Format : Octavo
SKU: LO.20-1013
UPC: 000308022575.
How can you go wrong with a beloved hymn tune, no subdivision of the beat, and the key of C-major? You can't, especially when the work is written by a skilled arranger who knows the idiom well. Only a few rehearsals will have your ringers sounding great.
SKU: HL.110405
UPC: 884088862817. 5x5 inches.
The 17th century poem by Robert Herrick forms the basis for this lovely setting. The solo opening is taken up by the choir in a gently imitative way, followed by a contrasting middle section that reflects the imagery portrayed in the text. Finally, the music modulates and the rich choral textures bring the work to a fulfilling conclusion. Available separately: SATB/Solo, SAB/Solo, SSA/Solo, ChoirTrax CD. Chamber Orchestra score and parts available as a printed edition and as a digital download (fl 1-2, ob, cl 1-2, bn, perc 1-3, hp, vn 1-2, va, vc, db). Duration: ca. 3:45.
SKU: GI.G-1095
The Universe works in strange ways. Recorded almost three years ago, none of us could have known that when this recording was released the world would have lived through a life-altering pandemic or a tumultuous upheaval in the cultural awareness that now surrounds us. The work that opens this recording—with the words of Quaker George Fox that end with, “So be faithful, and live in that which doth not think the time longâ€â€”provides a haunting premonition regarding the time in which we live, Quaker George Fox is strangely prophetic about these days and perhaps provides a future caution for us all. The music chosen for this recording is strangely and poignantly relevant, I believe, for each of us. “The Fruit of Silence†by PÄ“teris Vasks reminds us to visit those beliefs that are most sacred in the work by Cortlandt Matthews. A deeply personal Requiem by Peter Relph, in reflection, remembers the hundreds of thousands of lives lost in the pandemic. And then there is Thomas LaVoy’s “O Great Beyond.†All great texts are timeless and speak to the universality of the human condition. Particularly, the George Fox text set by Jackson Hill and the Tagore text set by LaVoy give us messages to reinforce the humanness of each of us for hope. Two other works on this recording poignantly remind us of the passing of life, with the Relph Requiem and especially the final movement of “O Great Beyond.†May these words give comfort to all those who endured the deepest of Life’s losses during our shared pandemic journey. For so many loved ones, goodbyes were said in silence, and alone. It is our hope that all the music on this CD will show us a way for living as we move forward and also give loving comfort to those who have lost loved ones. Peace, my heart, let the time for the parting be sweet. Let it not be a death but completeness. Let love melt into memory and pain into songs. Let the flight through the sky end in the folding of the wings over the nest. Let the last touch of your hands be gentle like the flower of the night. Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a moment, and say your last words in silence. I bow to you and hold up my lamp to light you on your way. —Rabindranath Tagore in The Gardener (1913).
SKU: UT.CH-234
ISBN 9790215324060. 9 x 12 inches.
Mattina presto (Early Morning)/ Shirok/ Sweet ArgentinaThe guitar's repertory is now widely varied and includes works that cover, in historical periods, all technical and interpretative aspects, from the single instrument to the guitar orchestra, passing to the duo, the quartet and the ensemble. What I thought to be important was a work that would include a comparison between the instruments, a dialog in which music flows between the instruments in a harmonized way, with moments of hard work and others of listening, almost to underline the friendship and the collaboration between the players... it is in that way that these songs of middle difficulty are developed, where the components of the orchestra not only have their part to play, they must also pay attention to the solo guitar playing the theme in counterpoint to themselves.The three compositions presented are of different inspiration: Mattina Presto is the awakening of the day, clear, as a spring morning. It's the easiest song, with it's simple melody that flits among the voices in the group; Scirok (Scirocco in Albanese) contains a theme inspired by balcanic music, signifying the interest of entering other populations to better understand their culture, as in Sweet Argentina, that begins with a tanguero rhythm, passing then to a slower and more delicate melody and by the end returning to the original popular danced rhythm. Three pieces in which I hope the game will not only help those who play to grow musically, but will also spark a culture interest, music born by the love for the instrument and the world that surrounds me.(G. Signorile).
SKU: HL.48189754
UPC: 888680990640. 9x12 inches.
“Known for her Operas and Vocal works, contemporary composer, Isabelle Aboulker has won numerous prizes for her compositions. Her collaboration with Opera libretto writer, Christian Eymery led to the exciting Sweet and Blue Beard for soloists, children's choir and Piano. Aboulker has done a significant amount of work with children and as a result, she has specially composed pieces to which they can relate. This is true of Sweet and Blue Beard, which includes a children's choir. Made up of 14 movements, Sweet and Blue Beard is an Oratorio, depicting a fairytale-like story. As an exciting, alternative collection in the Vocal repertoire, Aboulker's Sweet and Blue Beard is an exquisite addition to any children's choir repertoire.&rdquo.
SKU: HL.394429
ISBN 9781705157794. UPC: 196288032687. 6.75x9.0x0.115 inches.
This collection features five of the most popular choral works from the English Madrigal School, a brief period from the 1580s to the 1620s that followed the arrival of Italian secular polyphony on English shores. The name SAM-Klang takes the three voice parts from the arrangements -- Soprano, Alto and Men -- and combines it with the Scandinavian and German words for “sound†to create the portmanteau word “sound together†or “harmony.†The series offers basic and advanced choral repertoire. In addition to new repertoire and new arrangements, you will also find essential parts of the classical German, Scandinavian, French and English SATB repertoire, carefully and considerately reworked for SAM. The arrangements retain the characteristic features of the original movements and have almost the same richness of timbre, resulting in works which sound nearly unchanged to an audience. Piano reductions of all choral movements facilitate rehearsal preparation. The arrangements offer development opportunities for all voice sections, bringing new life and new quality to SAM choir work. SAM-Klang enables youth choirs to gain access to classical choral literature and ensures that mixed choirs who face challenges in finding singers for all male voice parts continue to have access to well-loved repertoire.
SKU: JK.01919
UPC: 093285019195. Psalm 92:1-5, Enos 1:27.
Arranged for the Saturday afternoon session of the October 2019 General Conference, James Kasen's setting of Sweet Is the Work is nothing short of awe-inspiring! A soul-stirring organ accompaniment elevates the old and familiar hymn to more contemplative worship of the King who rules in the eternal world of joy. This piece will be appropriate in any sacred setting. It features verses 1, 3, 4 and 6 of the hymn.Text: Isaac Watts Music: John J. McClellan Arranger: James C. Kasen Difficulty: medium Performance Time: 3:30References: Psalm 92:1-5, Enos 1:27
SKU: XC.RCB2112
UPC: 812598037074. 9 x 12 inches.
Sweet New Moon is a beautifully heartfelt work for young musicians. Composer Yukiko Nishimura offers lush harmonies and suspensions that will stretch the musicianship of your ensemble. Program this thoughtful, meditative work on any concert program.
SKU: XC.RCB2112FS
UPC: 812598036534. 9 x 12 inches.
SKU: AP.51135
UPC: 038081581729. English.
Paint a peaceful winter scene with the tender vocal lines and ethereal piano accompaniment of this striking original. A gentle ode to heavenly stars and falling snow, it is appropriate for any winter concert and features the kind of harmony you love to teach and sing. As a special touch, perform the final verse a cappella to heighten the quiet wonder. Hearts take hold, dreams take flight, on this sweet silent night.
About Alfred Choral Designs
The Alfred Choral Designs Series provides student and adult choirs with a variety of secular choral music that is useful, practical, educationally appropriate, and a pleasure to sing. To that end, the Choral Designs series features original works, folk song settings, spiritual arrangements, choral masterworks, and holiday selections suitable for use in concerts, festivals, and contests.
SKU: AP.51137
UPC: 038081581743. English.
