SKU: CA.5165213

ISBN 9790007313869. Key: D minor. Latin.

The English conductor and composer Howard Arman has presented us with a completed version of Mozart’s Requiem. “Another one?” you might ask, since this publication is only the latest in a long line reaching back to the traditional Süßmayr version. Yet such is the enormous power of Mozart’s score that the challenge and appeal of completing it remain undiminished. After two decades of intensive study, Howard Arman’s additions to Mozart’s great original show the requisite care and respect while incorporating many new insights.

Arman’s approach is particularly fruitful. Always aware of the appropriate limits to such re-creative work, he orients himself towards the typical characteristics of Mozart’s brilliant composing style: The masterly compositional technique, the search for innovative solutions to every problem, and even the terse treatment of the text with extremely suggestive harmonies. All of this leads to a number of new listening experiences. In the Tuba mirum, for example, we enjoy a warm, cohesive ensemble sound, supported by the bassoons, which depart from the bass line. The Confutatis presents a quite different picture: Even the basset horns are drawn down into the infernal depths. This effect is reinforced by the independence of the trombones; rather than simply following the choral parts, the instrument’s unique sound is given an opportunity to shine. Arman’s Lacrimosa achieves a lively Mozartian feel by granting the voices considerable freedom rather than following a rigid pattern. And he concludes the movement with a fugal Amen, whereby the focus is not so much on the counterpoint itself, but rather – in the spirit of Mozart – on creating a sense of drama and illuminating the theme in all its possible facets. Mozart’s fragment ends with the Hostias, and so does Arman’s completion.

For the four following movements (Sanctus to Communio) we have nothing from Mozart, and so here, where the master is silent, Arman finally returns to Süßmayr, the man who was closest to Mozart at the time of his death and whose efforts to fill the blank manuscripts still garner our respect today.

Arman’s version has already proven its practical value. The premiere with the Bavarian Radio Choir was enthusiastically received by audiences and press alike – and celebrated as offering a scholarly, entirely fresh perspective on Mozart’s masterpiece.

- World premiere by the Bavarian Radio Choir
- Enthusiastically received by audience and press.

SKU: AP.50305

UPC: 038081574752. English.

Great Scott! Back to the Future is back---and this time on Broadway! Take your audience on a two-minute ride to 1985 with this high-energy rock song by Huey Lewis and the News. Bring some lightning to the stage with the optional horns-and-rhythm SoundPax, or the electrifying SoundTrax accompaniment.

About Alfred Pop Choral Series

The Alfred Pop Series features outstanding arrangements of songs from the popular music genre. These publications provide exciting, contemporary, and educationally-sound arrangements for singers of all ages, from elementary through high school, to college and adult choirs.

SKU: CA.5165249

Key: D minor. Latin.

The English conductor and composer Howard Arman has presented us with a completed version of Mozart’s Requiem. “Another one?” you might ask, since this publication is only the latest in a long line reaching back to the traditional Süßmayr version. Yet such is the enormous power of Mozart’s score that the challenge and appeal of completing it remain undiminished. After two decades of intensive study, Howard Arman’s additions to Mozart’s great original show the requisite care and respect while incorporating many new insights.

Arman’s approach is particularly fruitful. Always aware of the appropriate limits to such re-creative work, he orients himself towards the typical characteristics of Mozart’s brilliant composing style: The masterly compositional technique, the search for innovative solutions to every problem, and even the terse treatment of the text with extremely suggestive harmonies. All of this leads to a number of new listening experiences. In the Tuba mirum, for example, we enjoy a warm, cohesive ensemble sound, supported by the bassoons, which depart from the bass line. The Confutatis presents a quite different picture: Even the basset horns are drawn down into the infernal depths. This effect is reinforced by the independence of the trombones; rather than simply following the choral parts, the instrument’s unique sound is given an opportunity to shine. Arman’s Lacrimosa achieves a lively Mozartian feel by granting the voices considerable freedom rather than following a rigid pattern. And he concludes the movement with a fugal Amen, whereby the focus is not so much on the counterpoint itself, but rather – in the spirit of Mozart – on creating a sense of drama and illuminating the theme in all its possible facets. Mozart’s fragment ends with the Hostias, and so does Arman’s completion.

For the four following movements (Sanctus to Communio) we have nothing from Mozart, and so here, where the master is silent, Arman finally returns to Süßmayr, the man who was closest to Mozart at the time of his death and whose efforts to fill the blank manuscripts still garner our respect today.

Arman’s version has already proven its practical value. The premiere with the Bavarian Radio Choir was enthusiastically received by audiences and press alike – and celebrated as offering a scholarly, entirely fresh perspective on Mozart’s masterpiece.

- World premiere by the Bavarian Radio Choir
- Enthusiastically received by audience and press.

SKU: CA.3112803

ISBN 9790007140205. Text language: German/English. Text: von Ziegler, Christiane Mariane. Text by Christiane Mariane von Ziegler.

After breaking off the annual cantata cycle at the end of March 1725 Bach set a series of cantata texts by the Leipzig poet Christiana Mariana von Ziegler, who maintained one of the first literary-musical salons. The large scale chorale chorus ties this work to the chorale cantatas. The central bass aria Auf,auf, mit hellem Schall with solo trumpet is note-worthy since in place of a middle section in the aria, here Bach employs an accompagnato recitative. Score available separately - see item CA.3112800.

SKU: CA.3119549

ISBN 9790007210427. Language: German/English.

The Hochzeitskantate (Wedding Cantata) BWV 195 was performed by Bach from around 1730 at various wedding celebrations in different forms, and was evidently also lent out for performances further afield. The only surviving version of the work dates from the last years of Bach's life. The opulently-scored first part begins and ends with grand choral movements, and Bach scored both parts for soloists and for chorus. At the centre of the cantata is an exceptionally sensitive bass aria, probably one of Bach's most modern vocal compositions of all. A chorale movement (Nun danket all and bringet Ehr/ Now thank we all and offer praise) with obbligato horns concludes the cantata as the second part after the consummation. Score and part available separately - see item CA.3119500.

SKU: CA.4018011

ISBN 9790007064051. Key: F major. Language: Latin/English.

Brahms's Ave Maria was composed in 1858. The widely-held opinions in the literature on Brahms - that the work has justifiably been forgotten, the part-writing is monotonous and the style and diction is ponderous - don't do justice to a truly charming piece, based on folksong-like models. Score and part available separately - see item CA.4018000.

SKU: CA.4007511

ISBN 9790007060930. Language: German/English.

The Psalms inspired Mendelssohn throughout his working life, and, aside from a cappella settings, he left behind five great orchestral Psalms. Score and part available separately - see item CA.4007500.

SKU: CA.3090119

ISBN 9790007204396. Language: German/English.

Score and parts available separately - see item CA.3090100.

SKU: CA.4018714

ISBN 9790007064501. Language: German/English. Text: Luther, Martin. Text: Martin Luther.

During Mendelssohns years of study with Zelter, the arrangement of chorales already played an important role, and he continued to be occupied with the protestant chorale throughout his symphonic and oratorical work. The break Bach's works in connection with the reperformance of the St. Matthew Passion led to a series of cantatas based on well-known chorale melodies for choir, instruments, and sometimes also for soloists. Score and part available separately - see item CA.4018700.