the composer juxtaposes homophonic and contrapuntal writing to great effect. The piece may be performed in the alternative key of B major.
SKU: HL.286391
UPC: 888680894962. 6.75x10.5 inches.
Originating from the busking scene in cities across the nation in the 1980s, street “bucket” drumming has become inseparable from the modern day music teacher catalog due to its reliance on found materials, overabundance of plastic and coolness factor. Paired with choir, this arrangement seamlessly blends the two disciplines into a rock anthem with style!
SKU: HL.286393
UPC: 888680894986. 5.0x5.0x0.19 inches.
Originating from the busking scene in cities across the nation in the 1980s, street bucket drumming has become inseparable from the modern day music teacher catalog due to its reliance on found materials, overabundance of plastic and coolness factor. Paired with choir, this arrangement seamlessly blends the two disciplines into a rock anthem with style!
SKU: LO.99-2627H
UPC: 000308126730.
Memorable melodies abound in this splendid original setting of Teasdale's poem, Barter. It features strong, yet accessible choral writing, enhanced by an artistic, supportive accompaniment. The middle section grows in intensity, providing contrast for the quiet splendor of the ending. An accessible Two-part edition of this best seller is a welcome addition to literature for children's and developing treble choirs.
SKU: CF.CM9588
ISBN 9781491154106. UPC: 680160912605. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: Eb major. Latin. Traditional Latin.
Tomas Luis de Victoria (15481611) is widely considered the greatest Spanish Renaissance composer and one of the most influential musicians of his time. Included in his oeuvre are two settings of the Pange lingua, both produced in 1581. This motet is excerpted from the first of those and incorporates the original Roman melody, or cantus firmus. (He composed his second Pange lingua based on a Spanish melody.) The baritones anchor the motet by singing the tune in augmentation. This line should be intoned with a flowing, legato articulation that incorporates subtle phrasing and text stresses. The more rhythmic tenor and bass lines complement the melody and illustrate the hopeful nature of its text. Singing this piece with two pulses per measure will encourage a steady and vital performance. Composers provided minimal performance details in their scores during this period in music history, so I added a time signature, bar lines, dynamics, and metronome markings in order to facilitate performances that musicologists believe mimic those of Victorias time. It should be noted that dynamics are largely subjective, so performers may make alternative choices. Each tenuto indicates word stress; the most musical performances will incorporate gentle crescendos and decrescendos before and after each of them. Lastly, using minimal vibrato, especially at cadences, will imbue this wonderful motet with style and clarity. PRONUNCIATION GUIDE Victoria received much of his training in Italy, therefore making Italianate Latin most appropriate. Pure vowels are critical to correct pronunciation, and those phonemes remain constant without exceptions. The most problematic of the vowels is o, which sounds similar to the English words bought and got. The letter t should be produced dentally: lift the tongue to the top of the mouth as in English, but aspirate less on the release. All occurrences of s should be soft and never hardened to [z], such as in praise. Verbum caro, panem verum, [v??bum k??? p?n?m v?rum] verbo carnem efficit: fitque sanguis Christi merum. [v??b? k??n?m ??fit?it fitkw? s??gwis k?isti m??um] Et si sensus deficit, ad firmandum cor sin cerum. [?t si s?nsus ?d?fit?it, ?d fi??m?ndum k?? sin t???um] Jeb Mueller.TomA!s Luis de Victoria (1548a1611) is widely considered the greatest Spanish Renaissance composer and one of the most influential musicians of his time. Included in his oeuvre are two settings of the Pange lingua, both produced in 1581. This motet is excerpted from the first of those and incorporates the original Roman melody, or cantus firmus. (He composed his second Pange lingua based on a Spanish melody.) The baritones anchor the motet by singing the tune in augmentation. This line should be intoned with a flowing, legato articulation that incorporates subtle phrasing and text stresses. The more rhythmic tenor and bass lines complement the melody and illustrate the hopeful nature of its text. Singing this piece with two pulses per measure will encourage a steady and vital performance. Composers provided minimal performance details in their scores during this period in music history, so I added a time signature, bar lines, dynamics, and metronome markings in order to facilitate performances that musicologists believe mimic those of Victoriaas time. It should be noted that dynamics are largely subjective, so performers may make alternative choices. Each tenuto indicates word stress; the most musical performances will incorporate gentle crescendos and decrescendos before and after each of them. Lastly, using minimal vibrato, especially at cadences, will imbue this wonderful motet with style and clarity. PRONUNCIATION GUIDE Victoria received much of his training in Italy, therefore making Italianate Latin most appropriate. Pure vowels are critical to correct pronunciation, and those phonemes remain constant without exceptions. The most problematic of the vowels is ao,a which sounds similar to the English words bought and got. The letter ata should be produced dentally: lift the tongue to the top of the mouth as in English, but aspirate less on the release. All occurrences of asa should be soft and never hardened to [z], such as in praise. Verbum caro, panem verum, [vEE 3/4 bum kEE 3/4 E pEnEm vErum] verbo carnem efficit: fitque sanguis Christi merum. [vEE 3/4 bE kEE 3/4 nEm EEfitEit fitkwE sEAgwis kE 3/4 isti mEE 3/4 um] Et si sensus deficit, ad firmandum cor sin cerum. [Et si sEnsus EdEfitEit, Ed fiE 3/4 EmEndum kEE 3/4 sin tEEE 3/4 um] Jeb Mueller.Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611) is widely considered the greatest Spanish Renaissance composer and one of the most influential musicians of his time. Included in his oeuvre are two settings of the Pange lingua, both produced in 1581. This motet is excerpted from the first of those and incorporates the original Roman melody, or cantus firmus. (He composed his second Pange lingua based on a Spanish melody.) The baritones anchor the motet by singing the tune in augmentation. This line should be intoned with a flowing, legato articulation that incorporates subtle phrasing and text stresses. The more rhythmic tenor and bass lines complement the melody and illustrate the hopeful nature of its text. Singing this piece with two pulses per measure will encourage a steady and vital performance. Composers provided minimal performance details in their scores during this period in music history, so I added a time signature, bar lines, dynamics, and metronome markings in order to facilitate performances that musicologists believe mimic those of Victoria's time. It should be noted that dynamics are largely subjective, so performers may make alternative choices. Each tenuto indicates word stress; the most musical performances will incorporate gentle crescendos and decrescendos before and after each of them. Lastly, using minimal vibrato, especially at cadences, will imbue this wonderful motet with style and clarity. PRONUNCIATION GUIDE Victoria received much of his training in Italy, therefore making Italianate Latin most appropriate. Pure vowels are critical to correct pronunciation, and those phonemes remain constant without exceptions. The most problematic of the vowels is o, which sounds similar to the English words bought and got. The letter t should be produced dentally: lift the tongue to the top of the mouth as in English, but aspirate less on the release. All occurrences of s should be soft and never hardened to [z], such as in praise. Verbum caro, panem verum, [verbum karo panem verum] verbo carnem efficit: fitque sanguis Christi merum. [verbo karnem 'efitSit fitkwe saNGgwis kristi merum] Et si sensus deficit, ad firmandum cor sin cerum. [et si sensus 'defitSit, ad fir'mandum kor sin tSerum] Jeb Mueller.Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611) is widely considered the greatest Spanish Renaissance composer and one of the most influential musicians of his time. Included in his oeuvre are two settings of the Pange lingua, both produced in 1581. This motet is excerpted from the first of those and incorporates the original Roman melody, or cantus firmus. (He composed his second Pange lingua based on a Spanish melody.) The baritones anchor the motet by singing the tune in augmentation. This line should be intoned with a flowing, legato articulation that incorporates subtle phrasing and text stresses. The more rhythmic tenor and bass lines complement the melody and illustrate the hopeful nature of its text. Singing this piece with two pulses per measure will encourage a steady and vital performance. Composers provided minimal performance details in their scores during this period in music history, so I added a time signature, bar lines, dynamics, and metronome markings in order to facilitate performances that musicologists believe mimic those of Victoria's time. It should be noted that dynamics are largely subjective, so performers may make alternative choices. Each tenuto indicates word stress; the most musical performances will incorporate gentle crescendos and decrescendos before and after each of them. Lastly, using minimal vibrato, especially at cadences, will imbue this wonderful motet with style and clarity. PRONUNCIATION GUIDE Victoria received much of his training in Italy, therefore making Italianate Latin most appropriate. Pure vowels are critical to correct pronunciation, and those phonemes remain constant without exceptions. The most problematic of the vowels is o, which sounds similar to the English words bought and got. The letter t should be produced dentally: lift the tongue to the top of the mouth as in English, but aspirate less on the release. All occurrences of s should be soft and never hardened to [z], such as in praise. Verbum caro, panem verum, [verbum karo panem verum] verbo carnem efficit: fitque sanguis Christi merum. [verbo karnem 'efitSit fitkwe saNGgwis kristi merum] Et si sensus deficit, ad firmandum cor sin cerum. [et si sensus 'defitSit, ad fir'mandum kor sin tSerum] Jeb Mueller.Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611) is widely considered the greatest Spanish Renaissance composer and one of the most influential musicians of his time. Included in his oeuvre are two settings of the Pange lingua, both produced in 1581. This motet is excerpted from Pange lingua more hisapano. The baritones anchor the motet by singing the tune in augmentation. This line should be intoned with a flowing, legato articulation that incorporates subtle phrasing and text stresses. The more rhythmic tenor and bass lines complement the melody and illustrate the hopeful nature of its text. Singing this piece with two pulses per measure will encourage a steady and vital performance. Composers provided minimal performance details in their scores during this period in music history, so I added a time signature, bar lines, dynamics, and metronome markings in order to facilitate performances that musicologists believe mimic those of Victoria's time. It should be noted that dynamics are largely subjective, so performers may make alternative choices. Each tenuto indicates word stress; the most musical performances will incorporate gentle crescendos and decrescendos before and after each of them. Lastly, using minimal vibrato, especially at cadences, will imbue this wonderful motet with style and clarity. PRONUNCIATION GUIDE Victoria received much of his training in Italy, therefore making Italianate Latin most appropriate. Pure vowels are critical to correct pronunciation, and those phonemes remain constant without exceptions. The most problematic of the vowels is o, which sounds similar to the English words bought and got. The letter t should be produced dentally: lift the tongue to the top of the mouth as in English, but aspirate less on the release. All occurrences of s should be soft and never hardened to [z], such as in praise. Verbum caro, panem verum, [verbum karo panem verum] verbo carnem efficit: fitque sanguis Christi merum. [verbo karnem 'efitSit fitkwe saNGgwis kristi merum] Et si sensus deficit, ad firmandum cor sin cerum. [et si sensus 'defitSit, ad fir'mandum kor sin tSerum] Jeb Mueller.Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548–1611) is widely considered the greatest Spanish Renaissance composer and one of the most influential musicians of his time. Included in his oeuvre are two settings of the Pange lingua, both produced in 1581. This motet is excerpted from Pange lingua more hisapano.The baritones anchor the motet by singing the tune in augmentation. This line should be intoned with a flowing, legato articulation that incorporates subtle phrasing and text stresses. The more rhythmic tenor and bass lines complement the melody and illustrate the hopeful nature of its text. Singing this piece with two pulses per measure will encourage a steady and vital performance.Composers provided minimal performance details in their scores during this period in music history, so I added a time signature, bar lines, dynamics, and metronome markings in order to facilitate performances that musicologists believe mimic those of Victoria’s time. It should be noted that dynamics are largely subjective, so performers may make alternative choices. Each tenuto indicates word stress; the most musical performances will incorporate gentle crescendos and decrescendos before and after each of them. Lastly, using minimal vibrato, especially at cadences, will imbue this wonderful motet with style and clarity.PRONUNCIATION GUIDEVictoria received much of his training in Italy, therefore making Italianate Latin most appropriate. Pure vowels are critical to correct pronunciation, and those phonemes remain constant without exceptions. The most problematic of the vowels is “o,†which sounds similar to the English words bought and got. The letter “t†should be produced dentally: lift the tongue to the top of the mouth as in English, but aspirate less on the release. All occurrences of “s†should be soft and never hardened to [z], such as in praise.Verbum caro, panem verum,[vɛɾbum kɑɾɔ pɑnɛm vɛrum]verbo carnem efficit: fitque sanguis Christi merum.[vɛɾbɔ kɑɾnɛm ˈɛfitʃit fitkwɛ sɑŋgwis kɾisti mɛɾum]Et si sensus deficit, ad firmandum cor sin cerum.[ɛt si sɛnsus ˈdɛfitʃit, ɑd fiɾˈmɑndum kɔɾ sin tʃɛɾum]Jeb Mueller.
SKU: CF.CM9714
ISBN 9781491160329. UPC: 680160918904. Key: F major. English. Robert Frost.
About the work ... Few American poems are as well known as The Road Not Taken. Robert Frost, the author, is an international icon, not unlike Pablo Picasso, Winston Churchill or Mark Twain in their own disciplines.The poem is full of contradictions and quirks of form and structure. Perhaps that illusiveness is part of the poem's intrigue. But beyond all of the literary devices that only a few scholars may fully appreciate, this poem has taken on a sort of fanfare for the common person credo - a challenge to individualism, stepping out on one's own, and breaking the mold out of sheer determination if nothing else. Frost connects to the core of the human spirit in just a few stanzas using the analogy of a fork in a road. The message super cedes geography, culture, race or creed. Rather, it is part of the DNA of most every person on the planet - the inner desire to feel empowered to create one's own destiny, to forge a road not taken, and ultimately in doing so, to make a difference. Rehearsal notes ... Research strongly suggests that there is a direct connection between the first rehearsal and the performance. First impressions last. I find it helpful to immediately lock three concepts into place - mechanics (notes/rhythms), text/phrasing (intent and motivation) and color (timbre). Performers need to think musically from the first reading forward (first impression). The cello is very much a collaborative instrument in this work, and should be located in front of the ensemble (not to side). Lastly, let the text speak. The simplest melodic lines are often the most exposed. Keep the voices clear and transparent, floating over the top in softer passages, and singing with vibrancy and forward focus throughout. Z. Randall Stroope A definitive recording was made by the New American Voices, with Randall conducting. This can be found on Spotify, YouTube, his website (www.zrstroope), and other social media. About the composer ... Z. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. His composition teachers were Normand Lockwood and Cecil Effinger, both students of the Nadia Boulanger, the famous French teacher (and student of Gabriel Faure). He is the artistic director of two international summer music festivals, is an Honorary Member of the National Association of Italian Choral Directors, and has conducted in 25 countries. He has directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, and is a frequent conductor at other prestigious concert venues. Randall has 190 published works, and his music can be heard on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms, including his website (www.zrstroope.com).About the work ...Few American poems are as well known as The Road Not Taken. Robert Frost, the author, is an international icon, not unlike Pablo Picasso, Winston Churchill or Mark Twain in their own disciplines.The poem is full of contradictions and quirks of form and structure. Perhaps that illusiveness is part of the poem's intrigue. But beyond all of the literary devices that only a few scholars may fully appreciate, this poem has taken on a sort of fanfare for the common person credo - a challenge to individualism, stepping out on one's own, and breaking the mold out of sheer determination if nothing else. Frost connects to the core of the human spirit in just a few stanzas using the analogy of a fork in a road. The message super cedes geography, culture, race or creed. Rather, it is part of the DNA of most every person on the planet - the inner desire to feel empowered to create one's own destiny, to forge a road not taken, and ultimately in doing so, to make a difference.Rehearsal notes ...Research strongly suggests that there is a direct connection between the first rehearsal and the performance. First impressions last. I find it helpful to immediately lock three concepts into place - mechanics (notes/rhythms), text/phrasing (intent and motivation) and color (timbre). Performers need to think musically from the first reading forward (first impression). The cello is very much a collaborative instrument in this work, and should be located in front of the ensemble (not to side). Lastly, let the text speak. The simplest melodic lines are often the most exposed. Keep the voices clear and transparent, floating over the top in softer passages, and singing with vibrancy and forward focus throughout.Z. Randall StroopeA definitive recording was made by the New American Voices, with Randall conducting. This can be found on Spotify, YouTube, his website (www.zrstroope), and other social media.About the composer ...Z. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. His composition teachers were Normand Lockwood and Cecil Effinger, both students of the Nadia Boulanger, the famous French teacher (and student of Gabriel FaureÌ). He is the artistic director of two international summer music festivals, is an Honorary Member of the National Association of Italian Choral Directors, and has conducted in 25 countries. He has directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, and is a frequent conductor at other prestigious concert venues. Randall has 190 published works, and his music can be heard on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms, including his website (www.zrstroope.com).
SKU: CF.CM9580
ISBN 9781491154021. UPC: 680160912520. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: D mixolydian. English, Latin. 15th Century Medieval Carol.
The text of this poem is from the Trinity Carol Roll, an English manuscript housed at the Wren Library of Trinity College, Cambridge. It is originally in the Norfolk dialect of Middle English but has been modernized for use in this setting. Also, it's macaronic, meaning it combines words from two languages, the other being Latin which was in use by the church when this carol was written. The Latin phrases come from different parts of the Advent/Christmas liturgies; a sequence called Laetabundus, the title of an Introit antiphon called Gaudeamus, and the shepherds response in the gospel of Luke 2:15, Transeamus. Latin phrase translation source Alleluia Alleluia Laetabundus Res miranda A thing to be wondered at Laetabundus Pari forma of equal form Laetabundus Gaudeamus Let us rejoice! Gaudeamus Transeamus Let us go Luke 2:15 The poet compares the Virgin Mary to a rose. She has a special place among all women in being chosen as the mother of Jesus, and likewise the rose has a special place among all flowers surpassing them in complexity and beauty. The music in this setting mimics the petals of a rose as it blooms. Imagine the petals unfurling over time as does the music which starts in unison for each verse and expands outward into two and three vocal lines with increasingly complex harmonic twists. Word painting is employed in several places but none are as important as the dramatic climax in the fourth verse where the shepherds along with all the angels in heaven proclaim Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God on high). What a sound that must be! On these words the music reaches it loudest point as the sopranos rise to their highest note and the compassthe distance between the highest and lowest noteis at its widest. The setting is brought to a close as the five Latin phrases that finished each verse are repeated as a coda and musically summarize the five verses of the carol.The text of this poem is from the Trinity Carol Roll, an English manuscript housed at the Wren Library of Trinity College, Cambridge. It is originally in the Norfolk dialect of Middle English but has been modernized for use in this setting. Also, it's macaronic, meaning it combines words from two languages, the other being Latin which was in use by the church when this carol was written. The Latin phrases come from different parts of the Advent/Christmas liturgies; a sequence called Laetabundus, the title of an Introit antiphon called Gaudeamus, and the shepherdas response in the gospel of Luke 2:15, Transeamus. Latin phraseA translation source Alleluia Alleluia Laetabundus Res miranda A thing to be wondered at Laetabundus Pari forma of equal form Laetabundus Gaudeamus Let us rejoice! Gaudeamus Transeamus Let us go Luke 2:15 The poet compares the Virgin Mary to a rose. She has a special place among all women in being chosen as the mother of Jesus, and likewise the rose has a special place among all flowers surpassing them in complexity and beauty. The music in this setting mimics the petals of a rose as it blooms. Imagine the petals unfurling over time as does the music which starts in unison for each verse and expands outward into two and three vocal lines with increasingly complex harmonic twists. Word painting is employed in several places but none are as important as the dramatic climax in the fourth verse where the shepherds along with all the angels in heaven proclaim Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God on high). What a sound that must be! On these words the music reaches it loudest point as the sopranos rise to their highest note and the compassathe distance between the highest and lowest noteais at its widest. The setting is brought to a close as the five Latin phrases that finished each verse are repeated as a coda and musically summarize the five verses of the carol.The text of this poem is from the Trinity Carol Roll, an English manuscript housed at the Wren Library of Trinity College, Cambridge. It is originally in the Norfolk dialect of Middle English but has been modernized for use in this setting. Also, it's macaronic, meaning it combines words from two languages, the other being Latin which was in use by the church when this carol was written. The Latin phrases come from different parts of the Advent/Christmas liturgies; a sequence called Laetabundus, the title of an Introit antiphon called Gaudeamus, and the shepherd's response in the gospel of Luke 2:15, Transeamus. Latin phrase translation source Alleluia Alleluia Laetabundus Res miranda A thing to be wondered at Laetabundus Pari forma of equal form Laetabundus Gaudeamus Let us rejoice! Gaudeamus Transeamus Let us go Luke 2:15 The poet compares the Virgin Mary to a rose. She has a special place among all women in being chosen as the mother of Jesus, and likewise the rose has a special place among all flowers surpassing them in complexity and beauty. The music in this setting mimics the petals of a rose as it blooms. Imagine the petals unfurling over time as does the music which starts in unison for each verse and expands outward into two and three vocal lines with increasingly complex harmonic twists. Word painting is employed in several places but none are as important as the dramatic climax in the fourth verse where the shepherds along with all the angels in heaven proclaim Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God on high). What a sound that must be! On these words the music reaches it loudest point as the sopranos rise to their highest note and the compass--the distance between the highest and lowest note--is at its widest. The setting is brought to a close as the five Latin phrases that finished each verse are repeated as a coda and musically summarize the five verses of the carol.The text of this poem is from the Trinity Carol Roll, an English manuscript housed at the Wren Library of Trinity College, Cambridge. It is originally in the Norfolk dialect of Middle English but has been modernized for use in this setting. Also, it's macaronic, meaning it combines words from two languages, the other being Latin which was in use by the church when this carol was written. The Latin phrases come from different parts of the Advent/Christmas liturgies; a sequence called Laetabundus, the title of an Introit antiphon called Gaudeamus, and the shepherd's response in the gospel of Luke 2:15, Transeamus. Latin phrase translation source Alleluia Alleluia Laetabundus Res miranda A thing to be wondered at Laetabundus Pares forma of equal form Laetabundus Gaudeamus Let us rejoice! Gaudeamus Transeamus Let us go Luke 2:15 The poet compares the Virgin Mary to a rose. She has a special place among all women in being chosen as the mother of Jesus, and likewise the rose has a special place among all flowers surpassing them in complexity and beauty. The music in this setting mimics the petals of a rose as it blooms. Imagine the petals unfurling over time as does the music which starts in unison for each verse and expands outward into two and three vocal lines with increasingly complex harmonic twists. Word painting is employed in several places but none are as important as the dramatic climax in the fourth verse where the shepherds along with all the angels in heaven proclaim Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God on high). What a sound that must be! On these words the music reaches it loudest point as the sopranos rise to their highest note and the compass--the distance between the highest and lowest note--is at its widest. The setting is brought to a close as the five Latin phrases that finished each verse are repeated as a coda and musically summarize the five verses of the carol.The text of this poem is from the Trinity Carol Roll, an English manuscript housed at the Wren Library of Trinity College, Cambridge. It is originally in the Norfolk dialect of Middle English but has been modernized for use in this setting. Also, it's macaronic, meaning it combines words from two languages, the other being Latin which was in use by the church when this carol was written.The Latin phrases come from different parts of the Advent/Christmas liturgies; a sequence called Laetabundus, the title of an Introit antiphon called Gaudeamus, and the shepherd’s response in the gospel of Luke 2:15, Transeamus.Latin phrase translation sourceAlleluia Alleluia LaetabundusRes miranda A thing to be wondered at LaetabundusPares forma of equal form LaetabundusGaudeamus Let us rejoice! GaudeamusTranseamus Let us go Luke 2:15The poet compares the Virgin Mary to a rose. She has a special place among all women in being chosen as the mother of Jesus, and likewise the rose has a special place among all flowers surpassing them in complexity and beauty.The music in this setting mimics the petals of a rose as it blooms. Imagine the petals unfurling over time as does the music which starts in unison for each verse and expands outward into two and three vocal lines with increasingly complex harmonic twists.Word painting is employed in several places but none are as important as the dramatic climax in the fourth verse where the shepherds along with all the angels in heaven proclaim Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God on high). What a sound that must be! On these words the music reaches it loudest point as the sopranos rise to their highest note and the compass—the distance between the highest and lowest note—is at its widest.The setting is brought to a close as the five Latin phrases that finished each verse are repeated as a coda and musically summarize the five verses of the carol.
SKU: CF.CM9594
ISBN 9781491154168. UPC: 680160912667. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: Bb major. English. Alfred Tennyson. Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892).
The text of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's There is Sweet Music Here is a wonderful example of word painting. Keep this in mind while learning to sing the music and try to capture the different scenes created through these famous words. The first two measures of accompaniment outline the opening chord in the voices. Crescendo to the word music every time it occurs. In mm. 710, the vocals cascade gently into a dissonance that develops into a full, rich sound. Allow the piano to support the unison lines in mm. 1417 as well as those that contain three-part singing. The piano establishes a consistent undulating tempo in mm. 2225, as if lulling someone to sleep. Be intentional with word/syllabic stress when singing through the quarter notes. Maintain a consistent tempo when singing the eighth notes in mm. 3336. The chord progression helps establish the coolness of the mosses and ivies. Notice the melodic movement in mm. 3738 reflecting the craggy ledge and hanging poppy followed by the unison sleep which ushers in the return of the original melody within the accompaniment. Linger with quiet, full and supported singing during the last three measures.The text of Alfred, Lord Tennyson'sA There is Sweet Music HereA is a wonderful example of word painting. Keep this in mind while learning to sing the music and try to capture the different scenes created through these famous words. The first two measures of accompaniment outline the opening chord in the voices. Crescendo to the word music every time it occurs. In mm. 7a10, the vocals cascade gently into a dissonance that develops into a full, rich sound. Allow the piano to support the unison lines in mm. 14a17 as well as those that contain three-part singing. The piano establishes a consistent undulating tempo in mm. 22a25, as if lulling someone to sleep. Be intentional with word/syllabic stress when singing through the quarter notes. Maintain a consistent tempo when singing the eighth notes in mm. 33a36. The chord progression helps establish the coolness of the mosses and ivies. Notice the melodic movement in mm. 37a38 reflecting the craggy ledge and hanging poppy followed by the unison sleep which ushers in the return of the original melody within the accompaniment. Linger with quiet, full and supported singing during the last three measures.The text of Alfred, Lord Tennyson'sA There is Sweet Music HereA is a wonderful example of word painting. Keep this in mind while learning to sing the music and try to capture the different scenes created through these famous words. The first two measures of accompaniment outline the opening chord in the voices. Crescendo to the word music every time it occurs. In mm. 7a10, the vocals cascade gently into a dissonance that develops into a full, rich sound. Allow the piano to support the unison lines in mm. 14a17 as well as those that contain three-part singing. The piano establishes a consistent undulating tempo in mm. 22a25, as if lulling someone to sleep. Be intentional with word/syllabic stress when singing through the quarter notes. Maintain a consistent tempo when singing the eighth notes in mm. 33a36. The chord progression helps establish the coolness of the mosses and ivies. Notice the melodic movement in mm. 37a38 reflecting the craggy ledge and hanging poppy followed by the unison sleep which ushers in the return of the original melody within the accompaniment. Linger with quiet, full and supported singing during the last three measures.The text of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's There is Sweet Music Here is a wonderful example of word painting. Keep this in mind while learning to sing the music and try to capture the different scenes created through these famous words. The first two measures of accompaniment outline the opening chord in the voices. Crescendo to the word music every time it occurs. In mm. 7-10, the vocals cascade gently into a dissonance that develops into a full, rich sound. Allow the piano to support the unison lines in mm. 14-17 as well as those that contain three-part singing. The piano establishes a consistent undulating tempo in mm. 22-25, as if lulling someone to sleep. Be intentional with word/syllabic stress when singing through the quarter notes. Maintain a consistent tempo when singing the eighth notes in mm. 33-36. The chord progression helps establish the coolness of the mosses and ivies. Notice the melodic movement in mm. 37-38 reflecting the craggy ledge and hanging poppy followed by the unison sleep which ushers in the return of the original melody within the accompaniment. Linger with quiet, full and supported singing during the last three measures.The text of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's There is Sweet Music Here is a wonderful example of word painting. Keep this in mind while learning to sing the music and try to capture the different scenes created through these famous words. The first two measures of accompaniment outline the opening chord in the voices. Crescendo to the word music every time it occurs. In mm. 7-10, the vocals cascade gently into a dissonance that develops into a full, rich sound. Allow the piano to support the unison lines in mm. 14-17 as well as those that contain three-part singing. The piano establishes a consistent undulating tempo in mm. 22-25, as if lulling someone to sleep. Be intentional with word/syllabic stress when singing through the quarter notes. Maintain a consistent tempo when singing the eighth notes in mm. 33-36. The chord progression helps establish the coolness of the mosses and ivies. Notice the melodic movement in mm. 37-38 reflecting the craggy ledge and hanging poppy followed by the unison sleep which ushers in the return of the original melody within the accompaniment. Linger with quiet, full and supported singing during the last three measures.The text of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's There is Sweet Music Here is a wonderful example of word painting. Keep this in mind while learning to sing the music and try to capture the different scenes created through these famous words.The first two measures of accompaniment outline the opening chord in the voices. Crescendo to the word music every time it occurs. In mm. 7–10, the vocals cascade gently into a dissonance that develops into a full, rich sound. Allow the piano to support the unison lines in mm. 14–17 as well as those that contain three-part singing.The piano establishes a consistent undulating tempo in mm. 22–25, as if lulling someone to sleep. Be intentional with word/syllabic stress when singing through the quarter notes.Maintain a consistent tempo when singing the eighth notes in mm. 33–36. The chord progression helps establish the coolness of the mosses and ivies. Notice the melodic movement in mm. 37–38 reflecting the craggy ledge and hanging poppy followed by the unison sleep which ushers in the return of the original melody within the accompaniment.Linger with quiet, full and supported singing during the last three measures.
SKU: GI.G-9090A
UPC: 785147909040. English, Greek. Text Source: Revised Order of Mass 2010, Lectionary for Mass
A worthy successor to Mass of Joy and Peace—Tony Alonso’s bestselling setting—Mass of Christ, Light of the Nations is a compelling stylistic contrast that demonstrates his continued commitment to well-crafted ritual music that inspires the participation of the liturgical assembly. Mass of Christ, Light of the Nations offers two compelling versions of the Gloria—one in a verse/ refrain style and one through-composed. Both set a celebratory tone that will engage and gratify your assembly. The strong musical lines, repeating melodic themes, and comfortable singing ranges throughout will enable your community to learn this setting with ease. Scored for SAB choir and descant, two C instruments, trumpet, cello, piano or organ and guitar, Mass of Christ, Light of the Nations offers a wide variety of texture possibilities and is an effective setting for any ensemble. It will quickly become a favorite that you return to continually throughout the liturgical year. This is the assembly edition and contains only melody lines for congregational singing.
SKU: PE.EP14445
ISBN 9790014135041. 297 x 420 mm inches. German.
ARKA stammt aus dem Sanskrit und bedeutet so viel wie Strahl, Blitz, Sonne, Licht, aber auch Lied, Feuer und Hymnus, und entwickelt in meiner Vorstellung sehr viele unterschiedliche Assoziationsfelder. In ARKA stecken auch die Worter arc (beten) und ka (Wasser), und es kann auch ubersetzt werden mit: ,,Das Wasser stromt aus dem heraus, der mehr weiss.
Mein neues Werk fur Pipa, Oboe, Pauke, Schlagzeug und Orchester entstand im Auftrag der Kammerakademie Neuss und auf Anregung des Oboisten Christian Wetzel. Es entstanden drei Rituale mit zum Teil szenischen Elementen fur die Solisten und das Orchester.
Inspirationsquelle in der Vorbeschaftigung waren zwei Quellen und Bucher. Das Daodejing von Laozi in der hervorragenden Neuubersetzung von Viktor Kalinke, eine der wichtigsten Quellen chinesischen Denkens und der Philosophie dieser grossen Kulturtradition und die chinesische Tradition der 5-Elementelehre und der Wandlungsphasen. Als zweites Buch hat mich ,,Die Glut von Roberto Calasso inspiriert, ein Buch uber die indischen Veden in Verbindung mit den Ursprungen des Buddhismus und den damit verbunden Ritualen.
In den letzten 20 Jahren habe ich mich intensiv mit ostasiatischer Musik, Kunst und Philosophie beschaftigt und habe das auch durch langere Studienreisen und kompositorische Projekte vertiefen konnen. U.a. wurde 2012 mein Chorwerk PRAN in Kolkata in Indien uraufgefuhrt (Goethe-Institut), ebenfalls 2012 ,,in between VI fur Sho und Sheng in Tokyo und 2013 ,,Mirror and Circle fur Pipa, Cello und chinesisches Orchester in Taipeh/Taiwan (Auftragswerk der taiwanesischen Regierung). Mit der chinesischen Pipa-Virtuosin Ya Dong arbeite ich seit 2000 zusammen und habe fur sie mehrfach komponiert (Urauffuhrungen u.a. in Hannover/EXPO 2000, Rottweil 2001, Taipeh 2013, Magdeburg 2016). Auch mit Christian Wetzel arbeite ich seit uber 20 Jahren zusammen und habe ebenfalls haufig fur ihn komponiert (UA u.a. in Bonn 1999, Hannover/EXPO 2000, Rottweil 2001, Darmstadt 2004 und etliche weitere Projekte).
Jedes dieser drei Rituale hat eine Lange von ca. 6-7 Minuten und stellt unterschiedliche Qualitaten und Besonderheiten der beiden Soloinstrumente heraus, immer in Verbindung mit der Interaktion zwischen Soli und Orchester. Die Besetzung war fur mich ausserst reizvoll, da beide Instrumente in dieser Kombination noch nie so erklungen sind. Die Pipa ist ein ungemein modernes und ungewohnliches Instrument, reich an Farben und vor allem an perkussiven Effekten. Das Tonmaterial wurde zum grossten Teil aus den Namen der beiden Solisten gewonnen und ergibt interessanter zwei gespiegelte Viertonmotive. In der asiatischen Kultur spielen der Spiegel und der Kreis eine wichtige Rolle, und so werden die Tone, Rhythmen und Formen eingewoben in diese drei Rituale, welche am Ende des dritten Satzes wieder kreisformig an den Anfang des ersten Rituals anknupfen. Ein von den Streichern und der Pauke erzeugtes Gerausch, verbunden mit dem Rhythmus der grossen Trommel, welcher einen Herzschlag symbolisieren soll. Die drei Untertitel der Rituale Himmel, Erde und (atmospharischer) Raum spielen im vedischen und chinesischen Denken eine grosse Rolle und war fur mich beim Komponieren ebenfalls eine sehr starke Inspirationsquelle. In vielen meiner Kompositionen gibt es Raumeffekte, Annaherungen an das Publikum, das Verschieben von Perspektiven, die Dekonstruktion und das Hinterfragen der ublichen Konzertsituation, so u.a in meinem Beuys-Zyklus oder in den Zyklen ,,CUT und ,,in between.
In ARKA geht es mir besonders um die Interaktion zwischen westlichem und ostlichem Denken, um das gegenseitige Durchdringen dieser auf den ersten Blick so unterschiedlichen Denk- und Lebensweisen, um eine Verschmelzung scheinbarer Gegensatze - um Annaherung!
Bernd Franke. Leipzig, 11.10.2019
for low voice and piano This beautiful collection of 14 songs for low voice offers Christmas settings by some of Oxford's best-loved composers. Suitable for solo singers and unison choirs alike, each song is presented with piano accompaniment, and high-quality, downloadable backing tracks are included on a companion website. With a wonderful selection of pieces, including favourites such as Bob Chilcott's 'The Shepherd's Carol' and John Rutter's 'Candlelight Carol', this is the perfect collection for use in carol services and Christmas concerts or for enjoying at home. Also available in a volume for high voice and piano.
AGNI is the Hindu god of fire; the elemental and transformative force inherent in everything:
Every flame, every fire, every light, every warmth is AGNI.
AGNI is omnipresent, establishing everything and ending everything.
AGNI is often depicted with seven tongues which represent different aspects of his being.
These include: creating, sustaining, cleansing, purifying, priestly, martial, devastating, destructive, and consuming.
Derived from Franke's concerto of the same name, this solo work for bass clarinet compositionally traces the transformative processes initiated by the divine fire. The solo takes seven pieces from the concerto, presenting vivid character pieces exploring the creative possibilities and wide tonal range offered by the bass clarinet.
This version of AGNI for bass clarinet solo was premiered on 4 December 2020 in Leipzig by Volker Hemken, the principal bass clarinetist of the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig. EP14437a convinces with its excellent and clear notation, making the piece a new standard for bass clarinet.
Ikons, commissioned by the Vancouver Cultural Olympiad 2010, exists in two forms. This 14-minute acoustic version, premiered by the Turning Point Ensemble, calls for an octet of live musicians to execute complex rhythms and quarter-tone harmonies.
The interactive, electronic version, created with visual artist Eric Metcalfe and designed to be presented separately, incorporates samples from this acoustic version into a sculptural environment of seven pyramidal structures that respond sonically to the viewer.
Roxanna Panufnik's Sonnets without Words is a contemporary piece for Horn in F and piano. Written for horn player Ben Goldscheider, Panufnik has reimagined the lyrical vocal lines from three of her previous settings of Shakespeare's sonnets (Mine eye, Music to hear and Sweet Love Remember'd for voice and piano) into a purely instrumental work.
Score and horn part.
Stephen McNeff's Trig is a short 7-minute contemporary work for solo cello, written to celebrate the bicentennial of the Royal Academy of Music in 2022 and in memorium cellist Mike Edwards 1948-2010.
Trig was premiered by Henry Hargreaves on 19 March 2021, livestreamed from the Royal Academy of Music.
to an utterance - study was commissioned by Klangforum Wien for the premiere commercial audio recording on a portrait CD in 2020 and first performed by Joonas Ahonen at the Berlin Philharmonie on 4th September 2020 at the Musikfest Berlin.
Roxanna Panufnik's Spirit Moves, for brass quintet, was commissioned by the Fine Arts Brass Ensemble. This 15-minute piece is scored for two trumpets in Bb (one doubling piccolo trumpet and the other doubling flugel horn), horn in F, trombone and tuba. This brass quintet is so called because the outer movements are highly spirited and the central one is spiritual.
This product consists of score and parts.
A gently flowing 3-minute arrangement by Roderick Williams for SATB (with divisi) with piano accompaniment that captures the beauty of this famous traditional Hebridean love song. The song text uses both old dialect and English, each verse ending with the words, 'Sad am I without thee'.
for high voice and piano This beautiful collection of 14 songs for high voice offers Christmas settings by some of Oxford's best-loved composers. Suitable for solo singers and unison choirs alike, each song is presented with piano accompaniment, and high-quality, downloadable backing tracks are included on a companion website. With a wonderful selection of pieces, including favourites such as Bob Chilcott's 'The Shepherd's Carol' and John Rutter's 'Candlelight Carol', this is the perfect collection for use in carol services and Christmas concerts or for enjoying at home. Also available in a volume for low voice and piano.
for SATB and organ This energetic setting of words by St Ambrose of Milan is a real showstopper. With pop-influences and a sparkling organ part, Young effortlessly fuses modern and traditional sound worlds, while changes in key and metre build up to an invigorating finish. Perfect for accomplished choirs looking for something different.
for SA unaccompanied This simple, charming two-part motet features long melismatic phrases that reflect the text (1 Corinthians 2: 9), such as the rising melodic line over three bars on the word 'ascended' (ascendit).
for SAATB unaccompanied. This glorious musical depiction of the honour, strength, power and authority of the Holy Trinity by Thomas Tallis is the third issue in the CMS's series of great English Responds from the 16th century, edited by Sally Dunkley. Scored for SAATB, it can be performed either as a motet or as a full Responsory with plainsong alternating with polyphony.
Based on a traditional Scottish/Irish 'farewell' song, this short piece is one of six works written to express my love of Scotland. After living there for nearly half my life, and raising a family, I moved back to England in 2018, and remarried in 2019.
Of course, there were many different emotions attached to the move south: especially the joy and excitement of new beginnings, and reconnection with friends from my youth.
But this piece expresses the wrench I experienced after a last family meal in Glasgow, and the realisation of all I was about to leave behind.
I have taken the melody of the original song, and expanded it, exploring the detail of its patterns, so that it becomes a timeless meditation.
The six pieces in the 'farewell' series are for 6 violas, string quintet, string quartet, trio, violin and clarinet duo, and solo clarinet.
The Parting Glass was composed in 2020 during the coronavirus lockdown, which intensified the feeling of separation from my Scottish family, as well as from other musicians.
It was commissioned by Vittorio Ceccanti for the ContempoArtEnsemble.
Maple arose from a commission to write a work for solo cello, to be performed alongside readings from artist John Newling's collection of letters entitled 'Dear Nature'; a poetic manifestation of our relationship with the natural world.
The piece is in eight short sections, to be interspersed with readings of groups of the poems. It may also be performed as a single movement. It begins with a seed - the seed of a maple tree, as it hangs on the mature tree, ready to drop. The seeds are like propellers, sometimes travelling more than a mile before landing on the ground. Maple follows the growth of the tree to maturity - which in reality would take at least a hundred years. 'Roots, shoots' grows downwards and upwards from a pedal note, and the dance-like 'Flowers' is followed by the stately 'Tree', and then the warm, cascading 'Autumn'. Maple is very often the wood of choice for the back of a stringed instrument, and the last section uses open strings to explore the full resonance of the cello.
The piece starts with a 'seed' of only five notes, which grows into different configurations. It is intended to be played in an improvisatory style.
Maple was co-commissioned by Brighton Festival, Ars et Terra Festival with SACEM and Ditchling Arts and Crafts Museum, to be performed by Margarita Balanas as part of the Brighton Festival's 'Dear Nature' project.
First performed by Noriko Kawai for Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, in a broadcast from the Radio Theatre, BBC Broadcasting House, November 2020.
Full of beautifully crafted, delicate tintinnabulations - Richard Morrison, The Times
