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Choral Reviews
Lacrymosa-
Jonathan Willcocks
MSM-50-8007,
$1.50
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”,
August-September 2006 issue
by Tim Dyksinski
Here is beautiful writing in the contemporary English style of Rutter
and Shepherd. This is warm and lush music that will please the choir and
comfort the listener. The rhythmic flow is achieved by employing a gently
rocking 7/8 meter. All voices except the tenor have a small amount of
divisi. This is excellent music for memorial services, All Souls Day,
and concerts. Very highly recommended.
Copyright © 2006 by the National Association of Pastoral
Musicians. Used with Permission. www.npm.org
Out
of the Depths-Daniel Nelson
MSM-50-3051,
$1.50
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”,
August-September 2006 issue
by Tim Dyksinski
This accessible setting, based on an early eighteenth century tune, is
well-suited to Psalm 30. Much of this anthem is unison, and, when it moves
to SATB, the very easy harmony will be learned quickly by any choir. This
excellent music for the small or beginning choir will be useful to the
directors of high school choirs. Larger seasoned ensembles that need some
penitential music in a hurry will also welcome this music. Here is an
example of good simple music that allows the text to speak clearly. Highly
recommended.
Copyright © 2006 by the National Association of Pastoral
Musicians. Used with Permission. www.npm.org
Now
Thank We All Our God—K. Lee Scott
MSM-50-6043A,
$1.75
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, August-September
2006 issue
by Tim Dyksinski
Here is something for your Thanksgiving Day Mass or ecumenical service!
You will definitely want to include a brass quartet who can present the
two-page fanfare with excitement and flair. The (optional) congregation
takes verse one in unison, while verse two is a choral setting with Mr.
Scott’s harmonization. The last verse again employs the congregation
with a descant and lively accompaniment. This is well-written and practical
music.
Copyright © 2006 by the National Association of Pastoral
Musicians. Used with Permission. www.npm.org
Rejoice,
Ye Pure in Heart—Hal Hopson
MSM-60-7003A,
$1.75
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, August-September
2006 issue
by Tim Dyksinski
The hymn tune Marion is given a very fine and strong setting
in this Hopson arrangement. This little concertato is set up with verses
one and two in unison, verse three in four-part harmony, and the final
verse in unison with a descant. The choral third verse is cleverly set
to the hymn tune St. Michael, giving this setting yet more variety.
This selection was composed for an organ dedication, so while the organ
part is not difficult, it certainly is exciting and full of color. Here
you will find an excellent festive arrangement.
Copyright © 2006 by the National Association of Pastoral
Musicians. Used with Permission. www.npm.org
Father,
We Thank Thee—Richard Proulx
MSM-50-7304,
$1.50
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, August-September
2006 issue
by Tim Dyksinski
The wonderful tune Rendez À Dieu is given elegant treatment
in this setting. Verse one is two-part mixed, while verse two is SAB.
This very transparent writing style will require good choral technique.
Copyright © 2006 by the National Association of Pastoral
Musicians. Used with Permission. www.npm.org
Prepare
the Royal Highway—Kenneth T. Kosche
MSM-50-0038,
$1.75
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, August-September
2006 issue
by Tim Dyksinski
Based on a graceful, lilting seventeenth century Swedish tune, this is
a pleasing and useful selection. Texts are provided for use during Advent
or on Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. Here you will find easy
and solid SATB fare.
Copyright © 2006 by the National Association of Pastoral
Musicians. Used with Permission. www.npm.org
O
Holy Night—Hal Hopson
MSM-50-1097A,
$1.75
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, August-September
2006 issue
by Tim Dyksinski
Hal Hopson’s creative spirit adds a lift to the well-loved A. Adam
carol. There is nothing new in the choral part or the keyboard score.
The added zest comes from the string quartet and the simple handbell part.
The bell part employs ten or eleven bells which, for the most part, have
a single note line. This is a subtle and effective arrangement worth looking
into.
Copyright © 2006 by the National Association of Pastoral
Musicians. Used with Permission. www.npm.org
A
Humble Young Maiden—Michael Burkhardt
MSM-50-1095,
$1.75
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, August-September
2006 issue
by Tim Dyksinski
William Billings’s popular carol Judea receives a straightforward
treatment by the ever-creative Mr. Burkhardt. This is a sure winner for
choirs with the resources to sing the choral setting of the second verse.
Here is a full-sounding setting of this Christmas favorite.
Copyright © 2006 by the National Association of Pastoral
Musicians. Used with Permission. www.npm.org
Two
Carols—Gerald Near
AE145, $1.50
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, August-September
2006 issue
by Tim Dyksinski
The name Gerald Near at the top of a piece always promises that something
of quality will follow. These settings are no exception. “Adam Lay
Ybounden” is appealing and winsome but not difficult at all. It
is a worthy addition to the other fine settings of the text that already
exist. “Balulalow” is another popular text wedded to music
that competes well with other (and beloved) settings. Two of the verses
are set in through-composed style. There are only nine measures of score
to learn, and four of those are unison. Both carols are lovely and sensitively
crafted. Very highly recommended.
Copyright © 2006 by the National Association of Pastoral
Musicians. Used with Permission. www.npm.org
The
Tree of Life—K. Lee Scott
MSM-50-3000, $1.75
The Diapason, August 2006 issue
by James McCray
There are six verses with the congregation joining on three of them; their
music is on the back page and may be reproduced. Almost all of the vocal
parts are in unison, although the last verse has a descant. All instrumental
parts are available from the publishers (50-3000A) along with a full score
(50-3000B). The music is based on Shades Mountain; all parts
are very easy.
Copyright © 2006 The Diapason, August 2006,
p. 16. Used with Permission. www.TheDiapason.com
Christ
Is Risen! Alleluia! - Mark Shepperd
MSM-50-4050,
$1.50
The Diapason “Music for Voices and Organ”, May 2006
issue
by James McCray
This setting could be used on Easter with brass one year, then organ in
the post-Easter period the following year. It is fast and joyful. After
an instrumental introduction, the brass are primarily used in brief, energetic
spurts of sound between choral phrases, many of which are unaccompanied.
With wide dynamic contrasts and a big Alleluia ending, this setting will
appeal to singers and congregation. Highly recommended.
There
Is a Balm in Gilead - arr. by Gerald Near
AE140, $1.50
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, June-July 2006
issue
by Tim Dyksinski
This spiritual has gained popularity in the past few years in liturgical
churches. As always, the highly skilled Mr. Near has crafted music that
enhances the text and the original tune. The flowing organ accompaniment
is sensitive and evocative. The first two appearances of the refrain are
set for sopranos alone; the final refrain is for four-part mixed voices.
The two verses are winningly scored for sopranos singing the tune and
text while the tenors sing the text parallel to the tune but a third lower.
Altos and tenors sing “Ah” during these verses. This very
fine setting, with an economy of notes to learn, is a worthy alternative
to the popular William Dawson setting.
E’en
So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come - Paul Manz
MSM-50-0001,
$1.50
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, June-July 2006
issue
by Tim Dyksinski
After more than fifty years, this stunning anthem continues to be as fresh
and moving as it was when written in 1954. It’s hard to imagine
a choral director who does not know this work. If you don’t know
this piece, get a copy today! Those who have sung it with their choirs
will want to own a copy of the fiftieth anniversary edition. This truly
remarkable composition is now a classic in the choral repertoire. Very
highly recommended!
Christ
Rising Again - K. Lee Scott
MSM-50-4046A,
$1.75
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, June-July 2006
issue
by Tim Dyksinski
This solid and exciting Easter composition is mostly unison singing with
only one SATB verse and a verse with a soprano descant. The text is from
Romans 6:9-10. Your choir and congregation will welcome this vibrant setting.
It will have a very big effect with a minimum amount of work.
Hosanna!
- B. Wayne Bisbee
MSM-50-3509,
$1.50
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, June-July 2006
issue
by Tim Dyksinski
Twelve handbells and percussion accompany this lively setting of Palm
Sunday processional music. Since this piece is intended to be sung in
procession, it may be repeated as often as needed. It is basically a unison
antiphon with a verse sung by lower voices while the sopranos sing a descant;
a congregational part is provided. Very easy.
Who
Is This? - John Ferguson
MSM-50-6509,
$1.50
Pastoral Music “Choral Recitative”, June-July 2006
issue
by Tim Dyksinski
This is a stunning anthem that quotes the tunes associated with “O
Sacred Head” and “Of the Father’s Love Begotten.”
The text is by hymn writer Sylvia Dunstan. This composition could be sung
in Advent or at the beginning of Ordinary Time, and it is sure to enhance
the prayer of the community. Recommended.