Richard Bjella Choral Series

Rene Clausen : It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

Here is a new, original setting of the beloved Edmund Sears text. This new setting cries out for gentleness of spirit, warmth of tone, a touch of wistfulness, and an interpretation always informed by the imagery the text offers.

Composer: Rene Clausen

Kyle Pederson : Last Words

Spread among the three Gospel crucifixion stories are seven evocative statements by Jesus, collectively known as the Seven Last Words of Christ. In this haunting piece, these phrases are set using a blend of English and Latin text--the combination designed to evoke a sense of timelessness. Choir and octet (or small ensemble) interact in a way that explores both the intimacy and impact of the text. A powerful work for an experienced choir.

Composer: Kyle Pederson

Richard Bjella : Over The Rainbow (with Lo, How A Rose)

The arranger writes: I have always loved both of these tunes and the rich harmonic underpinning of both. This particular partnering I have felt compelled to share due to the equal sharing of the beauty of the melodic content in both and the lyrics that are simultaneously hopeful and bittersweet. The combination of the secular and sacred realms touching create a hopeful whole.

Arranger: Richard Bjella | Composer: Harold Arlen

Kyle Pederson : Poor Wayfaring Stranger With (i Want Jesus To Walk With Me)

What a powerful juxtaposition of two iconic African American spirituals: Wayfaring Stranger and I Want Jesus to Walk with Me. I am a stranger in a strange land...how long must we cry out? This impactful work is simultaneously a cry of lament, a song of personal invitation, and a statement of assurance. Echos of past and current hardship (slavery, immigration, pandemic, injustice, isolation) are voiced by choir and soloists throughout this compelling piece and allow multiple perspectives into the text. A journey of sorrow and hope--worthy of the finest choirs.

Composer: Kyle Pederson

Seeking to bridge the ancient Latin phrases from the Protestant Reformation with contemporary chord progressions and harmonic suspensions here is a delicate and chant like piece in the new Richard Bjella Choral Series.

Composer: Kyle Pederson

This pairing of two of the most popular tunes of all time--Beethoven's Ode To Joy and Handel's Joy To The World--create an exciting and inspirational work for holidays or any time of year. The use of large forces will be especially appropriate making this perfect for festivals and honors choirs.

Composer: Handel

Paul McCartney wrote this song following the death of Ringo Starr's first wife Maureen. It is a simple and eloquent expression of tenderhearted friendship, love, grief and hope for brighter days ahead.

Arranger: Paul McCartney | Composer: Paul McCartney | Performed By: Paul McCartney

For the new Richard Bjella Choral Series, here is a powerful concert arrangement of the Christmas Spiritual. This setting features a trio or small group that has the artistic freedom so important in this style of music. Improvisation is also granted to the conductor when interpreting this setting.

Arranger: Stacey C. Gibbs | Composer: Traditional

The New York Voices hit a home run with their beautiful and poignant rendition of this song. Fred Sturm has taken that arrangement and made it appropriate for concert choir. This is a powerful addition to the new Richard Bjella Choral Series.

Arranger: New York Voices | Composer: Paul Simon | Performed By: New York Voices

Here is a piece honoring the youth from your community. In the new Richard Bjella Choral Series, Rick, working with Philadelphia based composer Andrea Clearfield, this is an exhilerating and passionate tour de force.

Composer: Andrea Clearfield