Measure Me, Sky! New Poetic Settings for Choir Friday, April 14, 2023
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Measure Me, Sky! by Elaine Hagenberg, SATB with piano
“Measure Me, Sky!” encourages singers to take hold of their limitless potential. Ascending vocal lines stretch across a driving accompaniment, as if reaching out to grasp the expanse depicted in Leonora Speyer’s rapturous poem. This impassioned piece builds through key changes and several returns of the opening material before arriving at its brilliant final chord, reflecting “Loveliness, wings for my flight”! A thrilling selection for concerts, festivals, or graduation.
We Are Held by Susan LaBarr, SATB with piano
In any time of trial, there is great comfort in being held. This work for SATB choirs with its beautiful text by Robert Bode reflects upon the ways in which all things are held. Appropriate for church and concert performance.
Aquí Te Amo (Here I Love You) by Bruce W. Tippette, SATB with piano
Textured choral writing glides effortlessly over a graceful piano accompaniment in this elegant setting of the romantic text by Chilean poet and Nobel Prize-winner Pablo Neruda. Variations in tempo and contrasts in dynamics guide singers to a nuanced performance of a fully developed form, creating a complete musical story. The purity of Spanish vowels invites beautiful choral singing (phonetic and IPA pronunciation guide included). Exquisite.
Day of Fire and Sun by Kate Crellin, SSAA a cappella
Kate Crellin’s energetic and rhythmic setting of the Sara Teasdale text is a standout for SSAA choirs! With contemporary musical characteristics and artistic choral integrity, this is a piece that directors will love teaching and singers will love performing.
The Road Not Taken by Z. Randall Stroope, SATB with piano and cello
Z. Randall Stroope connects: through his teaching, his thoughtful compositions, and the poetry he chooses for his compositions. In his poem “The Road Not Taken,” Robert Frost connects to the core of the human spirit in just a few stanzas using the analogy of a fork in a road. Stroope employs both lush harmonies with simplistic melodic lines, all of which work beautifully to convey Frosts’ intent that there is an inner desire to feel empowered and to create one’s own destiny, to forge a “road not taken,” and ultimately in doing so, to make a difference.
When I Believe and Sing by Robert I. Hugh, SAB with piano
Set to the poem, “Upon the Swallow,” this thoughtful anthem speaks of hope and courage. The relaxed tempo ushers a message of optimism and encourages all to “not go where the path may lead.” Instead, “go where there is no path and leave a trail.”
If Love Should Count You Worthy by Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano
Lyric based on the poem by Sidney Royse Lysaght, speaks the blessings of when love enters our lives. Melodic writing rises and falls weaving with rich choral arranging, rests above a well-crafted and challenging piano accompaniment propelling this musical work.
Ten Thousand Miles by Ruth Morris Gray, SAB with piano
How fun! A unique setting of words adapted from a familiar English folk song. Handclaps, leg taps, and brushing palms decorate each voice part from the first statement of their independent line to the final layered recap. A departure from the traditional tune and tempo, Ruth’s jaunty melody and andante interpretation creates a feeling of motion in triple meter, representing a return to home.
The Lake Isle of Innisfree by Penny Rodriguez, SAB with piano
Lilting music resembles a folk song from the British Isles in this happy setting of Yeats’ text, inspired by memories of childhood summers spent in the Irish countryside. The 12-line poem expresses a city-dweller’s longing for the simple, tranquil life of Innisfree. Includes proven part-singing strategies – the tune first appears in unison, then becomes a canon; a peaceful bridge passes the melody through lower voice parts, while others sing sweet counterlines; and a modulation leads to full triadic harmony.
I Am Not Yours by Cheridy Saunders, TTB with piano
This piece creates opportunities for success for young men at all stages of the changing voice. The poetry of Sara Teasdale provides a theme of beauty, longing, and the quest for love that is easily accessible to all ages. The optional a cappella section on page 5 provides an opportunity for students to be challenged and can be used as an incentive to explore the beauty and demands of quality a cappella singing.
The Lake Isle of Innisfree by Eleanor Daley, TTB with piano
Suitable for concert use, this simple, delightful setting of a Yeats poem embraces nature’s beauty and the secret joy of solitude. Soaring melodies, rich harmonic language, and a piano part that is both driving and supportive create a piece that is evocative and poignant.
The Tide by Jenny Mahler, SSA with piano
In this captivating piece Mahler explores feelings of doubt and insecurity, employing the compelling metaphor of the tide and asking searching questions in a quest for existential meaning. Bewitching piano cascades and rolling broken chords accompany addictive melodies, with strong three-part harmonies in the chorus providing a supportive anchor to the more soloistic verses.
Sing My Child by Sarah Quartel, TTBB a cappella with drum
“Sing, my Child” sets a joyful text celebrating the beauty found all around us in everyday life. Characterized by tight harmonies and a dynamic percussion line, the buoyant 7/8 metre of the opening drives the piece forward. Lush harmonies colour the hymn-like B section as the text evolves into a call for strength despite the troubles that may come.
Come to Me by Ivo Antognini, SATB a cappella
An outstanding and challenging setting of the Christina Rossetti text, this selection crafted for The Aeolians flows with lush choral divisi harmonies that shimmer with delicious dissonance and some jazz-inspired chords in a meterless feel that will be a very rewarding experience for more advanced ensembles.
Invitation to Love by Brent Wells, SATB divisi a cappella
Brent Wells has created a beautiful musical setting of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s words, inviting us to love one another regardless of our circumstance. For more advanced choirs.
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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!