SKU: GI.G-8098

UPC: 785147809807. English. Text Source: ",Come and find the quiet center". Text by Shirley Erena Murray.

While not a highly liturgical text, this song can find great resonance for all who long for a simpler life that focuses on the presence of the Spirit, uncluttered by too many words and ceaseless activity. The words challenge us to make space for God and, in so doing, make space for others—a space where the creative Spirit of God may act. The choral writing moves from unison to 4-part textures with ample opportunity for solo voices.

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: BT.MUSM570366132

James Lindsay 's Sanbiki No Kashikoi Saru for three voices (SSA). Duration: 5 minutes Composed: 2003 Also published as part of UYMP's Songspin Songbook, ISMN M 57036 603 3. Commissioned and first performed by Juice Vocal Ensemble at the York Spring Festival of New Music, 8th May 2003. The text for this piece is taken from the Japanese myth of the Three Wise Monkeys (sanbiki no kashikoi saru): ‘mi zaru, kika zaru, iwa zaru’ literally translates as ‘nothing seen, nothing heard, nothing said’, but is more commonly known as ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’. The piece itself came before the text and takes as its core influence from the music of the Japanese hip hop/drum andbass star DJ Krush, centering around a sample from his track ‘Trihedron’ from his 2002 album The Message at the Depth.

SKU: AP.46947

UPC: 038081535968. English.

Something special for Hanukkah, a wish for peace throughout the year is the centerpiece. The melody is sung in unison before appearing in echo format, making this gentle choral ballad ideal for those who are new to singing in parts. An optional small group near the end adds a third layer, if desired.