In Case You Missed It: New Pieces for School from TCDA

We’re wrapping up our summer conference season, and wanted to share this list of favorite new choral pieces for school from our TCDA reading session.

“Vum Vive Vum” is the central movement of Angel of Light, a cantata based on Shaker themes. A dancing and playful rhythmic ride, it is ideal as a light-hearted opening or closing piece. The text dates from 1844 and is a lively example of a Shaker dance song. The vocal sounds represent a uniquely American form of “mouth music”—a style of traditional singing where nonsense words are used to mimic the sounds of instruments or the rhythms of a dance. Part of the Dale Warland Choral Series. Duration: 2:00

 

 

“More Love” is the cornerstone movement of Songs for the Journey, which was commissioned in 2010 to be performed alongside Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, and utilizes the same sonorous combination of horns, harp, organ, violas, cellos, and bass. Songs for the Journey outlines and explores similar themes as the traditional Latin Requiem—love, faith, mortality, surrender to an eternal will, etc.—but in a less ecclesiastical framework, with poems and texts drawn from a variety of sources. In assembling the texts, words of a particularly personal nature were chosen to echo Fauré’s intent. The musical style of “More Love” is simple and direct and the message is positive and affirming, making it appropriate for a variety of performance settings. Duration: 3:15

 

Ken Berg’s “Johnny Comes Marching” uses a strong tune and text to speak to the respect with which any nation treats the men and women who serve in their military. Beginning softly, the effect is like a parade that starts in the distance and gradually progresses ever closer to the listener. Following a brief introduction, the first verse is in unison. Each successive verse expands not only the part writing, but the sound and effect. The strength of the harmonic structure, the depth of the textual importance, and a relentless rhythmic drive, make this piece a strong addition to any program. Part of the Darren Dailey Choral Series. Duration: 2:45

 

A familiar American folk song is “A Man of Constant Sorrow,” which is sometimes adapted, as in Gwyneth Walker’s setting, to “A Maid of Constant Sorrow.” This is a very simple melody, placed in the key of C major. The message is a mournful one. The soul is troubled, and not at rest. “All through this world, I’m bound to ramble…perhaps I’ll take the very next train.” Then, later, “perhaps I’ll die upon this train.” Some comfort is taken with the lines “I know we’ll meet on God’s Golden Shore.” Approachable vocal writing with a gently flowing piano accompaniment. Duration: 4:15

 

 

For SSAA voices with a soloist (to which voices add gradually,) the text is as if someone is speaking to their long-dead ancestors. They granted a gift of life and hope for those who came after. Their “names and faiths survive.” And just as those in the past were faced with decisions and made them for the benefit of those who follow, we now have the same responsibility. The music is mostly in unison and remains on one staff even when it divides into multiple parts (which it does in only 14 of the 89 measures). This is a singable piece with an easy but supportive piano part, which could be useful for many ensembles in many situations.