Melodious Accord - Alice Parker
Composer, conductor and teacher Alice Parker says that she sang before she spoke. What an appropriate beginning for a career that has spanned almost six decades and has been devoted to the creation of works for the human voice.
She began composing at age five, and wrote her first orchestral score while still in high school. At Smith College and The Juilliard School she studied composition and conducting, beginning her long association with Robert Shaw. Their many settings of American folksongs, hymns and spirituals form an enduring repertoire for choruses all around the world. Through the years she has continued composing in all the choral forms from opera to cantata, from sacred anthems to songs on texts by distinguished poets. She has been commissioned by such well-known groups as Chanticleer, the Vancouver Chamber Singers and the Atlanta Symphony, as well as hundreds of community; school and church choruses. Her works are presented by numerous publishers including Carl Fischer, GIA Music and Jaymar.
In 1985 the singers and choral directors who had been fired by her talent and zeal for the remarkable sound of voices singing together, convinced her to start her own group. Melodious Accord, Inc. is focused on what is for her the heart of vocal music: the melody. The Musicians of Melodious Accord, a sixteen-voice professional chorus, present an annual concert series in New York City, and have recorded such albums as Take Me To The Water ("these thirteen Spirituals ring loud and clear!"), Transformations (American hymns and folk songs) and Sacred Symphonies (from Schutz to Parker). As an organization, Melodious Accord has presented symposia, encouraged new composers, offered post-doctoral seminars, and created a network of like-minded musicians through the Melodious Accord Newsletter.
Alice Parker travels in the United States and abroad, conducting workshops, concerts and SINGS in which all participants, children or adults, professional or amateur, learn to make music with remarkable joy and clarity. Her techniques have encouraged a generation of music teachers and choral conductors to think about the music and the act of conducting in new ways. No less an authority than Robert Shaw himself has said of her that "she possesses a rare and creative musical intelligence".
Now a resident of western Massachusetts, Miss Parker has published books on melodic styles, choral improvisation and Good Singing in Church. Three videos have been released showing her work with hymnody. She is the recipient of four honorary doctorates and the Smith College Medal, as well as grants from ASCAP, the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Music Center. She is on the board of Chorus America.
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Three Spirituals: - When Jesus Comes - Tell 'em I'm Gone - You Can Tell the World Listen, Lord: - This Morning - I, It May Be - This Man of God - When I've Done Two Spirituals: - I Want Jesus to Walk With Me - He's Got the Whole World A Suite: Dem Bells: - Mary and Martha Have Just Gone 'long - Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass - I'm A-Rollin' Three Spirituals: - God Loves All His Many People - Welcome Table - Father's Got a Home A Suite: Street Corner Spirituals - Come and Go with Me - Blow Yo' Gospel Trumpet - Can't You Hear - Holy, Holy - Let the Church Roll On - Glory, Hallelujah |
Alice Parker and Melodious Accord dig deep into the rich history of the black
tradition. This recording contains a cantata, two suites and eight spirituals
in choral settings by Parker. Interspersed between the suites and cantata are
sets of spiritual arrangements. "I want Jesus to walk with me" is especially
beautiful. The title piece "Listen Lord," a cantata for solo contralto, chorus
and jazz combo, uses the text of the opening prayer in James Weldon Johnson's
God's Trombones in combination with two spirituals. This jazzy-blues set features
contralto Pamela Warrick-Smith. The first suite, "Dem Bells," was composed for
choir and handbells. The first and last movements are light almost-rags with
a slow somber movement in the middle. The performance on the recording uses
piano. The last set, "Street Corner Spirituals," is a suite combining fragments
of spirituals for chorus, and an informal street corner band of trumpet, drums
and keyboard. These catchy tunes and varied rhythms make a fun toe-tapping piece.
This CD is a great example of Alice Parker's unique view on the black spiritual
as a melodic resource.
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7149 CD $15.98 |
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America: Seeing Nellie Home - Stars of the Summer Night -
Darling Nellie Gray England and Scotland: Passing By - Turn Ye to Me - When Love is Kind - Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes Sea Shanties: Haul Away, Joe - Lowlands - A-Roving France, Czech Republic, Germany: - L'Amour e Moy - Stodole Pumpa - Treue Liebe - Du, du liegst mir im Herzen Spain: - La Tarara - Adois, Catedral de Burgos - Al Olivo Ireland: - Has Sorrow Thy Young Days Shaded - A Ballynure Ballad - Down by the Sally Gardens - To Ladies' Eyes America: - Aura Lee - My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean - Vive L'Amour |
Boston's Alice Parker, composer, conductor and teacher was first known for
her arrangements and collaboration with the late Robert Shaw. She has built
an international reputation composing, researching folk music and performing.
In 1985 she formed Melodious Accord, a 16-voice professional chorus. "My Love
and I" features the men of this group, singing 24 traditional folk songs from
America, England and Scotland, France, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Ireland
and Sea Shanties. Some favorites: "Darling Nellie Gray," "Aura Lee," "When Love
is Kind," "A-Roving," "Stodole Pumpa," "Al Olivo," "Has Sorrow Thy Young Days
Shaded," "A Ballynure Ballad" and "To Ladies' Eyes." This is well-chosen music
from another era, sometimes poignant and heart-tugging, sometimes rousing; always
powerful. A generous collection, sung with tremendous feeling by Alice Parker's
hand-picked men! All a cappella, nice liner notes with the complete lyrics.
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6943 CD $15.98 |
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Almighty Maker, God My Thoughts, That Often Mount the Skies When Some Kind Shepherd from His Fold Ye Boundless Realms of Joy How Pleased and Blessed Was I From Deep Distress and Troubled Thoughts What Is Our God, or What His Name My Soul, Triumphant in the Lord To God, in Whom I Trust Hear Me, O Lord, nor Hide Thy Face My Soul, the Great Creator Praise How Short and Hasty Is Our Life How Soft the Words My Savior Speaks Through Every Age, Eternal God Return, O God of Love, Return My God! The Spring of All My Joys Brethren, We Have Met to Worship |
The 17 varied early American songs of praise found in songbooks published between
1790 and 1830 in "Sweet Manna" give us a glimpse of the musical life of the
early settlers and the changing modes of Christian worship as the country developed.
The rich variety of lyrics and tunes include cheerful gathering songs like "My
God, the Spring of All My Joy;" slow, reflective moods as in "Deep Distress
and Troubled Thoughts;" sprightly dances: "When Some Kind Shepherd from His
Fold;" and joyous marches: "My Soul, Triumphant in the Lord." Fuguing tunes
like "How Pleased and Blessed Was I" and "Through Every Age, Eternal God" release
their energies; while more modal melodies like "Return, O God of Love, Return"
shed a quiet grace. The mixed a cappella voices of MMA are strong and soaring,
and these powerful songs are sung with spirit and feeling, and it is easy to
imagine being in the congregations where they were first sung, joining in wonderful
choruses of praise.
| 6867 CD $15.98 |
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I Know the Lord Stayed on Jesus Come On Up to Bright Glory Don't Be Weary, Traveler Hush! Hush! We WIll March Through the Valley He Is King of Kings Let Us Break Bread Together Is There Anybody Here Free At Last Take Me to the Water Cart'nly, Lord Who'll Be A Witness |
The Musicians of Melodious Accord are a 16-voice professional chorus in New
York City, offering recordings and concerts of many styles. Their conductor,
Alice Parker, is internationally known as a composer, arranger, conductor and
teacher, with a passion for true folksongs. "Take Me to the Water" is the command,
request and plea (founded on John 4:14) made by those who seek the "well of
water springing up into everlasting life." It serves as a unifying phrase for
the powerful African-American spiritual songs in this collection, which come
from the mid-19th century and earlier, from such sources as "Slave Songs," published
in NY in 1867. 13 a cappella songs, sung with tremendous feeling, strength and
sweetness by the MMA, from "I Know the Lord," "Come On Up to Bright Glory" and
"Hush! Hush!" to "Free at Last," the title tune, and "Who'll Be a Witness."
"Take Me" is a beautiful, inspirational collection!
| 6866 CD $15.98 |
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God of Grace and God of Laughter A Mountain Psalm Come, O Come Easterdays In All My Vast Concerns with Thee Ye Followers of the Prince of Peace Bright Morning Stars The Promised Land Now Brethren, Though We Part Rejoice, the Lord Is King For the Fruit of All Creation O Sing the Glories Destructive Sword God Is Love Lord, Enthron In Heav'nly Speldor Look unto Abraham Know That the Lord Is God |
Renowned composer and arranger Alice Parker has compiled a collection of her most beloved commissioned works. Presented here in four suites and performed by The Musicians of Melodious Accord, Parker sweeps us away on a roller coaster of symphonic movement. This group of choral anthems written over the last 25 years celebrates, reflects, and exalts the praises of our Lord. Music collection in preparation.
| 7783CD $15.98 |
Arrangements
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Loving Kindness Consolation It Is Well Bound For The Promised Land |
Four A Cappella pieces make this collection by Alice Parker a must-add to your choral repertoire. Each piece is SATB and includes a piano reduction for rehearsal only.
| 9273 CHART $2.50 |
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I Know the Lord Stayed on Jesus Come On Up to Bright Glory Don't Be Weary, Traveler Hush! Hush! We WIll March Through the Valley He Is King of Kings Let Us Break Bread Together Is There Anybody Here Free At Last Take Me to the Water Cert'nly, Lord Who'll Be A Witness |
The Musicians of Melodious Accord are a 16-voice professional chorus in New York City, offering recordings and concerts of many styles. Their conductor, Alice Parker, is internationally known as a composer, arranger, conductor and teacher, with a passion for true folksongs. "Take Me to the Water" is the command, request and plea (founded on John 4:14) made by those who seek the "well of water springing up into everlasting life." It serves as a unifying phrase for the powerful African-American spiritual songs in this collection, which come from the mid-19th century and earlier, from such sources as "Slave Songs," published in NY in 1867. 13 a cappella songs, sung with tremendous feeling, strength and sweetness by the MMA, from "I Know the Lord," "Come On Up to Bright Glory" and "Hush! Hush!" to "Free at Last," the title tune, and "Who'll Be a Witness." "Take Me" is a beautiful, inspirational collection!
| 6866 SONGBOOK $13.98 |
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Almighty Maker, God My Thoughts, That Often Mount the Skies When Some Kind Shepherd from His Fold Ye Boundless Realms of Joy How Pleased and Blessed Was I From Deep Distress and Troubled Thoughts What Is Our God, or What His Name My Soul, Triumphant in the Lord To God, in Whom I Trust Hear Me, O Lord, nor Hide Thy Face My Soul, the Great Creator Praise How Short and Hasty Is Our Life How Soft the Words My Savior Speaks Through Every Age, Eternal God Return, O God of Love, Return My God! The Spring of All My Joys Brethren, We Have Met to Worship |
The 17 varied early American shape note hymns found in songbooks published between 1790 and 1830 in "Sweet Manna" give us a glimpse of the musical life of the early settlers and the changing modes of Christian worship as the country developed. The rich variety of lyrics and tunes include cheerful gathering songs like "My God, the Spring of All My Joy;" slow, reflective moods as in "Deep Distress and Troubled Thoughts;" sprightly dances: "When Some Kind Shepherd from His Fold;" and joyous marches: "My Soul, Triumphant in the Lord." Fuguing tunes like "How Pleased and Blessed Was I" and "Through Every Age, Eternal God" release their energies; while more modal melodies like "Return, O God of Love, Return" shed a quiet grace. The mixed a cappella voices of MMA are strong and soaring, and these powerful songs are sung with spirit and feeling, and it is easy to imagine being in the congregations where they were first sung, joining in wonderful choruses of praise.
| 6867 SONGBOOK $15.98 |
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Happy in the Lord
SATB |
This is an impressive setting of "By An' By." Alice Parker has given the parts independent lines, exposed sections for all parts, and a solo for your finest soloist. A beautiful rendition perfect for concert/festival use. In traditional “Parker” style, Alice has arranged a bright a cappella setting of the American folk-tune “Happy In The Lord” with stunning effect."I Want Two Wings" is a light, brisk spiritual arranged for a cappella voices. With independent lines playing with each other throughout, giving some gospel-type solos for the soprano section, the piece makes an excellent concert/festival selection for an advanced choir! This distinctive spiritual arrangement of "When Jesus Comes" adds to the considerable body of choral work Alice Parker has created during her remarkable career. Imaginative, compelling, always melodic, it is among her finest in this genre. This distinctive spiritual arrangement of "You Can Tell The World" adds to the considerable body of choral work Alice Parker has created during her remarkable career. Imaginative, compelling, always melodic, it is among her finest in this genre. Also included in this package is "I Want Two Wings."
| 2212 SHEETMUSIC $8.95 |
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Allon, Gay Bergeres Les Angeles Dans Nos Campagnes (Angels We Have Heard On High) The Boar's Head Carol Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light The Carol Of The Birds The Cherry Tree Carol Christ Was Born On Christmas Day Fum, Fum, Fum Good Christian Men Rejoice Good King Wenceslas Here Mid The Ass and The Oxen The Holly And The Ivy How Unto Bethlehem I Saw Three Ships Il Est Ne In The Bleak Midwinter Lay Down Your Staffs Masters In This Hall O Sanctissima So Blest A Sight Susanni Touro-louro-loura What Child Is This Ya Viene La Vieja |
Twenty-four carols arranged by the eminent choral director Robert Shaw and the respected Alice Parker. Shaw-Parker arrangements are famous and recorded by everyone, including Shaw's various ensembles. Described as a mixed voice collection, these twenty-four carols have varying voicings, with frequent solo opportunities. There are also a few tenor/bass charts. Most have piano for rehearsal.
| 6230 SONGBOOK $9.98 |
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O Come, O Come Emmanuel |
All a cappella SATB arrangements by two of the best.
| 9106 SONGBOOK $5.98 |
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This joyful Eastertide |
Taken from the first arrangements on which Robert Shaw and Alice Parker collaborated, these titles were selected from hundreds of familiar and forgotten works for their musical and poetic excellence. The arrangements were made as simple as possible in order to let the words shine through the choral tone and texture while achieving variety from changes in voicing in a constant effort to reflect the most subtle articulations of the text. The earliest song in this collection is the ancient chant "Christ the Lord Hath Risen." Other familiar hymns come from the sacred tradition: "The Strife is O'er," and "O Sons and Daughters." The re-telling of the Easter story, and the joy of the Easter season, should shine forth through the singing of these songs. Listen, re-enact and give voice to the central mystery, in order that all who hear may join the celebration.
| 9128 SONGBOOK $3.50 |
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Deep River
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