SKU: CF.CM9740

ISBN 9781491161203. UPC: 680160919789. Key: Bb major. English. Siegfried Sasson.

Everyone suddenly burst out singing; And I was filled with such delight As prisoned birds must find in freedom... These opening lines to Everyone Sang by the British war poet Siegfried Sassoon feel as relevant today as they did when the poem was first published in 1919. It was after the end of World War I and these words capture so much of the collective exhilaration, relief, and pure joy about the Great War finally coming to an end. And yet Sassoon himself felt none of that when he wrote this poem. In his own words, he was feeling dull-minded and depressed. Perhaps his time in the trenches was still too recent. One of the reasons the creative arts are so powerful is that a poet like Sassoon (or a painter like Van Gogh or a composer like Mahler) can take their own feelings of deep sadness or pain and transform them into something beautiful, even uplifting. Everyone Sang is a celebration of the promise that things can get better, that there are things worth looking forward to.   The poem itself has so much rhythm and musicality. The appearance of suddenly in the first line of each verse gives those verses a rush of energy. Attention to the crescendo in measure 7, and again in measure 37, from mf to f will help the listener experience that rush. There are expressive opportunities with so many of the poet's bold choices of action words - burst, winging, and shaken. Then there's alliteration - a poetic device that can be overdone, but Sassoon strikes a wonderful balance. Suddenly/singing (measures 6-7 and 10-11) Find/freedom (measure 21-22) Winging/wildly (measure 23) Setting/sun (measures 47-49) Was/wordless (measures 65-75) Give these alliterations just a hint of emphasis (without overdoing) to bring out the natural rhythm of the text.   And just as O is set apart in the poem by punctuation, I wanted the musical setting - in measure 57 - to honor that feeling of wonder - ...O, but Everyone Was a bird; and the song was wordless; the singing will Never be done. Friends, there is so much good ahead, so much to be excited about. May the singing never be done.
Everyone suddenly burst out singingAnd I was filled with such delightAs prisoned birds must find in freedom…These opening lines to Everyone Sang by the British war poet Siegfried Sassoon feel as relevant today as they did when the poem was first published in 1919. It was after the end of World War I and these words capture so much of the collective exhilaration, relief, and pure joy about the “Great War” finally coming to an end. And yet Sassoon himself felt none of that when he wrote this poem. In his own words, he “was feeling dull-minded and depressed.” Perhaps his time in the trenches was still too recent.One of the reasons the creative arts are so powerful is that a poet like Sassoon (or a painter like Van Gogh or a composer like Mahler) can take their own feelings of deep sadness or pain and transform them into something beautiful, even uplifting. Everyone Sang is a celebration of the promise that things can get better, that there are things worth looking forward to. The poem itself has so much rhythm and musicality.The appearance of “suddenly” in the first line of each verse gives those verses a rush of energy. Attention to the crescendo in measure 7, and again in measure 37, from mf to f will help the listener experience that rush.There are expressive opportunities with so many of the poet’s bold choices of action words – burst, winging, and shaken.Then there’s alliteration - a poetic device that can be overdone, but Sassoon strikes a wonderful balance.Suddenly/singing (measures 6-7 and 10-11)Find/freedom (measure 21-22)Winging/wildly (measure 23)Setting/sun (measures 47-49)Was/wordless (measures 65-75)Give these alliterations just a hint of emphasis (without overdoing) to bring out the natural rhythm of the text. And just as “O” is set apart in the poem by punctuation, I wanted the musical setting – in measure 57 - to honor that feeling of wonder –…O, but EveryoneWas a bird; and the song was wordless; the singing willNever be done. Friends, there is so much good ahead, so much to be excited about.May the singing never be done.

SKU: CF.CM9549

ISBN 9781491150818. UPC: 680160908318. 6.875 x 10.5 inches.

Make Space for Life to Live by Michael John Trotta offers captivating, expansive melodies interwoven with a piano accompaniment that makes subtle allusions to the main theme. Its mesmerizing text resonates with the singer and the audience. Appropriate for concert or festival use throughout the year, this piece is also available for SA voices (CM9274), TB Voices (CM9283) and SAB voices (CM9289).
Editor's NoteAbout the WorkMake Space for Life to Live features expansive, yet accessible vocal lines perfect for choirs of all abilities and sizes. It offers compelling melodies and singable vocal lines interwoven with a piano accompaniment that makes subtle allusions to the main theme.About the TextThe text for this work was written while on an extended seashore retreat several years ago. It was the product of many long walks looking out into the vastness of the sea. It was a time in my life that was immediately preceded by great personal loss and turmoil. It was in that silence and space I was able to reconnect to that still, small voice within that reminded me that I was merely a part of something much bigger than myself. The text that was hewn from that experience is a reflection on the importance of allowing space in my daily life to experience the simple joys that every moment has to offer.Optional NarrationRegardless of race or creed the abundance that is found in the reality of the present moment is augmented by regular exposure to the arts. The capricious nature of time in the age of immediacy is that it is entirely flexible. Experience suggests that exposure to natural beauty, such as watching a sunrise unravel over the sea or a cloud formation sweep through a mountain range, allows an individual to feel part of something greater than themselves. Music has the ability to take time and slow it down, revealing to the participant their part in the whole. Taking part in choral music, whether as an audience member, singer, conductor or composer is an opportunity to slow down time long enough to allow the beauty of life to catch up with you.

SKU: BT.DHP-0991451-050

English.

Pacific Dreams describes the experience of Miguel, a traveling composer from Spain who, feeling somewhat alienated from his homeland, is wandering through an area of Sydney known as The Rocks. At a small outdoor market in a typical street of this oldcolonial neighbourhood, he discovers a print of William DeShazos painting Pacific Dreams Portrayed in the painting is the surf of one of the exotic islands in the Pacific. Next, with the impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge looming over the narrowstreets of The Rocks, he envisions sultry Pacific beaches. Suddenly a theme he once composed about the lakes in Japan comes to him. Is it the Asian influences present in cosmopolitan Sydney that bring this theme to mind? Or perhaps the waters aroundSydney, over which he could sail to Tahiti? He is uncertain. Could this same theme be used to create a new composition about his feelings for the metropolis Sydney? How then to work his Pacific Dreams into the mix? Miguel is certainly no fan ofHawaiian music. Mayby he could use the vocabularies of islands like Hawaii and Tahiti, their beautiful vowel combinations being sung ad libitum by a mixed choir.With these ideas and his newly purchased print of Pacific Dreams, he boards the Metroat Circular Quay. He has a final glimpse of the harbour and the Sydney Opera House as the train races into the ground. On to the hotel! To work! He must compose!Maestoso : Miguel is impressed as he gazes upon the Sydney Harbour Bridge. And yet, hewants to go away from this city. Away, to an exotic island in the Pacific.Steady Rock : In the Rocks, musicians are playing at a square. Miguel basks in the atmosphere but at the same time he is fantasizing about Hawaii and Tahiti.Andante Lamentoso :In his hotel room, Miguel is feeling sad and lonely in this big city. He takes comfort in his Pacific Dreams.Allegro : Miguel boards the boat that takes him from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay. In his mind he is traveling on to Hawaii. Or is ithome, where the bolero is playing? He is pulled back to reality by the skyline of Sydney.

Wir schlüpfen in die Haut von Miguel und reisen mit ihm nach Australien. Einigermaßen entfremdet von seiner spanischen Heimat schlendert er durch das Viertel The Rocks in Sydney. Auf einem kleinen Markt entdeckt er einen Druck des Gemäldes Pacific Dreams von William DeShazo. Das Bild stellt die Meeresbrandung auf einer exotischen Insel im Pazifik dar. Während die eindrucksvolle Harbour Bridge von Sidney vor ihm auftaucht, ist er in Gedanken bei den heißen Stränden im Stillen Ozean. Auf einmal kommt ihm das Thema in den Sinn, das er einst über die Gewässer Japans komponiert hatte. Liegt es an den asiatischen Einflüssen, die im kosmopolitischen Sydney so vielfältig vertretensind? Oder sind es die Wasser rund um Sydney, über die er nach Tahiti segeln könnte? Er ist sich unsicher. Könnte er genau dieses Thema für eine neue Komposition über die Metropole Sydney verwenden? Wie sollte er seine Träume vom Pazifik, seine Pacific Dreams, in diese Mixtur einbringen? Vielleicht könnte er den Wortschatz von Inseln wie Hawaii und Tahiti für seine Komposition verwenden. Und einen gemischten Chor die schönen Vokalverbindungen ad libitum singen lassen. Mit diesen Ideen im Kopf steigt er in die Metro am Circular Quay. Auf ins Hotel und frisch ans Werk! Jetzt muss er einfach komponieren....

SKU: HL.357210

UPC: 840126943078. 6.75x10.5x0.036 inches.

Here is a brand new melody to the famous words by Francis Scott Key. Inspired by a story from Native American Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins, Kile wondered what a Star-Spangled Banner, untethered to memory, feeling its way through pride, atrocity, and respect for an ideal might sound like. Imagining a wonder at our now well-known words in this early light, with their questions and fear. Does the flag still fly? Are the people still free and brave?

SKU: CF.CM9608

ISBN 9781491154304. UPC: 680160912803. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: E major. English. Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892).

The beauty in Alfred, Lord Tennysons poem is reflected by the music with the use of text painting. The piano creates the sound of moving water in m. 19, providing the first instance of text painting. When the men enter, they continue this idea of the ocean tide while the descent into the word deep in m. 27 gives another instance of text painting. Take advantage of the minor second suspension on the word dark in m. 38 in order to achieve a feeling of suspense. The entrance at m. 41 is full, and while still minor, the text gives us hope for a change. The change comes in m. 45 with the staggered entrances creating a sense of building and ascent until the climax of this moment at m. 47 on the word embark, which is to be an ascent to Heaven. The melody moves between voice parts, even as early as m. 14 where the altos have the melody for only a single measure; it is then handed back to the sopranos. From mm. 5764, the altos trade the melody back and forth with the sopranos. Take note that the alto melody should be brought out, but the line does not actually begin until the word when. Lastly, be intentional with syllabic stress (no two eighth notes or quarter notes alike) and to give direction to any note longer than a quarter. I hope you enjoy learning and performing Crossing the Bar as much as I enjoyed writing it. ~Jamey Ray.
The beauty in Alfred, Lord Tennysonas poem is reflected by the music with the use of text painting. The piano creates the sound of moving water in m.A 19, providing the first instance of text painting. When the men enter, they continue this idea of the ocean tide while the descent into the word adeepa in m. 27 gives another instance of text painting. Take advantage of the minor second suspension on the word adarka in m. 38 in order to achieve a feeling of suspense. The entrance at m. 41 is full, and while still minor, the text gives us hope for a change. The change comes in m. 45 with the staggered entrances creating a sense of building and ascent until the climax of this moment at m. 47 on the word aembark,a which is to be an ascent to Heaven. The melody moves between voice parts, even as early as m. 14 where the altos have the melody for only a single measure; it is then handed back to the sopranos. From mm. 57a64, the altos trade the melody back and forth with the sopranos. Take note that the alto melody should be brought out, but the line does not actually begin until the word awhen.a Lastly, be intentional with syllabic stress (no two eighth notes or quarter notes alike) and to give direction to any note longer than a quarter. I hope you enjoy learning and performing Crossing the Bar as much as I enjoyed writing it. ~Jamey Ray.
The beauty in Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem is reflected by the music with the use of text painting. The piano creates the sound of moving water in m. 19, providing the first instance of text painting. When the men enter, they continue this idea of the ocean tide while the descent into the word deep in m. 27 gives another instance of text painting. Take advantage of the minor second suspension on the word dark in m. 38 in order to achieve a feeling of suspense. The entrance at m. 41 is full, and while still minor, the text gives us hope for a change. The change comes in m. 45 with the staggered entrances creating a sense of building and ascent until the climax of this moment at m. 47 on the word embark, which is to be an ascent to Heaven. The melody moves between voice parts, even as early as m. 14 where the altos have the melody for only a single measure; it is then handed back to the sopranos. From mm. 57-64, the altos trade the melody back and forth with the sopranos. Take note that the alto melody should be brought out, but the line does not actually begin until the word when. Lastly, be intentional with syllabic stress (no two eighth notes or quarter notes alike) and to give direction to any note longer than a quarter. I hope you enjoy learning and performing Crossing the Bar as much as I enjoyed writing it. ~Jamey Ray.
The beauty in Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem is reflected by the music with the use of text painting. The piano creates the sound of moving water in m. 19, providing the first instance of text painting. When the men enter, they continue this idea of the ocean tide while the descent into the word deep in m. 27 gives another instance of text painting. Take advantage of the minor second suspension on the word dark in m. 38 in order to achieve a feeling of suspense. The entrance at m. 41 is full, and while still minor, the text gives us hope for a change. The change comes in m. 45 with the staggered entrances creating a sense of building and ascent until the climax of this moment at m. 47 on the word embark, which is to be an ascent to Heaven. The melody moves between voice parts, even as early as m. 14 where the altos have the melody for only a single measure; it is then handed back to the sopranos. From mm. 57-64, the altos trade the melody back and forth with the sopranos. Take note that the alto melody should be brought out, but the line does not actually begin until the word when. Lastly, be intentional with syllabic stress (no two eighth notes or quarter notes alike) and to give direction to any note longer than a quarter. I hope you enjoy learning and performing Crossing the Bar as much as I enjoyed writing it. ~Jamey Ray.
The beauty in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem is reflected by the music with the use of text painting. The piano creates the sound of moving water in m.  19, providing the first instance of text painting. When the men enter, they continue this idea of the ocean tide while the descent into the word “deep” in m. 27 gives another instance of text painting.Take advantage of the minor second suspension on the word “dark” in m. 38 in order to achieve a feeling of suspense. The entrance at m. 41 is full, and while still minor, the text gives us hope for a change. The change comes in m. 45 with the staggered entrances creating a sense of building and ascent until the climax of this moment at m. 47 on the word “embark,” which is to be an ascent to Heaven.The melody moves between voice parts, even as early as m. 14 where the altos have the melody for only a single measure; it is then handed back to the sopranos. From mm. 57–64, the altos trade the melody back and forth with the sopranos. Take note that the alto melody should be brought out, but the line does not actually begin until the word “when.”Lastly, be intentional with syllabic stress (no two eighth notes or quarter notes alike) and to give direction to any note longer than a quarter.I hope you enjoy learning and performing Crossing the Bar as much as I enjoyed writing it.~Jamey Ray.

SKU: GI.WJMS1162

UPC: 785147006060. English. Text source: Traditional spiritual.

A new setting of the well-loved spiritual by arranger Stacey Gibbs. Gibbs upholds the integrity of the spiritual while still offering some new and unique compositional ideas. Suitable for school choirs and church choirs alike. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.

SKU: ST.CN11P

ISBN 9790220224683.

Although the English madrigal has been fairly described by John Rutter as a completed historical form, its younger sibling the partsong still flourishes in the hands of sympathetic composers like Edmund Jolliffe, who can clothe secular texts with music a cappella that fits their sentiments like a glove. In fact John Donne's verse, though of a later period, receives a setting that might even be described as madrigalean in its sensitive response to verbal rhythm and feeling. And for anyone who treasures the heritage of music for chorus by English composers such as Walton and Britten, and indeed Rutter himself, Jolliffe's command of a tonal idiom that is rich in sensuous detail yet also broadly appealing is an additional pleasure.

SKU: WD.080689647178

UPC: 080689647178.

Songs have forever been at the heart of God’s Church. They help build our faith, tell of the rich, full, grace of our Savior, and speak of our devotion and allegiance to Him; songs express our thoughts and feelings and needs in a way that mere words never can. Songs allow us to lift our voice to declare that He alone is worthy of our praise, He alone is the one true God and King, and He alone has provided a way to salvation for a lost and dying world. The songs included in this new Word Music & Church Resources Choral Collection are Songs the Church Loves to Sing! Across decades, styles and sounds have changed, but the impact songs have on God’s people is undeniable and unmistakable. Through the 70s, 80s, and 90s, a lexicon of Christian songs took their place beside the time-honored hymns of the church, songs that became the voice of new generations of believers, songs that the church still loves to sing. This Choral Collection, arranged and orchestrated by Marty Parks, is a tribute to those songs. We hope and believe this church music resource will find its place in your church music library and will be used as a tool of outreach and ministry to proclaim your love and adoration for the Lord, giving voice to people everywhere; a voice with which to keep singing these Songs the Church Loves to Sing!