Text: anon.
Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes
Difficulty level: 3-4
These lovely, classic part-songs were written as a 25th wedding anniversary present for Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst of Dartington Hall. Apparently Britten chose the subject matter because they were keen botanists. Whatever the reason for the choice, it was a supremely happy one and brought from Britten a set of pieces which, while in a direct line of descent from the classic part-songs of Elgar, Stanford and Parry, are entirely original.
These songs are designed as a set. The mood-scape shows that Britten was keenly aware of the variety needed to satisfy performers and audience between bookends. The unsentimental originality of To Daffodils with its tempo marking of Allegro impetuoso focusing on the speedy demise of the flower which is of course a metaphor for the passing of life; the clever division into four voices for the four months in The Succession of the Four Sweet Months and that beautifully simple device at the end where each month is named and forms a lovely cadence; the bitter-sweet Marsh Flowers to its poem by George Crabbe and the way Britten makes a slightly menacing atmosphere relieved only by the description of gentler plants; the ever-so-slightly sentimental Evening Primrose, the slow movement of the set; and finally Green Broom, a tour-de-force of humour which is crowned, at its heart, by Britten's slightly hysterical altos singing 'Go fetch me the boy'! The gradual accelerando throughout this piece leading to the final flourish makes this a wonderful and exciting finale to a set of part-songs which should be at the heart of any choirs repertoire.
Points for choral directors to look out for include the tempo of To Daffodils. The key is in the direction Allegro impetuoso. Somewhere in the region of crotchet = 116 should be the aim. Within that tempo use the words to colour the interpretation. Look out, as always, for Britten's carefully marked articulation and watch out for the big dynamic contrasts and colours. Tuning is the issue in both No.2 and No.3. In the opening of Marsh Flowers be careful of the size of intervals and in the second bar use the two anchors of F and C# to try to ensure that pitch doesnt slip. The return to a note which has already been sung should always be fractionally higher (masked by the change of vowel) thus ensuring that the pitch is always kept in place. In Green Broom it is issues of ensemble more than anything which provide the major challenge. This, and the stepping of increases in speed which should be measured so that the end does not become dangerously out of hand!
Duration: 12 minutes
Paul Spicer, Lichfield, 2011
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List: $2.25
Featured in a new musical of the same name starring Matthew Broderick and Kelli O'Hara, this charming song by George and Ira Gershwin is filled to the brim with whimsy and carefree charm!
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List: $26.99
Now a major motion picture from Universal, 1982's Broadway sensation Cats ruled the Winter Garden Theatre for 18 years, capturing the hearts and minds of theater-goers through dance and song (and of course, makeup). Andrew Lloyd Webber's joyful songs, set to T.S. Eliot's poetry, are immortalized in this best-selling medley from Ed Lojeski. Includes: Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, Memory, Mr. Mistoffelees, The Naming of Cats, Old Deuteronomy, Overture and Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat.
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List: $45.99
“Show the world what you can do/Prove to them you've got the moves/I don't know about you/I feel better when I'm dancing!” From The Peanuts Movie, this peppy tune by Meghan Trainor positively defies you to keep still!
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List: $2.50
For Chorus (SATB), Percussion and Piano Duet, with 2 Clarinets and Cello ad lib.
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List: $13.99
Here is the standout song from the ambitious and wildly anticipated Broadway spectacular Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark with a powerful rock score by Bono and the Edge. The intense music and gripping lyrics have captured the attention of the youth audience in a singular theatrical experience that is unmatched elsewhere. Powerful!
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List: $2.25
Younger choirs will develop tone, part-singing ability and important performance skills with this accessible original canon. Opening with a unison statement of the theme, the voices then sing in canon alternating with a contrasting B section. Excellent for concert or contest! Available separately: SAB, 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:45.
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List: $1.80
Grab your sunglasses and beach gear and add some Sixties sizzle to your concert! This 1963 pop hit by the Beach Boys captures all the authentic fun in the sun you could ever want and is a perfect choice for younger choirs! Discovery Level 1. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 1:55.
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List: $2.50
Uses: General, Lent
Scripture: Psalm 11:1
One of the most beautiful tunes in all of hymnody is cradled with caring arms in this arrangement. The flowing melody is matched by a text of exquisite sacred imagery, creating a theme of repentance and redemption that beckons the seeker to find shelter in Christ's sanctuary of grace. An expressive range of dynamics adds to the drama and scope of this testimony of hope. Striking! Orchestra score and parts (pno, fl 1-2, ob, cl 1-2, bn, hn 1-2, tpt 1-3, tbn 1-2, tba, hp, timp, perc 1-2, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) and Consort score and parts (fl, cl, hn, perc, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) each available as a digital download.
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List: $2.10
Once again available, this powerful and inspirational setting is infused with gospel rhythms and soulful harmonies! After a sonorous introduction, the vocals enter simply, growing in fullness and gradually building to the final uplifting chords. An ideal closer for concert, pop and jazz choirs of all levels!
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List: $2.25
This jazzy setting of children's counting out and jump rope rhymes will be a lively change of pace or encore for your 2-Part choir! Great for choreography, or even add a jump rope team for added fun! Available: SA. Duration: ca. 2:10.
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List: $1.80