Opera Choruses Monday, May 07, 2018
recommended by Alissa Ruth and Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialists
Cauldron Dance (from Macbeth) – Giuseppe Verdi/arr. Ryan Kelly
Verdi’s opera “Macbeth” is based on William Shakespeare’s theatrical tragedy of the same name. This third act chorus finds witches dancing and a diabolical spell being prepared. This new edition suggests tempo and dynamic markings. An accessible piano reduction is realized and a translation, pronunciation guide and editorial notes are provided.
The Bartered Bride (Opening Chorus) – Bedrich Smetana/arr. Emily Ellsworth
This opening chorus from Smetana’s most beloved folk opera is filled with the popular spirit, sounds and rhythms of Czech folk music. The effervescence of the music and the camaraderie of the villagers–your chorus–make this a delightful piece to explore the drama of opera.
Finale from The Gondoliers (Dance a Cachucha) – Gilbert & Sullivan/arr. John Leavitt
From Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers,” this rollicking spoof will provide an over-the-top finish to any concert. The “Dance a Cachucha,” as it’s also known, will build into a breathless fandango that will amaze and delight your listeners.
Viva! (from Il re pastore) – W.A. Mozart/arr. Patrick M. Liebergen
A triumphant Mozart masterwork for today’s choirs! This joyful opera finale opens and closes with a boisterous choral fanfare that features a brief, expressive vocal duet in the middle. The text is in Italian with optional English translation and IPA pronunciation guide included. The choral parts are supported by an exciting piano accompaniment for an arrangement that remains true to the original while being accessible to school choirs. Not necessarily familiar, but undeniably fantastic!
For more information about these and other options for your choir, feel free to visit stantons.com, email us at choral@stantons.com, or call 1.800.42.MUSIC ext. 1. We are happy to help with all of your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, she also enjoys good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.
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 around the country and spends her free time running, doing yoga, and cooking.