Go Tell It! Holiday Titles for Treble & Tenor/Bass Choirs 2022 Friday, November 11, 2022
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
FOR TREBLE CHOIRS
Go, Tell It on the Mountain arr. Rollo Dilworth, SSA with piano
Whenever a new Rollo Dilworth arrangement of a traditional spiritual hits the choral world, everyone takes notice! This treble setting preserves the cadence of the beloved original, all while imbuing the music with classic, coagulated Dilworth harmony!
Hodie Christus Natus Est by Laura Farnell, S(S)A with piano and optional violin or C instrument
This work is built around the Hodie Christus natus est (Today Christ is born) text and the Latin hymn Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful), with an optional soprano 2 part to meet the needs of the emerging treble choir. The bridge, in English, provides a lovely contrast in this gorgeous, lush setting for treble ensembles.
Jing Jing Jingle Bells arr. Dan Miner, SA with piano
This clever setting of “Jingle Bells” has interesting repetitive patterns and a rhythmic ostinato which keep the piece moving energetically along until the final “Hey!” This quickly learned yet effective selection is a fun choice for a holiday concert closer or encore.
Still, Still, Still arr. Victor C. Johnson, SSA with piano and optional cello
Victor Johnson lends his artful pen to the beloved Austrian carol, which proves a fitting vehicle for his sensitive signature style. Long melodic lines, generous harmonic suspensions, an intricate piano accompaniment, and a luminous cello obbligato combine to make a special moment for holiday programs. Singers will sound their best on this terrific treatment that is a joy to sing and a pleasure to hear.
Winter Branches by Cristi Cary Miller, SSA with piano and optional cello
This beautiful and thought-provoking selection promises to add a lovely touch to your winter performances. With a cello part to enhance the presentation, the piece will encourage singers to consider how the introspective message relates to their own lives.
FOR TENOR/BASS CHOIRS
Hodie Fanfare by Sally K. Albrecht, TTBB with piano and snare drum
Changing meters of 10/8 and 6/8 are sure to grab your attention in this contemporary Christmas choral. Rhythmic four-part voices sing mostly in Latin (with occasional “joy to the world” interjections) and on various choral textures. Staggered “Gloria’s” kick it off with exuberance and joyfully return before the final flourish. It’s an inspired surprise when the addition of a descant cleverly combines themes we’ve heard before. Invite a snare drum player to join (part included) to reinforce the triumphant tone.
The Holiday Tango! by Greg Gilpin, TTB with piano
“The sleigh bells jingle, the shoppers mingle, I get a tingle from watching such a show!” This original holiday novelty will be the hit of your concert! Explore the tango style and minor key with your choir; the catchy melody with the hilarious lyrics will be the icing on the cake. Add some movement and the great track, and you’ve got the whole package!
A Medieval Fa La La by Reginal S. Wright, TB a cappella with hand drum & handbells
Madrigal marries “Deck the Hall” in this beautifully crafted arrangement well suited for developing choirs of all ages. Use handbells, vibraphone, or piano along with hand drum for a delightful and novel opening or processional for your next holiday concert.
Blow, blow, thou winter wind by John Rutter, TTBB with piano
This setting of a song from Act II of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” was originally published as part of Rutter’s cycle “When Icicles Hang.” Here, it has been specially adapted for TTBB choir by the composer, allowing tenors and basses to enjoy this artful, atmospheric setting of a famous Shakesperean extract.
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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!