Creative Programming: Poetry & Masterwork Texts Monday, March 11, 2019
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
FOR COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY CHOIR
And Sure Stars Shining by Z. Randall Stroope, SATB with piano, text by Sara Teasdale
Embracing the hope that dreams may someday become a reality, this musical setting is actively stirring, with stunning harmonic and melodic moments. It seeks to capture that internal ecstasy and “beyond this world utopia” that was the reality Sara Teasdale so wanted, and seemingly never achieved.
i carry your heart by Eric Whitacre, SATB a cappella, text by e.e. cummings
Written for best friends of the composer and premiered by the LA Master Chorale. The heart of this piece is reflected in the text “i am never without it.” This is an intimate text set in an intimate way.
FOR HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
In Flanders Fields by Greg Gilpin, SATB with piano & cello, text by John McRae
One of the best known and oft-quoted poems from World War I, Greg Gilpin’s setting of this text is exquisitely solemn, quiet and emotional. The musical interpretation is filled with rich harmonic structures supporting a haunting melodic motif creating beautiful selection for remembrance of veterans at home and abroad.
Songs in the Night by Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano, adapted from texts by William Blake and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
This artful setting of adapted texts by William Blake and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow features sweeping melodic lines and graceful, gorgeous choral sonorities destined to showcase your treble or mixed choirs. A stunning choice for concert or festival, the accompaniment is rich and lush, one of the many characteristics of Johnson’s superb choral writing.
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR
The Music-Makers by Ruth Morris Gray, SAB with piano, text by Arthur O’Shaughnessy
A driving rhythmic accompaniment and an inspiring text based on Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s “Ode” create a thrilling piece to both sing and hear. Accessible harmonies make teaching parts a snap, while robust poetry and captivating choral syncopations suggest a concert opener!
There Will Come Soft Rains by Laura Farnell, 3-part mixed with piano, text by Sara Teasdale
Laura Farnell’s setting of Sara Teasdale’s “There Will Come Soft Rains” is an elegant choice for concert or festival performance. These profound words are the inspiration for Teasdale’s emotional response to war, beautifully set by Farnell.
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.
Lora Moore joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2018. A former middle school and high school director of 32 years, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music from Capital University and a Master’s of Arts in Choral Music from The Ohio State University. Currently she is a church choir director, operates a private voice/piano studio and is active as a clinician and accompanist. During the off hours, Lora enjoys scouting out new day trips in Ohio to balance what her budget allows for her frequent trips to New York City to visit family and take in a Broadway show or two!