SKU: PL.1603OV

This large work is set for SATB choir, brass ensemble, timpani and organ. Phillips develops a rhythmic motive throughout the piece, key changes and phrase lengths change in response to the text and the use of dotted rhythms give the work a majestic spirit. This major work would be excellent for concerts and festival services. (* Requires a purchase of a full score both for conductor and organist.).

SKU: BT.HU-4349-250

9x12 inches. German.

The poetry on which this composition is based is the Ballad of External Life (the Ballade des äußeren Lebens) from the pen of Viennese author Hugo von Hofmansthal (1874-1929). He is known for, amongst other things, his libretti for the works of Richard Strauss (Der Rosenkavalier, Ariadne auf Naxos, Elektra) and as founder of the Salzburg Festival. Von Hofmansthal was one of the last of the German Symbolists. Central to this literary movement was the unification of the internal and external worlds. The search for meaning was a cornerstone of this fin-de-siècle movement.In the Ballade des äußeren Lebens (Ballad of External Life), the meaninglessness ofexistence is expressed in restricting, oppressive metaphors—an ambience that is reflected in the music. Ultimately, man is capable of establishing order from seeming chaos. The poet expresses this powerfully in a non-rhyming line of poetry: ‘And yet, he who says “evening” says much, A word, from which profundity and sorrow flow’.This composition follows the overall structure of the ballad, which is written in terza rima—interlocking three-line rhymes.The choral work can be performed by a chamber choir, but also by a much larger ensemble. The parts are mainly in four voices (SATB), although there are also six parts (SAATBB). One chord is arranged for eight voices.The composer conducted this work at its première, to open the 2013 International Choir Biennial in Aachen. The choir was comprised of four chamber choirs: Aachen Youth Choir, Carmina Mundi, Aachen Chamber Choir and Aachen Madrigal Choir.

Het dichtwerk waarop deze compositie is gebaseerd, de Ballade des äußeren Lebens (Ballade van het uiterlijke leven), is geschreven door de in Wenen geboren schrijver Hugo von Hoffmansthal (1874-1929), die onder meer bekend is als librettist van Richard Strauss (Der Rosenkavalier, Ariadne auf Naxos, Elektra) en medeoprichter was van de Salzburger Festspiele. Von Hoffmansthal behoorde tot de laatste vertegenwoordigers van het Duitse symbolisme. Deze stroming stelde zich ten doel de innerlijke en uiterlijke wereld met elkaar te verenigen. Zingeving vormde een van de hoofdthematieken binnen deze fin de siècle-cultuur.In de Ballade des äußeren Lebens wordt dezinloosheid van het bestaan verwoord in beklemmende metaforen - een atmosfeer die in de muziek wordt weerspiegeld. Uiteindelijk blijkt de mens toch in staat te zijn orde te scheppen in de schijnbare willekeur. De dichter benadrukt dit in zijn enige versregel zonder rijm: Und dennoch sagt der viel, der “Abend” sagt. De compositie volgt in hoofdlijnen de structuur van de ballade, die in terzinen is opgebouwd.Het werk kan worden uitgevoerd door kamerkoor, maar ook door een veel grotere bezetting. De zetting is voornamelijk vierstemmig (SATB), maar er zijn tevens zesstemmige delen (SAATBB). Een enkel akkoord is zelfs achtstemmig.Het werk ging onder leiding van de componist tijdens de Internationale Chorbiennale Aachen 2013 als openingswerk in première. Het koor was samengesteld uit vier kamerkoren: Der Junge Chor Aachen, Carmina Mundi, Aachener Kammerchor en Der Madrigalchor Aachen.

Die Dichtung, auf welcher diese Komposition basiert, ist die Ballade des äußeren Lebens aus der Feder des gebürtigen Wiener Schriftstellers Hugo von Hoffmansthal (1874-1929), der unter anderem als Librettist von Richard Strauss (Der Rosenkavalier, Ariadne auf Naxos, Elektra) und Mitbegründer der Salzburger Festspiele bekannt ist. Von Hoffmansthal gehörte zu den letzten Vertretern des Deutschen Symbolismus. Diese literarische Richtung machte sich zur Aufgabe, die innere und die äußere Welt miteinander zu vereinen. Sinngebung bildete eine der Hauptthematiken innerhalb dieser Fin-de-Siècle-Strömung.In der Ballade des äußeren Lebens wird die Sinnlosigkeitdes Daseins in beklemmenden Metaphern formuliert - eine Atmosphäre, die sich in der Musik widerspiegelt. Letztendlich scheint der Mensch doch imstande zu sein, Ordnung in der scheinbaren Willkür zu schaffen. Der Dichter betont dies nachdrücklich in der einzigen Verszeile ohne Reim: Und dennoch sagt der viel, der Abend“ sagt. Die Komposition folgt in ihren Hauptzügen der Struktur der Ballade, die in Terzinen geschrieben ist.Das Chorwerk kann von einem Kammerchor, aber auch von einem viel größeren Ensemble aufgeführt werden. Der Satz ist hauptsächlich vierstimmig (SATB), aber es gibt auch sechsstimmige Teile (SAATBB). Ein einzelner Akkord ist gar achtstimmig.Das Werk ging unter der Leitung des Komponisten während der Internationalen Chorbiennale Aachen 2013 als Eröffnungswerk in Premiere. Der Chor setzte sich aus vier Kammerchören zusammen: Der Junge Chor Aachen, Carmina Mundi, der Aachener Kammerchor und der Madrigalchor Aachen.

SKU: EC.RBM-123

This composition was commissioned in 2012 by the Sacramento Choral Society, combined with the Sacramento Children’s Chorus, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the former institution. Sacramento Choral Society Music Director, Dr. Donald Kendrick, served as the conductor for the premiere of the work in December of that year.

This is the second setting of this text by the composer [RBM-118]. Rather than the 4-movement structure of the previous composition, this version has been cast into one, uninterrupted movement. Although much more brief than the earlier multi-movement work, the entire liturgical Magnificat text has been utilized.

In addition to the SATB materials, the work features a treble chorus (children or women’s voices) – which may be alternatively sung by selected women’s voices drawn from the mixed chorus rather than requiring a separate SSA ensemble. The piece is characterized by a neo-Baroque styling, which is suitable for Holiday programming as well as other choral-orchestral concert situations. This work is particularly effective when programmed at the beginning of a concert or concert half, given its fanfare-like opening and broad lyrical phrasing throughout.
Duration: 5:00.

SKU: AP.50128

UPC: 038081572987. English. Words by Vincent van Gogh; Edgar Degas; Leonardo da Vinci; Pablo Picasso; Michelangelo.

Transform your choral stage into a canvas for imagination with this innovative piece for concert or festival. The words of Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, and Michelangelo come together to form an inspiring collective work. The ever-changing palette of musical colors reflects the time periods in which each of these artists lived. Discover more at alfred.com/thegallery.

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: AP.47596

UPC: 038081542898. English. Words by William Shakespeare; Thomas Morley.

Featuring text by William Shakespeare and references to Thomas Morley's madrigal Now Is the Month of Maying, this playful contemporary choral celebrates young love with sparkling vocal counterpoint. A satisfying yet supportive piano part and some delightful vocal interplay provide many moments of challenge and interest. Fitting for concert or contest.

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: AP.48923

UPC: 038081562476. English.

Carefully placed staccatos and well-chosen chord inversions illuminate the gospel style of this original anthem of hope. It's a perfect pep talk or pick-me-up theme song for whenever your program needs a lift. A solo voice becomes a duet before all the singers join in and grow with intensity. Several ascending key changes raise spirits, ensuring that the uplifting message resonates. Everything will be alright, everything will be okay, 'cause I can see a new horizon on a brand new day. If you don't perform with the kickin' SoundTrax accompaniment, be sure to add a groovin' drummer and riffing organ of your own. We dare you (and your audience) not to clap along!

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: AP.48283

UPC: 038081551067. English.

An achievable thriller on a familiar Latin text! Jay Althouse's compelling mixed meter theme develops into a shimmering array of contemporary harmonies in this exciting, angular work. A reflective adagio section in the middle offers contrast before returning to the rhythmic opening.

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: AP.50124

UPC: 038081572949. English. Traditional Spiritual.

A driving and dramatic spiritual meets the riveting day of wrath Latin text in this unique arrangement that's not to be missed. Experience the thrill of mixed and changing meters, soaring and chromatic phrases, ever-increasing rhythmic intensity, and theatrical storytelling in this unexpected pairing---the likes of which you've never heard before. A rewarding challenge for performers, an unforgettable standout for audiences.

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: AP.50153

UPC: 038081573236. English.

This Celtic-inspired original is an exceptional testament to music, a powerful tool for human expression. Compelling lyrics come from the unique perspective of song itself, 'I am the spark that glows in you . . . the voice that grows in you . . . the hope that springs in you . . . the truth that rings in you. A lilting 6/8 meter and sweeping choral lines garner an epic effect and create an impressive opener, closer, or concert theme.

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.