SKU: HL.350799

ISBN 9781705106778. UPC: 840126935950.

The poem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written by acclaimed African American poet James Weldon Johnson in 1900 and set to music byhis brother John Rosamond Johnson in 1905. The Edward B. Marks Music Company first published the song in 1921, which remains strongly associated with social justice and patriotism, particularly in African American communities. While at one time it could be found pasted to the back of some hymnals used in African American Churches, today the song is formally printed under headings such as national song or social justice in many modern hymnals. Other versions include a concert setting published in 1978 for SATB chorus and piano by Roland Carter, a setting by Hale Smith for SATB chorus and orchestra also dating from the 70s, and a modern R&B recorded version released in 1990 featuring Dione Warwick, Stevie Wonder and Take 6.

SKU: HL.1428120

UPC: 196288202264.

“Oh, It's Gonna Be A Mighty Day” is a new spiritual arrangement with distinctive harmonies, a striking piano accompaniment, and breathtaking vocal lines. The arranger's exceptional skill shines through, ensuring each vocal line remains engaging while paying homage to the soulful roots of the Black American folk-tune. If you're on the lookout for a fresh rendition of a lesser-known spiritual, look no further. Elevate your next choral performance with this perfect addition to your repertoire!

SKU: BR.CHB-5381-00

ISBN 9790004413821. 7.5 x 10.5 inches. English.

As director of the Bavarian Radio Choir, Howard Arman has been actively engaged with international Christmas carols through various Christmas-related CD productions in the past years. This has resulted in a number of original arrangements for four- to eight-part mixed choir a cappella, shedding new light on well-known classics such as O du frohliche [O, you joyful], Stille Nacht [Silent Night] and Lasst uns froh und munter sein [Let us be happy and cheerful]. The first volume includes five Christmas carols from the German-speaking regions. They range from simple but harmonically intriguing settings such as Lieb Nachtigall, wach auf [Dear nightingale, wake up] to eight-part sound paintings with bell-like chimes as in O du frohliche and classical double choir settings such as Resonet in laudibus. The second volume includes five Christmas spirituals with English texts, forming a contrast to the solemn and festive character of the first. The choir can prove its swing and jazz qualities here; the stirring arrangements are a gain for classical Christmas concerts, too. Following the tradition of the spiritual, some settings also require soloists, which can, however, also be recruited from the choir if adequate singers are available. The first piece combines the spirituals It's a Birthday and Wasn't That a Mighty Day to form a medley, Ain't That a Rockin' gives a moment of tranquility before the likewise rousing spirituals Mary Had a Baby and Little David conclude the volume. In both volumes, Howard Arman provides a short preface in German and English, explaining the background of each piece and giving advice on performance.