SKU: BT.MUSM570366071

Cruel Sister for three voices (SSA), a traditional ballad arranged by Sarah Dacey . Duration: 4 minutes. Composed: 2010 Also published as part of UYMP's Songspin Songbook, ISMN M 57036 603 3. This murder ballad first appeared in broadside in 1656 as The Twa Sisters but is also known as Binnorie and The Singing Bone. The versions vary a great deal, for example the Norse version has the authorities bring the family a pipe to identify the murderer. When the older sister plays it, blood drips from it and she is condemned to death and pulled apart by horses. My version ends with her unsuccessfully trying to smash the harp in two and then running into the forests, driven mad by the songwhich will forever pursue her. First performed by Juice Vocal Ensemble on 28th July 2010 at Harrogate Festival, St James’ Church, Birstwith.

SKU: CF.CM9718

ISBN 9781491160978. UPC: 680160919574. Key: D major. English. Manmohan Ghose.

Manmohan Ghose was a professor, poet, and brilliant scholar from Eastern India in the late 19th century. He was educated in London, and was one of the first poets originally from India to publish poetry in English. A Lament is one of his earliest published poems; it progresses with vivid, scenic language from lullaby to permanent goodbye. Much later in life, Manmohan experienced a series of family tragedies that gave him a unique perspective on grief. After returning to India to mourn his father's death and eventually the passing of his wife, he never again made it back to England as he had wished to before his own death. The text of this piece has been paired with a mixolydian modal structure and a blend of musical elements designed to invoke a nostalgic, dream-like atmosphere. In the words of the composer: I like to think of this piece as a metaphorical hall of mirrors. The original 'image' of the melody becomes the source for multiple echoes and imitations that blossom into layers of polyphonic movement. As a nod to the poet's birth place, notes reminiscent of the kan-swar grace note technique of Hindustani classical music add ornamental interest to the piano and voices. This piece functions as an excellent educational introduction or further study into the concept of modes. When presenting this piece to a choir, directors may find it helpful to identify G as the tonal center and follow up with an explanation that G mixolydian has the same key signature as the key of C, because it naturally has no sharps or flats.
Manmohan Ghose was a professor, poet, and brilliant scholar from Eastern India in the late 19th century. He was educated in London, and was one of the first poets originally from India to publish poetry in English. “A Lament” is one of his earliest published poems; it progresses with vivid, scenic language from lullaby to permanent goodbye. Much later in life, Manmohan experienced a series of family tragedies that gave him a unique perspective on grief. After returning to India to mourn his father’s death and eventually the passing of his wife, he never again made it back to England as he had wished to before his own death. The text of this piece has been paired with a mixolydian modal structure and a blend of musical elements designed to invoke a nostalgic, dream-like atmosphere. In the words of the composer: “I like to think of this piece as a metaphorical hall of mirrors. The original ‘image’ of the melody becomes the source for multiple echoes and imitations that blossom into layers of polyphonic movement.” As a nod to the poet’s birth place, notes reminiscent of the kan-swar grace note technique of Hindustani classical music add ornamental interest to the piano and voices. This piece functions as an excellent educational introduction or further study into the concept of modes. When presenting this piece to a choir, directors may find it helpful to identify G as the tonal center and follow up with an explanation that G mixolydian has the same key signature as the key of C, because it naturally has no sharps or flats.

SKU: HP.C6289

UPC: 763628162894.

Original hymn tune Thomas Chisholm's beloved hymn text is given a new melody and dynamic choral treatment by Joel Raney, complete with a powerful orchestral accompaniment, now also available for medium-high voice vocal soloists. . The familiar words of this classic hymn come to life afresh in this compelling new treatment. The orchestration by Brant Adams includes parts for conductor's score, 2 flutes, oboe, 2 clarinets in B-flat, bassoon, 2 horns in F, 3 trumpets in B-flat, 2 trombones, bass trombone or tuba, timpani, percussion 1 and 2, harp, 2 violins, viola, cello, and double bass.