"Who Are The Brave" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

One of the single most exciting new songs for men's voices has been added to the repertoire of my chorus this past fall. I would like to share it with you, and also thank the Marquette Men's Chorus for introducing us to it. Although it was published in 1992, I heard it for the first time this past year. This piece will be a part of our district's Big Sing this coming May.

"Who Are The Brave"

TTB (TTBB) WHO ARE THE BRAVE
Words by J. Paul Williams
Music by Joseph M. Martin
Studio 224, c/o CPP/Belwin, Inc. SV9216 $1.25 U.S.

The message in the text is a description of the title. My chorus has used this in a military setting, yet it can adapt to many situations. The final words are: "Who are the brave? Those who serve mankind. These are the brave."

The song has a beautiful keyboard accompaniment which sometimes makes it a little difficult for the singers to follow. The voicing is TTB with an added optional baritone part in one section and when used results in a solid four part sound. At another point I had the baritones sing the low, second tenor part instead of a single bass/baritone part and had the second tenors sing with the first tenors. This made for a better balanced sound in my group. At the end, the bass/baritone part is again divided for a solid four part sound. Here I thiink the four parts are necessary rather than optional. The piece is very melodic, but it does have some dissonance which needs care in learning. There is also a great deal of dynamic variety which makes it very interesting for the listener. However, its' greatest appeal is a big, dramatic ending which makes a great closing for a single chorus concert or a Big Sing massed chorus.

Right now, this is the number one favorite of my chorus. If you don't already have it, try it. You'll like it.

"Four Classic Songs" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -