The line between time's reality and its invention is blurry. In this new piece, the lyrics disappear and phrases take on new meaning. We lose time when we try to keep it; we spend time as we try to save it. Time insists upon eluding us; we can only notice the fact that time has been winking at us all along. This music is a way of winking back.
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| List | $2.85 |
Four poems sharing a common motif of 'Night' provide the texts for my choral cycle Nocturnes, the American Choral Directors Association's commissioned work for its 2005 national convention. For Rilke's atmospheric “Sa nuit d'ete,” several melodic themes are supported by dense, colorful harmonies in both the choral and piano parts, leading to a climactic section where all are combined and stated simultaneously. Neruda's “Soneto de la Noche,” from his Cien Sonetos de Amor, speaks of an eternal love that transcends death while reaffirming life. My a cappella setting of this gorgeous poem is predominantly quiet, serene and folk-like, utilizing direct harmonies accompanying long, lyrical vocal lines. Agee's wondrous “Sure on this Shining Night” is set much like a song from the American musical theater, a genre for which I have held a life-long esteem. Rilke's poignant “Voici le soir” recalls the opening bell sounds and jazz-tinged chords of the first movement and serves as an epilogue, quietly concluding this cycle of night songs as darkness descends.
--Morten Lauridsen
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| List | $2.10 |
Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare's performance of this Carly Simon hit was featured on a PBS special and was also included on their Grammy®-nominated CD. Vibrant choral textures are supported by a dancing keyboard and percussion accompaniment for a spectacular choral showcase! Duration: ca. 2:10.
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| List | $2.50 |
The Eric Whitacre Virtual Choir #6 had more than 17,000 singers. As a response to COVID-19 and the isolation and division the pandemic was creating, Eric wrote the words and music with the hope that “Sing Gently” might give some small measure of comfort for those who need it, and that it might suggest a way of living with one another that is compassionate, gentle, and kind.
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| List | $2.75 |
“To sit and dream, to sit and read, To sit and learn about the world.” These words from a poem by Langston Hughes invite us to reach toward dreams of a better world and a more just society. This intimate choral setting, which features jazz harmonies, will be an excellent selection for mixed choirs in high school and up. Available: SATB divisi. Duration: ca. 5:00.
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| List | $2.30 |
A cry for peace in a world torn by war, this poignant a cappella setting of an original text is filled with striking dynamic contrasts. “Sing, Be, Live, See... This dark stormy hour, the wind, it stirs. The scorched earth cries out in vain... But music and singing have been my refuge, and music and singing shall be my light...” Difficulty Level: Medium Advanced Adult.
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| List | $2.75 |
This song is about the potential hidden in all of us. We can all save the world if we put our minds to it. The lyrics are the thoughts and dreams of young people, and young people will resonate with both the text and the music. This creative and form-breaking arrangement is by Canadian composer/arranger Katerina Gimon, and was premiered by the Vancouver Youth Choir at the World Music Symposium in Istanbul in 2023.
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| List | $2.85 |
Now available for mixed voices, the country supergroup “The Highwomen” recorded this song with the powerful message--band together, abandon as much ego as humanly possible, hold one another up. “Look for a world where everyone is given a chance to fit in. This is not about leaning in or fighting for the top chair. It is about making room!”
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| List | $2.60 |
In addition to his vast output of German poetry, Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) composed nearly 400 poems in French. His poems on roses struck me as especially charming, filled with gorgeous lyricism, deftly crafted and elegant in their imagery. These exquisite poems are primarily light, joyous and playful, and the musical settings are designed to enhance these characteristics and capture the delicate beauty and sensuousness of the poetry. Distinct melodic and harmonic materials recur throughout the cycle, especially between Rilke's poignant “Contre qui, rose” (set as a wistful nocturne) and his moving “La rose complète.” The final piece, “Dirait-on,” is composed as a tuneful chanson populaire, or folksong, that weaves together two melodic ideas first heard in fragmentary form in preceding movements.
--Morten Lauridsen
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| List | $2.15 |
This is the showstopping number from the dramatic Broadway mega-hit Rent. Great choral writing and a fantastic lyric message.
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| List | $2.30 |
Craig Hella Johnson's setting of Dolly Parton's “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” is infused with light and hopefulness as it opens with a solo soprano and gradually builds to a joyful overflowing of sound and vocal texture, then gently relaxing into a reflective conclusion. Also includes soprano recorder. Duration: ca. 4:30.
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| List | $2.25 |
Translated from the words of the “Lord's Prayer,” this Grammy-winning 2005 composition from the fourth entry in the award-winning video game franchise “Civilization” is a watershed moment in video game composition.
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| List | $2.50 |
This powerful, original ballad by Greg Gilpin is stunning in lyric and song. A simple unison beginning builds to an ending with full choral presence and moving descant. “A sound of hope, a sound of peace, a sound that celebrates and speaks what we believe ... this is why we sing, why we lift our voice.” This will be your power ballad for the year and with the full orchestration available or CD accompaniment track, your singers and audience will literally be moved to tears. An outstanding choral work! Available separately: SATB, SAB, TBB, SSAA, 2-part, Orchestration, StudioTrax CD.
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| List | $2.50 |
One of the king'singers' most requested arrangements in a lush a cappella setting – Billy Joel's hit ballad arranged by Bob Chilcott. Available SATB a cappella. Performance Time: Approx. 3:00.
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| List | $2.30 |
Known for his unique pairing of songs, Craig Hella Johnson has creatively combined the early contemporary Christian song by Larry Norman and Randy Stonehill with the popular favorite from the '60s. A wonderful and inspirational closing number or encore for mixed, treble and male choirs!
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| List | $2.95 |