SKU: CF.CM9731

ISBN 9781491161111. UPC: 680160919703. Key: C major. English.

Johannes Brahms, born May 7, 1833 in Hamburg, Germany and died April 3, 1897 in Vienna where he lived most of his life. Brahms is one of the most famous composers of the Romantic period (1830-1920) although his music has many elements of the Classical period (1750 to 1830) as he followed many of the practices of Classical composers Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. In addition to being a composer, he was also well-known as a pianist and conductor. Brahms began writing the Requiem (also known as the German Requiem, Opus 45) soon after his mother died in February 1865 which caused him great grief. In April of that year, he completed the first, second and fourth movements and completed the rest of the seven movements in May of 1868. How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place (Wie Lieblich sind Deine Wohnungen) was the fourth movement of his seven movement work.   Originally written for SATB voices in E-flat major, this seamlessly similar arrangement for SAB voices, now in C major, affords all voices comfortable ranges. Although, it is approximately 5 minutes and 30 seconds in length, it is perceived to be much shorter because of the contrasting stylistic sections within the work. How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place is one of the most beautiful choral pieces by Brahms, perhaps in the entire Romantic period.   Although Brahms wrote the original piano reduction, in this edition, it has been made more accessible for pianists with a wide range of skills. Pay close attention to the dynamic markings throughout the piece, making them apparent to the voices, conductor, and audience. I hope you enjoy singing this beautiful and timeless piece by Johannes Brahms! Russell Robinson, Arranger        .
Johannes Brahms, born May 7, 1833 in Hamburg, Germany and died April 3, 1897 in Vienna where he lived most of his life. Brahms is one of the most famous composers of the Romantic period (1830-1920) although his music has many elements of the Classical period (1750 to 1830) as he followed many of the practices of Classical composers Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.  In addition to being a composer, he was also well-known as a pianist and conductor.  Brahms began writing the Requiem (also known as the German Requiem, Opus 45) soon after his mother died in February 1865 which caused him great grief.  In April of that year, he completed the first, second and fourth movements and completed the rest of the seven movements in May of 1868.  How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place (Wie Lieblich sind Deine Wohnungen) was the fourth movement of his seven movement work. Originally written for SATB voices in E-flat major, this seamlessly similar arrangement for SAB voices, now in C major, affords all voices comfortable ranges. Although, it is approximately 5 minutes and 30 seconds in length, it is perceived to be much shorter because of the contrasting stylistic sections within the work. How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place is one of the most beautiful choral pieces by Brahms, perhaps in the entire Romantic period. Although Brahms wrote the original piano reduction, in this edition, it has been made more accessible for pianists with a wide range of skills.  Pay close attention to the dynamic markings throughout the piece, making them apparent to the voices, conductor, and audience.I hope you enjoy singing this beautiful and timeless piece by Johannes Brahms!Russell Robinson, Arranger    .

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.