Snow Is Silent: For Advanced Choir Friday, October 21, 2022
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Snow Is Silent by Jenny Mahler, SATB a cappella with conga and body percussion
An energetic piece setting a text full of natural imagery. Mahler’s catchy melodies are combined with speech, body percussion, and congas to imitate the contrasting characteristics of rain. Dramatic and expressive – this is the perfect performance piece to get stuck into!
Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen arr. John Rutter, SSAATTBB a cappella with oboe
John Rutter creates a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere in this new arrangement of the traditional German carol, “Es ist ein’ Ros’ entsprungen.” The piece opens with a lyrical melody from the solo oboe, over a wash of gentle, hummed vocal harmonies. Rutter continues the carol by underpinning the vocal melodies with ‘ah’s and hummed parts, and keeping the dynamics soft, to retain its tranquility.
Long Ago (In the Bleak Midwinter) arr. Jacob Narverud, SATB with piano and optional string quartet
This haunting setting of Holst’s timeless melody will be the highlight of your next Holiday concert. Rossetti’s famous poem soars off the page in Narverud’s nostalgic new arrangement for accompanied mixed choir, which features each section of the ensemble as well as the pianist.
Blow, blow, thou winter wind by Sarah Quartel, SATB 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.”
On this Silent Night by Sarah Quartel, SATB with piano
“On this silent night” perfectly conveys the magic and excitement of winter, conjuring images of warmth by the fireside while the weather outside closes in and giving a subtle nod to Franz Gruber’s “Silent night.” The vivid imagery of the secular text is enhanced through gleaming harmonies and glittering quaver movement in the piano accompaniment. Hemiolas give the piece a dance-like quality, while a contrasting middle section uses darker sonorities and textures to reflect the storm outside.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing arr. Josh Sparkman, SATB with piano
This joyful new mixed-meter arrangement of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is the perfect winter concert opener or closer. Scored for mixed choir with piano accompaniment, all parts are accessible, rhythmic, and exciting. Sparkman’s stunning, slower middle section brings contrast and warmth to Mendelssohn’s melody, and the exuberant ending will leave your audience in awe.
I will light candles this Christmas by Kim André Arnesen, SSAA with piano and optional orchestra
Featured at the 2018 St. Olaf College Christmas Festival, this is a beautiful and lush setting of the Howard Thurman text. It reminds us that Christmas is a time of light over darkness. The message in the carol inspires us to become carriers of a light that brings joy, hope, courage, peace, grace, and love.
This endris night by Sarah Quartel, TTBB a cappella with handbells
Sarah Quartel brings a fresh take on a familiar fifteenth-century text in this enchanting carol. The dialogue between Mary and the infant Jesus is woven to a beguiling folk-like melody, in 6/8 metre, through each of the voice parts, with each verse ending in the lilting refrain “Lully, by by, lullay.”
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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!