Hoist the sail and join the pirate crew with this fun and novel “pirate” original song. Shiver me timbers, this will transfer your choir into singing pirates and it's sure to make a swashbucklin' showstopper! Perfect for costumes, movement and staging.
ScorePlay - click to view score with recording.
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List: $2.50
for unaccompanied SATB with solo or semi-chorus SATB quartet
Text: anon (circa 1300)
Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes
Difficulty level: 2
As young as he was, aged only 16, Britten produced in this carol a tiny masterpiece. This is one of the most well-known and best-loved of his choral pieces. Understandably so, too. It has all the ingredients which make for a really satisfying choral experience. The use of a solo quartet or small semi-chorus, best placed at a distance, brings a dramatic element to the essential simplicity of the carol. The Latin responses of the semi-chorus to the medieval English words of the main chorus give these responses a further element of mystery which adds another layer of spiritual drama. The ratcheting up of the intensity in the final verse by increasing the tempo, by the ATB of the main chorus singing continuous rising phrases and by the sopranos singing a short phrase which is answered by the semi-chorus brings the piece to its climax. The final tranquillo page leads the carol to its conclusion in a mesmerizingly beautiful final phrase sung by the semi-chorus.
Care needs to be taken with the speed, the semi-chorus placing, and the creation of an atmosphere which demands attention from the listener. Speed: be careful to note Brittens marking of quaver (1/8th note) = 69-72. This is very slow indeed. Try it with a metronome. Many conductors perform this piece at crotchet (1/4 note) = 69! Frankly, I find the original speed too slow to make this piece flow. I see that when I recorded this with the Finzi Singers we made a tempo of crotchet = c50. Purists may be dismayed at this wilful ignoring of a composer's intentions (especially given the strictures outlined in the Preface to this Guide). I think if I were to re-record this now, I would choose a tempo of about quaver = 88. Note that for the quicker final verse Britten suggests a crotchet tempo. This means he did think about the issues of speed very carefully. Placing: Some choirs choose to put the semi-chorus at the other end of the church, or in a gallery for dramatic effect. Directors, however, have to remember that while this might work in the first two verses, in the last verse the two groups sing together and have to balance to some degree. Thought should also be given to the fact that if the semi-chorus is placed at the other end of a church behind the audience, the audience sitting near the back will hear them more strongly than the main choir. It is best to place the semi-chorus behind the choir but still quite close, perhaps by the altar if the main choir is in the choirstalls, or just in front of the altar. Always make sure that the semi-chorus can see the conductor!
Duration: 4 minutes
Paul Spicer, Lichfield, 2011
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List: $2.50
Beginning with two main thematic ideas that are developed throughout the work: a 2-note gentle, lilting motive and a 4-note lyrical theme that travels throughout the voices, this 7 minute piece for a cappella chorus will challenge any fine chorus. The use of triangles and simple body percussion near the end engage both the listener and the performers in a magical and heartfelt experience.
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List: $3.25
This treasured 17th century text by Robert Herrick is set with an expressive melodic line over a flowing accompaniment and lush choral textures incorporating the full dynamic range. A wonderful addition to Christmas concerts or performances at any time of year! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA. Duration: ca. 3:30.
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List: $1.80
Swedish DJ and producer Avicii has melded multiple styles into this 2013 pop hit, creating a global country-folk anthem with a dance beat that defies categorization and will be immensely fun to sing! A great pop showcase! Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:15.
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List: $2.50
Playful and inspirational energy courses through this lively song, bringing to life a poem about the joy of musical sharing and personal interconnectedness. With piano.
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List: $1.90
Layers of beauty characterize this lofty anthem of encouragement. A noble theme both musically and lyrically, the anthem affirms that God's promises are reliable and His grace provides for us in every situation. Distinctive sections bring the text to life with splashes of choral color and make full use of a deep rich accompaniment. Add the handbells for a festive flair! Score and Parts (org, hndbl, 3 oct.) available as a digital download.
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List: $2.25
Show your mettle and embrace your inner hero with this medley of Disney songs of bravery and adventure. Whatever the task, your choirs will be up to it as they are taught lessons of valor as only Disney movies can. Includes: How Far I'll Go, Touch the Sky, Reflection, When Will My Life Begin? and Zero to Hero.
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List: $3.50
This anthem is a gentle admonition to linger only on the noble Christ-honoring things of life and to turn from what would limit our walk of faith. Creative use of linear writing creates a tapestry of sound that is engaging and appropriate to the spirit of the text.
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List: $2.50
Uses: Concert, Festival, Graduation, Memorial, Funeral, Patriotic
An extraordinary text by Charles Dickens provides the inspiration for this excellent concert/festival work. “The pure, the bright, the beautiful that stirred our hearts in youth... the striving after better hopes; these things can never die.”
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List: $2.50
A superb edition of the de Victoria motet. Available: SATB a cappella. Performance Time: Approx. 1:40.
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List: $2.35
This 1963 Christmas favorite by Darlene Love is a perennial favorite and has been covered by dozens of artists, most famously by U2 on the 1987 A Very Special Christmas compilation album. The heartfelt emotion will bring a spirit of rock 'n' roll festivity to every holiday program! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Rhythm section parts available digitally (syn, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:35.
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List: $2.25
