Thursday, August 25

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.

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