Wednesday, September 28

CONCERT CANCELLED

Due to lack of interest and a medical emergency in the Dean's family, the October 9 organ recital has been cancelled.

Thursday, August 25

FROM OUR DEAN FOR SUMMER 2011

Our Summer Newsletter is, with the exception of the (tentative) schedule below, devoted entirely to a list of recommended Choral Selections for the Fall/Winter Seasons. In view of today’s downsized choirs, a generous balance of 2 and 3 part selections are included. As always, print status and price can not be guaranteed. The Fall Newsletter will stress organ repertoire. All AMSI Publications are available from Lorenz Industries on a uniprint basis.

TENATIVE PROGRAM FOR 2011-2012

Sunday, October 9, 3:00 pm, Grace Episcopal Church, Sandusky: Chapter Organ Recital

Progam TBA for February or March. Still in the planning stage.

Sunday, April 22, 4:00 pm, Zion Lutheran Church, Sandusky: Hymn Festival with May Schwartz.

DEANS LIST: FALL & WINTER

ALL SAINTS:
“Onward Ye Saints” – Robert Wetzler (SATB, Organ) (AMSI/Lorenz Ind). A noble and dignified melody, unison first stanza, SATB second stanza , third stanza in unison with an SATB conclusion. Easy to learn and a practical addition to any choral library.

“God A Dwelling Shall Prepare” (a choral adaptation of a melody from “Jephtha”) – G. F. Handel / arr. by Henry Kihlken with an original new text (SA[TB], organ) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-42378). Your tenors need not be left out in this one as both TB ranges are compatible.

“Jewels” – music by George F. Boot (1820-1895) / text by William O. Cushing (1828-1902) / arr. by Henry Kihlken (SA or 2 part mixed, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-41388). Simple, melodious, and direct. Easy to prepare and sing/ Also suitable for Advent as the first line “When He cometh to make you His Jewels” would indicate.


THANKSGIVING:
“With Joyful Heart and Voice” (from “24 Canons”)- by Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842) / realized and arr. by Henry Kihlken (Canon for 3 voices, any combination and keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-42380). Not difficult but requires careful attention.

“Now Thank We All Our God” (from “A Psalm of Thanksgiving) – Randal Thompson (SATB with piano reduction) (E. C. Schirmer No. 2746). Neo Baroque setting of the Johann Cruger chorale. Choral parts are in simple chorale style; accompaniment requires practice and preparation.


ADVENT:
“Wake, Awake For Night is Flying” (“Wachet auf”) – arr. by Carl F. Meuller (SATB with unison youth choir or soloists) (Carl Fischer CM7640). Parts intended for the youth choir may be sung in unison by the main choir; includes descant parts for soprano or tenor. Requires a large number of voices but is not difficult. Very majestic, and suitable for a Community Choral Festival or a Christmas Concert.

“Advent Carol” – Dale Wood (SATB with organ) (AMSI/Lorenz Ind, No. 119). Melody in Sacred Harp modal style. Very characteristic of this composer. Easy – Medium requirements.

“Awake and Be Watchful” (from the “Christmas Oratorio”) – J. S. Bach / arr. by Richard Simonds (SAB, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-41708). A choral arrangement of the Alto aria “Prepare Thyself, Zion.” Easy – Medium requirements.

“A Tiny Child Will Come” – Don Besig (SATB, keyboard) (Harold Flammer A-6196). No, I haven’t been out in the sun too long. This is a very lovely, melodic piece; the Besig pot is definitely not boiling over in this one. Modal harmony. Easy.

“Now Behold Emmanuel” – Henry Kihlken (SA, keyboard) (Celebrations Unlimited CU 185). Based on the ancient plainsong “Ecce Nomen Domine.” Recommended for the last Sunday in Advent. Easy.


CHRISTMAS:
“How Far is it to Bethlehem” – Geoffrey Shaw (SATB) (Novello and Co., LTD 29 031005). Preferably unaccompanied (good luck with that one), however, a reduction of the voice parts is included in the score. A choral classic. Medium requirements.

“Noel, Noel, a Boy is Born” – Natalie Sleeth (2 part – any combination, organ and optional handbells) (AMSI/Lorenz Industries No. 223). A delightful piece in Carol style. Easy. The composer of “Jazz Gloria” in a very traditional vein.

“Angels With Their Joyful Tidings” (Polish Carol) – arr. by Walter Ehret (2-part any combination, piano, optional flute) (Walton Music/Hal Leonard W2309). Light and graceful. “Gloria in Excelsis” refrain. Easy/Medium requirements.

“When Christ Our Lord Was Born” (Italian Carol) – arr. by Walter Ehret (2-part any combination) (Celebrations Unlimited CU 198). A familiar carol which is rumored to have influenced Handel in certain sections of “The Messiah.” Easy.

“Gloria in Excelsis” (from “Missa Solemins” [1811]) – by Luigi Cherubini / arr. by Robert Ross (SATB with keyboard reduction) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-41427). An excellent way to introduce your choir to a major sacred choral work by a composer who deserves to be better known. This arrangement is greatly condensed from the original. Both Latin and English texts are underlaid. Medium to Difficult requirements.

“Gloria in Excelsis” – Antonio Lotti (1667-1740) (SATB, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-42160). Less difficult than the forgoing; an interesting addition to the “Gloria” repertoire. Medium requirements.

“Christ Jesus is Born” (Brazillian Folk Tune) – arr, by Robert J. Powell (SATB, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-41260). Familiar Folk Tune, found in WOV with a different text. Easy/Medium.

“O Holy Jesus, Little Child” (Mexican Carol) – arr. by Robert Powell (SATB, keyboard) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 392-42161). Easy, delightful Hispanic Carol.

“In Dulci Jubilo” – Dietrich Buxtehude / arr. by Theron Kirk (2-part any combination, keyboard, optional 2 flutes) (Coronet Press/Theodore Presser 892-42147). An abridgement of a much longer setting; the melody line is ornamented but not difficult. Medium requirements.

“Hymn-Anthem on ‘Adeste Fidelis’” – Everett Titcomb (SATB, organ) (C. F. Peters 6399). Solo sections which can be sung in sectional unisons. Easy and Majestic setting.


EPIPAHNY:
“We Have Seen His Star” (from “8 Short Motets for Mixed Voices”)– Everett Titcomb (SATB) (Carl Fischer CM438). While this piece is preferably unaccompanied, the score does include a keyboard reduction. Easy motet, contrapuntal lines. A good way to introduce your choir to a linear style of choral writing. Masterful writing, not difficult at all, but requires care and attention.

“Say, Where is He Born” (from the unfinished Oratorio “Christus” – Felix Mendelssohn / ed. By Walter Ehret (SATB, piano) (Theodore Presser 312-41393). Requires some adjustment to be played on the organ. Easy / Medium.

Monday, August 15

OPEN ORGANISTS POSITION

Play everyother Sunday (one of 2 organists is retiring)
Allen Electronic Organ - AGO Standards
St. Peter Lutheran Church, Norwalk, Ohio
Evangelical Lutheran Worship: Settings 1, 3, 4
Service Times: 8:00 & 10:30 am
Choirs at both services
Weekly rehearsal with 8:00 choir (Wed., 5:30)

Contact: Pastor Fred Wiechers 419-668-2856

Friday, July 15

POSITION OPEN

Organist & Choir position open at St. Stephen UCC in Sandusky, Ohio. For more information please call the church office at 419-626-1612 Ext. 101.

Monday, June 20

CHAPTER DUES ARE NOW DUE

Chapter dues were due for the 2011-2012 year on June 30. Regular - $70.00 / Special - $52.50 (age 65 or over) / Student - $39.00 / Partner - $45.00 (second member of same household. No magazine for second member.) / Chapter Friend - $15.00.

If you have not yet done so, please mail your dues ASAP to Charles Scroggy, 218 W. Bogart Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870.

Thursday, May 19

SMALL CHURCH ORGAN FOR SALE

"Pipe Organ in good working condition. It has four ranks and fits in a small place. The pipes and chests could be used with your existing instrument. Detailed description available. Contact Joanna Pretz-Anderson at Christ the Redeemer, Brecksville by email at jpretzanderson@crlcbrecksville.org or call 440-526-2303."

UPCOMING EVENT

Sunday, May 22, 7:30 PM: “29th Annual Spring Concert” St. Mary’s Church, 429 Central Ave., Sandusky (419-625-7465). The St. Mary’s Parish Choir will join forces with Zion Lutheran Church Senior Choir to perform Thompson’s “Alleluia, and Rutter’s “Gloria.” For more information, visit St. Mary’s Music Ministry website,
http://stmarysmusicministry.blogspot.com/

Sunday, June 12, 3:00 PM: Sandusky Chapter AGO program “organ repertoire sharing,” at Holy Angels Church, 1605 W. Jefferson St., Sandusky, Oh. This was the event that was snowed out this past February.

FROM OUR DEAN FOR MAY / JUNE 2011

“Robert Elmore (1913-1985) A Personal Reminiscence”

In the oversight department, the March issue of TAO, pg. 33, notes the premiere performance of the Concerto in C Minor for Organ and Orchestra by Robert Elmore. I refer you to the March issue for all details. Appended to this newsletter is a copy of an article by Pauline Fox (from May 1994 TAO), a student of Dr. Elmore reporting the deposit of the Robert Elmore Collection in the archives and records center of the University of Pennsylvania. It is from this collection, without any doubt, that the score and parts for this Organ Concerto was retrieved.

I was introduced to Dr. Elmore in the Spring of 1974 by one of his organ students whom he taught in his private studio, and who had used some of my organ and choral selections in her Church Service Repertoire.

Having been shown examples of my work, both published and in manuscript, Dr. Elmore expressed a desire to meet me. Our conference took place on a warm afternoon in May at his home in Wayne, PA, on Philadelphia’s Main Line and occupied the greater part of the afternoon.

Dr. Elmore read through numerous organ, choral, and solo vocal selections, both sacred and secular, offering helpful and thoughtful critiques along the way. He seemed particularly interested in my arrangement of “In Thee Is Gladness” for SATB Chorus accompanied by Brass Quartet, subsequently published by Walter Gould in his Music 70 Series (an adjunct to the Lawson-Gould Music Publishers) and my SATB a cappella composition “Wide Open Are Thy Hands” which has not made print, due, no doubt, to the many enharmonic changes, difficult intonation, and chromatic voice leading which abounds in this works; Dr. Elmore took specific note of these aspects of the piece, making reference to them in a very analytic way.

It was during the 1970’s that Dr. Elmore was Organist/Choirmaster of the historic 10th Presbyterian Church, 17th and Spruce Sts. in Philadelphia, PA. Numerous visits to Philadelphia during this period provided many opportunities to attend the 7:00 PM Sunday Evening Services, enjoy “after the Service” conversation, listen to his 70 voice choir, and learn much regarding organ technique from listening to his always virtuoso performances.

10th Presbyterian was, at the time, the point of origin of the Radio Program “The Bible Study Hour,” featuring the Church’s Pastor, the Rev. Dr. James Montgomery Boice. An amusing incident occurred after one of the services when a parishoner approached me, in a reasonably friendly way, inquiring as to why I had been attending the Evening Services. I responded, “Why to hear Dr. Elmore play the organ and direct his choir.” The somewhat taken aback look I received indicate to me that this was not the expected or desired response, in view of the illustrious occupant of the pulpit.

It would hardly be accurate if I did not declare that Dr. Robert Elmore was one of the major influences on my own musical development and professional life.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Note: A commentary on Hugo Distler and his student Jan Bender will appear in the June/July Newsletter. There will be no August Newsletter. The Newsletter will resume on a bi-monthly basis in September 2011.

DEAN'S LIST - FOR SUMMER

VOCAL SOLOS: Suggested resources for Summer Music suitable for vocal students at the Senior High or College level, assuming some extent of musical skill.

1. “THE CHURCH SOLOIST”

2. “SOLOS FOR THE CHURCH YEAR”
Both collections edited and compiled by Lloyd Pfautsch, published by Lawson Gouldy Hal Leonard. Solos by classic masters of average requirements, includes easy selections by C. P. E. Bach and Josef Haydn.

3. “TO GOD WILL I SING” – VOCAL SOLOS FOR THE CHURCH YEAR” compiled by Susan Palo Cherwien, Augsburg/Fortress. A wide ranging collection of classic and contemporary works. Composers range from Rameau, Bach, Telemann, et al to Cherwien, David N. Johnson, Ronald Nelson, and others. The mystery piece is a “Vocalise” by Gabriel Faure. If you don’t have a coloratura soprano available, this makes a great flute selection. Some instrumental obbligato parts are available.

4. “SING A SONG OF JOY” – collected and edited by K. Lee Scott, Augsburg/Fortress. Includes original songs by K. Lee Scott as well as reasonably easy offerings by Schubert, Bach, Handel and traditional folk tunes. Less difficult than the forgoing.

5. “SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN” – Four songs for unison choir or medium/low solo voice. Edward V. Bonnemere – Augsburg/Fortress. Gospel style, of excellent quality.

6. “GLORIA DEO: BOOK 2” – Compiled and arranged by David N. Johnson – Augsburg/Fortress. SAB voicing, many selections suitable as solos. Ideal for small summer ensembles. Included are many folk-song arrangements.

Note: Print status is not guaranteed.



EASY ORGAN FOR SUMMER SERVICES:

1. “THE TWO STAFF ORGAN BOOK, VOL. 1” Easy selections by A. W. Leupold, Telemann, Walther, Frescobaldi and others.
1. (a) “THE TWO STAFF ORGAN BOOK, VOL. 2” Easy selections by A. W. Leupold, Pre-war organist of the Petrikirche in Berlin, Germany. Compiled by Ulrich S. Leuold, Waterloo Music, Ontario, Canada. Represented in the USA by Cathedral Music Press, Mel Bay Music, PO Box 66, Pacific, No. 63069

2. “BLUE CLOUD ABBEY ORGAN BOOK” – Christopher Uehlein, Augsburg/Fortress. Fifteen original compositions somewhat reminiscent of Flor Peeters “60 Short Pieces;” modal, mildly contemporary, A convenient collection with Preludes, Offertories and Postludes under one cover.

3. “TWENTY SIX MINIATURES FOR ORGAN ON GREGORIAN THEMES” by Sr. Theresine Donder, SNJM, Oregon Catholic Press. Excellent for Communion Music, or short Preludes, Offertories, and Postludes.

4. “42 PIECES BY THEODORE DUBOIS” – Dr. J. Butz Musikverlag. All on two staves – may be played manuals only, pedal ad. Lib. French Romantic style, very melodic. An excellent resource for Summer Services.



FOR PIANO:
1. “COME, THOU FOUNT” – J. Bert Carlson, Augsburg/Fortress. A widely varied collection of piano solos, mainly in Gospel style. A few might workn on the organ, but mainly a resource for piano. Some of the tunes treated are “Nettleton,” “His Eye Is On the Sparrow,” “It is Well With My Soul,” “My Jesus,” “I Love Thee,” etc.

Note: Print status is not guaranteed.

Tuesday, March 1

FROM OUR DEAN FOR FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

It should come as no surprise to those of us living on Ohio’s North Coast that weather rules the day, and will make the final determination if an event will take place or be cancelled. Re-scheduling of the organ repertoire sharing event which had been scheduled for February 6th at Holy Angels Catholic Church is set for Sunday, June 12 at 3:00.

Of particular disinterest in the February TAO is “The Last Page” (to me, at least); I admit I had to “throw in the towel” on it.

Of exceptional interest, however, is the pg. 50 article regarding the Aeoline Organ installed at Longwood Gardens, the DuPont estate near Philadelphia. While I have visited Longwood Gardens several times I was never on hand to hear the organ played.

In the January 2011 installment of the Chapter Newsletter attention was focused on a new G. Schirmer publication “Samuel Barber, Music for Organ” released in June 2010, which the reviewer alleged to contain all the organ works of this composer (it does not, as I pointed out in that newsletter).

Of great interest in this collection is a composition by the 15 year old Samuel Barber titled “To Longwood Gardens,” premiered by Firmin Swinnen (pictured in TAO next to the console of the Longwood Organ) in 1925. Dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Pierre S. DuPont in gratitude for the many musical experiences they provided him at their Estate, this piece is an example of the descriptive nature painting so in favor with composers for
the organ in the early 20th century. Hardly a work of the mature Barber (In a Persian Garden by Ketelby comes to mind) it is fascinating to encounter the influences Barber was confronted with as a very young man and to follow his development forward.

Also included is William Stickland’s approved-by-the-composer arrangement of the “Adagio for Strings,” rather dull “Chorale for a New Organ,” “Chorale Prelude on Silent Night,” arranged by the composer from his orchestral suite “Die Natali” (if your instrument does not include a very ethereal string celeste, don’t even try), a Prelude and Fugue very reminiscent of Max Reger, (late Romantic in style and highly chromatic), “Suite for Carillon,” which is highly unsuitable for the organ, and Barber’s one true masterpiece for the organ, “Wondrous Love: Variations on a Shape Note Hymn,” the latter being commissioned by Richard Rockelein, organist of Christ Episcopal Church in Grosse Point, Michigan, to whom the work is dedicated and who premiered it at that church in October, 1958.

Shame on the AGO for not commissioning a set of Chorale Preludes from Samuel Barber during his lifetime; what an asset to the repertoire has been lost as a result of that neglect.

Henry Kihlken,
Dean

HYMN FESTIVAL

The Hymn Festival that was scheduled for this season has been post-poned to next season (late April) with May Schwartz coming from Trinity Lutheran Seminary to play the Festival. Look for more information later this fall.

UPCOMING EVENT

On Sunday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m., Terra presents its annual “Organ and Brass Concert.” Celebrating the powerful repertoire composed for brass and organ, the Terra Brass Choir meets once again with organist Tim Claubaugh in a performance of both classical and contemporary music. The Terra Arts Chorale will also be performing in this concert.

Brass and organ works by Campra, Faure, Berlioz, Snyder and Peloquin will be performed. Among the solo organ works that Claubaugh will perform is "Prelude, Trio, and Finale on 'Holy God We Praise Thy Name'" by our own Sandusky Chapter member Henry Kihlken.

The concert will be presented at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sandusky. Admission is free and open to the public.

OPEN POSITION

Grace Lutheran Church in Castalia is searching for a new Choir Director, ideally with some organist/piano experience and an Organist. If interested, contact Toni Borchardt, Search Committee, Grace Lutheran Church, 419-684-9042

Tuesday, January 25

FROM OUR DEAN FOR JANUARY 2011

Happy New Year. This letter will be brief to accommodate a lengthy “Dean’s List” of recommended Lent and Easter music.

Of particular note in the January TAO, pg. 58 is the article marking the centennial of Jehan Alain (see organ section of the “Dean’s List”).

Also of interest, on pg. 78 under “Reviews” see the entry “Samuel Barber Music for Organ, The Complete Organ Works.” I would refer the reviewer to Barbara Heyman’s excellent 1992 biography of Barber, “Samuel Barber: The Composer and His Music” (Oxford University Press, N.Y.) in particular the extensive work’s list which lists all published and unpublished works of Barber. Missing from this collection are Three Chorale Preludes and Partitas, Ca. 1927, as well as 2 and 3 voice Fugues, Ca. 1927, contemporary with the Prelude and Fugue which is included, a very serious omission by the publisher advertising a “complete edition.”

Heyman’s biography, recipient of an ASCAP award, is highly recommended as an addition to the bookshelf of any musician; the Schirmer publication, however, incomplete, provides insight into the development of this important American composer.

Your Dean,
Henry Kihlken

OUR NEXT PROGRAM

Sunday, February 6, 2:00 at Holy Angels Church, 428 Tiffin Ave., Sandusky. Please note this program begins at 2:00 instead of our usual 3:00 start time. We need to be out of the church by 4:00 because of musicians warming up and Mass set up for the 5:00 Mass. Bring 2-3 organ pieces to share and play for the group on this 2 manual / 9-stop Carl Barckhoff tracker organ.

The stop list is:
SWELL: Salicional 8, Rohr Flute 8, Flute Harmonic 4, Tremolo.
GREAT: Open Diapason 8, Dulciana 8, Melodia 8, Principal 4, Fifteenth 2.
PEDAL: Bourdon 16.
COUPLERS: Swell-Great, Swell-Pedal, Great-Pedal.

This organ was restored in 2010 by the Leek Pipe Organ Co. from Oberlin, OH.

UPCOMING EVENTS

“Festival of Hymns and Anthems for the Liturgical Year” Sunday, February 13, 2011, 3:00 P.M. St. Joseph Cathedral, Columbus, OH. Featuring the Saint Mark’s Church Choir (Gary Garber, Director of Music), Saint Joseph Cathedral Choir (Paul Thornock, Director of Music), and the Cathedral Brass Ensemble. Suggested donation $10.00. For more information go to www.cathedralmusic.org.


“Silent Movie With Organ” featuring the movie “Ben Hur,” Sunday, March 27, 7:00 P.M. St. John Lutheran Church, 209 Southwest St., Bellevue. A free-will offering will probably be done.

THE DEAN'S LIST

By Henry Kihlken


As noted in the November Newsletter, availability of recommended materials is not guaranteed. Consult with your music supplier or the internet to determine pricing and print status.


ORGAN:
1. “Lenten Preludes: 7 Select Hymns for Organ” By Robert Lau, Published by Harold Flammer (HF-5195). Easy/Medium. All preludes are based on standard Lenten Hymns, “In the Cross of Christ I Glory,” “Savior When in Dust to Thee (Spanish Chant),” When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Hamburg),” etc. set in the warm, romantic style this composer is noted for.


2. “Preludes and a Partita on Great Hymns of the Church” by Robert Lau, published by Harold Flammer (HF-5185). Easy/Medium. Not strictly a Lenten collection, contents include “Let All Mortal Flesh keep Silence (Picardy),” “Land of Rest,” “Children of the Heavenly Father,” and a Partita on “Fairest Lord Jesus.”


3. “Lent Through Easter: 8 Seasonal Preludes for Organ” Compiled by Darwin Wolford, Published by Harold Flammer (HF-5192). Medium/Difficult. Of exceptional interest is “In Paradisum” by Jean Bouvard in memory of Maruice Durufle. Fantasy on “Christ the Lord is Risen” by Frederick Freeman and “Meditation on ‘O Deepest Woe’” by Joyce Jones are of interest.


4. “St Cecilia Collection: Music for Lent and Easter” Compiled by Dale Tucker, Published by H.W. Gray Publications. Easy/Challenging. Thirty selections previously published by the H.W. Gray Co. of New York. Outstanding are “Beautiful Savior” by David N. Johnson, “Requiem” by Everett Titcomb, as well as several Bach arrangements by E. Power Biggs. Marcel Dupre’s transcription of “In Paradisum” from the Faure Requiem is also included.


5. “Deux Chorals (Dorien-Phrygien)” by Jehan Alain, Collection Herelle, L. Phillip M. Combre. Medium/Difficult. An excellent introduction to this composer’s music. I have found the “Choral Dorien” to be an effective Offertory or Communion piece for Lent. Choral Phrygien is both technically and aurally more challenging.


6. “12 Liechte Choralvorwiel” By G. P. Telemann; Hermann Keller, Editor; Peter’s Edition (4239). Contains “O Lamb of God Most Holy, Our Father in Heaven,” “O Sacred Head Now Wounded,” Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands,” and others. On 2 staves of varying difficulty. No Lutheran organist should be without it (or any other organist).


7. “A Little Chaconne on a Lenten Hymn” by James Engel; Morning Star Music Publication (MSM 10-305). Based on the tune “Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted” which was at one time in wide use in Lutheran Hymnals. This “Chaconne” (an ancient dance form founded upon a recurring and constant rhythmic pattern) makes a lovely Prelude for any Lenten Service. Of medium difficulty.


8. “Nine Easy Chorale Preludes for Lent” by James Engle, Morning Star Music (MSM 10-316). I would hedge at the designation “easy;” there is much useful material here. All, except two, are based upon Lutheran Chorales. The two “outsiders” are “Southwell” and “Winchester New.” Easy/Medium.



CHORAL:
1. “It is the Child” by Garry Cornell; Celebrations Unlimited (CU504); SATB; keyboard with optional C Instrument. While this could work for Lent, it is more appropriate for late Epiphany leading into Lent – the transitional Gesima Sundays under the old Liturgical Calendar. Very Beautiful. Part of the Christ Carnival Series created with the late Herbert Brokering. Of average requirements.


2. “Behold the Lamb of God” by Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1810-1876), arr. By Henry Kihlken; Coronte Press (392-41836); Text by Matthew Bridges (1848); tune “Wigan” from the “European Psalmist” ca, 1872; SATB with organ. For Holy Week, Passion/Palm Sunday or Good Friday. Not difficult, but dramatic requiring careful attention to dynamics and expression, ranging from pp to FF.


3. “Green the Weeping Willow Tree” by Robert Graham; 2 part mixed with flute, piano or organ; Lorenz Corp (AMSI 179) administrator and sole selling agent. Although directions are given in the score for performance without flute, this should never be performed without flute. Excellent also as a duet or solo. Easy, with a memorable melody, but requires sensitivity and expression.


4. “Savior to Your Passion Go” by Robert Wetzler (AMSI 497) SATB with organ; Passion/Palm Sunday. A real find, as this anthem provides an opportunity to present an unfamiliar and unhackneyed Palm Sunday text. Dignified and stately. Easy/Medium.

Note: AMSI publications are available as an uniprint reproduction from the Lorenz Corporation, 501 E. 3rd St., Dayton, OH 45401-0802.


5. “We Will Carol Joyfully” by Robert Wetzler (AMSI376); SATB with echo group. Delightful and melodic setting of an Old English Carol text. Echo effects throughout. The echoes could be sung by a youth group; a good opportunity to involve them with the Senior Choir. Not difficult at all.


6. “He Has Risen” by Sharon Elery Rogers. SATB with keyboard; Coronet Press (392-41992). A quodlibet of 2 contrasting hymn tunes :Llanfair” by Robert Williams and “Hollingside” by John B. Dykes. Very effective, with a soaring descant and big conclusion. Of medium difficulty, requiring a large enough soprano section to accommodate the descant.


7. “The Day of Resurrection (French Carol)” arr. by Henry Kihlken; Coronet Press (392-41905); SATB with keyboard and optional trumpet. A festive setting of a familiar French Carol Melody, used by Willian in the collection “Carols of the Seasons.” Some of you might be familiar with the 1948 arrangement by Carl Halter. Exploits imitation on the phrase “He is Risen,” with separate entries of the voices at various points. Medium/Difficult.