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: 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.

SKU: BT.MUSM570366149

English.

Phillip Neil Martin 's Human Drum for three voices (SSA). Duration: 3 minutes Composed: 2006 Also published as part of UYMP's Songspin Songbook, ISMN M 57036 603 3. Human Drum was a collaboration with the Juice Vocal Ensemble. The piece began in the recording studio where I recorded Juice singing notated fragments I’d popped together and also their own improvisations. I then edited and cut up all the audio into very tiny fragments in a myriad of ways to make a short rhythm-based electronic 3 part vocal piece. This forms part of my larger work Voices of the Asylum for voices, human beatbox, electronics, fashion and space. The final track bares very little resemblance to theoriginal recording studio session. Several weeks after I had finished Human Drum Juice asked me to transcribe the audio so they could sing the piece live (which wasn’t easy to do after all the cutting and processing!), therefore coming full circle! There are now two versions of Human Drum , the studio electronic track and the ‘live’ notated version. Human Drum is dedicated to the Juice Vocal Ensemble with affection. First performed by Juice Vocal Ensemble on 3rd May 2007 at York Spring Festival, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York.

SKU: AP.48853

UPC: 038081561776. English. Andy Beck.

Andy Beck brings his gift for vivid text painting, evocative piano motives, and tuneful melodies to a favorite wintertime poem. Though not a word-for-word setting, the themes of the Elinor Wylie's words are evident from the snow-covered introduction, winding melody, and expressive andante, to the silken harmonic palette and lacy choral layers. Choose this piece with the confidence that it has been carefully constructed to encourage musicality and artistry from any ensemble. Program the eloquent concert and contest work from fall to spring, anytime there might be snow on the ground. We shall walk in velvet shoes . . . under a veil of lace. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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: AP.47714

UPC: 038081544076. English. Traditional Spiritual.

Greg's rhythmic reimagining is just plain fun! An original countermelody is introduced, then layered with some complementary counterpoint, creating a great deal of excitement before the much-anticipated arrival of the familiar traditional spiritual. It's a truly playful and innovative arrangement that two- and three-part groups will adore. Hey, Zeke!

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: AP.46565

UPC: 038081531403. English. Traditional English Round.

A festive setting of the English round that will come together quickly at that busy time of year! A rousing antiphonal treatment (a fanfare) leads into the traditional tune, followed by a newly composed bridge. Later, the unison melody becomes a 2-part, and eventually a 3-part round. A wonderful opener for holiday performances!

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: AP.51094

UPC: 038081581316. English. Traditional Welcome Song.

This lively welcome song traditionally accompanies the West African fanga dance. Built on the familiar tune (plus some new material and a few English words), this general music class favorite is fully developed as a choral arrangement. Scattered handclaps, syncopated rhythms, and bright harmonies make this well-crafted setting a joy to perform! A modulating breakdown section in the middle offers the opportunity to incorporate the dance. Downloadable percussion parts are available online.

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: AP.47614

UPC: 038081543079. English.

From master composer Antonio Vivaldi's Laetatus Sum (a setting of Psalm 121), this edition brings the brief work to today's choirs. Featuring an accessible Latin text and a lively optional cello part, this well-crafted arrangement is an ideal introduction to many of the conventions of Baroque style, including terraced dynamics and the alternation between a small group (or soloist) and the full ensemble.

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: AP.48811

UPC: 038081561356. English.

A solo voice opens this moving anthem of individuality that doubles as a celebration of music. When all the voices join, singers echo warm phrases from part to part and build to an important realization at the bridge: If we all sing together, our songs will become like a symphony. You'll feel a firm tug of the heartstrings as the fully harmonized final verse builds to an impressive cadence and a momentous fermata. An awesome opener or closer in any voicing, and one you won't soon forget.

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.