Both Sides Now: Choral Music from JONI MITCHELL Friday, April 19, 2024
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
Both Sides Now arr. Roger Emerson, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
Taken in the context of modern cultural offerings of singular musical artistic expression, Joni Mitchell’s 1969 masterpiece stands out as a touchstone of style, lyricism and theme. Roger Emerson, himself carving out a space in the late-’60s southern California rock scene when “Both Sides Now” was written, sets up the Canadian’s inimitable refrains and rhymes in a choral setting in a way that is absolutely astounding.
Big Yellow Taxi arr. Adam & Matt Podd, SATB with piano
This is Joni Mitchell’s call to action to prevent the damage we are doing to the environment. This brilliant arrangement by Matt and Adam Podd unpacks the form and repeats the line “don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone”. Appropriate for the concert stage and any concert about sustainability, the environment or any time.
River arr. Mac Huff, SATB with piano and optional cello
This classic song by singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell is one of the most recorded ever, by artists of many musical styles. Appropriate for standard concerts or Christmas/Winter concerts, this “concert pop” arrangement is powerful and tender at the same time. The optional cello intensifies the longing and loneliness.
The Circle Game arr. Audrey Snyder, SATB with piano and optional rhythm
Songstress Joni Mitchell is a titan among the music industry, transcending the generations with her melodies and lyrics, infinitely singable the world over. 1966’s “The Circle Game” chronicles the inevitable story of a child becoming an adult – and this Audrey Snyder arrangement is complete with fully transcribed and tuned Guitar and Bass parts.
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About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
Lisa Springer joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2023. She taught middle and high school choirs for 27 years in addition to serving as Artistic Director of the Columbus Women’s Chorus. She holds degrees from Heidelberg University and Cleveland Institute of Music. She has enjoyed an extensive professional singing career and continues to perform in the greater Columbus area. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in southern Ohio playing with her grandchildren.