SKU: CF.BF141

ISBN 9781491159989. UPC: 680160918584.

The three pieces From Jewish Life were composed by Swiss-American composer Ernest Bloch in 1924, the same year he took U.S. citizenship. Though clearly inspired and influenced by Jewish experience, they are purely concert pieces, and do not provide any specific liturgical significance.

The first movement, Prayer, is a deeply heartfelt plea to the almighty. As Neil W Levin writes, The initial four-note motive in the minor mode, together with its elaboration in the ensuing phrases, sounds as if it might have served as the skeletal model for Max Janowski's (1912-1991) now well-known setting of the High Holyday prayer Avinu Malkenu. This prayer has special meaning in my own spiritual life, as I have been singing it since my childhood. Both Prayer and Janowski's Avinu Malkenu are cantorial in nature, to be sung with heartfelt pathos.

The second movement, Supplication (the act of begging humbly), has more angst, almost a sense of urgency as a result of the rhythmic motor in the piano. The third movement, Jewish Song, evokes a quintessentially Eastern-European melancholy. Its falling motives with bent intonation might represent the pain of the Jewish experience.

The works were dedicated to Dutch-American cellist Hans Kindler, a highly influential musician of his time, and founder of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. Mr. Kindler was the soloist for the world premiere of Bloch's most celebrated work, Schelomo in 1917.

Though the popularity of Bloch's oeuvre has been dominated by works of Jewish connection, we should not forget that Bloch had many other stylistic periods, including Franco-Belgian, modal, serial, and even American folk. In 1927, he was awarded Musical America's composition prize in a unanimous vote, despite being regarded as an outsider by American music writers at the time. His winning work America (1928) was performed by every major orchestra and conductor in the following seasons. May we be proud of his contributions to American music.
The three pieces From Jewish Life were composed by Swiss-American composer Ernest Bloch in 1924, the same year he took U.S. citizenship. Though clearly inspired and influenced by Jewish experience, they are purely concert pieces, and do not provide any specific liturgical significance. The first movement, Prayer, is a deeply heartfelt plea to the almighty. As Neil W Levin writes, The initial four-note motive in the minor mode, together with its elaboration in the ensuing phrases, sounds as if it might have served as the skeletal model for Max Janowski's (1912-1991) now well-known setting of the High Holyday prayer Avinu Malkenu. This prayer has special meaning in my own spiritual life, as I have been singing it since my childhood. Both Prayer and Janowski's Avinu Malkenu are cantorial in nature, to be sung with heartfelt pathos. The second movement, Supplication (the act of begging humbly), has more angst, almost a sense of urgency as a result of the rhythmic motor in the piano. The third movement, Jewish Song, evokes a quintessentially Eastern-European melancholy. Its falling motives with bent intonation might represent the pain of the Jewish experience. The works were dedicated to Dutch-American cellist Hans Kindler, a highly influential musician of his time, and founder of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. Mr. Kindler was the soloist for the world premiere of Bloch's most celebrated work, Schelomo in 1917. Though the popularity of Bloch's oeuvre has been dominated by works of Jewish connection, we should not forget that Bloch had many other stylistic periods, including Franco-Belgian, modal, serial, and even American folk. In 1927, he was awarded Musical America's composition prize in a unanimous vote, despite being regarded as an outsider by American music writers at the time. His winning work America (1928) was performed by every major orchestra and conductor in the following seasons. May we be proud of his contributions to American music.
The three pieces From Jewish Life were composed by Swiss-American composer Ernest Bloch in 1924, the same year he took U.S. citizenship. Though clearly inspired and influenced by Jewish experience, they are purely concert pieces, and do not provide any specific liturgical significance.The first movement, “Prayer”, is a deeply heartfelt plea to the almighty. As Neil W Levin writes, “The initial four-note motive in the minor mode, together with its elaboration in the ensuing phrases, sounds as if it might have served as the skeletal model for Max Janowski’s (1912–1991) now well-known setting of the High Holyday prayer Avinu Malkenu.” This prayer has special meaning in my own spiritual life, as I have been singing it since my childhood. Both “Prayer” and Janowski’s Avinu Malkenu are cantorial in nature, to be sung with heartfelt pathos.The second movement, “Supplication” (the act of begging humbly), has more angst, almost a sense of urgency as a result of the rhythmic motor in the piano. The third movement, “Jewish Song”, evokes a quintessentially Eastern-European melancholy. Its falling motives with bent intonation might represent the pain of the Jewish experience.The works were dedicated to Dutch-American cellist Hans Kindler, a highly influential musician of his time, and founder of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. Mr. Kindler was the soloist for the world premiere of Bloch’s most celebrated work, Schelomo in 1917.Though the popularity of Bloch’s oeuvre has been dominated by works of Jewish connection, we should not forget that Bloch had many other stylistic periods, including Franco-Belgian, modal, serial, and even American folk. In 1927, he was awarded Musical America’s composition prize in a unanimous vote, despite being regarded as an outsider by American music writers at the time. His winning work America (1928) was performed by every major orchestra and conductor in the following seasons. May we be proud of his contributions to American music.

SKU: HL.2050262

UPC: 797242841200. 6.75x10.5x0.3 inches.

As we pause to remember the blessings that God has poured out on our country, we must not forget to take stock of where we are as a nation that still proclaims to be 'under God'. The dual citizenship of those who claim the Savior, being in this world and not of it, is an idea worthy of examination. This musical is a celebration of freedom, it is a proclamation of liberty and a challenge to continue to bask in the glow of freedom's holy light!

SKU: CF.CM9787

ISBN 9781491164587. UPC: 680160923496. Key: D major. English. Original.

The text for the first voicing (SSA) of this piece came to me in the fall of 2020 while teaching at Crosby High School in Crosby, Texas. My students, though enthusiastic to be back in Choir, were struggling to cope with the civil unrest around them, in addition to the pandemic. When considering how I could help them navigate this time, I realized that they were in need of some sort of consistency, of feeling grounded in themselves. As we  focused on building of community and citizenship, this text and tune came to mind, each phrase highlighting an element of personal and community wellness.I lead with my spirit keeping love in the circle around me. (Social)Expressing my spirit (Occupational)Loving what I can see and cannot see, I'll take care of the vessel I am in (Physical)I love with me that's under the skin (Emotional)Taking care of my mind (Intellectual)Envisioning the me I want to be (Spiritual)I had the honor of collaborating with composer/educator Saleel Menon to create the beautiful piano accompaniment and SATB setting.Who I Want To Be opens with a solo functioning as a mantra throughout the tune. As the piece continues, voices join in unison and harmony to emphasize the intent.When the repeats in mm. 48–51 occur, invite students to share some of their own mantras and affirmations, or feel free to borrow from the words my students in the Crosby HS choir inspired me to write:Allow yourself graceI am persistentI am fragile, not brokenYou are worthyI am worthyI know that your success is not my demise!The only validation I need is my ownI believe in myselfI see youIt’s okay to not be okayBreatheI love and I am lovedPrepare yourself for not only a powerful performance, but a rewarding experience and conversations with your students.THIS is the piece you want stuck in your students’ heads!~CRM.

SKU: HL.35028527

ISBN 9781476805641. UPC: 884088665241. 6.75x10.5 inches. Joseph M. Martin.

A vigorous Shaker tune takes on fresh purpose when joined with this original patriotic text. A powerful choral that celebrates the gift of freedom and good citizenship!

Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, Orchestration, StudioTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:20.

About Together We Sing

Shawnee Press: Together We Sing series

SKU: IS.TP4348EM

ISBN 9790365043484.

Though born in the Netherlands, composer Marinus de Jong (1891 - 1984) traded his Dutch citizenship for a Belgian one in 1926, and is considered one of Belgium's most prominent composers and pianists of the 20th century. He began his studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Antwerp, Belgium, at the age of 15, studying under Lodewijk Mortelmans and Emile Bosquet. His Concerto for Trumpet, Op. 49 (Concerto voor trompet), published by Metropolis Music Publishers in 1959, is in three movements: Allegro giusto, Poco lento, Allegro vivo (a la Rumba). A dazzling and virtuosic piece, included with the score are parts for both B-flat and C Trumpet.

SKU: IS.VA4754EM

ISBN 9790365047543.

Though born in the Netherlands, composer Marinus de Jong (1891 - 1984) traded his Dutch citizenship for a Belgian one in 1926, and is considered one of Belgium's most prominent composers and pianists of the 20th century. He began his studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Antwerp, Belgium, at the age of 15, studying under Lodewijk Mortelmans and Emile Bosquet. His Sonata for Viola Solo, Op. 106 (Sonate voor altviool solo), published by Metropolis Music Publishers in 1973, is a masterful work in four movements. It demonstrates not only his compositional style, sometimes playful and jazzy, other times plaintive and improvisatory, but also his familiarity with the viola, an instrument which he also played.

SKU: FG.55011-266-7

Composer, organist, conductor and pedagogue Richard Faltin (1835–1918) was in his day a leading figure on the Finnish musical scene. Born in Germany, he was granted Finnish citizenship in 1869. He composed 16 solo songs and this new edition presents them all for the first time including six songs now published for the first time.

SKU: PR.114418410

ISBN 9781491133644. UPC: 680160641932. 9 x 12 inches.

Stormy, Husky, Brawling takes its name from the 4th line of the poem Chicago, written by Carl Sandburg in 1916 when Chicago was the heart of the meatpacking and railroad industries. When bass trombonist Sun He commissioned Garrop, he mentioned a deep love for Chicago, adding, “I remember the first time I walked on the street in Chicago, by the corner of Michigan and Roosevelt, and how I felt the energy of this city almost brought my blood to a boil...” Those images inspired Garrop to write a piece that conveys the beating pulse of the city, as well as its grandeur.
Stormy, Husky, Brawling takes its name from the 4th line of the poem Chicago, written by the American poet Carl Sandburg. Dating from 1916, the city of Chicago at that time served as the heart of the meatpacking and railroad industries. The poem’s lines mingle the dark underbelly of the city:And they tell me you are brutal and my reply is: On the faces of women                      and children I have seen the marks of wanton hunger.with immense pride felt by its inhabitants:        Come and show me another city with lifted head singing so proud to be alive          and course and strong and cunning.As a Chicagoan myself, I find much of Sandburg’s unabashed view of the city very appealing and still relevant over a hundred years later.When bass trombonist Sun He commissioned me for a solo trombone piece, he mentioned his deep love for Chicago. He wrote to me in an email:“I remember the first time I walked on the street in Chicago, by the corner of Michigan and Roosevelt, and how I felt the energy of this city almost brought my blood to a boil...”His words inspired me to write a piece that conveys the beating pulse of the city, as well as its grandeur. Carl Sandburg’s poem became the perfect inspiration to tell the story of the pride Sun He and I have for Chicago.Sun He has dedicated Stormy, Husky, Brawling to Jane Addams and the Hull House of Chicago. Ms. Addams (1860-1935) was a distinguished sociologist, social worker, philosopher, and author, who opened the Hull House in 1889. She provided many services to immigrant families at the Hull House, including kindergarten, day care, an employment bureau, and classes in English, citizenship, music, theater, and the arts.