SKU: GI.G-10552

English. Text Source: Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed?, Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, alt., At the Cross, Ralph E. Hudson, 1843-1901, alt. Text by Isaac Watts.

“At the Cross” contains the very rich texts of Isaac Watts and Ralph Hudson. My desire is to treat each verse with utmost respect by highlighting—through music—the suffering, shame, hope, beauty, and glory of the cross. The cross embodies all of these attributes. You will notice there is a somberness that begins at m. 84, mirroring the darkness that ensued while Christ hung on the cross (Mark 15:33). A “darker” sound from the altos is encouraged. This is the turning point in the song, preparing the singers for the response to such a sacrifice. Although the text speaks of grief and debt (starting at m. 93), one can see the hope that builds, with the realization that complete surrender is the only response to such a sacrifice. Much thought and energy (under control) should be expended to aid this verse in building to the climactic point of the song, when hope is found in the cross and the burden has been lifted.

SKU: CF.FPS163F

ISBN 9781491163894. UPC: 680160922680.

The melody of The Friendly Beasts (“Orientis Partibus”) originated in twelfth-century France and has been attributed to Pierre de Corbeil, Bishop of Sens. The song migrated to England by the thirteenth century, where its popularity grew and in the early twentieth century the familiar English words were added. The melody has been set in both quadruple and triple meter and is presented in both meters here. Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958) included the carol in his English Hymnal (1906).The words in both the original Latin and modern English versions pay homage to the place of animals in the Christmas story. The carol has also been known as The Donkey Carol and The Animal Carol.This setting is intended to reflect the Medieval origins of the melody. Some freedom of tempo would be appropriate during the “chant” version of the melody (mm. 6–18). Adding poco ritardando at m. 28, at the discretion of the director, should lead to a stricter tempo in mm. 31–53, in the manner of a medieval round dance. A gentle approach to the performance is appropriate. Finger cymbals could be added to or replace all or part of the triangle part, again at the director’s discretion.

SKU: CF.CM9768

ISBN 9781491160343. UPC: 680160923298. Key: G major. English.

About the WorkThe text of this work is most often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, although it doesn't mirror his style, and no research credits an essay, book or letter with its source. Other individuals are occasionally suggested as possible authors, but equally unsubstantiated. Even whether the textis a poem or a quote seems unclear. But there is one thing that is without question: that this beloved text has inspired countless people and contributed toward a view of the world through eyes of hope, resilience, courage, beauty, and joy. Music for this text flowed more easily than about any text I have ever set. It has an emotional connection that is mystical, and after I read it for the first time, I immediately sat down and wrote this work without stop.Rehearsal NotesIn many cases, art is more expressive and reaches a wider range of human emotions when multiple artistic fields are fused together. Such is the case with choral music: the intertwining of literature, music, and very often dance, visual arts, and more. The story in choral music is often quite specific, much like film scoring. At times, the music is the picture frame (score) around the picture (text), while at others the music is the leading dramatic/emotional impetus.In the present case (My Farewell Wish), the text is sincere, innocent, heartfelt, and earnest. By all accounts, the message is altruistic, expressing selfless desire for another's present/future happiness. Capturing this message has a strong reliance on the performers to not only carry the emotional intent of the moment (a phrase of text or a measure), but the the energy and continuance of the message throughout.The use of the [o] vowel functions almost as instrumental interludes or underpinning of strings. The conductor may use the [o] as indicated in the score, or a [u] vowel, a hum (with [o] as the vowel inside the mouth), or all three at different times for different reasons. In an acoustical performance (no mic), the soloist and the ensemble are a reflection of each other's natural sound. And, even gentle, warm solo voices should have no trouble projecting.Two final thoughts: 1) the obbligato or added voice or two on high passages (m. 66) or a single note (final chord) will be best delivered by lyrical, pure voices with demonstrated control; and 2) the metronome marking of 80 bpm (mm. 1–81) was strongly considered and should be followed.About the ComposerZ. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. His composition teachers were Normand Lockwood and Cecil Effinger, both students of the Nadia Boulanger, the famous French teacher (and student of Gabriel Fauré). Randall is the artistic director of two international summer music festivals, is an Honorary Board Member of the NationalAssociation of Italian Choral Directors, and has conducted in 25 countries. He has directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, and is a frequent conductor at other prestigious concert venues. Randall has 190 published works, and his music can be heard on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms, including his website (www.zrstroope.com).

SKU: TM.08618SET

All extra parts should be for Orchestra I. Extra cellos should be tutti cello with Cello II only 1 copy for last desk. Orchestra II should only have 1 stand on each part for violins, violas, and cello, and only 1 bass part. Typeset 2018. Solo parts are now on separate parts from the Orchestra I parts.

SKU: CF.CPS220F

ISBN 9781491153147. UPC: 680160910649.

An exciting new original march in classic American march form and style.  Composer John Paternak has captured the essence of the great marches of Sousa and Fillmore in a new tuneful and fresh sound traditional march.  The trio melody is essential catchy and the march is worthy of use as a solid warm-up march for festival by advancing level concert bands.
I wrote this piece for my friend Ralph Meyer and the members of the Western Reserve Community Band, who are always there for me when I need a group to read or record one of my compositions. I would also like to thank Larry Clark for helping this march come to life.There are a lot of sudden dynamic changes in this piece. It is crucial that there is dynamic contrast, so the piece can be performed effectively. There are also several instances with contrast in articulation styles. Make sure your group is playing short notes different from the legato passages. At m. 87 during the second time through, I have made the tempo jump to 152. Feel free to take it faster if your group is capable of it.

SKU: GI.G-8462

ISBN 9781622771004. English.

The volume you are holding is a vivid testimony …to the value of examining this variety and dynamism from multiple, overlapping points of view …to the value of both realist and idealist voices …to the value of articulating wisdom. From the foreword by John D. Witvliet, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Since the publication of the first volume of Readings in African American Church Music and Worship, public and academic interest in the music and worship in black churches has significantly increased. This second volume makes available the most recent scholarship on twenty-first-century developments and trends, through a representative number of articles, essays, and chapters written by brilliant musicians, authors, and theologians of our time. The list of contributors includes some of the finest emerging scholars, whose voices we will be hearing for years to come, as well as offerings from seasoned authors, whose research and writings are well regarded by peers and the worshiping community at large. The significant contributions—from names new and familiar—greatly broaden the field of study. The 43 chapters of this volume are divided into 7 categories: Worship and Liturgical Practices Perspectives on Praise and Worship Liturgical Theologies Hip Hop and/in the Church Proclamation of the Word Perspectives on Women and Gender Hymnody: Sound and Sense Insightful, thought-provoking, challenging, hopeful—this volume will be a source of knowledge, a stimulus for discussion, and a call to (re)consider the many and varied viewpoints of the African American church. Featuring the writings of: James Abbington, LaTrese Adkins, Sandra L. Barnes, Tuere A. Bowles, Ruthlyn Bradshaw, Michael Joseph Brown, Melvin L. Butler, James H. Cone, David Douglas Daniels III, Robert Darden, Leo H. Davis Jr., Valerie Bridgeman Davis, Michael Fox, Kenyatta R. Gilbert, Daniel White Hodge, Birgitta J. Johnson, Alisha Jones, Tammy L. Kernodle, S T Kimbrough, Jr., Cheryl A. Kirk-Duggan, Cleophus J. LaRue, Monica T. Leach, Tamura Lomax, Pamela P. Martin, Marvin A. McMickle, Monica R. Miller, Stephanie Y. Mitchem, Thomasina Neely-Chandler, Deborah S. Pollard, Luke A. Powery, Samuel D. Proctor, Teresa L. Reed, Braxton D. Shelley, Martha Simmons, Josef Sorett, Rodney A. Teal, Frank Thomas, Kathleen S. Turner, Kenneth C. Ulmer, Gayle Wald, James Melvin Washington, Ralph C. Watkins, Lisa M. Weaver, Melinda E. Weekes, Christina Zanfagna James Abbington is Associate Professor of Church Music and Worship, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. He also serves as Executive Editor of the African American Church Music Series, published by GIA Publications, Inc.