SKU: CF.CM9635

ISBN 9781491157077. UPC: 680160915637. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: E major. English, English. Abram Joseph Ryan (1838-1886).

Victor Johnson captures the mystery and nuance of the bittersweet poem, Wake Me a Song, by American poet, Abram Joseph Ryan. Nuance, text, and Johnson's rich harmonies paired with intertwining textures make this a noteworthy addition to any program. Also available for SATB Voices (CM9561).
About the Author Abram Joseph Ryan was born Matthew Abraham Ryan on February 5, 1838 in Hagerstown, Maryland. As a young man, Ryan and his family moved west St. Louis, Missouri, where he was educated at the Christian Brothers School. He studied for the priesthood at Niagra University in New York State and was ordained a priest in the Vincentian order on November 1, 1856. He taught theology, first at Niagra university and then at the diocesan seminary in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, until the beginning of the war between the states. Father Ryan enlisted in the army on September 1, 1862, and served as a chaplain throughout the conflict, carrying the wounded to safety and performing last rites on the battlefield. His first piece of poetry was inspired by the death of a younger brother while serving in the army. After the war, he established a weekly literary magazine in which most of his poetry was published. He also put out several volumes of poetry, including Father Ryan's Poems and A Crown for Our Queen. Father Ryan died on April 22, 1886 at a Franciscan monastery in Louisville, Kentucky. About the Song Wake Me A Song is an inspired and sensitive setting of the 19th-century poem by Abram Joseph Ryan. It features sweeping melodic lines, rich harmonies, and a flowingly beautiful accompaniment. To master a performance of this selection, singers must perform very expressively, paying close attention to such musical aspects as phrase shaping, the rise and fall of the melodic line, blending and proper intonation between sections. One strategy that could be used to ensure proper phrasing is the idea of Painting the Phrase. The singer should make a motion as if they have a paintbrush in their hand and paint the melodic line and phrase shape as if they are painting with a nice, flowing brush stroke. One could think about painting a rainbow or an arch to show the rise and fall of the line and/or phrase. The director can also show this gesture while conducting to reinforce this concept.
About the AuthorAbram Joseph Ryan was born Matthew Abraham Ryan on February 5, 1838 in Hagerstown, Maryland. As a young man, Ryan and his family moved west St. Louis, Missouri, where he was educated at the Christian Brothers School. He studied for the priesthood at Niagra University in New York State and was ordained a priest in the Vincentian order on November 1, 1856. He taught theology, first at Niagra university and then at the diocesan seminary in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, until the beginning of the war between the states.Father Ryan enlisted in the army on September 1, 1862, and served as a chaplain throughout the conflict, carrying the wounded to safety and performing last rites on the battlefield. His first piece of poetry was inspired by the death of a younger brother while serving in the army. After the war, he established a weekly literary magazine in which most of his poetry was published. He also put out several volumes of poetry, including Father Ryan's Poems and A Crown for Our Queen. Father Ryan died on April 22, 1886 at a Franciscan monastery in Louisville, Kentucky.About the SongWake Me A Song is an inspired and sensitive setting of the 19th-century poem by Abram Joseph Ryan. It features sweeping melodic lines, rich harmonies, and a flowingly beautiful accompaniment.To master a performance of this selection, singers must perform very expressively, paying close attention to such musical aspects as phrase shaping, the rise and fall of the melodic line, blending and proper intonation between sections.One strategy that could be used to ensure proper phrasing is the idea of “Painting the Phrase.” The singer should make a motion as if they have a paintbrush in their hand and “paint” the melodic line and phrase shape as if they are painting with a nice, flowing brush stroke. One could think about painting a rainbow or an arch to show the rise and fall of the line and/or phrase. The director can also show this gesture while conducting to reinforce this concept.

SKU: HP.C6048C

UPC: 763628960483. Words by Marcus Aurelius, tr. John M. Neale & Henry W. Baker. Revelation 21:6, Revelation 22:13, John 1:1, John 1:2, John 1:3, Matthew 1:18, Matthew 1-19, Matthew 1-20, Matthew 1-21, Matthew 1-22, Matthew 1:23.

Words by Marcus Aurelius, tr. John M. Neale & Henry W. Baker.

SKU: JK.00435

Matthew 1:18, John 9:1, 3.

Christmas arrangement for mixed chorus (SATB) and piano, singing about events surrounding Christ's birth and His purpose on the earth.
Composer: Scott Dorton
Lyrics: Scott Dorton
Difficulty: Medium/Medium Acc.
Performance Time: 2:30
References: Matthew 1:18, John 9:1, 3.

SKU: JK.09125

Matthew 1:18, Luke 2: 1-20.

Violin part to accompany Babe of Bethlehem -- choral cantata (#01633).
References: Matthew 1:18, Luke 2: 1-20.

SKU: HP.1870

UPC: 763628018702. 1 Kings 8:27, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, Isaiah 60:3, John 1:14, Job 19:25, Matthew 1:1-12,23, Revelation 1:7.

Christmas tune Originally commissioned for performance in Christmas Serenade '95 with the San Antonio, Texas symphony, this piece is true to the text's intent. After a bright opening the music slows to a more leisurely pace where the bass melody is accompanied by triplet thirds in the treble bells. Lots of staccato is called for in the final, bouncy section which speeds up the last five measures to end with a flourish. This rendition is scored in F Major and is 78 measures.

SKU: HL.1161486

UPC: 196288122005. 6.75x10.5x0.019 inches. Isaiah 7:14, John 1:14, Matthew 1:18-23.

A quintessential Christmas classic! This arrangement is “on point” at every turn with stellar part writing and a creative accompaniment. Respectful to the source material, this octavo is equally at home in concert halls and sanctuaries. Score and Parts (fl 1-2, ob, cl 1-2, bn, perc 1-2, hp, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) available as a digital download.

SKU: HL.201282

UPC: 888680653729. 8.5x11.0x0.434 inches. Isaiah 9:6, John 1:14, Matthew 1:18-25.

Lilting with ebullient spirit, this graceful anthem is rich with the sacred sights and sounds of Christmas. The Word becomes song in this creative offering springing from the prophecies of Isaiah. The choral writing fits perfectly in the vocal ranges of the average church choir, while creating an elegant musicality worthy of a choir with distinction. The chamber orchestration adds a charming element that is refreshing and colorful. Truly inspiring! Score and Parts (fl 1-2, ob, cl 1-2, bn, perc 1-3, hp, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) available as a Printed Edition and as a digital download.

SKU: HL.225666

UPC: 888680673734. 5.0x5.0x0.15 inches. G.F. Handel/Jon Paige. Luke 2:7, Matthew 1:18-23, Revelation 12:1-5.

From Judas Maccabeus comes a sacred reworking of one of Handel's most beloved melodic creations. Adapted for use at Christmas, the score overflows with a Baroque elegance, ideal for a holiday concert or worship service. Its brief performance time (under two minutes) makes it a wonderful call to worship. The accompanying chamber orchestration keeps in the style and delivers a sparkling option for churches with string resources. Bravo! Score and Parts (vn 1-2, va, vc, continuo) available as a digital download.

SKU: HL.1191698

UPC: 196288132097. 6.75x10.5x0.029 inches. John 1:14, John 3:16, Matthew 1:18-23.

This treasured hymn lyric is beloved by many, and this resetting gives it new expressive potential. Lyrical and lovely, the theme has elegant contours and the harmonies are effective and accessible. A majestic final chorus soars before the anthem surrenders to devotion and serenity.