Mary Goetze Choral Series

Juan Orrego-Sala, a noted Latin American composer, is Professor Emeritis of Composition and Latin American Music at the Indiana University School of Music. This charming set of Christmas pieces reflects his native country, Chile, not only in the language, but in the characteristic rhythms and harmonies. The second of the three, Alleluya, can be extracted for year-round performance, and, although diminutive in length, deserves a place along side the well-known "Alleluia" by Randall Thompson with whom the composer studied.

Arranger: Mary Goetze

Arranger: Mary Goetze

The poem which inspired this piece was written by a thirteen-year-old girl. In it, she expresses the power of fire, of its life-giving and life-consuming potential, in simple and clear form.

Arranger: Mary Goetze

A beautiful melody accompanied by a simple yet lush piano accompaniment, this work provides unique moments for singers to sing expressively and create a tender mood through dynamic contrasts. With a setting of the ancient children's prayer Now I lay me down to sleep in the middle, this song reassures us that we are loved, known, and never alone. With flute part. Duration: ca. 3:45.

Arranger: Mary Goetze

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.

Arranger: Mary Goetze

Arranger: Mary Goetze

Arranger: Mary Goetze

Composer Mary Goetze states that this song sprang from within me as she thought about the many directors ad teachers who have dedicated their lives to children's choirs and music education - thus enriching the lives of so many children through singing. The cascading vocal parts of the refrain that move predominantly by stepwise motion as well as the optional unison verses, contribute to the accessibility of this choral work. Duration: 4:30.

Arranger: Mary Goetze

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.

Arranger: Mary Goetze

Arranger: Mary Goetze

This short piece 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.

Arranger: Mary Goetze

Arranger: Mary Goetze | Composer: Traditional

This Russian folk song is transcribed and arranged here based on a version sung by Olga and Kristina Bashirin in Irkutsk, Russia, in July of 1993. Includes both English and Russian text with pronunciation guide for the Russian.

Arranger: Lana Walter

This lovely southern folksong is set for three-part treble voices, and features one verse in unison, one in canon, and a third which features two ostinati in the outer voices and a beautiful melodic line in the middle voice, giving all voices an opportunity to sing both melody and harmony. Duration: ca. 3:00.

Arranger: Nancy Boone Allsbrook

Arranger: Mary Goetze

This utterly charming and accessible three-part arrangement for treble choir progresses from unison to 2- and 3-part counterpoint. The upbeat and gently syncopated third verse of Shady Grove is cleverly juxtaposed with the folk song The Cuckoo, whose call can be heard in the flute part throughout. Choirs will enjoy the opportunity to develop a sense of phrasing, while singing musically and expressively. Duration: 3:10.

Arranger: Nancy Boone Allsbrook/Glenda Goodin

Arranger: Mary Goetze

Arranger: Mary Goetze

Musical elements of the setting of this William Blake text, such as the piccolo in the Dorian mode and occasional open fifths at cadences evoke the life described in the poem. Available for 3-Part Treble and Piccolo. Performance Time: Approx. 4:00.

Arranger: Mary Goetze

Arranger: Mary Goetze