Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind: Treble & Tenor/Bass for Holiday Wednesday, November 10, 2021
8 Excellent Arrangments for winter concerts
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recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind by Sarah Quartel, SSA with piano
This atmospheric setting of familiar words from Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” is sprightly and uplifting, with singers being asked by the composer to perform with “a bit of frost and a knowing smile.”
In the Bleak Midwinter by Ruth Morris Gray, SSA with piano and optional drum
This rhythmic setting of the Christina Rossetti text is a truly unique approach. Set in a minor key with light syncopations, the triadic harmony quickly falls into place. Program as a processional and add the optional drum part to make the most of this singular seasonal song.
A la Puerta del Cielo arr. Ruth Elaine Schram, SSA with piano
This tender Spanish lullaby, also known as “Duermete Nino,” has been given an expressive setting for treble choirs. Appropriate for concerts at any time of year, this work exudes an elegant simplicity while a gently flowing accompaniment enhances the serene mood of the piece. A pronunciation guide and translation are included.
Silent Snowfall by Laura Farnell, S(S)A with piano
Farnell captures the exquisite beauty, wonder, and starkness of the falling snow through both picture painting and melodic treatment in this poignant and accessible piece for treble choirs. The optional notes throughout provide opportunities to “fill out” chords at the discretion of the director. “Silent Snowfall” is a holiday programming must.
The Work of Christmas by Dan Forrest, SSAA with piano
The beautiful, thoughtful, a cappella SATB chorus setting of the Howard Thurman text is now available arranged for SSAA Choir with piano and TTBB Choir with piano. It offers the challenge to live out the Christmas story in very practical ways.
Chantons Noel arr. Mark Patterson, TTBB with piano and optional djembe & finger cymbals
A thrilling piece for holiday concerts for tenor-bass choirs! Layered choral entrances in a fanfare-like introduction set up the entrance to the traditional French carol “Noel Nouvelet.” Conservative ranges for each part are supported well by the driving piano accompaniment along with the optional drum and finger cymbals. Perform in French, with a pronunciation guide and translation provided, or use the singable English text for accessibility. Impressive!
Figgy Pudding! (with We Wish You a Merry Christmas) by Ruth Morris Gray, TTB with piano
We won’t go until we get some – but how exactly do you make that holiday confection, anyway? Find the answer in this playful, original (and completely secular) holiday canon loosely based on a fragment from “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Prepared with old English Dickensian flair, the round stacks in three, a perfect recipe for building harmony skills.
Riu, Riu, Chiu (with God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen) arr. David Waggoner, TTB with piano
Rhythmic with lots of vocal color this new arrangement of the sixteenth century Spanish carol is a delight for mixed as well as men’s voices. A steady eighth note pattern in the energetic accompaniment creates a steady beat as the piece moves seamlessly from the “Riu, Riu, Chiu” to “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” making use of both Spanish and English languages adding a delightful familiarity for the audience.
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About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
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!