SKU: CF.CM9747

ISBN 9781491162354. UPC: 680160921102. Key: E lydian. English. The Vastness of the Universe Jonas Hallgrimsson (1807-1845).

About Jónas Halgrímsson (1807-1845) was an Icelandic poet, author and naturalist, who is considered one of Iceland's most renowned poets. Considered a Romantic writer, the strong imagery in his poetry was influenced heavily by the landscapes around him.The imagery, excitement, and curiosity of the universe leapt off the page and the music almost wrote itself.  Reflecting on the cosmos and origin of the heavens, the poetry elicits excitement and stirs spatial imagery - ...speeding spark of light, ...wings swifter than wind..., ...I watched the stars...rise from the still stream of heaven... The pure and almost child-like fascination with the universe and its expansion and progression fuels the perpetual rhythm of the work as it continually pushes forward.A good friend asked if I would write a song for her ensemble. The original voicing, for SAB choir, contained parameters in that it had to be three-part with a limited range in the Bass part. With these stipulations I began to write. I searched for something that would be exciting for them and landed on Jonas Halgrimsson’s writings. I believe it is equally as exciting, accessible and challenging for treble choirs.Note to the DirectorTruly consider how the work can come to ‘life’ off the page. Rise and fall with phrase and sometimes each note. The magic exists beyond the ink on the page!Consideration to range, tessitura, and content was all considered as part of this process in creating music that is accessible to all programs and ensembles.Accompaniment NoteThe accompaniment can look intimidating, but please feel free to alter the pulsing eighth notes in the left hand with the eighth notes in the right-hand so it creates a compound rhythm. So long as the momentum of the work is pressed onward, you are doing this work justice.
About Jónas Halgrímsson (1807-1845) was an Icelandic poet, author and naturalist, who is considered one of Iceland's most renowned poets. Considered a Romantic writer, the strong imagery in his poetry was influenced heavily by the landscapes around him.The imagery, excitement, and curiosity of the universe leapt off the page and the music almost wrote itself.  Reflecting on the cosmos and origin of the heavens, the poetry elicits excitement and stirs spatial imagery - ...speeding spark of light, ...wings swifter than wind..., ...I watched the stars...rise from the still stream of heaven... The pure and almost child-like fascination with the universe and its expansion and progression fuels the perpetual rhythm of the work as it continually pushes forward.A good friend asked if I would write a song for her ensemble. The original voicing, for SAB choir, contained parameters in that it had to be three-part with a limited range in the Bass part. With these stipulations I began to write. I searched for something that would be exciting for them and landed on Jonas Halgrimsson’s writings. I believe it is equally as exciting, accessible and challenging for treble choirs.Note to the DirectorTruly consider how the work can come to ‘life’ off the page. Rise and fall with phrase and sometimes each note. The magic exists beyond the ink on the page!Consideration to range, tessitura, and content was all considered as part of this process in creating music that is accessible to all programs and ensembles.Accompaniment NoteThe accompaniment can look intimidating, but please feel free to alter the pulsing eighth notes in the left hand with the eighth notes in the right-hand so it creates a compound rhythm. So long as the momentum of the work is pressed onward, you are doing this work justice.
About Jónas Halgrímsson (1807-1845) was an Icelandic poet, author and naturalist, who is considered one of Iceland's most renowned poets. Considered a Romantic writer, the strong imagery in his poetry was influenced heavily by the landscapes around him.The imagery, excitement, and curiosity of the universe leapt off the page and the music almost wrote itself.  Reflecting on the cosmos and origin of the heavens, the poetry elicits excitement and stirs spatial imagery - ...speeding spark of light, ...wings swifter than wind..., ...I watched the stars...rise from the still stream of heaven... The pure and almost child-like fascination with the universe and its expansion and progression fuels the perpetual rhythm of the work as it continually pushes forward.A good friend asked if I would write a song for her ensemble. The original voicing, for SAB choir, contained parameters in that it had to be three-part with a limited range in the Bass part. With these stipulations I began to write. I searched for something that would be exciting for them and landed on Jonas Halgrimsson’s writings. I believe it is equally as exciting, accessible and challenging for treble choirs.Note to the DirectorTruly consider how the work can come to ‘life’ off the page. Rise and fall with phrase and sometimes each note. The magic exists beyond the ink on the page!Consideration to range, tessitura, and content was all considered as part of this process in creating music that is accessible to all programs and ensembles.Accompaniment NoteThe accompaniment can look intimidating, but please feel free to alter the pulsing eighth notes in the left hand with the eighth notes in the right-hand so it creates a compound rhythm. So long as the momentum of the work is pressed onward, you are doing this work justice.
About Jónas Halgrímsson (1807-1845) was an Icelandic poet, author and naturalist, who is considered one of Iceland's most renowned poets. Considered a Romantic writer, the strong imagery in his poetry was influenced heavily by the landscapes around him.The imagery, excitement, and curiosity of the universe leapt off the page and the music almost wrote itself.  Reflecting on the cosmos and origin of the heavens, the poetry elicits excitement and stirs spatial imagery - ...speeding spark of light, ...wings swifter than wind..., ...I watched the stars...rise from the still stream of heaven... The pure and almost child-like fascination with the universe and its expansion and progression fuels the perpetual rhythm of the work as it continually pushes forward.A good friend asked if I would write a song for her ensemble. The original voicing, for SAB choir, contained parameters in that it had to be three-part with a limited range in the Bass part. With these stipulations I began to write. I searched for something that would be exciting for them and landed on Jonas Halgrimsson’s writings. I believe it is equally as exciting, accessible and challenging for treble choirs.Note to the DirectorTruly consider how the work can come to ‘life’ off the page. Rise and fall with phrase and sometimes each note. The magic exists beyond the ink on the page!Consideration to range, tessitura, and content was all considered as part of this process in creating music that is accessible to all programs and ensembles.Accompaniment NoteThe accompaniment can look intimidating, but please feel free to alter the pulsing eighth notes in the left hand with the eighth notes in the right-hand so it creates a compound rhythm. So long as the momentum of the work is pressed onward, you are doing this work justice.
About Jónas Halgrímsson (1807-1845) was an Icelandic poet, author and naturalist, who is considered one of Iceland's most renowned poets. Considered a Romantic writer, the strong imagery in his poetry was influenced heavily by the landscapes around him.The imagery, excitement, and curiosity of the universe leapt off the page and the music almost wrote itself.  Reflecting on the cosmos and origin of the heavens, the poetry elicits excitement and stirs spatial imagery - ...speeding spark of light, ...wings swifter than wind..., ...I watched the stars...rise from the still stream of heaven... The pure and almost child-like fascination with the universe and its expansion and progression fuels the perpetual rhythm of the work as it continually pushes forward.A good friend asked if I would write a song for her ensemble. The original voicing, for SAB choir, contained parameters in that it had to be three-part with a limited range in the Bass part. With these stipulations I began to write. I searched for something that would be exciting for them and landed on Jonas Halgrimsson’s writings. I believe it is equally as exciting, accessible and challenging for treble choirs.Note to the DirectorTruly consider how the work can come to ‘life’ off the page. Rise and fall with phrase and sometimes each note. The magic exists beyond the ink on the page!Consideration to range, tessitura, and content was all considered as part of this process in creating music that is accessible to all programs and ensembles.Accompaniment NoteThe accompaniment can look intimidating, but please feel free to alter the pulsing eighth notes in the left hand with the eighth notes in the right-hand so it creates a compound rhythm. So long as the momentum of the work is pressed onward, you are doing this work justice.
About Jónas Halgrímsson (1807-1845) was an Icelandic poet, author and naturalist, who is considered one of Iceland's most renowned poets. Considered a Romantic writer, the strong imagery in his poetry was influenced heavily by the landscapes around him.The imagery, excitement, and curiosity of the universe leapt off the page and the music almost wrote itself.  Reflecting on the cosmos and origin of the heavens, the poetry elicits excitement and stirs spatial imagery - ...speeding spark of light, ...wings swifter than wind..., ...I watched the stars...rise from the still stream of heaven... The pure and almost child-like fascination with the universe and its expansion and progression fuels the perpetual rhythm of the work as it continually pushes forward.A good friend asked if I would write a song for her ensemble. The original voicing, for SAB choir, contained parameters in that it had to be three-part with a limited range in the Bass part. With these stipulations I began to write. I searched for something that would be exciting for them and landed on Jonas Halgrimsson’s writings. I believe it is equally as exciting, accessible and challenging for treble choirs.Note to the DirectorTruly consider how the work can come to ‘life’ off the page. Rise and fall with phrase and sometimes each note. The magic exists beyond the ink on the page!Consideration to range, tessitura, and content was all considered as part of this process in creating music that is accessible to all programs and ensembles.Accompaniment NoteThe accompaniment can look intimidating, but please feel free to alter the pulsing eighth notes in the left hand with the eighth notes in the right-hand so it creates a compound rhythm. So long as the momentum of the work is pressed onward, you are doing this work justice.

SKU: GI.G-7020

UPC: 785147702009. English, Spanish. Translation: Mary Louise Bringle. Text by Juan Damián.

The milonga is a song-dance developed around 1870 by the cultures co-existing in Buenos Aires at the time. This piece, with a Mary Louise Bringle translation, explores the mystery of God: “I think I know, but barely grasp it . . .” and calls for greater faith. The music is slow, rhythmic, richly harmonic, and mesmerizing.

Slow, rhythmic, richly harmonic, and mesmerizing.

SKU: AP.47639

UPC: 038081543321. English.

A folk-infused ballad celebrating the miracle of Hanukkah. Originally recorded by 90s pop sensation Lisa Loeb, this reflective change-of-pace choral features a rhythmic yet mellow accompaniment and straightforward but expressive vocal parts. Whether you perform with the guitar-inspired piano part, the optional SoundTrax CD, or a folk ensemble of your own, this is truly a special touch for holiday concerts.

Because of changes in our school's schedule and the taking away of the music requirement in 7th and 8th grade, our choir numbers have dropped significantly. Searching for music that has educational value and that the choir will sound good on (we know that's important for the parents and faculty) I came across Light arranged by Andy Beck. This quickly became a favorite of my choir! The kids are excited to rehearse it every day and the sound they are achieving fits the folk-like feel of the piece.

We are using the 2-Part version. Being 7th and 8th graders, of my nine boys, three are unchanged voices (singing alto as written) and my other six are in varying stages of voice change. Those six are bouncing back and forth between alto and soprano parts, singing them down an octave.

Thank you for providing a great piece for the holiday season!

Matt Albrecht
Choir Director
Copley-Fairlawn Middle School

About Alfred Pop Choral Series

The Alfred Pop Series features outstanding arrangements of songs from the popular music genre. These publications provide exciting, contemporary, and educationally-sound arrangements for singers of all ages, from elementary through high school, to college and adult choirs.