Excellence in Choral Literature: Classics from the Choral Canon Wednesday, December 29, 2021
8 Recommendations for Excellence in Choral Literature
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recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Alleluia by Randall Thompson, SATB a cappella
Perhaps one of the most often performed American choral works, millions of copies have sold since its composition in 1940 for the opening exercises of Tanglewood (the summer home of the Boston Symphony). Seventy-five years later, the continued popularity of this work attests to its endurance. This exciting new transcription also includes introductory notes compiled by Carl Schmidt, such as the following: “Conceived at one of the busiest and most stressful periods in his life, and at a time of great international turmoil, Thompson found time and inspiration in only seventy-eight bars of music and two words – Alleluia, Amen – to create one of the most cherished and frequently performed pieces of a cappella vocal music ever written. Sung and recorded around the world by singers of all ages, Alleluia richly deserves its lofty place in the pantheon of choral masterpieces.”
Hallelujah, Amen (from Judas Maccabaeus) by G.F. Handel/arr. Patrick M. Liebergen, SATB with piano
A classic new edition of the choral masterpiece from Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus. Patrick Liebergen has carefully edited this work from an 1866 German publication, reducing the instrumental accompaniment to piano or organ. Give your choir the opportunity to perform this fine masterwork from the choral literature of Handel.
Honor and Glory by J.S. Bach/ed. Walter Ehret, SSATB with piano or organ
This strong, lively fugue from Bach’s “Magnificat” is generally known by its Latin text “Sicut Locutus Est.” For SSATB choir, this appears on many concerts and festivals. The accompaniment is supportive throughout.
The Last Words of David by Randall Thompson, SATB with piano
Commissioned and premiered in 1949 by the Boston Symphony Orchestra to honor Dr. Serge Koussevitsky for 25 years of directorship. Roaring ascending scales in the accompaniment reflect the great strength of this Old Testament text. The popularity of this anthem is surpassed only by Thompson’s “Alleluia.”
Love Is a Rain of Diamonds by Gwyneth Walker, SSA with piano
Composer Gwyneth Walker has crafted this beautiful piece where interplay between a sparkling piano part and playful vocal lines mirrors poet May Swenson’s comparison between love and a cascade of diamonds. A stunning work! #4 in the cycle “Songs for Women’s Voices.”
Sing We and Chant It by Thomas Morley/arr. Geoffrey M. Mason, SSATB a cappella
An excellent madrigal example displaying many characteristics of the late Renaissance period, including a secular text and repeated homophonic and imitative sections.
The Storm Is Passing Over by Charles Albert Tindley/arr. Barbara W. Baker, 3-part treble with piano
Even choirs with limited experience singing gospel music will be able to perform the syncopated and heavily accented vocal parts with ease. The final repeated chorus features stunning dynamic contrasts, hand claps and a dramatic ritard before the final ending. A very strong choice!
Wondrous Cool, Thou Woodland Quiet by Johannes Brahms/ed. Franz Wasner, SATB a cappella
A beautiful and accessible example of Brahms’ choral style.
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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 and a former church choir director of 20 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. 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!