Creative Programming: Madrigals for Choir Wednesday, February 24, 2021
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Il Est Bel Et Bon by Pierre Passereau/arr. David Das, SAB a cappella
This classic French carol is skillfully arranged for the choirs without tenors. The counterpoint remains like a round making it logical to learn and the a cappella setting is a wonderful skill for developing choirs to navigate.
O Bella Fusa by Orlando di Lasso/arr. Russell Robinson, 3-part mixed a cappella (opt. piano)
Originally composed for SATB mixed voices, this Three-Part Mixed setting of the well-known madrigal, with Italian text throughout, may be sung a cappella or accompanied. A fantastic period piece!
Ihr Brüder, Lieben Brüden Mein by Johann Hermann Schein/arr. Jim Leininger, SSATB a cappella
This joyous five-part madrigal for mixed voices by German Renaissance composer Johann Schein is a welcome addition to the body of chamber choir literature. With the text in the original German, it is an invitation to a merry celebration with drinking and music making.
Ein Hennlein Weiss (A Small White Hen) by Antonio Scandello/arr. John Leavitt, SATB a cappella
Italian court musician and composer Antonio Scandello (1517-1580) rose to the position of Kapellmeister in Dresden, making him one of the most important musicians in Germany at the time. This spirited Renaissance-era choral work, translating to “a small, white hen,” includes humorous references to a chicken laying an egg, complete with a modest narrative and poultry vocalizations!
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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!