SKU: HL.48021234
ISBN 9781458423542. UPC: 884088642037. 6.75x10.5 inches.
Text: in Latin compiled from the charter of the University, and from older orations in praise of Basle by Bernhard Wyss.Publisher: Boosey & HawkesDifficulty level: 4 (for chorus)Britten's genius lifts this work above being just a worthy celebration of the 500th anniversary of the foundation of Basle University. It is tongue-in-cheek and mockingly non-academic while referring all the time to academic musical forms and formulae. It is written in two parts (everything is in the statutory Latin including the titles of the parts - Pars I and Pars II). The titles of the movements show Britten's intention to show off a wide variety of techniques. Here are some examples: Chorale/Alla Rovescio (the theme is given and responded to with the same melody upside down)/Recitativo/Tema seriale con fuga/Canone ed ostinato. There is a good deal of humour here.There are seven movements in Pars I and six in Pars II. The tenor soloist is given three florid recitatives, accompanied only by a piano, which act as bridges between other orchestrally accompanied movements. Of these the most noteworthy are the Arioso con canto popolare for soprano solo with tenors and basses who hum a student song; another terrific Britten scherzo; and a wonderfully raucous final pair of movements (Canon ed ostinato and Corale con canto) where Britten seems to be aping the Vivat Regina! cries in Parry's I was glad or encouraging the kind of noisy 'I'm from the best university' kind of student touchline shout. This has outrageously high notes for the tenors (top B) which further endorse this feeling. There are real echoes of the Spring Symphony (see separate entry) final movement here which are further underlined by the last section of the Cantata which brings in the bells, piano, huge percussion and the inevitable chorale in which the choir sings 'that a free academy may thrive in a free community, for ever the ornament and treasure of illustrious Basle'.This may not be Britten at his most soul-searching but, as always, there is plenty here to enjoy, especially if the work is not taken too seriously. It is a celebratory, occasional piece and it could be well taken up by other academic establishments celebrating big anniversaries. The chorus parts are not very difficult, though they do present challenges for the choir - not least in having tenors capable of those very high notes at the end. The Tema seriale con fuga is sinewy and needs careful tuning. It also has the subject regularly given upside down after its initial sounding by the basses. All good fun.Duration: 21 minutesPaul Spicer, Lichfield, 2011.
SKU: ZB.ZE-4071
ISBN 9783940745514.
Greater Than Anything consists of 11 songs which will be hits in concerts and church services, during workshops and on CDs. This collection generates the good message of the Gospel in a concentrated form in music and lyrics, touching and enthralling both the choir and the listeners. For the mixed choir in three to four parts (S.A.Bar./S.A.T.B.) and the soloists it means performing refreshing modern arrangements at a medium skill level. The piano accompaniment is written in an exemplary gospel style.
SKU: GI.G-001281
English.
SKU: LO.15-4063H
ISBN 9780787779641.
Using compelling metaphorical language, Mark Burrows brings us this rhythmic and engaging original piece with djembe accompaniment and body percussion. With feet march for justice, helping hands, words that heal, and hearts that beat for kindness, we can be complex forces for good. SATB choirs of all kinds will find this to be a programming option that is suitable for many situations and seasons.
SKU: XC.SATB2405A
10.5 x 6.75 inches.
This uptempo setting of a well-loved jazz standard invites singers and audience members to leave the bad times in the past, and welcome the good times that lie ahead! After an energetic swing statement of the melody, two short vocalese-inspired solos give way to a tender and gorgeous ballad section, which builds to a big and bold conclusion: I'm packin' my bags and singin' bye bye!.
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