Walt Whitman's unabashed optimism exuberance and unwavering confidence in our deeper humanity is beautifully portrayed through music in Gjeilo's setting of excerpts of the ?Song Of The Universal? poem.For String Orchestra Piano and Choir this work will be a grand addition to your women's Choir repertoire. Duration: ca. 11:30.

In a new SSAA voicing this is an outstanding arrangement of the song originally penned by Walter Robinson and a timely honor as the anti-slavery activist's image will be on the new twenty dollar bill. A cappella vocals build with a come on up followed by rhythmic vocals under the hypnotic melody. Optional cabaca part helps to imitate a train along with vocal nuances resembling the sound of chains and a train whistle. Powerful and moving!

One of the most relevant scriptures for the walk of faith forms the foundation in this remarkable original. Encouraging harmonies surround the words with warmth and sincerity. Some crafty imitative writing offers variety in the approach and the accompaniment with optional cello obbligato is on point. This call to humble service is essential theology and in this setting these timely truths speak with clarity and conviction. Meaningful!

Craig Hella Johnson Choral Series-Written for the Paideia Women's Chorus from the Paideia School in Atlanta Craig Hella Johnson sets the words of the poet-mystic Dorothy Walters. With four movements incorporating a variety ofmusical styles including a 3rd movement that uses aleatoric techniques for singers and pianist this is stunning and sophisticated set for a good high school or college women's chorus.

Tipitin. Written by Mexico's first well-known female composer, María Grever, this vals Mexicano (Mexican waltz) makes a charming a cappella work for outstanding choirs. The textured setting offers well-conceived choral parts throughout, sometimes using lower voices to provide a dance-like underscore for the lilting melody. A full translation and pronunciation notes aid in the understanding and mastery of an entirely Spanish text, which recounts a story of new love. Feature an agile soprano on the jaunty descant near the end.

Joni Jensen Choral Series-The Walt Whitman poem Song of Myself conveys both a sense of confidence and a spirit of adventure. The text affirms our uniqueness as individuals but also stresses our interconnectedness to each other and the world. The music captures these characteristics with a constant drive and sense of excited anticipation.

Waller's beautiful poem has been elegantly set by Kim Kamerin. Contemporary tone clusters create colorful chords of expression. Written for his high school Women's Chamber ensemble this is a demanding piece but well worth the effort.

Available for mixed chorus a cappella (divisi) or in this accompanied version (no divisi) Dan Forrest sets the well-known text by Methodist founder John Wesley. The piece is excellent for any service of renewal covenant or stewardship.

for SSAA Chorus a cappella-Now available for treble choirs this readily accessible setting sounds at once modern and medieval. Starting in unison and evoking plain chant it gradually unfolds into wider harmonies and more modern harmonic language.

Aunu Aunu Balti Kajas-The second selection from a set of Five Latvian Folk Songs this song tells of a young woman picking the whitest of garden roses for a wreath. Its rhythmic 2/4 is playful with off-the-beat accents strewn in and the melody line weaving through the four-part women's arrangement. Featured in the 2001 National ACDA concert this makes a fine festival or competition selection. Moderately difficult. Available: SSAA a cappella.

(For the Peace). Composed for the Tapiola Choir the theme for this work is For The Peace describing in its three sections how provocation and violence are turned into understanding and peace. Available: SSAA a cappella. Performance Time: Approx. 3:55.

This setting of Hildegard von Bingen's Ave Generosa text uses a hauntingly joyful tonality paying homage to the mysterious story of Mary. A beautiful middle section is surrounded by contrasting modal beginning and ending sections. The juxtaposition of sustained and moving moments holds true to the composer's style while the harmonic structure and vocal construction offer something very fresh.