THE WORD WAS GOD and More Classics from the Choral Canon Friday, December 26, 2025
recommended by Jen Sper, School Choral Music Specialist
The Word Was God by Rosephanye Powell, SATB divisi a cappella
What an impact this august work will have on both choir and listeners! Compositionally, this is an excellent piece using impressive techniques that are truly captivating. The rhythmic structure develops from the superb interplay between the voices, and the layering of sound upon sound creates a musical tapestry. This will make a stunning choice for larger or festival choirs!
Trois Chansons de Charles d’Orléans by Claude Debussy, SATB a cappella
Here published as a set at an attractive price, these three miniatures are a staple of the a cappella choral repertoire. Claude Debussy (1862-1918) set the evocative, playful poems of Charles d’Orléans (1394-1465) in his accessible, immediately appealing style. Pristine new engravings feature, for the first time, a piano reduction for rehearsal. Translations for study are included.
Al Shlosha D’varim by Allan Naplan, 2-part with piano
The world is sustained by three things: by truth, by justice, and by peace. The elegant and timely message conveyed by this beautiful work is now available for SATB chorus and piano. The vocal lines are satisfying to sing and the piano accompaniment substantial without overpowering the voices.
Festival Sanctus by John Leavitt, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
A long-time favorite on the festival circuit. It is driving, rhythmic, and up-tempo – all the ingredients that create a sure winner. Dynamic and exciting, this joyous selection surpasses the ordinary!
How Lovely are the Messengers by Felix Mendelssohn, SATB with piano
A beautiful selection for sacred or concert settings from Mendelssohn’s “St. Paul.” The accompaniment is equally stunning whether played on piano or organ. This is a lovely example of early-Romantic choral expression.
Omnia Sol (Let Your Heart Be Staid) by Z. Randall Stroope, SATB with piano and optional brass & percussion
The text of this stunning original piece is macaronic (the mixing of two languages), in that the English poetry contains a brief verse of Latin found in the poetry of “Carmina Burana.” From a deeper perspective, this farewell or ‘song of parting’ is a reflection on the constant passage of events and people in life’s continuum, and the human need to anchor words of love and commitment in the hearts of those who have been pillars along life’s way. One’s life has an inseparable kinship with others. The metaphor for that kinship in this piece is ‘omnia sol’ (or ‘everywhere light’ sun ), and that kinship or light is perpetuated by our daily investing and leaving a bit of ourselves in every soul we encounter. Though we mature and ‘move on,’ part of us is ‘staid’ in the hearts and minds of those we chance to meet.
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About the Author:
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.