Choral Music Reviews I Sing Because I’m Happy
Music by Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932) Arranged by Kenneth Paden, Adapted by Rollo Dilworth Text: Words by Civilla D. Martin (1866-1948) SATB, Piano Publisher: Hal Leonard, 00124479 (Henry Leck Choral Series) Approximate performance time: 3’30” Performance videos of the original Georgia Mass Choir version and various performances of Dilworth’s adaptation can be found on YouTube.
This gospel-style interpretation of the hymn, “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” was originally performed and recorded by the Georgia Mass Choir. Dilworth’s adaptation lowered the original key by a whole step, eliminated solo verses, and added a bass part. Full of call and response passages, this exuberant adaptation captures the essence of the joy of corporate choral music-making. Dilworth adds an additional nod to the original by his setting of the “Special Chorus” found in measures 39-46. This portion should be sung a total of six times (Dilworth suggests the following order: first time, tutti; second time, soprano part only; third time, alto part only; fourth time, tenor part only; fifth time, bass part only; sixth time, tutti with optional accompaniment) or the conductor can create his/her own unique version. If you have a tenor soloist that can improvise above the choir, this is also an effective addition for measures 47 to the end. This piece is sure to bring down the house, so be ready to repeat a reprise of special chorus (measures 39-end). I guarantee the audience will be on their feet, singing, clapping, and participating in the joy! Accessible for all high school choirs.
Magnificat
Halsey Stevens (1908 - 1989) Text: from the Biblical Magnificat or Canticle of Mary, Luke 1:46- 55 SATB Chorus, Piano or Organ, Trumpet String Orchestra parts are available (rental) Publisher: Mark Foster Music Company, MF0108 Approximate performance time: (between 6 and 7 minutes, depending upon tempo)
An internationally respected musicologist and composer, Stevens wrote extensively for orchestra, chamber groups, keyboard, and chorus. Commissioned by the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda or the North Texas State University Choir in 1962, the Magnificat (also known as the Song or Canticle of Mary) is one of eight ancient Christian hymns and perhaps one of the earliest Marian hymns. The text of the canticle from the Gospel of Luke reflects Mary’s gratitude to God for choosing her to bear His Son. Stevens uses a recurring motif in the unaccompanied trumpet that
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Dr. Diane Orlofsky
is first heard in the opening phrase and interwoven throughout with and without the choir. Set with lots of dissonance, offset and multiple meters, and strong dynamics, this piece boldly describes the strength behind both Mary’s words and her resolute view of her place in the Incarnation. While this piece is suitable for advanced high school/collegiate choirs, groups should have a versatile soprano section that can handle a slightly higher than normal tessitura and access to a highly proficient trumpet soloist and accompanist.
I Will
Words and Music by Paul McCartney (credited to Lennon/McCartney) Arranged by Jeremy Fox SSATB (approximate level 3), Piano, Bass, Shaker Publisher: Jeremy Fox (
www.jeremyfox.net) Approximate performance time: 4’22”
This beautiful, lush (and ACCESSIBLE) newly licensed arrangement of Paul McCartney’s “I Will” can serve as a tender ballad in your vocal jazz set OR can serve to introduce your group to the tonalities and sensibilities of the lyric through an approachable (but characteristic) vocal jazz ensemble sound. Jeremy has a way of being able to provide mid-level arrangements that are every bit as nuanced as other more difficult arrangements. “I Will” features a female soloist throughout (you can opt to use the same voice or feature several of your girls on smaller shared solos). Gentle syncopation is used throughout, one interesting key shift occurs toward the end, and measures 46-57 allow for some improvisation above the ensemble parts (no scat required! Just use fragments of the text like “I will”). You can visit Jeremy’s site and listen to the score (while watching on screen!). See for yourself – I think you’ll want to program this piece for your group.
Dr. Diane Orlofsky is Professor of Music and Director of Choirs at Troy University, where she oversees the choral program and teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in music education. She is the conductor of the Troy University Concert Chorale and the Director of the Troy University vocal jazz ensemble, frequency.
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