Choral Music for Festival and Adjudication 2023 Monday, January 30, 2023
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
FOR MIXED CHOIRS
Ave Maria Gratia Plena by Josu Elberdin, SATB divisi a cappella
A tribute to Mother Mary and her work caring for and educating her son, the Savior of the World. Long, dense melodies with colorful and positive harmonies. The compulsory work for the 2022 Tolosa Choral Contest.
Pie Jesu by Mårten Jansson, SATB divisi a cappella
From Mårten Jansson’s “Requiem Novum”, this work for unaccompanied SATB voices offers a moment of peace and reflection. This is a study of excellence in part-writing with its beautiful melody rising above.
All Through the Night arr. William Averitt, SATB divisi a cappella
This selection is a gentle lullaby based on an old Welsh folk song. With limited divisi towards the end, it has beautifully lyrical writing and will be a warm and welcome addition to any concert.
Cantate Domino by Timothy Brown, SATB divisi a cappella
A short upbeat anthem, “Cantate Domino” sets words from Psalms 9, 95, and 97 and features contrasting styles, optional clapping, and an optional verse in French.
Go Down, Moses arr. Judy Arthur, SATB with piano
With much syncopation in the vocal parts and the tremendous rhythmic drive in the articulate piano lines, this re-voicing of the ever-popular African-American spiritual “Go down, Moses” will set your mixed choir up for success. Exhilarating to learn and perform, this arrangement is dynamic and impressive, sure to be a hit with students and audiences alike.
FOR TREBLE CHOIRS
Turning arr. Joni Jensen, SSAA with piano and optional fiddle, flute & bodhrán
Series editor and composer Joni Jensen arranges this traditional Irish Folk song for women, violin, flute and bodhrán. The music is energetic and full of drive as the women sing of a better day ahead. This is a wonderful contrast to the standard women’s choir literature.
Agnus Dei (from Requiem K. 626) by W.A. Mozart/arr. Russell Robinson, SSA with piano
This wonderful movement from Mozart’s “Requiem K.626” is now available for young and developing voices in this carefully crafted setting by Russell Robinson. Robinson has skillfully arranged the vocal parts, keeping the main vocal lines intact and simplified the piano accompaniment, making this setting extremely accessible. This is a welcome addition to educational repertoire and is highly recommended!
There Is Sweet Music Here by Matthew Armstrong & Shelly Armstrong, SSAA with piano
The first in a set of three Tennyson poems, this is set in a beautifully lyrical and reflective way.
Jubilate Deo! Alleluia! by Michael Praetorius/arr. Cristi Cary Miller, 3-part treble with piano
Using Michael Praetorius’ well-known canon “Jubilate Deo,” this new accompanied arrangement will be easy for singers to learn yet sound sophisticated and exciting. With an added B section melody, the simple Latin text will allow singers the opportunity to practice unified vowel shapes creating a mature developing sound. This piece would make a glorious opening for any concert or festival!
FOR TENOR/BASS CHOIRS
There Will Be Rest by Frank Ticheli, TTBB a cappella
Sara Teasdale’s lyric poem looks to the stars for serenity and promise, and this handsome setting is superbly crafted by noted composer Frank Ticheli. Tasteful harmonic suspensions and rich choral textures bring this work to life with a delicate beauty that perfectly expresses the spirit of the poem. A superior choice for concert appearances with more capable choirs.
Dir, Seele des Weltalls by W.A. Mozart/arr. J.D. Frizzell, TTB with piano and optional clarinet & cello
Mozart’s lyric and energetic writing prevails in this handsome selection. Originally, the male chorus was accompanied by orchestra, but this edition uses piano and clarinet. It works wonderfully. Coming from the the Freemasonry movement and the enlightenment sentiments of the time, the piece salutes the soul and the earth. An excellent concert opener for a spring concert.
Exultate Justi by Dan Davison, TBB with piano
Utilizing a classical style of composition, this new piece just might transport you back to the time of Mozart! Full of educational opportunities, the musical style and interpretation is authentic sounding, and the Latin text, generous doubling, and well-supported choral parts make this a terrific concert or festival choice for young choirs.
All That Her Heart Desires by Laura Farnell, T(T)B with piano
Farnell’s lovely piece employs the text from a Henry van Dyke poem which describes a selfless love that seeks to give all that her heart desires and speaks to a beautiful, selfless love. Sure to pull at the heart strings of both singer and audience, with lyric melodies, beautiful harmonies and a well-crafted form, opportunities for learning musical skills abound in this song with options to perform TB or TBB.
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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!