SKU: CF.CM9635

ISBN 9781491157077. UPC: 680160915637. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: E major. English, English. Abram Joseph Ryan (1838-1886).

Victor Johnson captures the mystery and nuance of the bittersweet poem, Wake Me a Song, by American poet, Abram Joseph Ryan. Nuance, text, and Johnson's rich harmonies paired with intertwining textures make this a noteworthy addition to any program. Also available for SATB Voices (CM9561).
About the Author Abram Joseph Ryan was born Matthew Abraham Ryan on February 5, 1838 in Hagerstown, Maryland. As a young man, Ryan and his family moved west St. Louis, Missouri, where he was educated at the Christian Brothers School. He studied for the priesthood at Niagra University in New York State and was ordained a priest in the Vincentian order on November 1, 1856. He taught theology, first at Niagra university and then at the diocesan seminary in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, until the beginning of the war between the states. Father Ryan enlisted in the army on September 1, 1862, and served as a chaplain throughout the conflict, carrying the wounded to safety and performing last rites on the battlefield. His first piece of poetry was inspired by the death of a younger brother while serving in the army. After the war, he established a weekly literary magazine in which most of his poetry was published. He also put out several volumes of poetry, including Father Ryan's Poems and A Crown for Our Queen. Father Ryan died on April 22, 1886 at a Franciscan monastery in Louisville, Kentucky. About the Song Wake Me A Song is an inspired and sensitive setting of the 19th-century poem by Abram Joseph Ryan. It features sweeping melodic lines, rich harmonies, and a flowingly beautiful accompaniment. To master a performance of this selection, singers must perform very expressively, paying close attention to such musical aspects as phrase shaping, the rise and fall of the melodic line, blending and proper intonation between sections. One strategy that could be used to ensure proper phrasing is the idea of Painting the Phrase. The singer should make a motion as if they have a paintbrush in their hand and paint the melodic line and phrase shape as if they are painting with a nice, flowing brush stroke. One could think about painting a rainbow or an arch to show the rise and fall of the line and/or phrase. The director can also show this gesture while conducting to reinforce this concept.
About the AuthorAbram Joseph Ryan was born Matthew Abraham Ryan on February 5, 1838 in Hagerstown, Maryland. As a young man, Ryan and his family moved west St. Louis, Missouri, where he was educated at the Christian Brothers School. He studied for the priesthood at Niagra University in New York State and was ordained a priest in the Vincentian order on November 1, 1856. He taught theology, first at Niagra university and then at the diocesan seminary in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, until the beginning of the war between the states.Father Ryan enlisted in the army on September 1, 1862, and served as a chaplain throughout the conflict, carrying the wounded to safety and performing last rites on the battlefield. His first piece of poetry was inspired by the death of a younger brother while serving in the army. After the war, he established a weekly literary magazine in which most of his poetry was published. He also put out several volumes of poetry, including Father Ryan's Poems and A Crown for Our Queen. Father Ryan died on April 22, 1886 at a Franciscan monastery in Louisville, Kentucky.About the SongWake Me A Song is an inspired and sensitive setting of the 19th-century poem by Abram Joseph Ryan. It features sweeping melodic lines, rich harmonies, and a flowingly beautiful accompaniment.To master a performance of this selection, singers must perform very expressively, paying close attention to such musical aspects as phrase shaping, the rise and fall of the melodic line, blending and proper intonation between sections.One strategy that could be used to ensure proper phrasing is the idea of “Painting the Phrase.” The singer should make a motion as if they have a paintbrush in their hand and “paint” the melodic line and phrase shape as if they are painting with a nice, flowing brush stroke. One could think about painting a rainbow or an arch to show the rise and fall of the line and/or phrase. The director can also show this gesture while conducting to reinforce this concept.

SKU: CF.CM9487

ISBN 9781491145913. UPC: 680160903412. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: A major. Dirge by Paul Laurence Dunbar(1872-1906).

Farnell's lush setting of Dunbar's grief-filled poem affords tenor-bass choirs many options with regards to voicing. Accessible, dramatic, bold and sensitive, Star of Light radiates the harmonic elegance for which Laura Farnell is known. A must for any concert throughout the year.

SKU: CF.CM9614

ISBN 9781491154366. UPC: 680160912865. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: Eb major. English. Bible.

SKU: CA.4084019

ISBN 9790007221225. Key: A major. Language: German. Text: Ruckert, Friedrich. Text: Friedrich Ruckert.

Score available separately - see item CA.4084000.

SKU: HL.35013138

UPC: 747510186120. 6.75x10.5 inches.

This major choral work by Greg Gilpin is a moving tribute to our dreams and pursuits. With lyrics based on the words of “Rumi,” “Lao-Tzu” and “Thoreau,” Greg's original music and choral arrangement is full of emotional strength that paints the text with musical significance. A perfect graduation or end of year selection! “Live Your Dream” has been beautifully orchestrated by Steven Couch. Available separately: SATB, TTBB, StudioTrax CD, Orchestration.

SKU: CF.CM9571

ISBN 9781491153659. UPC: 680160911158. 6.75 x 10.5 inches. Key: Gb major. English. Sanford F. Bennett (1836-1898).

Aaron Humble's arrangement of this beloved old favorite from American hymnody is appropriate for both school and church. With soaring obligato lines and shimmering harmony, when sung with a warm and gentle tone,?The Sweet By and By?is certain to paint a picture of a better time for us all to look forward. Also available for SATB Voices (CM9572).
I have great memories of my family gathering around the piano to sing hymns. As my sister and I learned more about music through lessons, band and choir, we started adding harmony and really making music. The old American hymnody really holds a special place in my heart. Webster set Bennett's text in a time when American theology had taken a turn away from earlier ideas where God was a god of vengeance and anger. With this in mind, this arrangement should be sung with a warm and gentle tone allowing the dissonances to shimmer, the sweetness of the harmonies to bloom, and the obbligato lines to soar.

SKU: CA.5011630

ISBN 9790007165277. Key: A flat major. Text language: German. Text: von Hoffnaass, Franziska (Fanny) / Scott, Walter.

SKU: CA.4084018

ISBN 9790007162481. Key: E major. Language: German. Text: von Goethe, Johann Wolfgang. Text: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

May also be sung a whole tone lower. Score available separately - see item CA.4084000.