SKU: HL.49018099

ISBN 9790001158428. UPC: 884088567347. 8.25x11.75x0.457 inches. Latin - German.

On letting go(Concerning the selection of the texts) In the selection of the texts, I have allowed myself to be motivated and inspired by the concept of 'letting go'. This appears to me to be one of the essential aspects of dying, but also of life itself. We humans cling far too strongly to successful achievements, whether they have to do with material or ideal values, or relationships of all kinds. We cannot and do not want to let go, almost as if our life depended on it. As we will have to practise the art of letting go at the latest during our hour of death, perhaps we could already make a start on this while we are still alive. Tagore describes this farewell with very simple but strikingly vivid imagery: 'I will return the key of my door'. I have set this text for tenor solo. Here I imagine, and have correspondingly noted in a certain passage of the score, that the protagonist finds himself as though 'in an ocean' of voices in which he is however not drowning, but immersing himself in complete relaxation. The phenomenon of letting go is described even more simply and tersely in Psalm 90, verse 12: 'So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom'. This cannot be expressed more plainly.I have begun the requiem with a solo boy's voice singing the beginning of this psalm on a single note, the note A. This in effect says it all. The work comes full circle at the culmination with a repeat of the psalm which subsequently leads into a resplendent 'lux aeterna'. The intermediate texts of the Requiem which highlight the phenomenon of letting go in the widest spectrum of colours originate on the one hand from the Latin liturgy of the Messa da Requiem (In Paradisum, Libera me, Requiem aeternam, Mors stupebit) and on the other hand from poems by Joseph von Eichendorff, Hermann Hesse, Rabindranath Tagore and Rainer Maria Rilke.All texts have a distinctive positive element in common and view death as being an organic process within the great system of the universe, for example when Hermann Hesse writes: 'Entreiss dich, Seele, nun der Zeit, entreiss dich deinen Sorgen und mache dich zum Flug bereit in den ersehnten Morgen' ['Tear yourself way , o soul, from time, tear yourself away from your sorrows and prepare yourself to fly away into the long-awaited morning'] and later: 'Und die Seele unbewacht will in freien Flugen schweben, um im Zauberkreis der Nacht tief und tausendfach zu leben' ['And the unfettered soul strives to soar in free flight to live in the magic sphere of the night, deep and thousandfold']. Or Joseph von Eichendorff whose text evokes a distant song in his lines: 'Und meine Seele spannte weit ihre Flugel aus. Flog durch die stillen Lande, als floge sie nach Haus' ['And my soul spread its wings wide. Flew through the still country as if homeward bound.']Here a strong romantically tinged occidental resonance can be detected which is however also accompanied by a universal spirit going far beyond all cultures and religions. In the beginning was the sound Long before any sort of word or meaningful phrase was uttered by vocal chords, sounds, vibrations and tones already existed. This brings us back to the music. Both during my years of study and at subsequent periods, I had been an active participant in the world of contemporary music, both as percussionist and also as conductor and composer. My early scores had a somewhat adventurous appearance, filled with an abundance of small black dots: no rhythm could be too complicated, no register too extreme and no harmony too dissonant. I devoted myself intensely to the handling of different parameters which in serial music coexist in total equality: I also studied aleatory principles and so-called minimal music.I subsequently emigrated and took up residence in Spain from where I embarked on numerous travels over the years to India, Africa and South America. I spent repeated periods during this time as a resident in non-European countries. This meant that the currents of contemporary music swept past me vaguely and at a great distance. What I instead absorbed during this period were other completely new cultures in which I attempted to immerse myself as intensively as possible.I learned foreign languages and came into contact with musicians of all classes and styles who had a different cultural heritage than my own: I was intoxicated with the diversity of artistic potential.Nevertheless, the further I distanced myself from my own Western musical heritage, the more this returned insistently in my consciousness.The scene can be imagined of sitting somewhere in the middle of the Brazilian jungle surrounded by the wailing of Indians and out of the blue being provided with the opportunity to hear Beethoven's late string quartets: this can be a heart-wrenching experience, akin to an identity crisis. This type of experience can also be described as cathartic. Whatever the circumstances, my 'renewed' occupation with the 'old' country would not permit me to return to the point at which I as an audacious young student had maltreated the musical parameters of so-called contemporary music. A completely different approach would be necessary: an extremely careful approach, inching my way gradually back into the Western world: an approach which would welcome tradition back into the fold, attempt to unfurl the petals and gently infuse this tradition with a breath of contemporary life.Although I am aware that I will not unleash a revolution or scandal with this approach, I am nevertheless confident as, with the musical vocabulary of this Requiem, I am travelling in an orbit in which no ballast or complex structures will be transported or intimated: on the contrary, I have attempted to form the message of the texts in music with the naivety of a 'homecomer'. Harald WeissColonia de San PedroMarch 2009.

SKU: HL.282481

ISBN 9781540034380. UPC: 888680789251. 9.0x12.0x0.965 inches.

The 1990s saw the rise of R&B, boy bands and alternative rock as the 20th century came to a close. This collection features 80 songs from the decade arranged for easy piano with lyrics: Always Be My Baby * As Long As You Love Me * ...Baby One More Time * Black Velvet * Can You Feel the Love Tonight * Dreams * Fields of Gold * Friends in Low Places * Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) * How Am I Supposed to Live Without You * I Need to Know * I'm the Only One * Ironic * Livin' La Vida Loca * Losing My Religion * More Than Words * Only Wanna Be with You * Smells like Teen Spirit * Smooth * Tears in Heaven * Under the Bridge * You Must Love Me * You're Still the One * and more.

SKU: AP.74-0143180401

ISBN 9780143180401. English.

Randy Bachman has been rolling out chart-topping songs his whole life---You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, These Eyes, American Woman, Takin' Care of Business---and, since 2005, treating fans to a lifetime of rock 'n' roll stories on his hit CBC Radio show, Vinyl Tap. His approach is always fresh--even the most hardcore music fans will be surprised by what they can learn from Bachman. Whether he is touring with Ringo Starr, jamming with Little Richard, or recording with Neil Young, music is his life, and his anecdotes put you at the center of it all. A fifty-year career in music is full of extreme highs and lows. It is also a life filled with some very colorful characters. Bachman's stories are candid and always entertaining. These are his best stories. The most memorable Vinyl Tap moments are all here, from Randy's Guitarology 101 to his favorite songs to be played at funerals. For fans of the radio show and perennial rock 'n' roll lovers from the sixties through to today, Randy Bachman's Vinyl Tap Stories invites readers to relive their favorite musical experiences. And for new fans, it opens up a joyous world of rock and popular music. Despite his success, Bachman is still that kid from Winnipeg, and his enthusiasm for great music is as strong as ever. Funny, raucous, and engaging, Randy Bachman's Vinyl Tap Stories is irresistible.

SKU: GI.G-1064

UPC: 785147006428.

From the music of the Buena Vista Social Club to Gloria Estefan, the lyrical melodies and infectious rhythms of Cuban music have become embedded in U.S. culture. With Caminemos con Jesús / Let Us Walk with Jesus, composer Tony Alonso presents a groundbreaking collection of liturgical music that calls on his own Cuban musical heritage to provide new ways of singing the liturgy in Spanish, English or bilingually. The first project of its kind, Caminemos con Jesús not only utilizes rich Cuban idioms but also explores what style and musical form can teach us about praying together across cultural and linguistic boundaries. The dynamic call-and-response form that is a hallmark of traditional Cuban music makes these songs especially compelling choices for bilingual worship, allowing assemblies to learn, internalize, and pray easily in both Spanish and English. “Qué Alegría Cuando Me Dijeron / I Rejoiced When I Heard Them Say” uses the words of the psalm as a rhythmic mantra, creating a fresh and engaging way to gather as the Body of Christ. “Letanía a la Madre de las Américas / Litany of Mary of The Americas,” invokes the Mary of many names and nations with a simple yet strong response that will enliven Marian feasts throughout the year. The gentle simplicity of “Tres Guajiros / Three Peasants” re-imagines the story of the Magi as humble peasants bringing gifts of the land to honor the newborn Jesus. Also, in this collection and for the first time in published form, is Gloria Estefan’s “Caridad,” a powerful and poetic prayer to Our Lady of Charity, the patroness of Cuba. All of the pieces of this collection focus on the importance of bringing the voices of the assembly to the forefront while the arrangements are skillfully crafted to be accessible to musicians of all abilities. In addition to the spiral-bound edition, individual octavos, and flute and brass parts, Caminemos con Jesús offers a special edition featuring parts for guitar, percussion and other instruments central to Cuban music. The studio recording is a stunning source of prayer and inspiration, produced in Miami by Grammy Award winner Juan Delgado and featuring some of the finest Cuban-American musicians today.  GIA Publications, Inc. is committed to responding to the rich diversity of the contemporary Church. With Caminemos con Jesús, we offer you our very best bilingual music for the liturgical year.  “The music of my father’s Cuban homeland has been the language of my heart for as long as I can remember. These songs infuse that rich tradition with the unique sabor of my own experience as a Cuban-American in a distinctly liturgical shape that I hope will inspire others in their daily camino con Jesús.” –Tony Alonso Featuring “Live Mercy, Be Holy / Vive la Misericordia, Vive la Santidad,” the 2020 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress theme song! Desde la música de Buena Vista Social Club hasta la de Gloria Estefan, las melodías líricas y ritmos contagiosos de la música cubana son incrustados en la cultura estadounidense. Con Caminemos con Jesús / Let Us Walk with Jesus, el compositor Tony Alonso presenta una colección innovadora de música litúrgica que incorpora su herencia musical cubana para producir una manera nueva de cantar la liturgia — en español, inglés o bilingüemente. El primer proyecto de este tipo, Caminemos con Jesús no sólo utiliza modismos ricos de Cuba sino también explora lo que el estilo y la forma musical nos pueden enseñar con respeto a rezar juntos a través de los límites culturales y lingüísticos.  La forma dinámica de llamada-y-respuesta que es un sello distintivo de la música cubana tradicional crea opciones cautivadoras para los rituales bilingües donde la asamblea puede aprender, interiorizar y rezar facilmente tanto en español como en inglés. “Qué Alegría Cuando Me Dijeron” incorpora la letra del salmo como una mantra rítmica, creando una manera original para congregar al Cuerpo de Cristo. La “Letanía a la Madre de las Américas,” la cual invoca a la María de muchos nombres y naciones utilizando una respuesta sencilla y fuerte, enriquecerá a las fiestas marianas de muchos pueblos durante todo el año. La sencillez suave de “Tres Guajiros” reimagina la historia de los Reyes Magos como guajiros humildes, trayendo regalos de la tierra para honrar al recién nacido Jesús. También se encuentra en esta colección, por la primera vez en forma publicada, el tema musical “Caridad” por Gloria Estefan, que es una oración poderosa y poética a Nuestra Madre de Caridad, la patrona de Cuba. Todas las piezas en esta colección se enfocan en la importancia de las voces de la asamblea mientras los arreglos son accesibles para los músicos de todas habilidades. Además de la edición con espiral, las partituras corales individuales, y las ediciones para flauta y instrumentos de metal, Caminemos con Jesús también ofrece una edición para guitarra con partituras adicionales para percusión y otros instrumentos centrales en la música cubana. La grabación del estudio es espectacular, una fuente de oración y inspiración. Producido en Miami por el ganador de Grammy Juan Delgado, el álbum destaca los talentos de unos de los mejores músicos cubano-americanos de hoy día.  GIA Publications, Inc. está comprometido a responder a la diversidad rica de la Iglesia actual. En Caminemos con Jesús, les ofrecemos nuestra mejor música bilingüe para todo el año litúrgico. “La música de la tierra cubana de mi padre ha sido el lenguaje de mi corazón desde que yo tengo memoria. Estas canciones infunden esa rica tradición del sabor único de mi propia experiencia como cubanoamericano con una forma claramente litúrgica. Es mi deseo que esta obra inspire a los demás en su propio camino diario con Jesús”. –Tony Alonso  Incluye el canto tema, “Vive la Misericordia, Vive la Santidad / Live Mercy, Be Holy,” compuesto para el Congreso de Educación Religiosa de Los Angeles del 2020. CONTENTS / CONTENIDO: Arriba los Corazones / We Lift Up Our Hearts • Caminemos con Jesús / Let Us Walk with Jesus • Cántico de Daniel / Canticle of Daniel • Caridad / Our Lady of Charity • Letanía del Santo Nombre de Jesús / Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus • Letanía a la Madre de las Américas / Litany to the Mother of the Americas • Qué Alegría Cuando Me Dijeron / I Rejoiced When I Heard them Say • Una Gran Nube de Testigos / A Wondrous Cloud of Witnesses • Tres Guajiros / Three Peasants • Vayan Por el Mundo Entero / Go Out to All the World • Vive la Misericordia, Vive la Santidad / Live Mercy, Be Holy.  .

SKU: BT.MUSAM999251

ISBN 9781849383530. English.

Take centre stage and play along with a live rhythm section featuring Bass, Drums and Piano

This collection features 24 great songs, from Jazz and Blues standards through Soul and Gospel favourites and lively Swing andLatinnumbers.

T he authentic CD backing tracks will help you achieve a more professional performance.

Wh at's included:

• Printed music - 24 pieces in melody line arrangements
• Two audio CDs-Professional 'soundalike' performances of every piece featuring a live band on CD 1, plus backing tracks to play along with on CD 2.
  
  

SKU: HL.35032180

UPC: 888680739928. 6.75x10.5 inches. Don Besig/Nancy Price.

Strong accented chords in the piano mark the opening gesture in this anthem of dedication and service, calling the faithful to a joyful affirmation of faith. A melody that sings itself appears in unison, building intensity with a series of commitments to praise. With the regal calls of “Praise the Lord,” the refrain breaks into harmony with thrilling results. The piano is both vocally supportive and rhythmically compelling. An optional a cappella section is a delightful surprise!

SKU: CF.SPS95

ISBN 9781491161302. UPC: 680160919895.

Writt en to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the surprise attack on the American Pacific Fleet, Remembering Pearl Harbor is a stirring tribute honoring the heroes of the date which will live in infamy- December 7, 1941. Like flying over the Pacific, the opening bars seemingly soar back in time. The composition takes the listener on a moving journey from the precarious moments before the fateful attack, through the air strike and resulting aftermath. The musical voyage begins with chimes, signifying the hour of the attack that Sunday morning, developing into the heroic main theme representing the Spirit of America. A rousing version of Anchors Aweigh takes us to the naval base at Pearl Harbor and the activities of the day. By the end of Anchors Aweigh, the mood seems to change, foreshadowing the fate of the U.S. fleet. Next, the haunting theme of the Japanese National Anthem is heard and the distant sound of propellers as they approach. When the planes arrive, the battle rages until there is total destruction. Countless people lost their lives on this tragic day. The playing of Taps and the Navy Hymn, Eternal Father, Strong to Save is presented as an homage to those who perished. Following this solemn moment, the American spirit begins to rise as they come together to defeat the enemy. As the U.S. triumphs in the end, we hear fragments of many American tunes depicting the strength and resilience of the American People. You may want to consider using portions of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's famous speech to enhance your performance. The following sections are suggested: Measure 46: Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. Measure 83: The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. Measure 105: No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory..
Written to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the surprise attack on the American Pacific Fleet, Remembering Pearl Harbor is a stirring tribute honoring the heroes of the “date which will live in infamy”- December 7, 1941. Like flying over the Pacific, the opening bars seemingly soar back in time. The composition takes the listener on a moving journey from the precarious moments before the fateful attack, through the air strike and resulting aftermath.The musical voyage begins with chimes, signifying the hour of the attack that Sunday morning, developing into the heroic main theme representing the Spirit of America. A rousing version of Anchors Aweigh takes us to the naval base at Pearl Harbor and the activities of the day. By the end of Anchors Aweigh, the mood seems to change, foreshadowing the fate of the U.S. fleet.  Next, the haunting theme of the Japanese National Anthem is heard and the distant sound of propellers as they approach. When the planes arrive, the battle rages until there is total destruction. Countless people lost their lives on this tragic day. The playing of Taps and the Navy Hymn, Eternal Father, Strong to Save is presented as an homage to those who perished.Following this solemn moment, the American spirit begins to rise as they come together to defeat the enemy. As the U.S. triumphs in the end, we hear fragments of many American tunes depicting the strength and resilience of the American People.You may want to consider using portions of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s famous speech to enhance your performance.  The following sections are suggested:Measure 46: “Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”Measure 83: “The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost.”Measure 105: “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.”.

SKU: CF.SPS95F

ISBN 9781491161845. UPC: 680160920525.

Writt en to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the surprise attack on the American Pacific Fleet, Remembering Pearl Harbor is a stirring tribute honoring the heroes of the date which will live in infamy- December 7, 1941. Like flying over the Pacific, the opening bars seemingly soar back in time. The composition takes the listener on a moving journey from the precarious moments before the fateful attack, through the air strike and resulting aftermath. The musical voyage begins with chimes, signifying the hour of the attack that Sunday morning, developing into the heroic main theme representing the Spirit of America. A rousing version of Anchors Aweigh takes us to the naval base at Pearl Harbor and the activities of the day. By the end of Anchors Away, the mood seems to change, foreshadowing the fate of the U.S. fleet. Next, the haunting theme of the Japanese National Anthem is heard and the distant sound of propellers as they approach. When the planes arrive, the battle rages until there is total destruction. Countless people lost their lives on this tragic day. The playing of Taps and the Navy Hymn, Eternal Father, Strong to Save is presented as an homage to those who perished. Following this solemn moment, the American spirit begins to rise as they come together to defeat the enemy. As the U.S. triumphs in the end, we hear fragments of many American tunes depicting the strength and resilience of the American People. You may want to consider using portions of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's famous speech to enhance your performance. The following sections are suggested: Measure 46: Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. Measure 83: The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. Measure 105: No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory..
Written to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the surprise attack on the American Pacific Fleet, Remembering Pearl Harbor is a stirring tribute honoring the heroes of the “date which will live in infamy”- December 7, 1941. Like flying over the Pacific, the opening bars seemingly soar back in time. The composition takes the listener on a moving journey from the precarious moments before the fateful attack, through the air strike and resulting aftermath.The musical voyage begins with chimes, signifying the hour of the attack that Sunday morning, developing into the heroic main theme representing the Spirit of America. A rousing version of Anchors Aweigh takes us to the naval base at Pearl Harbor and the activities of the day. By the end of Anchors Away, the mood seems to change, foreshadowing the fate of the U.S. fleet.  Next, the haunting theme of the Japanese National Anthem is heard and the distant sound of propellers as they approach. When the planes arrive, the battle rages until there is total destruction. Countless people lost their lives on this tragic day. The playing of Taps and the Navy Hymn, Eternal Father, Strong to Save is presented as an homage to those who perished.Following this solemn moment, the American spirit begins to rise as they come together to defeat the enemy. As the U.S. triumphs in the end, we hear fragments of many American tunes depicting the strength and resilience of the American People.You may want to consider using portions of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s famous speech to enhance your performance.  The following sections are suggested:Measure 46: “Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”Measure 83: “The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost.”Measure 105: “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.”.

SKU: CF.CM9735

ISBN 9781491161159. UPC: 680160919741. Key: A minor. Latin, English. Christopher Smart and ZRS.

Origins of the Tarantella The tarantella is a popular southern Italian dance with origins in the 11th century. (There is even some mention of the tarantella in ancient Greek mythology.) Of the possible sources of the dance, the most popular comes from the villages of Tanto and Tarentum (little spider), Italy. During harvest, workers in the field were sometimes bitten by the tarantula spider. To combat the poison, the afflicted workers went into a frenetic, almost musical exorcism to sweat the venom out of their pores. In the millennium since, the very energetic nature of the dance has remained, although the curative focus of the dance has given way to more enjoyable endeavors, even stately courtship. Origins of the Text Christopher Smart (1722-1771), also known as Kit Smart or Jack Smart, was born in Kent, England and suffered from what is now believed to be acute asthma and other health issues as a child. As such, he did not work in the fields, but spent much time reading and writing, a passion that he nurtured for a lifetime. Well known in London literary circles, his career as a writer floundered due to mounting debts and his falling out of favor with the literary establishment: Sadly, he was forced to confinement at St. Luke's Hospital for Lunatics, though this was based on his mounting debt, and not on insanity. (Confinement, or debtor's prison, was common during this period if one's debts could not be paid.) During his confinement, he worked on two of his most famous works, Jubilate Agno and A Song of David. (Part of Jubilate Agno [Rejoice in the Lamb] was set to music by English composer, Benjamin Britten.) Smart's writing style (which, at times, bordered on the absurd), along with his many obsessions, lead to frequent misperceptions of his work and his lucidity. In this present work, portions of Smart's Jubilate Agno were used in mm. 24-31, 103-110 and 149-156. The remaining text was gathered by the composer, including the rapid, almost patter-like, delivery of words from A-Z in the alphabet. (Christopher Smart had a preoccupation with the alphabet.) These words both rhyme and accentuate the frenetic nature of the spider dance: theraphosa [teh-rah-fo-sa] a genus of tarantula spiders bellicose [beh-lee-ko-sah] hostile; aggressive odiosa [o-dee-o-sa] hateful; vexation tenebrosa [teh-neh-bro-sa] creeping; dark nemorosa [neh-mo-ro-sa] wooded; shady lapidosa [lah-pee-do-sa] stony area; gritty The convergence, then, of the medieval tarantella (spider dance), the writings of a brilliant poet who bordered on the absurd, and the infusion of strong, descriptive and otherwise random, rhyming words, synthesizes to make dramatic lyrics for this work. About the Composer Z. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. He has served as Professor of Music at three universities (an Endowed Professor at two), conducted 47 all-state choirs, and directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, among other American venues. Randall guest conducts full-time, and composes from his home studios on Merritt Island, Florida and in Sandia Park, New Mexico. Performance Notes Text: In Latin, the r is flipped; use s instead of z on endings such as phosa, cosa, and so on; the Latin o is a cross between oh and aw; in the transliteration above, I chose to simply use an o for consistency. The director will blend the oh and aw in the rehearsals to his/her own preference. Lastly, tarantula is pronounced tah-rah-n-too-lah (avoid teh-ran-choo-luh) within the confines of this text. Stomp: This can be done by the entire chorus, or just the first row. It is as much visual as it is auditory. The string quartet is preferred over piano when that option affords itself. I created a piano score that is a viable option and included it in the piano/vocal score if a performance uses chorus/piano.
The tarantella is a popular southern Italian dance with origins in the 11th century. (There is even some mention of the tarantella in ancient Greek mythology.) Of the possible sources of the dance, the most popular comes from the villages of Tanto and Tarentum (“little spider”), Italy. During harvest, workers in the field were sometimes bitten by the tarantula spider. To combat the “poison,” the afflicted workers went into a frenetic, almost musical exorcism to sweat the venom out of their pores. In the millennium since, the very energetic nature of the dance has remained, although the curative focus of the dance has given way to more enjoyable endeavors, even stately courtship.Christopher Smart (1722-1771), also known as “Kit Smart” or “Jack Smart,” was born in Kent, England and suffered from what is now believed to be acute asthma and other health issues as a child. As such, he did not work in the fields, but spent much time reading and writing, a passion that he nurtured for a lifetime. Well known in London literary circles, his career as a writer floundered due to mounting debts and his falling out of favor with the literary establishment: Sadly, he was forced to confinement at St. Luke’s Hospital for Lunatics, though this was based on his mounting debt, and not on insanity. (Confinement, or debtor’s prison, was common during this period if one’s debts could not be paid.) During his confinement, he worked on two of his most famous works, Jubilate Agno and A Song of David. (Part of Jubilate Agno [“Rejoice in the Lamb”] was set to music by English composer, Benjamin Britten.) Smart’s writing style (which, at times, bordered on the absurd), along with his many obsessions, lead to frequent misperceptions of his work and his lucidity. In this present work, portions of Smart’s Jubilate Agno were used in mm. 24-31, 103-110 and 149-156. The remaining text was gathered by the composer, including the rapid, almost patter-like, delivery of words from A-Z in the alphabet. (Christopher Smart had a preoccupation with the alphabet.) These words both rhyme and accentuate the frenetic nature of the spider dance:The convergence, then, of the medieval tarantella (spider dance), the writings of a brilliant poet who bordered on the absurd, and the infusion of strong, descriptive and otherwise random, rhyming words, synthesizes to make dramatic lyrics for this work.Z. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. He has served as Professor of Music at three universities (an Endowed Professor at two), conducted 47 all-state choirs, and directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, among other American venues. Randall guest conducts full-time, and composes from his home studios on Merritt Island, Florida and in Sandia Park, New Mexico. In Latin, the “r” is flipped; use “s” instead of “z” on endings such as “phosa,” “cosa,” and so on; the Latin “o” is a cross between “oh” and “aw”; in the transliteration above, I chose to simply use an “o” for consistency. The director will blend the “oh” and “aw” in the rehearsals to his/her own preference. Lastly, “tarantula” is pronounced “tah-rah-n-too-lah� �€ (avoid “teh-ran-choo-luhâ €) within the confines of this text.Stomp: This can be done by the entire chorus, or just the first row. It is as much visual as it is auditory. The string quartet is preferred over piano when that option affords itself. I created a piano score that is a viable option and included it in the piano/vocal score if a performance uses chorus/piano.
The tarantella is a popular southern Italian dance with origins in the 11th century. (There is even some mention of the tarantella in ancient Greek mythology.) Of the possible sources of the dance, the most popular comes from the villages of Tanto and Tarentum (“little spider”), Italy. During harvest, workers in the field were sometimes bitten by the tarantula spider. To combat the “poison,” the afflicted workers went into a frenetic, almost musical exorcism to sweat the venom out of their pores. In the millennium since, the very energetic nature of the dance has remained, although the curative focus of the dance has given way to more enjoyable endeavors, even stately courtship.Christopher Smart (1722-1771), also known as “Kit Smart” or “Jack Smart,” was born in Kent, England and suffered from what is now believed to be acute asthma and other health issues as a child. As such, he did not work in the fields, but spent much time reading and writing, a passion that he nurtured for a lifetime. Well known in London literary circles, his career as a writer floundered due to mounting debts and his falling out of favor with the literary establishment: Sadly, he was forced to confinement at St. Luke’s Hospital for Lunatics, though this was based on his mounting debt, and not on insanity. (Confinement, or debtor’s prison, was common during this period if one’s debts could not be paid.) During his confinement, he worked on two of his most famous works, Jubilate Agno and A Song of David. (Part of Jubilate Agno [“Rejoice in the Lamb”] was set to music by English composer, Benjamin Britten.) Smart’s writing style (which, at times, bordered on the absurd), along with his many obsessions, lead to frequent misperceptions of his work and his lucidity. In this present work, portions of Smart’s Jubilate Agno were used in mm. 24-31, 103-110 and 149-156. The remaining text was gathered by the composer, including the rapid, almost patter-like, delivery of words from A-Z in the alphabet. (Christopher Smart had a preoccupation with the alphabet.) These words both rhyme and accentuate the frenetic nature of the spider dance:The convergence, then, of the medieval tarantella (spider dance), the writings of a brilliant poet who bordered on the absurd, and the infusion of strong, descriptive and otherwise random, rhyming words, synthesizes to make dramatic lyrics for this work.Z. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. He has served as Professor of Music at three universities (an Endowed Professor at two), conducted 47 all-state choirs, and directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, among other American venues. Randall guest conducts full-time, and composes from his home studios on Merritt Island, Florida and in Sandia Park, New Mexico.In Latin, the “r” is flipped; use “s” instead of “z” on endings such as “phosa,” “cosa,” and so on; the Latin “o” is a cross between “oh” and “aw”; in the transliteration above, I chose to simply use an “o” for consistency. The director will blend the “oh” and “aw” in the rehearsals to his/her own preference. Lastly, “tarantula” is pronounced “tah-rah-n-too-lah� �€ (avoid “teh-ran-choo-luhâ €) within the confines of this text.Stomp: This can be done by the entire chorus, or just the first row. It is as much visual as it is auditory. The string quartet is preferred over piano when that option affords itself. I created a piano score that is a viable option and included it in the piano/vocal score if a performance uses chorus/piano.

SKU: GI.G-10597

SKU: AP.48315

UPC: 038081551388. English.

I will be brave, I will be strong echoes from choir to soloist (or small group) at the powerful start of this inspirational gospel-style original. Soon, a bright tempo kicks in to deliver an undeniably uplifting choral experience. Just right for combined concerts, festival groups, graduation celebrations, or at any time of year! A free online video invites the use of sign language, demonstrated by the author herself.

SKU: AP.48313

UPC: 038081551364. English.

I will be brave, I will be strong echoes from choir to soloist (or small group) at the powerful start of this inspirational gospel-style original. Soon, a bright tempo kicks in to deliver an undeniably uplifting choral experience. Just right for combined concerts, festival groups, graduation celebrations, or at any time of year! A free online video invites the use of sign language, demonstrated by the author herself. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: AP.48312

UPC: 038081551357. English.

I will be brave, I will be strong echoes from choir to soloist (or small group) at the powerful start of this inspirational gospel-style original. Soon, a bright tempo kicks in to deliver an undeniably uplifting choral experience. Just right for combined concerts, festival groups, graduation celebrations, or at any time of year! A free online video invites the use of sign language, demonstrated by the author herself. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: AP.48314

UPC: 038081551371. English.

I will be brave, I will be strong echoes from choir to soloist (or small group) at the powerful start of this inspirational gospel-style original. Soon, a bright tempo kicks in to deliver an undeniably uplifting choral experience. Just right for combined concerts, festival groups, graduation celebrations, or at any time of year! A free online video invites the use of sign language, demonstrated by the author herself. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.