| Promised Land Early American Hymns from the Shape-Note Tradition Voice solo - Beginner Mel Bay
Vocal - Beginning SKU: MB.30856 Christian, Saddle-stitched. Woodwinds. Bo...(+)
Vocal - Beginning SKU: MB.30856 Christian, Saddle-stitched. Woodwinds. Book. 36 pages. Mel Bay Publications, Inc #30856. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc (MB.30856). ISBN 9781513470795. 8.75x11.75 inches. With this collection of 26 folk hymns, author Peter Irvine brings shape-note music into the home, and provides adaptable music for a variety of instrumental ensembles. This format allows for instruments such as the mountain dulcimer, Native American or transverse flute, penny whistle, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and so forth. Anyone can play shape-note music, even when Sacred Harp gatherings or â??singingsâ? are not easily accessible. Â The hymns in this collection are drawn from various classic shape-note sources like Southern Harmony (1835) and The Sacred Harp (1844). Presented in lead-sheet format (melody, chords, and lyrics), and written in keys accessible to all C instruments and several D instruments such as the penny whistle and mountain dulcimer, the material offers plenty of arrangements. Hymns can be sung by a soloist, in unison by a small group with chordal accompaniment, or a mixed ensemble.
$14.99 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 1 to 2 weeks | | |
| Oramos Cantando / We Pray in Song - Pew edition GIA Publications
Guitar, keyboard SKU: GI.G-7400 This edition: Pew edition. Hymnal. Oramos...(+)
Guitar, keyboard SKU: GI.G-7400 This edition: Pew edition. Hymnal. Oramos cantando series. Sacred. Book. GIA Publications #7400. Published by GIA Publications (GI.G-7400). ISBN 9781579999698. Intended especially for the growing number of multicultural, bilingual (Latino/Anglo) parishes and communities in the United States, Oramos Cantando / We Pray in Song is a hymnal and service book that is comprehensive enough to satisfy the liturgical needs of such communities, when they are worshipping in Spanish, in English, or bilingually. Bilingual from the first page to the last. Organized to reflect the liturgical life of the Church: morning, evening and night prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, the sacramental rites of Christian initiation of adults, baptism of children, holy communion outside Mass, eucharistic exposition and benediction, reconciliation of penitents, anointing of the sick, marriage, and funerals, the Order of Mass, service music, hymns and songs, lectionary responsorial psalms. All ritual texts are from the English- and Spanish-language liturgical books approved for use in the dioceses of the United States of America Seventy settings of psalms and biblical canticles in a variety of styles, for use in the Liturgy of the Hours, at Mass, and in other liturgical rites. Many employ Gelineau, Guimont, or Conception Abbey tones. Standards from the “Celebration-style†repertoire by Haugen, Joncas, Haas, and others. All with Spanish and English texts ICEL chants for the Order of Mass, accompanied by the complementary plainsong chants in Spanish. Five bilingual settings of the ordinary of the Mass, along with one Latin and two English-only Mass settings, plus a number of additional service music items to serve the liturgical needs of Anglo/Latino parishes for many years to come A broad and stylistically diverse collection of nearly 550 hymns, psalms, and inspired songs, containing the best and most beloved traditional and contemporary music of Latino and Anglo communities, with more than 300 items newly translated according to guidelines for preserving meaning, rhyme, and meter Music from around the world, encompassing plainsong chants, classical hymnody, contemporary scripture-based songs, Taizé chants, and world music from Asia and Africa. Settings originally with Spanish texts are from the United States, Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean Lectionary psalms with USCCB-approved refrains in both English and Spanish and verses from The Revised Grail Psalms and the salterio of Spain’s Conferencia Episcopal Española (CEE). These bilingual lectionary psalms have been included in the Sacred Song missalette program of The Liturgical Press since 2005 Eleven indexes: liturgical, topical, psalms and canticles, service music, scripture references in hymns, hymn tunes, tune meters, musical settings using languages other than Spanish and English, psalm refrains set to music, common titles and first lines, and hymnal contributors (composers, authors, translators, sources) A hymnal which not only addresses the liturgical experience of today, but also opens the door to new possibilities in the future. Fulfilling the statement of the American bishops: Liturgical music today must reflect the multicultural diversity and intercultural relationships of the members of the gathered liturgical assembly. The varied use of musical forms such as ostinato refrains, call and response, song translations, and bilingual or multilingual repertoire can assist in weaving the diverse languages and ethnicities of the liturgical assembly into a tapestry of sung praise. Sing to the Lord, 60 Destinado especialmente para el creciente número de parroquias y comunidades multiculturales, bilingües (Latinas/Anglas) en los Estados Unidos, Oramos Cantando / We Pray in Song es un himnario y ceremonial lo suficientemente completo para satisfacer las necesidades litúrgicas de tales comunidades, cuando oran en español, en inglés, o de una manera bilingüe. Bilingüe desde la primera página hasta la última. Organizado para reflejar la vida litúrgica de la Iglesia: oración matutina, vespertina y nocturna tomada de la Liturgia de las Horas, los ritos sacramentales de la iniciación cristiana de adultos, del bautismo de niños, para la sagrada comunión fuera de la Misa, para la exposición y bendición eucarÃstica, para la reconciliación de varios penitentes, para la unción de los enfermos, el matrimonio, y las exequias, el Ordinario de la Misa, música para las ceremonias, himnos y cantos, salmos responsoriales del leccionario. Todos los textos de los ritos están tomados de los libros litúrgicos en inglés y en español aprobados para su uso en las diócesis de los Estados Unidos de América. Setenta arreglos de salmos y cánticos en una variedad de estilos, para usarlos en la Liturgia de las Horas, en la Misa, y en otros ritos litúrgicos. Muchos emplean los tonos de Gelineau, Guimont, o Conception Abbey. Normas del repertorio del “estilo-de-celebración†por Haugen, Joncas, Haas, y otros. Todos con el texto en español y en inglés. Cantos de ICEL para el Ordinario de la Misa, acompañados por los cantos llanos complementarios en español. Cinco arreglos bilingües para el ordinario de la Misa, junto con uno en latÃn y dos arreglos para la Misa sólo en inglés, además de un número de cantos adicionales para responder a las necesidades litúrgicas de las parroquias anglas/latinas por muchos años en el futuro Una colección amplia y de diversos estilos de casi 550 himnos, salmos y cantos inspirados, que contienen lo mejor y lo más apreciado de la música tradicional y contemporánea de las comunidades latinas y anglas, con más de 300 composiciones recientemente traducidas según las normas para la preservación del significado, del ritmo, y del metro Música de todo el mundo, incluyendo cantos llanos, himnos clásicos, cantos contemporáneos basados en la biblia, cantos de Taizé, y música mundial de Asia y Ãfrica. Arreglos originales con textos en español que vienen de los Estados Unidos, de España, de México, de Centro y Sud América, y del Caribe. Salmos del Leccionario con estribillos aprobados por la Conferencia Episcopal de Estados Unidos (USCCB) tanto en inglés como en español y versos del salterio: The Revised Grail Psalms y del salterio de la Conferencia Episcopal Española (CEE) de España. Estos salmos bilingües del leccionario se han incluido en el programa del misalito Sacred Song de la editorial: The Liturgical Press desde 2005 Once Ãndices: litúrgico, temático, salmos y cánticos, música para celebraciones, referencias bÃblicas en himnos, tonadas de himnos, metros de himnos, arreglos con idiomas además de español e inglés, antÃfonas musicalizadas para los salmos, tÃtulos comunes y primeras frases, y contribuyentes al himnario (compositores, autores, traductores, fuentes) Un himnario que no sólo responde a la experiencia litúrgica de hoy, sino también abre la puerta a nuevas posibilidades en el futuro. Cumple la declaración de los obispos americanos: “La música litúrgica de hoy debe reflejar la diversidad multicultural y las relaciones interculturales de los miembros de la asamblea litúrgica reunida. El uso variado de formas musicales como estribillos en ostinato, llamado y respuesta, traducción de cantos, y el repertorio bilingüe o multilingüe puede ayudar a entretejer los diferentes idiomas y etnias de la asamblea litúrgica en un tapiz de alabanza cantada.†Cantemos al Señor, 60 There is no doubt that the goal of singing each other's liturgical music as an expression of the catholicity of our faith embodied in this volume, does in fact allow bilingual and multicultural parishes through the United States—and beyond—to respond to the liturgical needs of today while opening the door to new possibilities. — Becca Whitla The Hymn Society Journal. Volume 66, No. 4. $22.00 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 1 to 2 weeks | | |
| Hymns of the Fruited Plain Organ Lorenz Publishing Company
Organ: 2-staff - Moderately Easy SKU: LO.70-2449L Composed by John S. Dix...(+)
Organ: 2-staff - Moderately Easy SKU: LO.70-2449L Composed by John S. Dixon. Sacred. Lorenz Publishing Company #70/2449L. Published by Lorenz Publishing Company (LO.70-2449L). ISBN 9780787779085. Drawing from over 250 years of evolving American hymnody, John Dixon has curated a diverse series of 12 organ settings that capture the essence of this rich heritage. Featuring a variety of tunes, half of which are rooted in 19th-century folk hymn tradition and the remainder hailing from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these settings are designed to inspire, uplift, and console. $33.00 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 1 to 2 weeks | | |
| String Reflections 2 Hope Publishing Company
Book and CD SKU: HP.9129 Instrumental parts. 48 pages. Hope Publishing Co...(+)
Book and CD SKU: HP.9129 Instrumental parts. 48 pages. Hope Publishing Company #9129. Published by Hope Publishing Company (HP.9129). UPC: 763628191290. Joshua Evanovich. Nine traditional hymns Preludes, postludes, Communion meditations, special music selections and recital pieces are all possible uses for this collection. Soaring, majestic lines weave gracefully throughout the violin parts, offering a variety of texture and range while remaining accessible to many skill levels. The piano accompaniment is creative and intricate, yet not too difficult, offering support for the violin and also sharing in the musicality. Suggestions for violin phrasing and bowing are provded but may be altered at the performer's discretion. $34.95 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 4 to 6 business days | | |
| Star in the East Choral SATB Shawnee Press
SATB a cappella/opt. Finger Cymbals Choral; Finger Cymbals (SATB) SKU: HL.365...(+)
SATB a cappella/opt. Finger Cymbals Choral; Finger Cymbals (SATB) SKU: HL.365818 Arranged by Milburn Price. Shawnee Sacred. A Cappella, Epiphany, General Worship. Octavo. Duration 185 seconds. Published by Shawnee Press (HL.365818). UPC: 840126962093. 6.75x10.5x0.019 inches. I Timothy 2:5, Luke 2:8-10, Matthew 2:9, Numbers 24:17. This melodic gem from the early-American hymn tradition is thoughtfully presented by carefully maintaining the spirit of the source material. The arrangement unfolds naturally from a single line and gradually moves with care through the various ranges of the chorus. A spaciousness in the harmonic treatment adds an air of mystery and sacred reverence to the anthem's impact. $2.10 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 24 hours - In Stock | | |
| Introit and Benediction for Easter Day Choral SATB SATB, Brass instrument(s) Shawnee Press
Arranged by Benjamin Harlan. For SATB choir and trumpet. Choral. Octavo. Publish...(+)
Arranged by Benjamin Harlan. For SATB choir and trumpet. Choral. Octavo. Published by Shawnee Press.
$2.50 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 24 hours - In Stock | | |
| Appalachian Winter Shawnee Press
Choral (digital production kit) SKU: HL.35028867 Composed by Joseph M. Ma...(+)
Choral (digital production kit) SKU: HL.35028867 Composed by Joseph M. Martin. Harold Flammer Christmas. Advent, Cantata, Christmas. Published by Shawnee Press (HL.35028867). UPC: 884088888633. 5.25x7.5 inches. From the composer of Festival of Carols and The Winter Rose comes a cantata that celebrates the legacy of early American carols and hymnody. Composed in the spirit of folk music, the cantata combines traditional sounds with more rustic elements creating a blend that is fresh and pleasing. Popular American carols like Away In a Manger and O Little Town of Bethlehem dance with traditional spirituals such as Children, Go Where I Send Thee and Go, Tell It on the Mountain. Sacred Harp tunes are re-tooled for Advent and stand alongside new versions of Shaker hymns and Appalachian melodies. Thoughtful narration weaves the movements together in a meaningful tapestry of song and Scripture. Two orchestral options are available allowing maximum flexibility in performance. A full line of support products is also available. Available separately: SATB, CD-ROM Full Orchestration (Score & Parts for Flute 1 & 2, alto recorder, Oboe/English Horn, Clarinet 1 & 2, Bassoon, Horn 1 & 2, Trumpet 1-3, Trombone 1 & 2, Bass Trombone/Tuba, Timpani, Percussion, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Harp, Piano, Synth, Solo fiddle, Violin 1 & 2, Viola, Cello, Double Bass), Printed Full Orchestration, Appalachian Consort Orchestration (Score & parts for Flute, Violin, Cello, Mandolin, Guitar, Percussion and Piano), StudioTrax CD (accompaniment only), SplitTrax CD, Listening CD, 10-Pack Listening CDs, Preview Pack (Book/CD combo), RehearsalTrax CDs (part predominant, reproducible), Digital Resource Kit (PowerPoint, Choir Devotionals, Poster, Program, Flyers, Children's Program PDFs). Duration: approx. 40 min. $64.99 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 24 hours - In Stock | | |
| This Our Joy and This Our Feast - Music Collection Choral Unison GIA Publications
Choir SKU: GI.G-4954 The Music of Bob Moore. Composed by Bob Moore...(+)
Choir SKU: GI.G-4954 The Music of Bob Moore. Composed by Bob Moore. Sacred. Collection. GIA Publications #4954. Published by GIA Publications (GI.G-4954). This collection is second to none: masterfully crafted compositions resplendent with interesting harmonies married to texts selected from the works of the finest hymn writers of our time. Lovers of serious choral music are going to be thrilled with this new offering. Musical styles are varied, from gospel to a distinctly classical sound, sprinkled with a wide variety of instruments. Selected works include All Glory Is Yours-rich and melodic, with a memorable and singable refrain, Build Your City on the Hill-rousing, with an early American flavor, Christ Is the Day-mysterious, for Advent, Cleanse the Thoughts of Our Hearts-choral music at its finest, Before the Song Was Done-majestic and lilting, for Christmas, This Our Joy and This Our Feast-Joyful, for Easter, with trumpets and alleluia! Just consider this roster of text writers: Brian Wren, Delores Dufner, OSB, Sylvia Dunstan, Richard Leach, and Timothy Dudley-Smith. In addition, traditional texts include The Prayer of St. Patrick, a selection from Piae Cantiones, and one from The Book of Common Prayer. There are also a selection from ICEL and adaptations by Bob Moore. Includes one each of the following octavos: I COME WITH JOY (G-4933) • ALL GLORY IS YOURS (G-4934) • SLOWLY TURNING, EVER TURNING (G-4935) • BUILD YOUR CITY ON THE HILL (G-4936) • SWEET REFRESHMENT (G-4937) • CHRIST IS THE DAY (G-4938) • CHILD OF MARY (G-4939) • CLEANSE THE THOUGHTS OF OUR HEARTS (G-4940) • HOW HOLY THIS FEAST (G-4941) • CHRIST THE WAY OF LIFE (G-4942) • WE BRING, YOU TAKE (G-4943) • WE BLONG TO CHRIST (G-3874) • BEFORE THE SONG WAS DONE (G-4944) • THIS OUR JOY AND THIS OUR FEAST (G-4945) • CHRIST BE WITH ME (G-3855) The instrumental meditation “Air†is found in G-4289, Five Liturgical Meditations. $16.00 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 1 to 2 weeks | | |
| This Our Joy and This Our Feast GIA Publications
SKU: GI.G-CD-450 Composed by Bob Moore. Sacred. CD. GIA Publications #450...(+)
SKU: GI.G-CD-450 Composed by Bob Moore. Sacred. CD. GIA Publications #450. Published by GIA Publications (GI.G-CD-450). The incomparable Cathedral Singers, conducted by Richard Proulx, have graced the music of Bob Moore with their glorious choral singing. This recording is second to none: masterfully crafted compositions resplendent with interesting harmonies married to texts selected from the works of the finest hymn writers of our time. Lovers of serious choral music are going to be thrilled with this new offering. Musical styles are varied, from gospel to a distinctly classical sound, sprinkled with a wide variety of instruments. Selected works include All Glory Is Yours-rich and melodic, with a memorable and singable refrain, Build Your City on the Hill-rousing, with an early American flavor, Christ Is the Day-mysterious, for Advent, Cleanse the Thoughts of Our Hearts-choral music at its finest, Before the Song Was Done-majestic and lilting, for Christmas, This Our Joy and This Our Feast-Joyful, for Easter, with trumpets and alleluia! Just consider this roster of text writers: Brian Wren, Delores Dufner, OSB, Sylvia Dunstan, Richard Leach, and Timothy Dudley-Smith. In addition, traditional texts include The Prayer of St. Patrick, a selection from Piae Cantiones, and one from The Book of Common Prayer. There are also a selection from ICEL and adaptations by Bob Moore. $16.95 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 1 to 2 weeks | | |
| Forest Hills Folk Suite Orchestra - Easy Alfred Publishing
Orchestra - Grade 2 SKU: AP.40455 I. River Hymn, II. Waltz of the Hill...(+)
Orchestra - Grade 2 SKU: AP.40455 I. River Hymn, II. Waltz of the Hills, III. Barn Dance. Composed by Bob Phillips. MakeMusic Cloud; Performance Music Ensemble; Single Titles; String Orchestra. Sound Innovations for String Orchestra. Folk; Traditional. Score and Part(s). 140 pages. Alfred Music #00-40455. Published by Alfred Music (AP.40455). UPC: 038081460147. English. Beautiful, original melodies abound in all sections, but the violas and cellos really get a chance to shine in this suite comprised of three movements: River Hymn, Waltz of the Hills, and Barn Dance. In C Major, this piece is ideal to teach F and C natural. The movements are brief and can be performed individually or as a suite. Remaining true to the early Americana feel of the piece, the last movement is an upbeat, old-timey tune! Correlates to Sound Innovations Book 2, Level 2. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud. $46.00 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 1 to 2 weeks | | |
| Christmas Guitar Portraits: Christmas Favorites for Two Acoustic Guitars Guitar [CD] Mel Bay
(Christmas Favorites for Two Acoustic Guitars). Composed by William Bay. For aco...(+)
(Christmas Favorites for Two Acoustic Guitars). Composed by William Bay. For acoustic guitar duet. CD. Intermediate-Advanced. Compact Disc. Published by Mel Bay Publications, Inc
$14.99 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 1 to 2 weeks | | |
| Christmas Guitar Portraits: Duets for Two Acoustic Guitars 2 Guitars (duet) Classical guitar - Advanced Mel Bay
(Duets for Two Acoustic Guitars). Composed by William Bay. For acoustic gu...(+)
(Duets for Two Acoustic
Guitars). Composed by
William Bay. For acoustic
guitar duet. Perfect
binding. Advanced. Book. 88
pages. Published by Mel Bay
Publications, Inc
$19.99 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 1 to 2 weeks | | |
| Poor Wayfaring Stranger (SATB) Choral SATB SATB, Piano - Easy Walton Music
SATB choir, piano accompaniment - Early intermediate SKU: GI.WJMS1179 Com...(+)
SATB choir, piano accompaniment - Early intermediate SKU: GI.WJMS1179 Composed by Jonathan Rodgers. Arranged by Jonathan Rodgers. Concert, School. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series. Classical. Octavo. 16 pages. Walton Music #WJMS1179. Published by Walton Music (GI.WJMS1179). UPC: 785147019763. English. Text Source: American Folksong. American Folksong. This setting of the traditional folk hymn would work well for church choirs and high school choirs and above. The piano part echoes its expressive intensity and sense of hope and expectation. Nice, accessible vocal writing. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series. $3.10 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 1 to 2 weeks | | |
| Isthmus Choral SATB [Score] University Of York Music Press
SATB Choir SKU: BT.MUSM570368679 For choir and fixed media. Compos...(+)
SATB Choir SKU: BT.MUSM570368679 For choir and fixed media. Composed by Evis Sammoutis. Score Only. Composed 2019. 14 pages. University of York Music Press #MUSM570368679. Published by University of York Music Press (BT.MUSM570368679). Isthmus denotes a narrow strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger ars of land. The title is a metaphor for an effort to bond artistically my experiences of living in Cyprus, my birthplace, and in the USA, my recently adopted homeland. Having lived in a small, partitioned island for my formative years and in England for eleven years, water has always had a double meaning: it has at once served as a gateway to other cultures but also as a border, a violent and absolute interruption of a continuum. While in the USA, or indeed in a now connected Europe, it is possible to travel on land for days without having to encounter a border, in the countries where I lived for most of my life, that was not possible. As an artist, this notion of establishing boundaries and consciously trying to break them is very close to me, as my music deals both with modernity but also with tradition and, similarly, with metaphor and reality. As a Cypriot, the sea, the world of antiquity, the mysteries of the oracles, the notion of borders and the pastoral are all very central to my way of thinking. In Cyprus, different layers of history are frequently superimposed on a single building that might still preserve its Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman features in its layers of stone and architecture. Similarly, ancient ruins or the barbed wire of modern conflict often interrupt placid fields. An isthmus, therefore, can be seen to symbolize my artistic struggle to join strikingly different experiences and notions in a cohesive way. Similar to an isthmus, in this short piece, I connect these experiences with the purpose of creating a distinct and unique sonic context, connecting technology and tradition, the pastoral with the urban, the musical with the extra-musical and the abstract with the concrete. For example, the choir does not always sing in the traditional sense, but the singers imitate various natural sounds, such as water, air, crickets or birds, to create a vivid visual impression for the work. Scandinavian herding calls blend with field recordings from the seas of Cyprus and the lakes of Upstate New York, communicated within clearly defined, singular acoustic sources and spaces through wireless speakers. The text used is both onomatopoeic, articulating an imaginary language, but also literal, with a setting of the poem, “To make a prairie” by the iconic American poet Emily Dickinson and a tiny fragment from Callimachus’ “Hymn to Demeter.” Technology is used sparsely and very intentionally to articulate the expressive qualities of pastoral imagery, creating one unified synthetic timbre with the choristers’ sounds. This piece is dedicated to the wonderful singers of the Georgia Institute of Technology Chamber Choir with special thanks to Professors Hsu and Ulrich, without whose support this composition would not have been possible. Practical notes: A choir of no less than 24 singers is sought with 4 additional soloists (2 Sopranos and 2 Altos). Each singer must have their own wireless speaker, secured either in the music folder or as a strap inside their shirts. All sounds must match in volume the sound from the speakers, creating one unified timbre. The speakers should not be noticeable to the public. The four soloists are placed offstage at the beginning of the work. From 1:35’ onwards they enter the hall and take their positions, ideally at the four corners of the hall. If the hall is too large, the singers can find alternate positions, but these should always be antiphonal. The four soloists sing predominantly in the “kulning” style and the antiphonal aspect is very important to the work. There are two sound files for each section (SATB) that are triggered by each singer’s mobile device. The first occurs at the start of the piece, and the second, about a minute before the end. The sound files are able to be purchased separately, on CD, or are available directly from UYMP. $5.95 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 4 to 6 weeks | | |
| Isthmus University Of York Music Press
Choir SKU: BT.MUSM570369027 For choir and fixed media. Composed by...(+)
Choir SKU: BT.MUSM570369027 For choir and fixed media. Composed by Evis Sammoutis. CD Only. Composed 2019. University of York Music Press #MUSM570369027. Published by University of York Music Press (BT.MUSM570369027). Isthmus denotes a narrow strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger ars of land. The title is a metaphor for an effort to bond artistically my experiences of living in Cyprus, my birthplace, and in the USA, my recently adopted homeland. Having lived in a small, partitioned island for my formative years and in England for eleven years, water has always had a double meaning: it has at once served as a gateway to other cultures but also as a border, a violent and absolute interruption of a continuum. While in the USA, or indeed in a now connected Europe, it is possible to travel on land for days without having to encounter a border, in the countries where I lived for most of my life, that was not possible. As an artist, this notion of establishing boundaries and consciously trying to break them is very close to me, as my music deals both with modernity but also with tradition and, similarly, with metaphor and reality. As a Cypriot, the sea, the world of antiquity, the mysteries of the oracles, the notion of borders and the pastoral are all very central to my way of thinking. In Cyprus, different layers of history are frequently superimposed on a single building that might still preserve its Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman features in its layers of stone and architecture. Similarly, ancient ruins or the barbed wire of modern conflict often interrupt placid fields. An isthmus, therefore, can be seen to symbolize my artistic struggle to join strikingly different experiences and notions in a cohesive way. Similar to an isthmus, in this short piece, I connect these experiences with the purpose of creating a distinct and unique sonic context, connecting technology and tradition, the pastoral with the urban, the musical with the extra-musical and the abstract with the concrete. For example, the choir does not always sing in the traditional sense, but the singers imitate various natural sounds, such as water, air, crickets or birds, to create a vivid visual impression for the work. Scandinavian herding calls blend with field recordings from the seas of Cyprus and the lakes of Upstate New York, communicated within clearly defined, singular acoustic sources and spaces through wireless speakers. The text used is both onomatopoeic, articulating an imaginary language, but also literal, with a setting of the poem, “To make a prairie” by the iconic American poet Emily Dickinson and a tiny fragment from Callimachus’ “Hymn to Demeter.” Technology is used sparsely and very intentionally to articulate the expressive qualities of pastoral imagery, creating one unified synthetic timbre with the choristers’ sounds. This piece is dedicated to the wonderful singers of the Georgia Institute of Technology Chamber Choir with special thanks to Professors Hsu and Ulrich, without whose support this composition would not have been possible. Practical notes: A choir of no less than 24 singers is sought with 4 additional soloists (2 Sopranos and 2 Altos). Each singer must have their own wireless speaker, secured either in the music folder or as a strap inside their shirts. All sounds must match in volume the sound from the speakers, creating one unified timbre. The speakers should not be noticeable to the public. The four soloists are placed offstage at the beginning of the work. From 1:35’ onwards they enter the hall and take their positions, ideally at the four corners of the hall. If the hall is too large, the singers can find alternate positions, but these should always be antiphonal. The four soloists sing predominantly in the “kulning” style and the antiphonal aspect is very important to the work. There are two sound files for each section (SATB) that are triggered by each singer’s mobile device. The first occurs at the start of the piece, and the second, about a minute before the end. The sound files are able to be purchased separately, on CD, or are available directly from UYMP. $9.95 - See more - Buy onlinePre-shipment lead time: 4 to 6 weeks | | |
| Roy Clark's Fiddle Magic Method Violin Santorella Publications | | |
1 |