SAB choir and piano - Early Intermediate

SKU: MN.50-5333

Composed by David M. Cherwien. Spirituals. Baptism of Our Lord, 21st Century, Baptism. Instrumental part. MorningStar Music Publishers #50-5333. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers (MN.50-5333).

UPC: 688670553332. English.

This SAB setting of the African American spiritual is varied and creative, with vocal percussion and a chill but supportive piano part. Not difficult, although the three vocal lines are sometimes quite independent. Duration: 2:00.

Choral SSA choir, piano

SKU: CF.CM9773

Composed by Brady Weldon. Duration 2 minutes, 49 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #CM9773. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.CM9773).

ISBN 9781491164440. UPC: 680160923342. Key: C# minor. English. Christina Rossetti.

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,                                                       Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;                                                               Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,                                                             In the bleak midwinter, long ago.What can I give Him, poor as I am?                                                                                        If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;                                                                         If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;                                                                        Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.The text from this beloved poem of Christina Rossetti (1830–1894) was originally published in an 1872 issue of Scribner’s Monthly, under the title A Christmas Carol. In the first of its five stanzas, the speaker describes in great detail a bitingly cold winter scene, void of both warmth and light. By the final stanza, the speaker's thoughts turn inward, asking what gift they may offer the infant Jesus, meek though they believe themselves to be.The poem was later set by English composer Gustav Holst (1874–1934) as a contribution to the English Hymnal in 1906 and remains the most popular setting today.London-born Rossetti came to be regarded not only as one of the greatest female poets of her time, but as an outspoken advocate on several societal issues, including slavery and cruelty towards animals.In this setting, word painting is of the utmost importance. Careful attention to word stress throughout the course of the piece will make the performance all the more captivating. Descriptive lines such as “frosty wind made moan” should be conveyed with swelling crescendos, like frigid gusts of frozen air.While this piece features an original tune, the beloved Holst melody is also featured briefly, beginning in m. 28. Take care to bring this out.There are plenty of other allusions to wintry scenes scattered throughout the choral parts as well as the accompaniment. I encourage you to put your sleuthing “hats” on and find them all. It will make the learning experience much more memorable and fun.

(SSA Choir)

SKU: HL.368487

Composed by Zanaida Robles. Edited by David V. Montoya. Pavane Choral. Choral. Octavo. Duration 200 seconds. Pavane Publishing #P1694. Published by Pavane Publishing (HL.368487).

UPC: 840126968569. 6.75x10.5x0.029 inches.

Commissione d by the California Choral Directors Association, here is a piece that touches on the subject of depression in an artful and meaningful way. Using only a few words the notes swim through the deep waters of depression; first feeling the sensation of drowning, then remembering to swim to the surface to take a breath. This piece offers a beautiful way to address an issue that is unfortunately flourishing, especially in young circles. Medium in difficulty.

Autumn Leaves arranged by Joanna Forbes. Choir Secular. For with Piano (3-Part Mixed Choir (SAB)). Book; Choral Collection. Faber Edition: Choral Basics. Published by Faber Music