Considering Matthew Shepard Wednesday, August 16, 2017
recommended and compiled by Alissa Ruth, Choral Music Specialist
In the world of professional choral music, one of the groups that stands out from the rest is Conspirare, the Grammy Award-winning Texas-based group under the direction of Craig Hella Johnson. They are known for their expressive singing, Johnson’s unique “collage-style” programming, and their education outreach. As someone who spends much of her free time watching choral videos on YouTube (anyone else? anyone?), I love watching and listening to this group.
All of Us (from Considering Matthew Shepard) by Craig Hella Johnson
One of their most recent projects is Considering Matthew Shepard, Johnson’s first concert-length work composed to reflect on the life of Matthew Shepard as the 20th anniversary of his murder draws near. Shepard was a young, gay student at the University of Wyoming who, in 1998, was kidnapped, beaten, and tied to a fence and left to die. In composing this work, Johnson uses text from poets such as Rumi and Hildegard von Bingen, as well as excerpts from Shepard’s own journal and interviews from his parents.
Now available from Considering Matthew Shepard is Johnson’s final movement, entitled “All of Us.” Utilizing elements of hymnody and American folk and gospel styles, this piece that has been described as “heartfelt” and “brilliant” would be an excellent, uplifting concert opener or closer.
Listen to Conspirare’s Recording
Unclouded Day arr. Shawn Kirchner
Kirchner’s writing is very much based on songwriting and folk melodies, and his original writing often utilizes elements of jazz, bluegrass, and gospel. This gospel piece, which is movement one from his Heavenly Home: Three American Songs, is tried and true (and is one of my personal favorites). It begins with a straightforward verse and chorus, then develops into a more bluegrass style with elements of counterpoint and fugue, gradually incorporating more and more divisi. The peak of the piece comes in a hair-raising eight part chord on the phrase “in the city that is made of gold.” This is one of those pieces that is just as satisfying to listen to as it is to sing, and I can see it being standard repertoire for years to come.
Listen to Conspirare’s Recording
Light of a Clear Blue Morning arr. Craig Hella Johnson
Now newly arranged for women’s voices, this stunning arrangement of Dolly Parton’s piece is the perfect addition to any concert. I love that this is a “pop” piece that really feels like it was made to be sung by a choral ensemble. Featuring a soprano soloist, the arrangement uses rich a cappella harmonies, solo soprano recorder, and a hint of the original country style to focus on the hopefulness of the text. After a joyful middle section that uses “stacked” voices to play with color and texture, the piece ends reflectively. If you have a soprano that you would like to feature, this piece provides the perfect opportunity.
Listen to Conspirare’s Recording
Let the River Run arr. Craig Hella Johnson
Johnson is known for his “collage-style” programming, and this Carly Simon piece (you might know it from the 1989 film Working Girl) is no exception. He uses driving percussion rhythms, dancing piano accompaniment, and triumphant homophonic choral writing to create this uptempo piece, perfect for a concert opener or closer. I actually did this piece with my high school students, who absolutely loved it (and were able to be successful with it). The melody is almost folk-like, making it memorable and “singable.”
Listen to Conspirare’s Recording
If you liked the above pieces and would like to learn more about purchasing them, or would like some similar recommendations, visit our website at stantons.com, email us at choral@stantons.com or give us a call at 1.800.42.MUSIC, ext. 1. We are happy to help with all of your sheet music needs!
About the Author
Alissa Ruth began working at Stanton’s in the summer of 2016. She is a former middle and high school choir director and holds a Bachelor of Music in Education degree from Capital University. She is an active choral singer in the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, as well as a variety of choirs in the Columbus area, and she spends her free time running, doing yoga, cooking, and watching Netflix.
