Rosephanye Powell (editor) : Spirituals for Upper Voices

Review: This in an outstanding collection of twelve African American spirituals arranged for upper voices in two, three, or four parts. Rosephanye and William Powell have collaborated with some of the most talented and respected spiritual specialists in the US to deliver specially commissioned, authentic arrangements.

Songlist: Somebody's Knockin' At Yo' Do', Deep River, I Got a Robe, In Dat Great Gettin' Up Mornin', Let Me Fly, Lit'l David Play On Yo' Harp, There Is a Balm In Gilead, I'm Gonna Sing, Scandalize My Name, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?, I Got a Home In-a Dat Rock, This Joy I Have

Review: A useful resource for Upper Voice choirs. It includes thirty-one pieces, several compositions and new arrangements published for the first time, a set of Preces and Responses and a setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. The music is drawn from the eighteenth to the twenty-first centuries and has been carefully selected to embrace a wide range of musical and vocal abilities from unison to four-part writing.

Songlist: Ave Maria, Ave Verum, The Bringer Of Life, A Christmas Carol, Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life, God Be In My Head, God Be With You Till We Meet Again, A Grateful Heart, Here I Am, Lord, Here, O My Lord, Hills of the North, How Like An Angel I Came Down, How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings Fair, A Hymn To The Virgin, I Sing Of Maiden, Lift Thine Eyes, The Lord Is My Shepherd, Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, A New Year Carol, Notre Pere, Nunc Dimittis, Pie Jesu, Praise, A Prayer, Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, The Preces and Responses, Psalm 150, Through The Day, The Virgin's Slumber Song, Who Can Express the Noble Acts of the Lord?

Review: A splendid collection of Anthems, edited for upper-voices by Barry Rose. In total there are twenty-eight pieces - eight published for the first time - including a set of Preces and Responses and a setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. This is a really useful resource for choirs that sing Services.

Songlist: The Blessed Virgin's Cradle Song, Praise The Lord, Exult, And Now Another Day Is Gone, Give Us The Wings Of Faith, Examine Me, O Lord, A Cradle Song, My Song Is In Sighing, Light of the World, Preces and Responses, O Bone Jesu, I Will Worship, Ave Verum Corpus - Jesu, Word Of God Incarnate, Behold, Now, Praise The Lord, As I Outrode This Enderes Night, Prevent Us, O Lord, Risen Lord, Christ, Whose Glory Fills The Skies, O Magnum Mysterium, The Lamb, Make Me A Light, Mater Ora Filium, Magnificat and Nunc Domittis

Review: Merrily On High is an exciting compilation of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany music for church, cathedral, school, youth and community choirs of 'upper voices' - trebles or sopranos and altos. Thirty pieces are included, eleven published for the first time. Contents include new settings and arrangements of familiar and lesser known carols, a 3-part Advent Responsory and Mark Blatchly's setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in B flat. Lyrics are in English, French, German, Latin and Polish. Includes invaluable historical and performance notes for each piece by Barry Rose.

Songlist: Adam Lay Ybounden, An Advent Responsory: I Look From Afar, Come, Thou Redeemer of Earth, Brightest and Best, A Child Is Born, Come, Watch With Us This Christmas Night, Down In Yon Forest, Fum, Fum, Fum, Gabriel's Message, Go, Tell It On The Mountain, When Christ Was Born of Mary Free, The Holly and the Ivy, How Far is it to Bethlehem?, Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, Myn Lynking, No Room at the Inn, Now the Most High Is Born, O This Night is Born Noel, People, Look East, Two Polish Carols, Rejoice and be Merry, The Shepherd's Farewell, Say, Where is He Born?, Silent Night, Still, Still, Still, Sweet Was The Song, Tomorrow Shall be My Dancing Day, Torches!, Watts's Cradle Hymn, Whence is that Goodly Fragrance Flowing?

Review: A collection from the great Hungarian composer for upper voices. Twenty seven arrangements ranging from easy to difficult.

Songlist: Tavasz, Ne hagyj itt!, Joszag-igezo, Level az otthoniakhoz, Jatek, Leanynezo, Hejja, hejja, karahejja!, Ne menj el!, Van egy gyurum, karika, Senkim a vilagon, Ciposutes, Huszarnota, Resteknek notaja, Bolyongas, Leanycsufolo, Legenycsufolo, Mihalynapi koszonto, Leanykero, Keserves, Madardal, Csujogato, Banat, Ne lattalak volna, Elment a madarka, Parnas tancdal, Kanon, Isten veled!

Review: The original version of these choruses was an a cappella version; later an orchestral accompaniment was added. The piano reduction of the latter has merely been added to the present edition for rehearsal purposes when preparing the choir for a performance with orchestra. it is the composer's intention that performances should talk place either a cappella or with orchestra, but not with piano.

Songlist: Hussar, Only Tell Me, Loafer, Bread Baking, Don't Leave Me!, Teasing Song

Review: Betty Bertaux, founder/director of the Children's Chorus of Maryland, is regarded as an authority on vocal and musical development in children. A former faculty member of the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and Holy Names College in Oakland, California, she has been professionally active for over 40 years, working with music students of all ages. Dr. Bertaux is internationally recognized and often engaged as a guest conductor and workshop clinician with children's choruses and choral conferences. Currently serving as an adjunct professor for VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Dr. Bertaux is also internationally established and frequently commissioned as a composer and arranger of music for treble choirs.

Songlist: I'll Give My Love An Apple, Nachtlied, Before Rain, Shady Grove, Wondrous Love, A Cloud

Review: Betty Bertaux, founder/director of the Children's Chorus of Maryland, is regarded as an authority on vocal and musical development in children. A former faculty member of the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and Holy Names College in Oakland, California, she has been professionally active for over 40 years, working with music students of all ages. Dr. Bertaux is internationally recognized and often engaged as a guest conductor and workshop clinician with children's choruses and choral conferences. Here are three songs that will be fun for singers and audience alike!

Songlist: Unborn Baby, Gone For Good, An Apple With Its Seeds

Review: This exciting and accessible collection for upper voices (scored for SA choir and piano) features five brand-new songs by celebrated choral composer Bob Chilcott. Drawing on five very different texts, Chilcott guides the voices through a number of styles and moods; the songs include the rousing 'All for Love of One', gentle 'The Truth is Great', and thought-provoking 'All things pass'. The central song, 'Circles of Motion', is a fervent and positive setting of Joy Harjo's well-known 'Eagle Poem', and the collection is completed by the funky 'Red Boots On', which uses jazzy rhythms and harmonies to bring Kit Wright's text alive. This is Chilcott at his very best - a welcome addition to the repertoire of any upper-voice choir.

Songlist: All For Love of One, The Truth Is Great, Circles of Motion, All Things Pass, Red Boots On

Review: Generally recognized as the father of the Neo-Romantic movement in music, David Del Tredici has received numerous awards (including the Pulitzer Prize) and has been commissioned and performed by nearly every major American and European orchestral ensemble. 'Del Tredici,' said Aaron Copland, 'is that rare find among composers - a creator with a truly original gift. I venture to say that his music is certain to make a lasting impression on the American musical scene. I know of no other composer of his generation who composes music of greater freshness and daring, or with more personality.' From Del Tredici's Program notes: 'In this traumatic post-9/11 world, I felt an urge to connect with, and even comfort, the youngest generation of budding musicians. Heart and felt are two words that directed my choice of texts: I wanted to tell something about myself, as well as about the joys of childhood ... Stevenson's 'The Little Land' re-creates the imaginitive world that to daydreaming children seems so natural.' David Del Tredici writes: 'My setting of the 1727 New England Primer's 'Alphabet' might horrify its Puritan author by transforming its simple text into an exuberant tour de force. Its 26 couplets tumble upon one another in tight three-part counterpoint, testing the young performers' range and endurance alike.'

Songlist: Alphabet (Fuga), Sabbath's Child, The Little Land

Review: The Lorca suite is probably Rautavaara's most popular choral work. The combination of Lorca's poetry and the soaring melodic lines of the music make it a true pearl of contemporary choral literature. Rautavaara has injected each of the four movements of the suite with its own unmistakable character. Text: Federico Garcia Lorca (Spanish/Finnish), duration: 7 minutes.

Songlist: Suite de Lorca

Review: This collection of original songs and arrangements of folk tunes provides a long-needed source of a cappella contest literature for the developing choir. Quality texts, careful attention to range, tessitura, and thoughtful limits on melodic and harmonic complexity make these settings an ideal first a cappella experience.

Songlist: All Join Hands, Au Clair De La Lune, Indian Summer, Long, Long Ago, Love In Thy Youth, Spring Quiet

Review: This songbook, featuring arrangments by the Director and Founder of the San Juan Children's Choir, comes complete with performance notes in both English and Spanish, and is perfect for any Children's Choir director looking to incorporate ear training exercises into the rehearsal of repertoire.

Songlist: Prologue, Foreword, Introduction, The Preliminary Exercises, Let It Rain, Saint Sereni, La Parguera, Sugar Cane, Tecolote, Oh, Shenandoah!, I'm a Poor Lad, O Come Away Ye Shepherds, Bells On Bells, Tonight Is Christmas Eve, Song of the Shephers, The Little Tiny Babe, Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Arrangement A, Arrangement B

Review: Launched in the year 2000, Transient Glory began as a concert performance series of the Young People's Chorus of New York City conducted by Francisco J. Nunez to advance the art of children's choirs throughout the world. The Transient Glory choral series is designed and developed by its editor as a commitment to young voices singing glorious music during that short, transient period of childhood.

Songlist: Colors (AKA Soundpainting 41402), Orpheus, The Nervous Family, Un-Labelled, The Smiling Eyes

Review: Ranging from Unison to SSAA, these a cappella rounds could serve as wonderful warm-ups or an entertaining concert set.

Songlist: Teeth and Gums, Sir Eachknight, Long Song, An Egg, A Well, A Walnut, The Man, The Stool, The Mutton, and the og, The One-Eyed Man, A Thorn, Wishful Thinking, A Bed, Homer's Woe

Review: This volume contains works for female, children's or upper voices.

Songlist: Aranyszarnyu angya, A szep Szuz Maria, Betlehem, Betlehem!, Csengo-bongo karacsony, Fenyessegen e mai napnak, Kirie elejszon!, Megvaltonk Szuloje, Mostan kinyilt, Bunos lelkek, Dicsoseg, szent aldas, En nemzetem (Popule meus), Gyaszba borult Isten csillagvara, Krisztus a mennyve folmene (Ascendit Christus), Megfeszitett Jezus, Megjelentunk hajlekodban, O rvendjetek, angyalok, Sir a szent Szuz, Terra tremuit, Vilagmegvalto Jezus, A szeretet himnusza, Confirma hoc, Deus, Edes Urunk, Tarkanyi Bela: Egybegyultunk, o, nagy Isten, Hozsannaszo, Isten hozta, Jubilate Deo, O, egeknek Kiralyneja!, O, szentseges, o, kegyelmes, Tordai Anyos: Szentsegi Jezus, Teged kerunk, Atyaisten, Udvoz legy, Felseg!, Nadasdy Kalman: Udvoz legy, nagy Kiraly, Endrody Laszlo: Unnepi enek

Review: This volume contains works for female, children's or upper voices.

Songlist: Bajusz Beda: Amig elek, remelek, Virag Ferenc: Edes Jezus, Jezus, aldlak mindennap, Mily igen jo, Aquinoi Szent Tamas: Pange lingua, Szent Szivedbe, Jezus, Harangi Laszlo: Zeng a harang, Angyaloknak Kiralyneja, Ave Maria (Udvozlegy, Maria), Egi szuz virag, Jertek, Jezus hivei, Mentes Mihaly: Keseru gondok, Maria, Maria, kinyilt rozsa, Mentes Mihaly: Maria, Szuzanya, O, dicsoult szep kincs, O, ekes szep virag, Udvozlegy, Maria, tengernek csillagja, Vilagnak Kiralyne Asszonya, Zengj, szivem, dalt, Ah, hol vagy, magyarok tundoklo csillaga (Szent Istvan kir, Alldott Szent Istvan (I), Aldott Szent Istvan (II), Igaz hitnek plantaloja (Szent Istvan kiralyhoz), Isten, hazankert terdelunk elodbe, Kihez az Ur elkulde angyalat, Szedo Denes: Kis Terez, Magyarok fenye, Megvaltonknak ore (Szent Jozsefhez), O, Szent Jozsef, Pannoniaban nott, teljes szep viola , Szenteidben csodalando nagy Isten, Gereb Kazmer: Szent Imre herceg

Review: This volume contains canons and choral pieces for female, children's or upper voices.

Songlist: Adoremus, Aki magat felmagasztalja, Aron vetettetek, Ave maris stella, Boldogasszony anyank, Buntetesunk hordozta, Ekes nap, Fel, fel, dalra fel, Halljatok meg az Ur hangjat, Hallod-e Jezus hivasat?, Istene az aldas, Krisztusban dicseked, Legy hiv mindhalalig, Mas nev nincs, Mennyorszag ajtaja, Nagybojti kanon (Konyorulj rajtam), O, en edes Jezusom, Szalljon a dal, Szent karacsony ejjel (O, gyonyoruszep, titokzatos ej!, Szolj, Uram, szolj, Teljes szivemmel, Zsoltar-kanon, Mennyorszagnak kiralyneja, O, edes Jezus

Review: As one of the most active and successful composers working today, Libby Larsen has produced a substantial body of important works for orchestra, dance, opera, choral, chamber and solo performance. Recognized for 'her subtle and sophisticated harmony, revealing an extraordinary capacity for combining seemingly dissimilar elements with great ease' her works are widely performed and recorded. This is a fine collection of her arrangements that are challenging, rewarding and lots of fun to sing. 'The Witches' Trio' from Hamlet is particularly interesting and the short and sweet 'Jack's Valentine' (written for Jack Keroauc) is a gem.

Songlist: Day Song, Eine kleine Snailmusik , Jack's Valentine , The Witches' Trio , A Young Nun, Singing

Review: The new voicings of this best-selling arrangement of the Spanish Carol, 'Riu, Riu, Chiu,' include text options for English or Spanish. Tambourine and hand claps lend a festive, colorful flair. Whether performed with or without piano accompaniment, the limited ranges, repetitious form, and opportunities for solos yield built-in success for holiday programs. The vibrant, festive original, 'Merrily Sing Noel!' is a marvelous opener or change-of-pace selection. Its fanfare-like style and bright mood also offer nice, effective dynamic contrasts. Superb treble writing! 'Christmas Madrigal Roundezvous' is a sparkling, festive, and extremely clever original madrigal, sung in a round, with a contrasting, lilting middle section. The uplifting lyrics of 'A Festive Madrigal' begin that bright, jovial original madrigal, which 'sings in' the holiday season. A marvelous, accessible choice which also works well for smaller ensembles.

Songlist: Christmas Madrigal Roundezvous , A Festive Madrigal , Merrily Sing Noel!, Riu, Riu, Chiu

Review: 'Simply Sung' is a collection of a cappella arrangements for classroom use through which young singers can develop the ability to maintain a vocal part in a texture of two or more voices. Suitable for the classroom and for beginning treble choirs. It is a supplement to 'Music for Children'. The author is a Professor of Music at the Indiana University School of Music where she teaches music education courses and directs a vocal ensemble.

Songlist: Wade in the Water, My Good Old Man, Kol Dodi, There's a little wheel a-turnin' in my heart, Dodi Li, Shoo Fly, Shenandoah, The Ole Ark's a-moverin', Shine like a Star in the Morning, The Boll Weevil

Review: 'I'm Goin' Home' - Arranged with a simple and accessible vocal accompaniment that enhances the intense hope expressed in the text and melody. Stepwise contrapuntal melodic phrases and repeated harmonic patterns provide a carpet of vocal sounds for the inspiring melody. Builds to an effective climax in the coda with an unexpected harmonic turn. 'Great Getting' Up Morning' - Choirs of all ages will enjoy this joyful melody, which expresses great optimism and anticpiation. The range of the lower countermelody is narrow enough to accommodate the early phases of boys changing voices or those with a narrow range. This song will be appropiate for older choirs of treble voices. 'Give Way Jordan' - An imitative part and a lively counter-melody accompany the simple refrain of this spiritual, contrasted by the verse in which singing in parallel thirds is practiced.

Songlist: Give Way, Jordan, Sing Alleluia, Allelu, Great Gettin' Up Mornin'!, I'm Goin' Home on a Cloud

Review: These creative settings add to the growing body of a cappella literature for the developing choir. These songs are especially appropriate for your a cappella feature at contest.

Songlist: Sourwood Mountain, Elegy, Come, Ye Young Maidens, Star Light, Star Bright, I Never Will Marry

Review: The 'Apple-Tree Wassail' comes from the cider country of Devon and Somerset, where it might be sung in the orchards or at the farmer's door. Wassail comes from the Anglo-Saxon wes hael - to be healthy. 'The Green Shores of Fogo' bears marks of Irish provenance, although its musical origins were lost before Kenneth Peacock collected the song from Mrs. John Fogarty in 1952. The tune, which Peacock considered one of the most beautiful modal melodies he had ever heard, has attracted more than one set of lyrics, and is also known in Newfoundland as 'The Blooming Bright Star of Belle Isle.' Colcannon, made from various combinations of cabbage, kale, onions, scallions and potatoes mashed with butter and milk, is one of Ireland's most famous traditional dishes. Although this piece at first seems like a tribute to food, it's really a tribute to memory, and to times gone. The verses take us from the home, to the school, to courting on a country lane, with the narrator a little older in every verse, and a little more aware of the magic of the moment. 'Girl of the Branches' emulates the long phrases and finely developed breath control that is a hallmark of Gaelic singing. Also included is the Jutland folk song 'When The Star Falls'.

Songlist: Girl of the Branches (Nighean nan Geug), When the Stars Fall, Colcannon, The Green Shores of Fogo, Apple-Tree Wassail

Review: These original pieces incorporates a multiplicity of multicultural influences, from Peru to Scotland. The text is a sequence of nonsense syllables, imitating the humming and muttering one does during housework. The first movement explores various hemiola patterns culminating in vocalized drum patterns modeled on Arabic and Indian traditions. The second movement, whose slow groove is derived from Reggae, incorporates tonalities and scale structures from Brazil and Lebanon. The final movement starts in Peru, and works upward through Latin America only to discover a hitherto unexplored Mexican/Scottish border. Lots of fun to both teach and sing!

Songlist: Three Ways To Vacuum Your House - Part I, Three Ways To Vacuum Your House - Part II, Three Ways To Vacuum Your House - Part III

Review: Stephen Hatfield is noted for his exciting arrangements of world music, and for his original works which weave influences from diverse cultures into a fresh and distinctive idiom. His choirs have earned gold medals in national festivals, and he has received various awards for his work in education and music. With 'For Elizabeth:..' Hatfield uses the old Italian technique of matching the vowels of her name to the corresponding sol-fa syllables to create an ostinato that metaphorically translates her into music. The piece combines poignancy with lots of sparkle, lots of interlocking ostinati. The mix of tenderness and energy has effected audiences strongly. 'Glettur' is an Icelandic word that signifies a mischievous but ultimately good-hearted sense of humour. Launching itself from a snatch of an old fiddle jig, 'Glettur' lives up to its name with crafty changes of style and key, and with ironic allusions to a couple of other famous pieces of music that have something to do with high spirit. With 'Fashion Victim, Drama Queen' we have a slangy de profundis about trying to placate your peer group. The soli section acts as the Drama Queen, while the rest of the choir takes the part of the peer group, commenting on the outsider in a mixture of English and Tex-Mex Spanish slang. Each movement of Missa Brevis incorporates folk melodies from a different country. The moods and the tempi of the originals have been altered; melodies have been unraveled, spliced together and persuaded to modulate.

Songlist: For Elizabeth: Gold, Frank Innocence, and Mirth, Glettur, Fashion Victim, Drama Queen, Missa Brevis

Review: The title of 'Ain't That News' is a tribute to the superb Staple Singers, who dang a piece by that name, not otherwise quoted in this chart. The opening seven measures are an adaptation of an old Paul Robeson 78. The rest of the piece is original material intended to pay homage to both the black church and black popo music, just one of the many genres that owes its soul to the spiritual. The composer states, 'My goal is to allow even the most demure chorister to have at least a little taste of what it would be like to be Aretha Franklin.' 'One For Frost..' is a merging of modern diction with the ancient forms of counting song, nursery rhyme, round, or 'catch,' and the incantational folk songs that paid homage to the natural powers of this peculiar and beautiful world. Set to a beautiful old hymn tune from an 1855 collection, 'When It Was Dark' offers much scope for phrasing and word painting as the singers recreate the setting from outside the tomb, and explore the psychology of one of the Bible's most famous and timeless characters, Mary Magdalene. 'Chant for a Long Day' is inspired by two monophonic chants for women, the Mersiyet from Pakistan, and the 'waulking songs' from the island of Barra in the Hebrides. The text is a depiction of perserverance and longevity, a life force out of the distant and unknowable past, balanced for a moment in the present, and then heading for a distand and unknowable future. The words evoke images of physical and spiritual survival common to many cultures, as well as the images of femininity and womanhood that are also shared by peoples from around the world.

Songlist: When It Was Dark, One For Frost, Two For Fire, Ain't That News , Let Me Ask You, Chant For A Long Day

Review: 'Lullay, Lullow' (aka 'Mary's Lullaby') is a 2 part arrangement of the 15th Century English carol. Short, but sweet, this carol is perfect for your beginning choir. Betty Bertaux's 3 part arrangement of 'The Holly and the Ivy' is an excellent edition to your Holiday program, and it also is a great tool to help your children's choir learn to sing polyrhythmic harmonies. 'Christmas Bells' is based on the text written by Heny Wadsworth Longfellow, which he wrote in 1863. During that Christmas season, his son was critically wounded in a war, and the text expresses his anguish over war and his longing for peace on earth. The message is as timely today as it was over 125 years ago. While technically challenging, this setting is a must have in your repertoire! Mary Goetze's arrangement of 'Wexford Carol' (from Ireland) has exquisite 3 part harmonies and gives that special voice in your choir the opportunity for an 8 measure solo. Her arrangement of 'Infant Holy' is another 3 part masterpiece, not to be missed! Both pieces would work well for an advanced children's choir or young women's choir.

Songlist: Lullay, Lullow, The Holly And The Ivy, Christmas Bells, Wexford Carol, Infant Holy

Review: The traditional round, 'Christmas is coming' is set over a charmingly goofy three-part scat choral accompaniment. Soprano I section, or a guest children's chorus, can sing the round. In 'A Christmas Alleluia,' Antiphonal choirs and a small unison chant group exchange alleluias, while the soloist sings the melody of this spiritual written for the Spelman College Choir in 1971. 'Ave Maria' has drones, chant fragments, and overlapping 'ora pro nobis' figures which evoke the sounds of a medieval convent. Within the deceptively simple three-part texture of the 'Three Noels,' the composer has marked the subtleties of speech rhythms with sophisticated melodies and harmonies. These understated settings will ask your singers to 'listen loudly.' The first and third movements feature alto solos.

Songlist: Christmas Is Coming, A Christmas Alleluia ( Mary, What You Going to Name that Pretty Little Baby? ), Ave Maria, Tryste Noel

Review: The gentle arrangement of the Basque traditional tune, 'O Bethlehem,' uses subtly deployed drones to mark it as a shepherds' carol. The paraphrased text is suitable for general Christmas use, especially on Christmas Eve. The medieval English carol, 'What Tidings Bringest Tho, Messenger?' has question-and-answer dialogue between refrain and verses, making it very effective for pageant performance, as well as for church or concert use. Thie full, yet gentle setting of the beloved Christmas hymn, 'Silent Night' is perfect for a candlelight service or quiet concert closer. The low, rocking chords of the background choral parts are the same for all three stanzas. Interest is built by the addition of a second-stanza solo and third-stanza descants. Experiment with assigning the descants to instruments, or with supporting or replacing the lower voices with organ.

Songlist: O Bethlehem, What Tidings Bringest Thou, Messenger?, Silent Night, Hodie, I Sing of a Maiden, Lullay! Lullay! Lytel Child

Review: The text of 'Wind Song' is derived from the names for different types and characters of winds found all over the globe. Each wind is presented in its own language, and the mood of each is reflected in the music. Written to excite and intrigue, the creative and improvisatory work for women's choir ''s No Wonder' highlights the double meaning of the title. It's no wonder that winter itself creates snow wonder. The musical structure of 'How Can I Keep From Singing?' is similar to the well known American folk hymn, Amazing Grace. A verse of Amazing Grace is included in the last section of this arrangement. 'Songs From Gahu is a recreational piece of the Ewe (eh-weh), who live in Ghana and Togo, West Africa. Gahu' is a rich texture of singing, dancing, drumming, drama and the visual impact of colorful costumes. It originated in Nigeria and was brought to Ghana in the 1950's by Ewes who had travelled there, 'Gahu' means 'expensive dance' and refers to the elaborate nature of the costumes. These four songs (among many others) accompany the dancing and drumming of Gahu.

Songlist: Songs From Gahu, How Can I Keep From Singing?, 's No Wonder, Wind Song

Review: 'Oh, Follow, Follow On' (France) & 'Spring, Now Spring' (Germany) add lightness to any women's choir repertoire - one of new love, the other of Spring's new birth. In French and German respectively with English translations. In three sections, 'O Lovely Dove' employs overlapping legato entries marked by mild dissonance. This piece is a model of expressive writing and sung sensitively, will be moving both to audiences and performers. Let music fill your heart with joy in this delightful madrigal style piece of 'With The Sound Of Singing'. Easily learned and a great concert change of pace! The short piece 'Kikkehihi' was written early in Schein's life and is typical of the Italian madrigal. The polyphonic writing offers each voice a melodic line to shape, and imitation to listen for the other voices. Kikkehihi is a rousing way to begin a program and to introduce the choir and audience to the charm of madrigals.

Songlist: O Lovely Dove, Two European Madrigals, Now Is The Month Of Maying, Kikkehihif

Review: 'La Lluvia' is a folk melody from Ecuador traditionally played on the siku - the double row of panpipes that have been used in the high Andes for over a thousand years. Hot-blooded and haughty, a mixture of delight and disdain. The central paradox of performing 'Las Amarillas' it that the rhythms must be very incisive and exact, yet the precision must be combined with the devil-may-care festive attitude that prevents the precision from sounding clinical. Mangulina is a dance derived from Zapateado Espanol (a Spanish heel-tapping dance). 'Guayacanal,' originally written in the 1950's by Dominican songwriters Luis Kalaff and Bienvenido Brens, embodies what is known as the Mangulina today, and is so famous that when asked, people often think it's a folk song. This piece is best accompanied with tamborra (a double-headed drum from the Dominican Republic) and guira (a metal scraper from the Dominican Republic, scraped with a metal fork.) These delightful miniatures are wonderful for concert, contest and small ensembles. Careful part-writing and attention to range make these a good choice for younger treble groups. Includes: 'A la puerta del cielo (At the Gate of Heaven),' 'El Senor nacio en Belen (The Lord Was Born in Bethlehem),' and 'Gloria a Dios en las Alturas (Glory to God in the Highest.)'

Songlist: La Lluvia, La Cucaracha, Gloria A Dios, Guayacanal, Las Amarillas

Review: 'In Remembrance' an a cappella piece for 4-part women's voices. from Eleanor Daley's 'Requiem' was awarded the 1994 National Choral Award for Outstanding Choral Composition of the Year by the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors (ACCC), in May, 1994. 'When Music Sounds' was commissioned by the Alliance for Canadian New Music Projects in reconition of its 25th Anniversary. This four part treble voice piece has a beautiful piano accompaniment and fairly simple harmonies. 'She's like the Swallow' and 'Sing Me a Song' were written for unison voices and piano. 'Songs of the Nativity' includes 6 christmas carols for women's voices - Chanticleer (SSAA), Before the Paling of the Stars (SA), The Kings of the East (SSA), The Lamb (SSAA), Peach (SSAA), Christ is Here (SSA). All have piano accompaniment.

Songlist: In Remembrance, She's Like the Swallow, Sing Me a Song, Songs of the Nativity, When Music Sounds

Review: This collection attempts to provide repertoire for treble-voice groups who desire to sing madrigals. Although a great wealth of madrigal literature exists for mixed voices, some attention has therefore been given to the text of each selection in order to make it more appropriate for feminine choruses.

Songlist: It Was a Lover and His Lass, Let All Who Sing Be Merry, Maidens Fair of Mantua's City, The Messenger of Love, Now Is the Month of Maying, The Silver Swan

Review: A collection of 75 pieces by noted composer and educator. Suitable for upper voices. Some are quite challenging while other pieces are simple and delightful.

Songlist: Hegyi ejszakak I-V, Jankovich Ferenc: Jelige, Nagyszalontai koszonto (konnyu letet), Nagyszalontai koszonto, Angyalkert - Kecskejatek, Angyalkert - Tyukozas, Angyalkert - Gyertyajatek, Angyalkert - Bent a barany, Angyalkert - Vasarosdi, Hat trefas kanon - Lencse, borso, kasa, Hat trefas kanon - Madarak voltunk, Hat trefas kanon - A leanyka szotalan, Hat trefas kanon - Tyukkergeto, Hat trefas kanon - Furdo utan, Hat trefas kanon - Mikor mentem misere, Szolmizalo kanon, A juhasz, Het konnyu gyeremekkar - Eva, szivem Eva, Het konnyu gyeremekkar - Falu vegen, Het konnyu gyeremekkar - Heja, Het konnyu gyeremekkar - Versenges, Het konnyu gyeremekkar - Ciroka, Het konnyu gyeremekkar - Jo gazd'asszony, Het konnyu gyeremekkar - Zolderdoben, Weores Sandor: Bekedal, Vargha Karoly dr: Az eneklo ifjusaghoz, Nyulacska, Katalinka, A csiko, Cu fol, lovam, Arany Janos: Csalfa sugar, Esti dal, Gazdag Erzsi: Urgeontes, A suket sogor, Harom gomori nepdal, Harmatozzatok!, Sik Sandor: Szent Agnes unnepere, Jelenti magat Jezus, Enek Szent Istvan kiralyhoz, Ave Maria (l), Karacsonyi pasztortanc, Beze, Th. de: A 150. genfi zsoltar , Ujesztendot koszonto, Golyanota, Turot eszik a cigany, Villo, Harasztosi legenyek, Gazdag Erzsi: Hazasodik a vakond, Isten kovacsa, Hajnoveszto, Egyetem, begyetem, Harangszo, Gergely-jaras, Ciganysirato, Lengyel Laszlo, Mez, mez, mez, Tancnota, Siik Sandor: Vizkereszt, Semmit ne bankodjal, Angyalok es pasztorok, Arva vagyok, Meghalok, meghalok, Punkosdolo, Ket zoborvideki nepdal - Meghalok, meghalok, Ket zoborvideki nepdal - Piros alma mosolyog, Chi voul veder , Negy olasz madrigal - Fior scoloriti, Negy olsz madrigal - Chi d'amor sente (ol), Four de la bella caiba, A magyarokhoz, A szabadsag himnusza, Hegyi ejszakak

Review: The Hungarian composer, Zoltan Kodaly, an ethnomusicologist and educationalist, pioneered the reintegration of folk material into 20th century choral music. All four songs in this packages are arrangements based on Hungarian folk songs for children, with english translations by Georffy Russell-Smith.

Songlist: Hippity, Hoppity, Ladybird, 'Mid The Oak Trees, Evening Song

Review: Essential Repertoire is a core library of time-tested choral works which provide a framework for teaching style and history, all through performance. The graded series includes Masterworks (Renaissance through Contemporary), Folksongs (American and Multicultural), Spirituals, A Cappella and Accompanied works. The series is available for beginning through advanced choirs, and for mixed, treble and tenor bass ensembles.

Songlist: Ah, Dear Heart, Ave Maria n, Cantate!, Carols Three, El Mariner (The Sailor), In monte Oliveti, The Lark Ascending, The Lass From the Low Countree (Niles), Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains, Longing, Magnificat (Magnify the Lord), Song Of The Prairie, Tristis est anima mea, Von dem Rosenbusch (From the Red Rose Bush)

Review: Essential Repertoire is a core library of time-tested choral works which provide a framework for teaching style and history, all through performance. The graded series includes Masterworks (Renaissance through Contemporary), Folksongs (American and Multicultural), Spirituals, A Cappella and Accompanied works. The series is available for beginning through advanced choirs, and for mixed, treble and tenor bass ensembles.

Songlist: Ah, Dear Heart, Ave Maria n, Cantate!, Carols Three, El Mariner (The Sailor), In monte Oliveti, The Lark Ascending, The Lass From the Low Countree (Niles), Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains, Longing, Magnificat (Magnify the Lord), Song Of The Prairie, Tristis est anima mea, Von dem Rosenbusch (From the Red Rose Bush)

Review: Essential Repertoire is a core library of time-tested choral works which provide a framework for teaching style and history, all through performance. The graded series includes Masterworks (Renaissance through Contemporary), Folksongs (American and Multicultural), Spirituals, A Cappella and Accompanied works. The series is available for beginning through advanced choirs, and for mixed, treble and tenor bass ensembles.

Songlist: Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord, Danny Boy, Den Tod Niemand zwingen kunnt (O death, None couldLay Thee Low), Early One Morning, Glorificamus Te, Joyfully Sing!, O Clap Your Hands, Poi ch'el mio foco e Spento (Since now my anger's burned out), Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow, Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy), Shenandoah, Slumber Song, The Song Of The Birds, Sound The Trumpet, St. Louis Blues, The Time Of Singing, Wind Of The Western Sea

Review: Essential Repertoire is a core library of time-tested choral works which provide a framework for teaching style and history, all through performance. The graded series includes Masterworks (Renaissance through Contemporary), Folksongs (American and Multicultural), Spirituals, A Cappella and Accompanied works. The series is available for beginning through advanced choirs, and for mixed, treble and tenor bass ensembles.

Songlist: Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord, Danny Boy, Den Tod Niemand zwingen kunnt (O death, None couldLay Thee Low), Early One Morning, Glorificamus Te, Joyfully Sing!, O Clap Your Hands, Poi ch'el mio foco e Spento (Since now my anger's burned out), Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow, Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy), Shenandoah, Slumber Song, The Song Of The Birds, Sound The Trumpet, St. Louis Blues, The Time Of Singing, Wind Of The Western Sea

Review: Essential Repertoire is a core library of time-tested choral works which provide a framework for teaching style and history, all through performance. The graded series includes Masterworks (Renaissance through Contemporary), Folksongs (American and Multicultural), Spirituals, A Cappella and Accompanied works. The series is available for beginning through advanced choirs, and for mixed, treble and tenor bass ensembles.

Songlist: America, The Beautiful, Baloo, Baloo, Charlotte-Town, Cripple Creek, Dreamer, Gloria Alleluia, Hush, My Babe, In Dulci Jubilo, The King Of Love, Make A Song For My Heart To Sing, The Message Of The Holly, My Johnny's A Soldier, Regina Angelorum, S'vivon (The Dreydl Song), The Shepherds Saw A Star, Sing To Him A Song Of Love, Wiegenlied (Sleep, Gently Sleep), Sonatemi un balletto, Songs Of A Starry Night, The Drunken Sailor

Review: Essential Repertoire is a core library of time-tested choral works which provide a framework for teaching style and history, all through performance. The graded series includes Masterworks (Renaissance through Contemporary), Folksongs (American and Multicultural), Spirituals, A Cappella and Accompanied works. The series is available for beginning through advanced choirs, and for mixed, treble and tenor bass ensembles.

Songlist: America, The Beautiful, Baloo, Baloo, Charlotte-Town, Cripple Creek, Dreamer, Gloria Alleluia, Hush, My Babe, In Dulci Jubilo, The King Of Love, Make A Song For My Heart To Sing, The Message Of The Holly, My Johnny's A Soldier, Regina Angelorum, S'vivon (The Dreydl Song), The Shepherds Saw A Star, Sing To Him A Song Of Love, Wiegenlied (Sleep, Gently Sleep), Sonatemi un balletto, Songs Of A Starry Night, The Drunken Sailor

Review: The First Runo is unusual in that it is a setting of part of the Kalevala, the Finnish national epic, in an English translation rather than the original Finnish. Rautavaara has chosen the very first poem of the Kalevala, which describes the creation of the world according to Finnish mythology. Rautavaara uses a shimmering vocal texture to paint an image of the primeval lake. Duration: 8 minutes.

Songlist: The First Runo

Review: A collection of Hungarian folk songs for unaccompanied upper voice choir.

Songlist: Harom hordo, Igaz szerelem, Gomb, gomb, Erdobe, erdobe

Review: Mary Goetze presents here a setting of the most familiar variant of this traditional folk ballad, 'Scarborough Fair,' in which two lovers make impossible requests of each other. The texture shifts from homophonic to imitative counterpoint. Brief dissonances created and resolved by stepwise progression of the accompanying voices reflect the bittersweetness of the text. 'Hold the Wind,' a simple yet stirring melody in the mixolydian mode, was sung by a blacksmith. The simple harmonization highlights the beauty of the melody. 'Shenandoah' is set with very simple ideas which complement and support the motion of the beautiful melody. The accompanying voices can be learned quickly, for they sing like melodies and progress by step. 'Old Joe Clark,' a familiar fiddle tune of our American heritage is arranged in a playful setting which captures the flavor of the jocular text.

Songlist: Scarborough Fair, Hold The Wind, Shenandoah, Old Joe Clark

Review: Battant Son Plein is French slang, literally 'hitting his fill,' the equivalent of the English 'in full swing.' Written for Scala, a children's choir from Bruxelles, the title refers to what these children sound like when they sing, and the piece is a salute to their confidence and daring. Duration: ca. 5:10. Nukapianguaq presents Inuit music in a choral setting that remains as faithful as possible to the aesthetics of the original tradition. 'Rosebud in June' is drawn from the English tradition that brought blessings to crops and flocks, this Somerset melody is rousingly arranged for full chorus. Also included in this package is 'Sida Rudaia,' a traditional Ukranian song arranged by Stephen Hatfield 4-pt treble a cappella, and 'Double Shot' as performed by Sweet Honey In The Rock.

Songlist: Nukapianguaq, Rosebud In June, Sida Rudaia, Battant Son Plein, Double Shot (Honey in the Rock)

Review: The arrangement of 'The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy' explores the Caribbean style known as 'Afro-Cuban': independent melodic lines with strong rhythmic pulses are superimposed to build up textures that are both rich and translucent. Every section of the choir is spot-lit; every section gets its turn to lead. The piece would especially suit a choir in search of something seasonal but upbeat which is not a 'novelty number.' The Basque carol 'The Angel Gabriel' in an exuberant setting by Audrey Snyder can be performed a cappella or accompanied. A wonderful showcase for SSA voices. These a cappella works are a nice addition to the repertoire for women's chorus and includes 'Jetzt ist die rechte Freudenzeit' and' Ecce Maria' (Praetorius) with German and English texts.

Songlist: The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, Two Baroque Christmas Classics, The Angel Gabriel

Review: Don't read notes, read patterns of sound! This unique sight reading course for treble voices in elementary and early middle school does just that! PATTERNS OF SOUND uses excellent voice leading, careful sequencing and musically interesting exercises that can be combined to strengthen part singing, pitch relationships and to develop rhythmic independence. Volume 1 starts from square one, assuming no previous training, with exercises that are so carefully sequenced that the students are quickly singing four-measure phrases and eight measure songs in two parts and finding it easy! Students are introduced to notes, rests, meter, pitch and unison/2-part songs in Vol. 1, and continue in Vol. 2 with dotted rhythms & syncopation, keys & key changes and more 2-part songs. Use it every day and watch your students' confidence level grow!

Songlist: Rhythm - Let's Begin!, Adding Pitch to Rhythm, Let's Harmonize, Finding Your Starting Pitch, New Patterns, New Notes, New Combinations, Bigger Jumps (Intervals), Songs In Two Parts

Review: Marie Stultz has been working with treble-voiced singers for over 30 years. During that time she has developed a philosophy of programming which insures that every song is chosen because it delivers a lesson in a particular one of ten pedagogical areas, according to the needs of the choir. The book explains Ms. Stultz's theories about repertoire selection, and how to use the website. The website, to which you receive a one-year subscription when you buy the book, is an extensive annotated bibliography in the form of an easy-to-use searchable database of repertoire for treble voices. Each annotation gives all the practical information about the song or movement as well as an explanation of how it can be used in rehearsal and performance, along with a list of specific teaching tips. Many of the pieces of music are suitable for the advanced female ensemble in school, church or community settings. Ms. Stultz is constantly adding annotations to the site so you will want to log on often!

Songlist: Fine Choral Music, The Process Of Selecting And Perpetuating Great Choral Literature, Build A Fine Children's Choir, Advanced Treble Ensemble, Building Headtone, Improve Diction / Tone Builders, Emphsizing Pure Vowels, Encouraging Legato Singing, Enhancing The Mid-Range, Expanding The Chest Range, Fostering Musical Accuracy, Stressing Score Articulation Marks, Developing Secure Partsinging, Advancing Choral Artistry, A Tour Through The Web Site By Piero Bonamico