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.