Creative Programming: Masterworks for Choir Wednesday, December 30, 2020
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Dona Nobis Pacem (from Heiligmesse) by F.J. Haydn/arr. Patrick M. Liebergen, SATB with piano
Taken from Haydn’s masterwork “Heiligmesse,” this shortened edition has also been transposed to make it more accessible. The setting of the compact Latin text explores many of the conventions of the Classical period, including energized homophonic choral lines, structured musical form, and stark dynamic contrasts.
Dixit Dominus (from Dixit Dominus RV 595) by Antonio Vivaldi/arr. Patrick M. Liebergen, 3-part mixed with piano
Joy instantly abounds as the well-edited keyboard introduction sets the tone for this impressive, yet approachable Baroque selection – the first movement of Vivaldi’s masterwork of the same name. Choral phrasing is obvious, as we alternate between brief marcato statements and longer lines that deliver satisfying suspensions. As always, Dr. Liebergen includes an informative editor’s note and a complete IPA pronunciation guide for the Latin text (eight words in total).
If You Love for Beauty (Liebst du um Schönheit) by Clara Wieck Schumann/arr. James McCullough, SATB with piano
Clara Schumann’s solo song expressing thankfulness for “True Love” has been expertly and effectively adapted here for SATB voices by composer/scholar James McCullough.
Ständchen (Serenade) by Franz Schubert/arr. Kirby Shaw, TTBB with piano
Generations of solo singers have cherished this classic art song, and now Alfred Music proudly presents the magnificent work designed for sophisticated choirs in an array of voicings. Schubert’s original piano part provides the rich chromatic language from which the voice parts are extracted. Study the original German text using the provided IPA pronunciation guide, or choose the singable English translation.
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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!