SKU: LO.15-3865H

ISBN 9780787774998.

Inspired by the ceasefire that occured in December of 1914 during World War I, this piece lives in that moment where for a brief moment, the world was at peace. Eyewitness accounts tell us that carols, such as Franz Gruber’s “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night”) were sung (which is feautured in this piece), seasonal greetings in several languages rang out across the trenches, and simple gifts of food and memorabilia were exchanged. In that one brief and beautiful moment, the human spirit triumphed. Fighting ceased, and the world was at peace. An optional reading may be read before the performing that communicates this context to your audience.

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.CM9773

ISBN 9781491164440. UPC: 680160923342. Key: C# minor. English. Christina Rossetti.

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,                                                       Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;                                                               Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,                                                             In the bleak midwinter, long ago.What can I give Him, poor as I am?                                                                                        If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;                                                                         If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;                                                                        Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.The text from this beloved poem of Christina Rossetti (1830–1894) was originally published in an 1872 issue of Scribner’s Monthly, under the title A Christmas Carol. In the first of its five stanzas, the speaker describes in great detail a bitingly cold winter scene, void of both warmth and light. By the final stanza, the speaker's thoughts turn inward, asking what gift they may offer the infant Jesus, meek though they believe themselves to be.The poem was later set by English composer Gustav Holst (1874–1934) as a contribution to the English Hymnal in 1906 and remains the most popular setting today.London-born Rossetti came to be regarded not only as one of the greatest female poets of her time, but as an outspoken advocate on several societal issues, including slavery and cruelty towards animals.In this setting, word painting is of the utmost importance. Careful attention to word stress throughout the course of the piece will make the performance all the more captivating. Descriptive lines such as “frosty wind made moan” should be conveyed with swelling crescendos, like frigid gusts of frozen air.While this piece features an original tune, the beloved Holst melody is also featured briefly, beginning in m. 28. Take care to bring this out.There are plenty of other allusions to wintry scenes scattered throughout the choral parts as well as the accompaniment. I encourage you to put your sleuthing “hats” on and find them all. It will make the learning experience much more memorable and fun.