|
Six September Songs - 2000 Here are some more good selections which cover many singing situations. I met Brad Ellingboe, choral director at the University of New Mexico, this summer at one of the music clinics I attended. He is published by Kjos Music Company, and he also does some editing for them. He sent me several pieces some of which I would like to share with you. And, then there is one I would like to point out to you, but it is so difficult that I'm not sure how many choruses could learn and perform it. DWCrouch, 9/28/00 ALLELUIA, AMEN - Alan Dunbar TTBB Kjos Music Co. Ed. 5573 (2000) $1.40 Use: Any place an Alleluia text will fit; Big Sing Positive: --written for CANTUS --words easy to learn (Alleluia, Amen) --very melodic; a new refreshing treatment of this text --nice independent parts --very up-beat: sounds almost like a fanfare --some very good, short contrasting sections Some problems to consider: --very high Tenor I part (some split TI parts) --could lower the key, but then the bass drops into a deep hole --a cappella BARB'RA ALLEN - arr. Jameson Marvin TTBB Kjos Music Co. Ed. 5577 (2000) $1.40 Use: Big Sing, concert, afterglow, any place for a folksong Positive: --arranged for CANTUS --very nice, new contemporary arrangement of an old tune --all parts get the melody sometime --very effective, different harmony at the beginning between the two tenor parts (no bass, yet) --would be great for a massed chorus in a Big Sing Some problems: --high tenor part --high "solo" tenor part --a cappella (could move it down a half step) --very long for an unaccompanied piece--difficult to keep in tune through several key changes --all the parts divide: not a lot, but they do split and you do need to have them all --not an easy arrangement HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING? - arr. Bradley Ellingboe See also TBB Kjos Music Co. Ed. 5572 (1998) $1.30 Use: General Concert Positive: --great text for AMCA --some very nice chording in voices and accompaniment --does go into 4 part for a very short time --oboe accompaniment: and you must have it to make this work --M 45 to 47 are really great! M 55 to 57 are very good--similar part writing--but not quite as good; two interesting sections which make this song worth a close look Some problems: --oboe solo (which you must include) not hard, but will take a good player to make it sound right --unaccompanied short sections may be a problem to keep in tune --tenor part in bass clef: too many leger lines --all 3 (4) parts on one staff line; you may save money printing, but it is too hard to read, especially Baritone. JAMAICA, FAREWELL! - arr. Bradley Nelson TB Kjos Music Co. Ed. 5570 (1999) $1.40 Use: Pop concert, After Glow, Dinner Theater Positive: --new arrangement of an old tune --a quick, easy learn --does have a nice Tenor obligato added near the end (a few voices) --good suggestions on rhythms --optional synthesizer and percussion parts --easy, rhythmic piano accompaniment Some points you need to consider: --if you have the four part, stay with it (this arrangement sounds very thin -- not the way we are used to hearing it) --the tenor part is written in the bass clef and is too difficult to read (too many leger lines) --it would be better for everyone in a lower key (the right electronic keyboard could do this) LET THE BULLGINE RUN - arr. Alice Parker TTBB Kjos Music Co. Ed. 5576 (1999) $1.40 Use: general concert, after glow, pop Positive: --arranged for CANTUS --great rhythms: plays tricks--you need to be very alert --this really moves; very spirited --interesting variety of singing required Some things to consider: --the only reason I'm including this is because of Alice Parker; her work is always worth singing --I think the work is perhaps juvenile for an adult chorus unless you have the right audience: you be the judge --a cappella --some individual melodic parts are very exposed for just a few beats: you have to be very secure on the parts which really jump around --parts of nonsense text may be hard to memorize --another "sailor song" SONG OF MAY - James McCray TTBB Mark Foster Music MF1500 (1998) $1.60 (Instrumental parts separate: MP1500: no price given) Use: you decide Positive: --great melodic, contemporary piece (a strange, haunting melody which is very intriguing) --if you want something challenging, this is it both rhythmically and melodically --mostly 2 part; then a section of 3 part, and finally 4 part at the very end --has flute and percussion parts (must use) --*in Spanish (pronunciation guide included) Some very negative thoughts: --I shouldn't even include this --extremely difficult --needs the instruments --the voice parts and accompaniments are in two different worlds --7/8 time is difficult to learn correctly, then remember (the 5/8 is hard enough, but not as much as the 7/8) --*in Spanish (even though there is a pronunciation guide) Back to Music Reviews Back to Index of Titles Reviewed Music Talk with Don
|
