SKU: GI.G-9035

UPC: 785147903505. English. Text Source: Stream of Life, verse 69 from Gitanjali, 1912. Text by Rabindranath Tagore.

I have recently been incredibly inspired by the writings of the great Bengali mystic Rabindranath Tagore, whose monumental collection of poetry Gitanjali won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. This book introduces the reader to a new awareness of the world that surrounds us, deepening the connection between nature and the human spirit that we all yearn for. Verse 69 is particularly joyful and life-affirming: an ecstatic realization of the energies that move in ceaseless ebb and flow through us, our lives, and our natural environment. Each individual line of this verse has a unique character and color, so I have placed each in a key that I feel suits the mood of the text. The constantly flowing ostinati that weave their way throughout are collectively a musical representation of the “stream of life” to which Tagore refers. This flowing line can be found even in the subdued third line of text, which makes reference to the “ocean-cradle of birth and of death.” In similar fashion, the more complex rhythmic cells found within the stream (e.g., measures 21–40) are a product of Tagore’s ecstatic tone. Ultimately this piece is simply meant to be an expression of joy. It is dedicated with great admiration to the commissioning ensemble, the Fort Myers High School Greenwave Singers, and their conductor Matt Koller. This tremendous ensemble is a prime example of choral music education in practice in the United States, and I feel honored to have been given this opportunity to work with them. —Thomas LaVoy.

SKU: AP.46386

UPC: 038081527659. English.

The title of this piece never appears in the lyrics, but provides an overarching metaphor for the text. Themes of strength, guidance, and living by example are at the heart of this inspiring choral. Superb voice leading makes the warm harmonic twists and turns accessible for any age choir, and the ebb and flow of the piano represents a turbulent sea. Expressive and elevating!

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: OU.9780193572263

ISBN 9780193572263. 10 x 7 inches.

For SSATB and piano Come Back Like the Sea sets a Sara Teasdale poem that uses the metaphor of the ocean's tide to symbolize life's ups and downs. The music captures the sea imagery and sense of yearning with a captivating opening soundscape, melodies that ebb and flow like the tide, and an evocative piano part that weaves throughout the work.

SKU: OU.9780193523845

ISBN 9780193523845. 10 x 7 inches.

For SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied McGrath's setting of this well-known fourteenth-century macaronic text is expressive and rich. The melodies have a chant-like quality and the metrical changes create a compelling ebb and flow. This carol is evocative of an ancient choral tradition, while at the same time offering a fresh choral sound.

SKU: GI.G-10479

UPC: 785147047919. English, Greek.

With energy, drive, beauty, and reverence, Mass of Saint Catherine of Siena works well within contemporary liturgies and is appropriate for all liturgical seasons. This setting is arranged for SATB voices, piano, and guitar, reaching its fullest potential when percussion and bass are added. The harmonies, arranged by Ed Bolduc, give it fullness, yet the setting is also suitable for cantor and piano alone. Mass of Saint Catherine of Siena was written in 4/4 time intentionally to provide an alternative to the many settings available in 6/8 and its intros and outros encourage a lovely ebb and flow with the rituals of the liturgy.

SKU: AP.46599

UPC: 038081531748. English.

Though most of the piece is in English, a brief Latin phrase provides the framework for this pensive meditation on the world of music and sound that surrounds us. The gentle ebb and flow of tempo allows choirs to explore new depths of choral expression. Sign language is available on Alfred's Movin' DVD.

SKU: HL.35032368

ISBN 9781540032553. UPC: 888680783488. 6.75x10.5 inches.

Rich choral sonorities fill this expressive and contemporary concert setting of an e.e. cummings poem. Thoughtful vocal entrances begin the piece followed by the ebb and flow of dynamics and harmonies, engaging the singer to explore the romantic text.

SKU: GI.G-8505

UPC: 785147850502. English. Text by Ruth Duck.

The juxtaposition of Christ’s joyful nativity and the dark prophesy of his future sacrifice in this thought-provoking Ruth Duck text pairs beautifully with the ebb and flow of the mixed meters and the tension and release of close and open harmonies.  This exquisite yet accessible setting for Christmas will leave your congregation stunned to reverent silence.

SKU: HL.1197766

UPC: 196288134992. 6.75x10.5x0.036 inches.

Beginning softly and tenderly, “This Is Nothing But Thy Love” ebbs and flows to recurring motifs built around fragments of text, offering intense emotional variety. Slowly building to an expansive dynamic, the effect is powerfully profound. Stunning and perfect for large choirs and chamber ensembles alike.

SKU: LO.15-3384H

ISBN 9780787752439.

With highly approachable vocal writing that sensitively ebbs and flows on the iconic text, your whole choir will love singing this new mixed-voice arrangement of a classic! Emotion-packed and full of choral shadings, this is an especially fitting programming choice for a Memorial Day concert.

SKU: HL.344954

UPC: 840126918472. 6.75x10.5x0.029 inches. John 15:14-15, Joshua 21:45, Proverbs 18:24.

The miracle of prayer is caressed with memorable music and meaningful text in this song of assurance. The piano ebbs and flows, supporting a lightly syncopated verse before a lush harmonic refrain carries the choir to moments of deep beauty.

SKU: AP.41634

UPC: 038081467146. English. Words by Emily Dickinson.

As this piece develops, gorgeous lines ebb, flow, and entwine, creating a lush tapestry of sound. Mature choirs will embrace the largely polyphonic texture and savor the meaningful poetry. A striking concert selection that is also worthy of adjudication and contest performances.