SKU: CA.4061094

Key: B flat major. Latin.

The Mass in B flat major by Joseph Haydn is known under the name “Theresienmesse.” The reason for this epithet has to this day not been clarified, but it could have to do with a performance of this Mass in Vienna in May 1800, probably in the presence of the Empress Marie Therese. Compared with Haydn’s last two masses and the large oratorios, the relatively modest orchestral scoring of the Theresienmesse is notable (for two clarinets, two trumpets with timpani, strings and organ continuo). Thus the Mass is also easily performable in those churches where music programs have only modest means at their disposal - and at the same they can have this treasure from the late Viennese classical period. Score available separately - see item CA.4061000.

SKU: CA.5016494

German/English. Text: von Hoffnaaß, Franziska (Fanny).

He who seeks a moving and lyrical work with rewarding roles for the choir could do no better than to choose Rheinberger’s Stern von Bethlehem. In nine scenes (Expectation, The shepherds, The appearance of the angels, The Star, etc.) the Christmas story is lyrically portrayed. Songlike and pastoral choruses, a heartfelt soprano part and finally, the exotic, charming procession of the Wisemen through the desert have insured this work an increasing popularity. It was written in 1890 to a libretto by Rheinberger’s wife Fanny. On account of
their similar scoring, this work can be easily combined for a performance with Mendelssohn’s Vom Himmel hoch or Die Geburt Christi. Score available separately - see item CA.5016400.

SKU: CA.1025003

ISBN 9790007251833. Key: D major. English.

“Hail! bright Cecilia, hail to thee. Great patroness of us and harmony!” – this exclamation opens the final chorus of Henry Purcell’s eponymous Ode to St. Cecilia from 1692. A paean to the power of music, the work is one of the undoubted masterpieces of English choral odes of that time.

A resolution of the Musical Society of London in 1683 launched the great tradition of annual celebrations for St. Cecilia’s Day (November 22), featuring a church service followed by performances of specially composed music. Over the years, Purcell wrote several odes for the occasion, of which this example from 1692 is one of the most popular. Four decades later, Handel would also contribute to the celebrations with his Alexander’s Feast, HWV 75 (Carus 55.075), and his Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day, HWV 76 (Carus 55.076).

Purcell’s magnificent music, which features a huge range of tonal color and form, offers delightful parts for a variety of solo, ensemble, and choral settings. With its richly expressive palette, the Ode to St. Cecilia is an extremely rewarding work by the “Orpheus Britannicus”, as Purcell was admiringly called by contemporaries.

- Festive, rousing ode to music
- Highlight of the choral ode genre in the 17th century
. Score available separately - see item CA.1025000.

SKU: CA.4060791

Key: C major. Latin.

One of his later works, Haydn’s Missa in tempore belli, composed in 1796, is also referred to as the “Paukenmesse” (Kettledrum Mass) through the use of timpani in the Agnus Dei. For the Vienna premiere, Haydn added flutes, clarinets and horns to the score, so that in terms of sound the soloists and the chorus have to hold their own against a truly large orchestral apparatus. In this case, practicing with the Carus Choir Coach is of course recommended for a good vocal presence.

The Carus Choir Coach offers choir singers the unique opportunity to study and learn their own, individual choral parts within the context of the sound of the entire choir and orchestra. For every vocal range a download containing each choir part is available. The Carus Choir Coach is based on recorded interpretations by renowned artists who have performed the work from carefully prepared Carus Urtext editions. Each choir part is presented in three different versions:

Original recording
Coach: each part is accompanied by the piano, with the original recording sounding in the background
Coach in slow mode: the tempo of the coach slows down to 70% of the original version – through this reduction passages can be learned more effectively.
Performers: Ann Hoyt (soprano), Kirsten Sollek (alto), Daniel Neer (tenore), Richard Lippold (basso) – Trinity Church Choir, Rebel Baroque Orchestra – J. Owen Burdick. Score available separately - see item CA.4060700.

SKU: CA.5165205

ISBN 9790007314286. Key: D minor. Latin.

The English conductor and composer Howard Arman has presented us with a completed version of Mozart’s Requiem. “Another one?” you might ask, since this publication is only the latest in a long line reaching back to the traditional Süßmayr version. Yet such is the enormous power of Mozart’s score that the challenge and appeal of completing it remain undiminished. After two decades of intensive study, Howard Arman’s additions to Mozart’s great original show the requisite care and respect while incorporating many new insights.

Arman’s approach is particularly fruitful. Always aware of the appropriate limits to such re-creative work, he orients himself towards the typical characteristics of Mozart’s brilliant composing style: The masterly compositional technique, the search for innovative solutions to every problem, and even the terse treatment of the text with extremely suggestive harmonies. All of this leads to a number of new listening experiences. In the Tuba mirum, for example, we enjoy a warm, cohesive ensemble sound, supported by the bassoons, which depart from the bass line. The Confutatis presents a quite different picture: Even the basset horns are drawn down into the infernal depths. This effect is reinforced by the independence of the trombones; rather than simply following the choral parts, the instrument’s unique sound is given an opportunity to shine. Arman’s Lacrimosa achieves a lively Mozartian feel by granting the voices considerable freedom rather than following a rigid pattern. And he concludes the movement with a fugal Amen, whereby the focus is not so much on the counterpoint itself, but rather – in the spirit of Mozart – on creating a sense of drama and illuminating the theme in all its possible facets. Mozart’s fragment ends with the Hostias, and so does Arman’s completion.

For the four following movements (Sanctus to Communio) we have nothing from Mozart, and so here, where the master is silent, Arman finally returns to Süßmayr, the man who was closest to Mozart at the time of his death and whose efforts to fill the blank manuscripts still garner our respect today.

Arman’s version has already proven its practical value. The premiere with the Bavarian Radio Choir was enthusiastically received by audiences and press alike – and celebrated as offering a scholarly, entirely fresh perspective on Mozart’s masterpiece.

- World premiere by the Bavarian Radio Choir
- Enthusiastically received by audience and press.

SKU: YM.GTW01101670

ISBN 9784636113440. 12 x 9 inches.

Debussy and Ravel are the most famous impressionist composers. This book contains a selection of pieces from their piano compositions, arranged for alto saxophone and piano ensemble. We hope that this new arrangement will enable a wider audience to enjoy the exquisite melodies of these songs! *Both the video of the model performance and the video of the performance commentary can be viewed at the URL given in this book. Performers in the video: Alto Saxophone - Kohei Ueno / Piano - Takuya Uchikado.

SKU: CF.BF172

ISBN 9781491165614. UPC: 680160924653.

Performing in a string quartet is a special experience when first learning to play a string instrument. Consisting of two violins, one viola, and one cello, the ensemble features the beauty of each instrument’s unique timbre and range. The 25 pieces in this collection have been carefully arranged for developing musicians in their first years of playing. Ranging from grade 1 to grade 2, each piece uses easy key signatures and accessible ranges in a variety of styles and tempi. Spanning several centuries, these pieces include works from the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Post-Romantic eras. Representing many countries and cultures, this collection also includes music by women composers Louise Farrenc, Cécile Chaminade, Mélanie Bonis, Louise Reichardt, and Amy Beach. Ideal for recitals and adjudicated events, this compilation of approachable music promises developing string players a rewarding first introduction to the string quartet.