A Star-Spangled Celebration! SATB

Judith Clurman Choral Series-In 1814 Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) wrote new words for a well-known drinking song by John Stafford Smith (1750-1836) 'To Anacreon in Heaven' to celebrate America's recent victory over the British. In 1931 Congress passeda law proclaiming 'The Star Spangled Banner' to be the national anthem of the United States.This arrangement by Doug Katsaros was first performed at the Macy's 4th July Fireworks Spectacular onNBC television July 4th 2014. The performers were soloist Idina Menzel Judith Clurman's Essential Voices USA and Sherrie Maricle's Dive Jazz Orchestra. The recording of that performance has been added to the permanent archivesat F. McHenry in Balitmore MD.Text (Defence of Fort M'Henry by Francis Scott Key):O! say can you see by the dawn's early light What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?Whose broadstripes and bright stars through the perilous fight O'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly streaming And the rockets' red glare the bombs bursting in air Gave proof through the night that our flag was stillthere-O! say does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

A jolly Christmas carol-This lively carol was commissioned in 2005 by Lichfield Cathedral Special Choir (now called the Cathedral Chorus) to celebrate the birth of Hannah Scriven and Holly Mason the daughters of the two cathedral organists at that time. The words were specially written by Tony Barnard the then Canon Chancellor at Lichfield and a member of the choir. This carol whilst not entirely foreign to my normal style touches more ‘country and western’/popular buttons than I am in the habit of touching. But I wanted to write a tuneful piece which swayed and danced and reflected the colourful imagery of Tony Barnard’s text. Recommended recording: Comeout Lazar – The shorter choral works of Paul Spicer (Regent REGCD280) by The Chapel Choir of Selwyn College Cambridge and Claire Innes-Hopkins (organ) directed by Sarah MacDonald. Text: This child of God who’s born on Christmas day whom shepherds view to whom kings homage pay is called to be a shepherd and a king. Sing alleluias praise this wondrous thing. This child of God is shepherd born to lead through pastures green by banks of golden reed; nor left nor right but ever on the way which leads to Calvary and endless day. This child of God this Son of David’s line is root of tree a shoot a fruitful vine it shelter gives to all who see the way which leads them to the cross and Easter day. This child of God this many spangled star is light’ning flash which dazzles near and far; bright light to guide our feet along the way that leads to Calvary and endless day. This child of God is called to save mankind to open eye and ear the heart and mind; to heal and make the lame man leap and play along the road that leads to Easter Day. This child of God let angel voices praise. Give God the glory live his loving ways. Let peace on earth o’er come our worldly strife through all who walk his road throughout their life. Tony Barnard

This fast paced pop-style medley is a break from patriotic tradition. Opening grandly into a contemporary work with “This Is My Country ” this choral develops into “America the Beautiful ” then grows intoa gospel-style setting of “My Country 'Tis of Thee” and ends as it began with “This Is My Country.” It remains up-beat and powerful until the very last chord. “A Star Spangled Celebration!” isa choreographer's dream of movement and energy and a wonderful addition to festival programming. Available separately: SATB SSA SAB StudioTrax CD.