John Leavitt : To Shorten Winter's Sadness

The Hal Leonard Choral Treasury series has become the benchmark for clean, functional, well edited scores. This madrigal by the early English composer Thomas Weelkes is all of that and more. And the text lends itself to a winter program as well as any time during the year.

Arranger: John Leavitt | Composer: Thomas Weelkes

Uses: Christmas, Christmas Eve Scripture: Luke 2:13-14 This ancient carol from Canada mingles Native American imagery with the story of the Christ child. The novel arrangement returns the song to its origins utilizing a primal choral ostinato in the men's voices with the tuneful melody wafting above. Incorporating a full use of vocal ranges this atmospheric compositional approach hints at soaring angels and winter wind. Pristine as fresh snow, this a cappella offering provides a satisfying moment in your seasonal programming.

Arranger: Robert L. Cathey

Lilting and joyful, Dave and Jean Perry have written a must-have choral for your holiday or winter concert. Good use of unison as well as independent part singing fill this piece with excellent musical moments for teaching. The text is bright and up-beat about the many familiar sights of winter. It's just delightful.

Composer: Jean Perry

In Katherine Tynan's Christmas poem, verses describing the bitterness and gloom of winter alternate with couplets describing the gentle miracle of Christ's birth. In Sheena Phillips' musical setting, dissonance and disquiet in the verses contrast with the sweeter harmonies and lilting endings of each couplet. This beautiful and poignant piece culminates in a joyful chorus of interlocking exclamations: Noel! Our Lord is born! Duration: ca. 4 minutes 30 seconds.

Arranger: Sheena Philips

Highly mood sensitive with great attention to the text, this is a special piece for the winter season.

Composer: Lane Johnson

This bright, animated original piece truly captures the excitement of the winter holiday season. Opening with a lively rhythmic theme, a contrasting legato section follows with the active theme returning and echoed in the piano for a sparkling finish. Your choirs will enjoy sharing this musical greeting and happy seasonal message!

Composer: David A Perry; Jean Perry

This bright, animated original piece truly captures the excitement of the winter holiday season. Opening with a lively rhythmic theme, a contrasting legato section follows with the active theme returning and echoed in the piano for a sparkling finish. Your choirs will enjoy sharing this musical greeting and happy seasonal message!

Composer: David A Perry; Jean Perry

This graceful original song for Advent is extracted from the best-selling cantata Winter's Grace. Invoking the images of winter as a spiritual metaphor, the text conveys a deep yearning spirit. Unison singing delivers the poetry of the verse with clarity before surrendering to the harmonic richness of the refrain. Precious and powerful, this anthem can also be used as a prayer response. Highly recommended! Score and Parts (fl 1-2, ob, cl 1-2, bn, hn 1-2, tpt 1-3, tbn 1-2, btbn/tba, timp, perc 1-2, hp, pno, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) available as a digital download.

Composer: Joseph M. Martin

This work for treble voices, cello and classical guitar begins with an ostinato repetition of the title, before the entrance of the melodic theme superimposed in counterpoint with the cello melody. The texture becomes more homophonic and builds to a climax before dissolving into a counterpoint on the words not quite the same with the cello and voices above a ground. Duration: 4:30.

Arranger: Richard Kidd

The memories of a winter night are revealed in this lovely song by the artist Enya, with layered harmonies, gentle pulsing chords and an expressive, reflective text. You will set the perfect mood with the winter imagery portrayed in this easily learned selection. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. String parts (vn, va, vc, db) available as a digital download. Duration: ca. 3:00.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder Performed By: Enya

Uses: Christmas, Christmas Eve Scripture: Luke 2:8-9 This useful SAB voicing brings accessibility to a beloved English carol. A supportive and attractive piano accompaniment fills in the harmonic structure making the overall effect of the piece rich and satisfying. Perfect for cantata crunch time, this anthem can be learned quickly and enrich any holiday worship service.

Arranger: David Lantz III

Blizzard! is an expressive choral depicting a coming snowstorm! Sung in a brisk 6/8 meter with articulation, dynamic contrast, and a very expressive piano accompaniment, the listener easily imagines the snowflakes as they come down one by one, swirling and building into a blizzard of choral sound and excitement. A fresh winter number! Available separately: SATB, SAB, PianoTrax CD (35027473). Duration: ca. 2:26.

Composer: Vicki Tucker Courtney

Opening with swirling, undulating accompaniment and minor harmonies, this setting of Shakespeare's famous text from As You Like It then moves to a festive major key with the Heigh, ho, the holly section. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA. Duration: ca. 2:15.

Composer: John Purifoy | Poetry By: William Shakespear

Autumn gives a final sigh, smoky clouds across the sky. Now the snow begins to fly on the breath of winter. Gorgeous imagery captured in a choral work that is elegant and mysterious accompanied by compelling piano writing. For mixed voices as well as women, this simple and poetic choral will be a stunning moment to be remembered.

Composer: Greg Gilpin

Familiar and original words combine with two well-known melodies creating a refreshing and lovely work for Christmas and winter. With ease and grace, this choral is a musical setting worthy of any December performance for mixed voices as well as men's and women's ensembles.

Arranger: Douglas Wagner | Composer: Gustav Holst

After an opening that evokes a confused and troubled world, this work bursts into a sweeping attempt to drive the world's coldness away in favor of love. Flute part included. Duration: Approx. 3:00 Concert recording (p) 2003 Minnesota Public Radio. Used with permission of Minnesota Public Radio and the University of Cincinnati.

Composer: Abbie Betinis

Set in a haunting minor mode, this piece evokes a sense of mystery that portrays the winter landscape. Excellent for developing part-singing skills, this selection will bring an interesting change of pace to winter and other concerts.

Composer: John Purifoy

Share the sights and sounds of December with this cheerful holiday original that will warm every heart! Easily learned for younger choirs in elementary and middle school. With flute. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, Unison/opt. 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:30.

Composer: Emily Crocker

Everyone recognizes this Mozart melody, presented here with a vivid winter text. Perfect for younger singers--to touch upon music history, to ignite their imaginations.

Arranger: Marti Lunn Lantz | Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Country: Germany

This original work with text from a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier creates a sense of awe as we visualize a flower in the midst of the frozen landscape of winter. Singers will be challenged to shape phrases artfully and blend chords for a rich concert expression.

Composer: John Purifoy

This exquisite text is set for SSA voices and includes long, glorious lines of vocal beauty in unison, 2-part and 3-part singing. Perfect for winter concerts, the text also lends itself to any festival and contest opportunity. Available: SSA; PianoTrax 2012.

Composer: Vicki Tucker Courtney

You'll thrill to the wintry sights and sounds that this sparkling Russian folksong evokes as it celebrates the first snowfall of winter! Perform it in English or with the very short and easily-learned Russian text, this will be a delightful choice for holiday and winter programs. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Country: Russia

Frozen In evokes the icy calm of a placid winter evening walk, not just any walk but the walk of great friends with a long shared history. The crystalline imagery of the poetry is perfectly depicted in this setting for women's voices, evoking the calm of the atmosphere and the icy walk. With violin.

Composers: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez | Musical: Frozen

(Gallina) 2-Part

Arranger: Jill Gallina | Composer: Steve Nelson

Two standards originally paired by the great Tony Bennett make a sweet and charming winter/holiday showcase for all types of choirs! Includes: I Love the Winter Weather, I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.

Arranger: Mac Huff

Text: Robert Southwell Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes Difficulty level: 3 The Ceremony of Carols is one of Britten's best-known and most-performed works. It is a brilliantly conceived and dramatic concert work which sees the voices process to their places singing unaccompanied plainsong and, at the end, processing out again to the same chant. These movements can also be accompanied but strictly only if the voices do not process. The final Alleluia can be repeated as many times as necessary to get the singers to and from their destination. The carols are for three-part children's voices (though, of course they can be sung by female adults as well) and they form a two-part work around a central Interlude for harp which is based on the plainsong from the Procession. Variety is the key word here as all the carols have such individual identities. The forthright Wolcum Yole!, the deliciously lyrical There is no Rose, the swinging Balulalow, the fiery and dramatic This little Babe all contribute

Composer: Benjamin Britten

And as the snow falls from above, we fill our hearts with joy and love and tidings of peace to one and all. A picturesque choral for winter, rich with nostalgia and glowing vocals is achieved in this original from Victor Johnson. A beautiful selection for Christmas or holidays as well as winter-themed concerts.

Composer: Victor C. Johnson

Treble choirs in middle school will enjoy this reflective work that sings of the beauty of the night sky in winter and looks forward to the spring flowers to come. A beautiful melody and rich supportive accompaniment make this an expressive addition to your concert and contest repertoire! Duration: ca. 2:15.

Composer: John Purifoy

Here's the perfect selection for any winter concert - an upbeat pairing of two original partner melodies that shares the joy of an unexpected snowfall. Simple choreography notes are included. Available separately: 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: 3:00.

Composer: Stephen Lawrence

The wonders of nature and the winter landscape are the images evoked in this reflective work for treble voices. Accessible enough for younger ensembles, yet with a sophisticated flair that makes it appropriate for high school and up. Duration: ca. 3:25.

Composer: John Purifoy

Imagine the excitement of winter and first snowfall! Owl City brings their whimsical and fresh sounds to the holidays with this song that captures the childlike wonders of the season. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:15.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder Performed By: Owl City

Beginning with Morning, this choral moves into the rollicking Hall of the Mountain King with equally fitting lyrics teaching the things and ways of the folks from Scandinavia. What a unique winter and holiday selection - classic songs with a multicultural twist creating a novel number for your concert. Lois and Marti have done it again!

Arranger: Marti Lunn Lantz | Country: Scandinavia

This is the 2005 winner of the VocalEssence Welcome Christmas! Carol Contest. Written for SSATBB chorus, mezzo soprano solo, and cello solo, this multi-textured work elegantly conveys the story of the birth of Jesus, ending in a chorale that is as tender and mild as the story itself.

Composer: Jocelyn Hagen

The simple structure of Edward Caswall's poem provides a welcome framework upon which to set this beautiful, original carol. With the viola serving as a solo voice and commenting on the choral passages, this carol will provide a sense of simplicity, balance and an inner peace that we all look for during the Christmas season. Duration: ca. 3:20. Performed by VocalEssence. Philip Brunelle, conductor. Used with permission.

Composer: Robert Sieving

Commissioned for the 35th anniversary of the Vancouver Men's Chorus, this work celebrates the diverse beauty of the winter season. It can be performed with piano only but the optional instrumental accompaniment for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, bass and percussion make this a winter concert centerpiece.

Composer: Mark Sirett

A silent winter landscape is portrayed in sound in this evocative setting for women's voices. Snowflakes gently fall covering the ground, clothing field and meadow with a blanket of down. A marvelous choice for winter, festival or contest programming! Duration: ca. 3:50.

Composer: Patti Drennan

Vibrant mixed meters and buoyant vocal writing make this work for treble voices a joyful celebration of winter! Comparing a sudden snow storm to a shepherd piping down the valley with his flocks, the poetry combines with the music to create a vivid and exciting showcase for treble choirs.

Composer: Christina Whitten Thomas

Perfect for winter shows and easily interpreted for Christmas and holiday concerts, this gentle ballad speaks of evergreen trees, wishes, shining light, and peace and hope for the world. Capture that special moment with this gentle work. Available: 3-Part Mixed; 2-Part; PianoTrax CD.

Composer: Jerry Estes

A sense of awe and mystery is depicted in the text and music of this original work as well as our unique connection to nature, the earth, the sun and the movement of the spheres. Although not specifically limited to the Winter Solstice, the mood of this piece gives it special appeal for winter and holiday programming. Available separately: SATB, SSA. Duration: ca. 2:55.

Composer: John Purifoy

The text and music are artfully set in this evocative original work, painting a haunting image of a starry sky over a barren winter landscape and drawing a musical comparison of the blanket of flowers soon to follow in the spring. Wonderful for building tone and expression in developing treble ensembles! For 2-Part voices with optional descant. Discovery Level 2. Available separately: 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: 3:25.

Composer: Laura Farnell

A tender new song describing the lovely winter sky is combined with new lyrics for Silent Night in this partner song. Perfect for holiday or winter programs. Available separately: 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 2:55.

Arranger: Mary Donnelly

Based on a poem by Julia H. Scott (1809-1842), this original choral expresses the beauty of seeing the first snow of the winter season. Gorgeous piano writing supporting full harmonic loveliness truly depicts the sights and sounds of a winter scene.

Composer: Heather Sorenson

Trotta's fine vocal writing sets a text adapted from Stein's poem into a picture postcard of winter beauty. The piano is rhythmic with forward motion under interesting vocals lines that paint each phrase. There were frosted-painted people, and a frosted church and steeple and a frosted bridge and river tumbling over frosted rocks. A superb selection for women's voices and treble choirs.

Composer: Michael John Trotta

The charming "d'una ro ro ro" Catalan carol is given special significance in this Mark Hayes treatment. An unhurried tempo and a full choral harmonization reveal the symbolic nature of the Catalan or English text. A lovely multicultural selection for school, an effective anthem for church. Featured on PianoTrax 3 Accompaniment CD (00-34744).

Arranger: Mark Hayes | Country: Catalan

Recently featured by the Blind Boys of Alabama, this is not to be missed. Energetic and fun to sing, this will be a favorite for years to come. A real powerhouse!Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00.

Arranger: Mac Huff

This piece portrays nature as a magical, living entity. While the vocal lines are generally supported by the piano, during the middle section they perform independently as the piano accompaniment adds a descant melody above. Duration: ca. 2:30.

Arranger: Daniel Shaw

This Hoagy Carmichael song has a fresh sound in this jazzy samba setting. An excellent change of pace for jazz/show choirs and all types of winter programming!

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Hoagy Carmichael

Here at last, as a single octavo, is the celebrated theme song from the best selling cantata, The Winter Rose. Based melodically on the English folk song The Salley Garden, this winsome song lends an enchanting atmosphere to any Christmas gathering. Beautifully orchestrated by Brant Adams, this easily-learned choral is sure to become a favorite!

Composer: Joseph Martin

Based on a poem by Emily Dickinson, this original work captures the essence of a snow-covered rural landscape through beautiful textual imagery and skillful writing. An excellent introduction to part singing for developing choirs! Available separately: 2-Part, 3-Part Mixed, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:30.

Composer: Audrey Snyder | Poetry By: Emily Dickinson

The simplicity of this work for mixed voices is captivating! With interesting 6/8 and 3/4 alternating meters, major/minor shifts and imitative vocal textures, your choirs will create a special concert moment!

Composer: Brian Tate