SKU: AP.47723

UPC: 038081544168. English.

Designed for impact in performance without stress in rehearsal, this strong concert/contest opener (or closer) features an accessible Latin text that alternates with English lyrics. A bold unison, sung in sweet-spot vocal ranges, leads to an antiphonal treatment of the marcato theme. A softer section, in three-part counterpoint, provides contrast before returning to the original melody. This celebratory piece works on any program, at any time of year, and provides wonderful lessons for developing choral singers.

About Alfred Choral Designs

The Alfred Choral Designs Series provides student and adult choirs with a variety of secular choral music that is useful, practical, educationally appropriate, and a pleasure to sing. To that end, the Choral Designs series features original works, folk song settings, spiritual arrangements, choral masterworks, and holiday selections suitable for use in concerts, festivals, and contests.

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: AP.49746

UPC: 038081568331. English.

Majestic and exuberant, this quintessential concert/contest selection opens and closes with an accented Latin text theme. In the middle, a contrasting chant-like Resonet in laudibus softens and slows before returning to the rhythmic feel. As expected from experienced writer, Victor Johnson, each voicing is sensitive to appropriate vocal ranges and tessitura. An optional trumpet fanfare is included in the octavo.