NEW Titles for Choral Adjudication and Festival Performances Friday, January 05, 2024
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
for MIXED Choirs
Domine Deus by David Caldarella, SATB divisi a cappella
Premiered by the University of Miami Frost School of Music’s Chamber Singers in 2022, “Domine Deus” is a fast-paced work with a unique meter. While short, it is rich with modal inflections modulations, and is well-suited for intermediate high school and college choirs.
Im Wald (Gartenlieder, Op. 3, No. 6) by Fanny Hensel/ed. Michelle Jensen, SATB a cappella
“Im Wald” (“In the Forest”) is number six of the “Gartenlieder” by Fanny (Mendelssohn) Hensel. A sprightly and refreshing piece, beautifully edited by Michelle Jensen, it fits perfectly in any program about spring, nature, or singing itself. This lovely work reminds us that, although and reminds us that, although they have often been overlooked, there were many fine women composers active in the 19th century.
Baciai per aver vita by Vittoria Aleotti/ed. Jami Lercher, SATB a cappella
The Amanda Quist Choral Series features this new edition of Vittoria Aleotti’s a cappella setting of “Baciai per aver vita” skillfully edited by Jami Lercher. Clarity of line and a firm harmonic base make this Renaissance madrigal accessible for your school or festival choirs – in addition, where else can you find a piece featuring the impact of three women?
Cecílíada by Marcin Wawruk, SATB a cappella with percussion
The patron saint of music, St. Cecilia, receives an energetic tribute with this delightful piece. It is one of those pieces that dances and sounds more complicated than it really is. No one will deny its joy. For high school to college and community choirs.
for TREBLE Choirs
There Will Be Rest by Frank Ticheli, SSAA a cappella
An SSAA revoicing of the original SATB Frank Tichelli work, this handsome setting of Sara Teasdale’s lyric poem looks to the stars for serenity and promise. Tasteful harmonic suspensions and rich choral textures bring the work to life with a delicate beauty that perfectly expresses the spirit of the poem. Appropriate for more advanced choirs, “There Will Be Rest” is an excellent choice for concerts of all types.
Sea Fever (from Five Sea Songs) by Daniel Brinsmead, SSA with piano
“Sea Fever” is the first of Five Sea Songs by Daniel Brinsmead. The poem speaks of a sailor being mysteriously drawn to the sea, and the composer’s delightful treatment brings all of the imagery to life. With adjustable vocal lines, this work is appropriate for a variety of ages and levels.
Averte Faciem Tuam by Tommaso Traetta/ed. Martin Banner, SSA with piano
This 18th-century Italian piece is part of a larger work, “Miserere in F Minor.” This edition is based on a handwritten copy by Johann Simon Mayr and is scored for treble choir with piano or optional orchestral accompaniment.
Blow the Wind Southerly arr. Douglas E. Wagner, SSA with piano
Peace and tranquility is truly experienced in this beautiful arrangement of the traditional Northumbrian Folk Song. Warm choral sonorities and an accompaniment that ebbs and flows are the hallmarks of this impressive setting for treble voices. This is certain to become a favorite of singers for many seasons to come.
for TENOR/BASS Choirs
Jägerlied by Joachim Raff/arr. Jeremy Wiggins, TTBB a cappella
Energetic tempo, soaring vocal lines, and unified rhythmic texture create a rousing setting of Schulze’s text about Jager (hunters) roaming the forest. The strophic form and straightforward harmony make this an accessible part-song for low-voice choirs. Suitable for many concert occasions, this piece is a perfect fit for directors interested in teaching about Romantic textual themes and performance practice.
Exsultate Justi in Domino by Ludovico Viadana/arr. Christopher Aspaas, TTBB a cappella
Viadana’s brilliant motet is a great exercise for your tenors and basses with each line of text receiving special treatment and startling contrasts of articulation and melodic contour. This arrangement differs from others with its strong harmonic opening and closing sections.
Spark of Light by Andrew Steffen, TBB with piano
Steffan’s writing crackles with energy and interest! The pulsating piano accompaniment enhances the interesting and varied vocal lines set to lyrics from a compelling text, sure to be a favorite at any concert or festival performance.
Ubi Caritas by Greg Gilpin, TTB with piano
Gilpin’s vocal lines weave exquisitely in this simplistically beautiful song about love. Well-crafted in form, opportunities for teaching and learning musical skills abound in this song sure to touch the hearts of singers of varying ages and abilities.
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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.
Lisa Springer joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2023. She taught middle and high school choirs for 27 years in addition to serving as Artistic Director of the Columbus Women’s Chorus. She holds degrees from Heidelberg University and Cleveland Institute of Music. She has enjoyed an extensive professional singing career and continues to perform in the greater Columbus area. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in southern Ohio playing with her grandchildren.