A CHOICE OF THREEIn the past three years I have had the opportunity of introducing a song of his to my male choruses - one in the Milwaukee Male Chorus, and two here in South St. Paul. I would urge every director to give these three pieces a very close look. Are these all he has published? No - but I am using these three as examples of his work because I have used all three very successfully. The one thing that all three offer is a study in time signatures - with the ability to shift quickly from one to another. They look difficult, but when you master one set of changes, they fall easily into place. All three need a strong accompanist. Here are the three with their publication information and a brief statement about each.
COME TO THE MUSIC ..... Words and Music by Joseph M. Martin You could call this a celebration of music. It uses the words "gloria" and "alleluia" but it is not a complete sacred text. The central theme of the music is stated thus: Music is the sound of creation...This pretty much gives us the philosophy of our participation in music as singers. I am presenting it this year with piccolo but not percussion. Give it a close look.
THE QUEST UNENDING .....Words from "Ulysses" by Tennyson, music by Joseph M. Martin A reduction of the text is this: One equal temper of heroic hearts.....A very powerful piece, dramatic, with dynamic extremes. Parts are not difficult, but very interesting for the singer as well as the audience. The only rhythmic difficulties are triples on two beats.* If you need something for a very serious event, this is it.
TOCCATA OF PRAISE .....Words and Music by Joseph M. Martin This will present some rhythmic problems of switching from 6/8 to _ during the same phrases. Once you master this, it is not difficult to sing. The text is a celebration of life through music. And, Martin has given us two texts - one sacred, one secular. This is such a great idea because it doubles the usefulness of the song. I would like more composers to use this technique. The text expresses this: I will lift up the voice of music.....Probably the most difficult of the three songs, but well worth a little extra effort. There are four measures near the end (M135-138) which make the song worth all the work - very simple but one of the most effective, simplistic examples of part writing you will find. If you have performed these pieces, I would like very much to hear your reaction. If you have not, look at them to include at least one in your fall repertoire.
DWCrouch |
