Alfred Choral Designs for Male Voices

Wish your audience a iMerry Christmas and a Happy New Year” in just a half a minute. This madrigal-style a cappella novelty is equally easy to learn and enjoyable to sing. Plus, itis a great choice for any seasonal performance: Christmas concerts, community events, madrigal feasts, door-to-door caroling, singing telegrams---you name it! Fun, flexible, and festive in all voicings.

Arranger: Donald Moore

A mixolydian melody becomes the foundation for this stately three-part canon with madrigal style counterpoint. Festive flute and hand drum parts add a Renaissance music touch to a piece with only 12 bars of singing to teach. Ideal for processionals, madrigal feasts, or as a concert opener.

Composer: Sally K. Albrecht

This clever a cappella original is reminiscent of doo-wop groups from the '50s and '60s. The choir sings a "bop-bop-bop" refrain alternately with classic back-ups, as a soloist or small group croons the flirtatious text, weaving in popular song titles from back in the day.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Kirby Shaw

Three-part women's and men's ensembles will excel with this majestic a cappella concert work. Joyful melodic motives are passed from voice to voice, and percussive handclaps bridge varied sections of the well-developed form. Especially effective in antiphonal formation!

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

Anthemic, heroic, and bold, the words of Alfred, Lord Tennyson spring to life through superb choral writing and a stirring piano accompaniment. A powerful opening theme builds to a final avalanche of sound, evoking the spirit of adventure. "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

Arranger: Greg Gilpin | Composer: Alfred Lord Tennyson

Experienced educators Dave and Jean Perry pay particular attention to the vocal development of young men by creating three limited-range voice parts, one for each stage of the changing voice. With a rollicking sea chanty feel and a hearty text, your guys will be fully invested in the nautical fun.

Composer: Jean Perry

Always expressive and sometimes dramatic, this handsome gem tells a romantic love story as penned by famous African American poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar. Rich with musicality to bring out the softer side of your men.

Composer: Vicki Tucker Courtney

Oh the heartache! "Why must I be a teenager in love?" It's a musical question from the sock hop days of the fabulous '50s. The jitterbug-style arrangement is lively and fresh, yet captures the feel of a more innocent era.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Doc Pomus

TTB choirs set sail toward a hardy glee-club sound with this theme and variations arrangement of a traditional sea chanty. The buoyant piano accompaniment incorporates the "Sailor's Hornpipe" tune and the playful text tells the tale. Developing male voices will easily navigate the course with manageable vocal ranges and limited 3-part singing.

Arranger: Gary E. Parks

This, the stirring final movement from John Leavitt's world-famous Missa Festiva, is presented in newly engraved octavos, available for all choirs. A superb new chamber orchestration enhances the musical texture and color of this captivating modal work.

Composer: John Leavitt

Cut from the same cloth as the great traditional spirituals, this riveting original boasts unwavering rhythmic intensity, gripping minor key sonorities, and a tenacious, meaningful text. Presented in a musical form that builds and builds to the big finish!

Arranger: Greg Gilpin | Composer: John Parker

This traditional American folksong truly comes to life in this extremely creative setting by Jeff Funk. The beauty of the original melody and the power of its haunting text come through. Perfect for festival time!

Arranger: Jeff Funk

This a cappella feature for treble or male choirs is an oustanding choice for any time of year. Strong individual voice lines add up to an exciting, dynamic, and vibrant concert feature. ABA format with a lyrical legato section in the middle.

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

Develop your choir's a cappella skills with this straightforward original madrigal for Christmas or general use. Traditional harmonies, appropriate ranges, and plenty of repetition make it a quick-to-learn piece. Contrasting dynamics and a lilting triple meter create a joyful effect. Now available for four-part men!

Composer: Donald Moore

Feature your men with this sumptuous edition of an a cappella standard from the madrigal repertoire by Thomas Morley. Formerly available for 3-part mixed voices, Russell Robinson's new TBB adaptation features flowing contrapuntal lines, appropriate vocal ranges, and tasteful editor's marks for a truly authentic performance. Enjoyable to sing, valuable to teach, and splendid to hear.

Arranger: Russell Robinson | Composer: Thomas Morley

Tender, expressive singing for changed and changing male voices. This setting of the familiar pentatonic folk melody is a standout, honoring the beauty of its origin while adding a contemporary touch. Accompaniment available on PianoTrax 3 CD (00-34744).

Arranger: Lon Beery

Bring each section of the choir down a different aisle to add a theatrical element to the opening of your program and highlight the antiphonal qualities of this piece. Built upon three accessible parts in all voicings, this madrigal-like fanfare is a perfect processional for the holiday season!

Composer: Greg Gilpin

Finding American folk song arrangements for two-part (TB) men's choirs is always a challenge. This exquisitely expressive setting provides a melodic approach, making it a very welcome addition to the male repertoire.

Arranger: Earlene Rentz

Masterfully crafted with a traditional harmonization, this piece is an eloquent showcase for mixed or men's choirs. The addition of the SoundPax instrumentation (strings, flute, and percussion) will make the arrangement shimmer. A gorgeous treatment of an American classic.

Arranger: Keith Christopher

A plaintive opening expands into lush four-part harmony in this compelling a cappella concert selection. Meditative and earnest, Sally's glorious setting of the prayerful text will inspire your finest singers.

Composer: Sally K. Albrecht

Now available for men's voices, the haunting melody of this top-seller has been recorded by everyone from Charlotte Church to Andrea Bocelli, and no wonder: it's gorgeous. The harmonies are lush and unexpected for a 16th century piece. The voice writing is straightforward, with no surprises: Patrick Liebergen lets the beautiful melody and harmonies speak for themselves. The piano accompaniment is supportive and an optional flute part is included. Appropriate for school or church use, year round.

Arranger: Patrick Liebergen | Composer: Giulio Caccini

A popular choice for three-part groups, this authentic Zulu folk song is newly available for SATB and men's choirs. The rhythmic choral parts are routinely punctuated by brief solos and joyful handclaps. Add optional African percussion for even more fun.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

You've heard this famous spiritual before, but wait until you hear it in the skillful hands of Mark Hayes! The piano part offers a fun-filled adventure---challenging, yet doable. The choral parts are so compelling that choir members will beg to sing them again and again. Listeners will be hard pressed to sit quietly in their seats when these walls come a-tumblin' down!

Arranger: Mark Hayes

A bombastic and stately theme, based on stacked modal harmonies, gives a triumphant air to this contemporary setting of the traditional Latin text. Hushed B and C sections offer contrast before recapitulating the grandiose opening and an even fuller final cadence. Timpani, tubular bells, and triangle (which may be downloaded for free) may be performed by a single percussionist and add to the riveting drama.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

A captivating chant opens this a cappella arrangement of the Nigerian Christmas carol, before breaking into a joyous, rhythmic celebration. This well-voiced adaptation allows even developing groups to sing a beloved staple of choral repertoire. Optional percussion parts add to the multicultural excitement!

Arranger: Andy Beck

The guys in your choir will shine singing this a cappella original that sounds like a traditional spiritual. Opens with a syncopated ostinato, adds a compelling minor-key melody, and expands into full four-part harmony. Gradually, voice parts disappear one by one, fading to the end. Newly Available for TTBB.

Composer: Donald Moore

Expressive choral writing anchors this poetic text that describes the bonds of attachment between people who care for one another. The optional opening solo offers an opportunity to feature a standout singer, but the highlight of the piece comes when the entire choir delivers a sincere message of enduring love in resonant three-part harmony.

Arranger: Vicki Tucker Cortney | Composer: John Parker

"There is power in our singing, like a mighty army strong. We stand together proudly, we are brothers in song." Carefully chosen vocal ranges and sensible part writing ensure success for boys in any stage of the changing voice. A strong song for guys, an anthem of brotherhood.

Composer: Lon Beery

A folk-like setting of Maya Angelou's empowering poem, which compares a bird's longing to be liberated with that of all people. Hayes chooses a minor key with plenty of harmonic tension and a walking tempo that suggests the footsteps of those who have come before. The final Picardy third is the ultimate symbol of freedom. This is the second movement from the song cycle Like Dust I Rise.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

Available for the first time for male choruses, Pitoni's Cantate Domino is one of the great masterpieces of standard choral repertoire. Top-notch concert and contest literature.

Arranger: Donald Moore | Composer: Giuseppe Ottavio Pitoni

Now menis choirs can enjoy this expressive original carol in three parts with an optional fourth at cadences. One Latin phrase provides an elegant refrain in this distinctive selection for Christmas concerts and services.

Composer: Donald Moore

Newly scored for TTBB voices, this choral is sure to leave audiences breathless and become a staple of your library for years to come. An enthralling arrangement of the timeless Irish air. This title is available in SmartMusic.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

A thrilling arrangement of the traditional carol that is sure to impress. This reimagined classic features colorful harmonies, vibrant rhythms, theme-and-variations surprises, and a sweeping optional orchestration (heard on the SoundTrax CD and available as a SoundPax). Brief in length, but grand in scope!

Arranger: Chad Weirick

"Desperta Ferro!"---literally, "Rise, iron!" in medieval Catalan---was one of the battle cries employed by the fierce Almogvers as they struck the earth with their weapons, causing sparks to fly from the stones. Here, it becomes the main idea of a thrilling work for Tenor/Bass voices, piano, and optional percussion. Bravado and confidence surge with each additive cry of the powerful, newly composed text. Sure to spark a lifelong love of choral singing!

Composer: Christopher Fox

Powerful and intense! Angular phrases and percussive attacks add to the drama in this contemporary setting of the day of wrath text. A tour de force for accomplished choirs.

Composer: Ruth Morris Gray

Originally scored for mixed voices with a chamber accompaniment, this new TTBB edition includes a keyboard reduction of the instrumental parts, modern clefs, a tempo indication, a Latin pronunciation guide, and optional English words. Also available for SATB (00-5785) and 3-Part Mixed (00-5786). Featured on PianoTrax 3 Accompaniment CD (00-34744).

Arranger: Patrick Liebergen | Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The men in your group will achieve their most mature sound with this powerful setting of a poem about bravery. Sonorous singing and a full piano accompaniment create a dramatic performance that will take your breath away. A tour de force for male choirs.

Arranger: Douglas Wagner | Composer: Douglas Wagner

So many of us studied this song as students, and now our developing choirs can hone their skills with this educationally appropriate arrangement. Perfect voice leading in comfortable ranges, with a musical and supportive piano accompaniment.

Arranger: Lon Beery

Here is a practical and useful arrangement of a well-known American spiritual for 4-part menis choirs. A pleasure to sing, with energized rhythms, achievable a cappella, and chromatic modulations as the body part lyrics unfold. Solid menis repertoire.

Arranger: Donald Moore

This Alfred Music best seller is now available for women's choirs! A fine, fun, and innovative arrangement of a popular spiritual about the prophet Ezekiel. Each verse is freshly approached, adding more and more excitement, building through a chromatically ascending "this bone connected to that bone" section, and ending with a big finish that will bring the house down! Great for festival use with or without the percussive SoundTrax or SoundPax. SoundPax includes parts for 2 a. sax., 2 t. sax., b. sax., 2 tpt., 2 tbn., rhy., perc.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

Wow! A fast swing intro punctuated by piano, bass, drums, and finger snaps leads into a jazzy arrangement of the traditional spiritual unlike any you've ever heard. The excitement grabs your ear right away and doesn't let up, building to an impressive climax at the end. Add your own rhythm section (parts are free online) or our smokin' SoundTrax CD for extra effect.

Arranger: Tom Fettke

This nature-inspired poem celebrates our connection to the rising sun, incorporating equal parts English and Hawaiian text. Rhythmic and harmonic motives sound authentic throughout. Highly creative.

Composer: Ruth Morris Gray

You won't want to miss this vibrant combination of three celebrated spirituals by Sally Albrecht. A sizzling left hand ostinato is set up in the piano introduction, and drives this energized arrangement to its spectacular finish. Elijah Rock, Rock-a My Soul, and Joshua Fit the Battle in a minor key; it's a major knockout! Available in four voicings for choirs of all levels to enjoy the mesmerizing rhythms and cleverly entwined melodies. The fully orchestrated SoundTrax will add drama to your performance. Staging suggestions included. Featured on "On with the Show!" video, #27435.

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

This contemporary gospel-style rouser denounces oppression and serves as a choral anthem for equal rights. A confident solo voice helps deliver a determined message in the unwavering words of Maya Angelou. If performing as a set, an alternate ending segues directly into the closing movement of Like Dust I Rise. When performing separately, Mark Hayes includes an upward modulation that propels us to the final, most spirited refrain.

Arranger: Mark Hayes

This well-edited arrangement includes a charming secular text, light polyphonic texture, changing meters, and contrasting dynamics. Perfect for men's or 3-part mixed choirs as a first madrigal or Renaissance feature.

Arranger: Russell Robinson | Composer: John Farmer

A long-time favorite on the festival circuit for SATB ensembles, "Festival Sanctus" is now available for two-part treble ensembles. It is driving, rhythmic and up-tempo--all the ingredients that create a sure winner. Dynamic and exciting, this joyous selection surpasses the ordinary! This title is available in Music Prodigy.

Arranger: John Leavitt

We won't go until we get some---but how exactly do you make that holiday confection, anyway? Find the answer in this playful, original (and completely secular) holiday canon loosely based on a fragment from "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Prepared with old English Dickensian flair, the round stacks in three, a perfect recipe for building harmony skills.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

Optional solos create the opportunity to feature your strongest boys in this animated arrangement of a traditional Irish folk song. Particular attention is paid to appropriate ranges for young men in any stage of their voice change. Fun for singers and accompanists alike!

Arranger: Lon Beery

This delightful ending to Vijay's Celtic Songs is rollicking fun. With its Celtic accent and rhythmic turns this is a sure crowd pleaser. Your men's chorus will love this one. In the Belwin Festival Choral Series.

Composer: Vijay Singh

A rousing number for the men, based on a sea chantey. The additional new verses are a nautical list of ship's terms, from the galley to the mainsail and everything in between. Don't go down with the ship: "So fetch a bucket of water, boys, there's fire down below!" Yo ho!

Arranger: Jay Althouse