Counterpoint - Robert DeCormier
Robert De Cormier acted as music director of the New York Choral Society for seventeen years and under his leadership the group became renowned for its high standard of excellence in choral singing and unique variety of programming. As Music Director Emeritus he guest conducted a performance of the Verdi Requiem in 1990, the Berlioz Requiem at St. Paul's Cathedral, New York City in 1992 and the premiere of a commissioned work, the Missa Iona in 1993 at St. Bartholomew's in New York City. A graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, Mr. De Cormier's other conducting engagements have taken him from Broadway and opera to the Berkshire Choral Institute, the Zimriya World Assembly of Choirs in Israel and numerous concert tours throughout the United States and Canada with his own professional group, the Robert De Cormier Singers. He spent many years as conductor and arranger for Harry Belafonte and has been music director for the popular folk trio, Peter, Paul and Mary for the past twenty years.
In 1993 he helped found the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus and Chamber Chorus and as their director he both prepares and conducts performances with the symphony. In the fall of 2000 he established Counterpoint, an 11 voice professional vocal ensemble based in Vermont. He has written several works ranging from choral to ballet to Broadway scores (music for The Wall and The World of Sholem Aleichem). His cantata, The Jolly Beggars, based on the poetry of Robert Burns, premiered in New York to critical acclaim. His ballet score, Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder, is in the active repertoire of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. His choral works, Legacy, Four Sonnets to Orpheus, Shout For Joy and Under A Greenwood Tree were premiered at Carnegie Hall by the New York Choral Society. Spiritual Suite, commissioned by the West Village Chorale premiered in New York in 1991 Mr. De Cormier has also arranged extensively, from African-American spirituals to American and international folk songs.
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Misa Criolla (Ariel Ramirez) |
This recording brings together a variety of choral works by 20th century Latin American composers, all of whom find inspiration in folk culture. Chief among the composers represented here is Ariel Ramirez. Born in Santa Fe, Argentina, he roamed the South American hinterland in his early twenties playing piano and studying regional musical traditions. After a brief stint in Buenos Aires, he spent several years in Europe, studying in Madrid and Vienna and teaching music in a German convent. Returning to South America in 1954, he completed his musical training in Buenos Aires, where his politically engaged popular songs rapidly earned him renown as a leader of the nueva cancion movement. His breakthrough onto the international stage came in 1967 with the first performance and recording of the Misa Criolla (Mass in Native Style). The success of this innovative work owes much to its timing. Set in Spanish rather than Latin, it was one of the first major masses composed after the Second Vatican Council mandated the use of the vernacular. It also profited from the period's burgeoning interest in folk music. As a result, the work quickly captured the imagination of audiences worldwide and has received thousands of performances. The mass's reception abroad, where its style was perceived as novel and exotic, actually helped stimulate appreciation for native culture among more skeptical audiences back in Argentina. Like all Ramirez' major works, the Misa Criolla draws substantially on the folk traditions in which he immersed himself as a young man. There are complete English texts for all the works included in the program booklet.
| 8554 CD $15.95 |
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Mayim |
Here they present their latest album that brings together new arrangements, ranging from traditional to contemporary, of some of the best known and loved Israeli folk-songs. Unlike European folk-songs, whose origins tend to be vague and lost in the past, most of these songs originated in the 20th century and have known composers and poets. Yet they are folk music just the same, for they live now in the oral tradition. Several generations of Jews have grown up singing them, and some songs, such as Tsena Tsena, Shalom Chaverim and, of course, Hava Nagila, have achieved mainstream recognition. The purpose of Israeli folk-songs was to inspire a new national cultural identity through which, in the words of Hinei Ma Tov, Jewish brothers and sisters from many lands would dwell together in unity. Among many Jews and Israelis throughout the world the songs evoke sentiments of pride and belonging. And despite the inner conflicts between Israelis today and the violent conflicts with its neighbors, the message of this disc is the sincere hope that the entire region may someday achieve unity and peace.
| 8555 CD $15.95 |
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Choruses From The Lark - Prelude - Benedictus - Spring Song - Sanctus - Court Song - Soldier's song - Requiem and Gloria Romancero Gitano Baladilla de los Tres Rios La Guitarra The Procession of the Virgin Pricesion - Paco - Saeta Memento Baile Crotalo Missa Criolla |
The Choral Excellence Series has joined legendary choral conductor and arranger Robert De Cormier to produce a A Choral Excursion, featuring his professional vocal ensemble Counterpoint and instrumentalists from across the United States and South America. They will be a wonderful inspiration for your ensembles and great entertainment for anyone who loves choral music. The program is made up of Twentieth Century music from around the world.
| 3035 DVD $17.95 |
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Navidad Nuestra Ritsch Ratsch Filibom Oh, Mi Belen! El Desembre Congelat Alegria A La Nanita Nana Las Posadas Campana sobre Campana El Belen Tocan a Fuego El Noi de la Mare Chiquirrquitin El Rorro Away In A Manger A Wealden Trio The Souling Song Christmas Song Christmas In The Southwest La Trulla Betelehemu |
The Choral Excellence Series has joined legendary choral conductor and arranger Robert De Cormier to produce a A Counterpoint Christmas -- a fanciful journey around the world during the holiday season. Selections include familiar and less-familiar melodies and carols from around the world ending with the splendid suite of Argentinean Carols, Navidad Nuestra, by Ariel Ramirez. This beautifully-produced DVD will put you in the spirit of the season while presenting a unique collection of exciting Christmas music. If you are looking for something new this holiday season, a Counterpoint Christmas will be a great selection.
| 3033 DVD $17.95 |
| 6240 CD $15.95 |
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Everything is Music SATB a cappella divisi |
Commissioned by the Vermont Arts Council, this moving setting of 'Everything is Music' (from Pulitzer Prize winner Romain Rolland's text) is a substantial work for advanced ensembles. Expressive vocal lines tell the hallowed story of the Christmas spiritual 'The Glory Manger.' 'The Friendly Beasts' beautifully captures the beloved story of the gentle donkey, pompous cow and sweet dove. The exciting setting of the African-American spiritual, 'Hold on' is inspiring. "Keep your hand on that plow - hold on!"
| 9387 SHEET MUSIC $8.95 |
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