Choral Music Reviews
Choral Reviews William Powell Director of Choral Activities Auburn University
Peace Like a River (SSA Women’s Choir and Jazz Trio Accompaniment) Arr. Skip Stradtman MusicSpoke MS50985
Duration: Approximately 4:54
To say that Skip Stradtman is a talented young composer- arranger is truly an understatement. One glance at his work is all you need to realize that you have encountered an incredible musician. His arrangement of Peace Like a River for Women’s Choir and Jazz Trio is evidence of my claim. The harmonies are well-voiced and the key changes are seamless. I especially appreciate how Stradtman maintains a rather authentic use of jazz rhythms and harmonies without making it sound hokey. While this arrangement is not for the beginner ensemble, I believe it is still accessible to the average treble choir. The piano accompaniment requires a skillful reader and player, particularly for properly executing the jazz rhythms.
Flying Solo (for TBB Voices with Piano) Philip E. Silvey Carl Fischer CM9590
Duration: Approximately 3:38
Veteran composer, Philip Silvey, was inspired to write this song after having observed a baby robin make its first attempt at flight. When the robin fell to the ground, Silvey knew that it would eventually have to fend for itself. He likened this event with the seminal moments that we face as humans as we garner the courage to “leap from one stage of life into the next.” Silvey cleverly creates a sense of unrest and anticipation in both the piano accompaniment and the voices, both of which support the text and the underlying message of the song throughout the composition. He maintains a homophonic texture with very declarative rhythms. Silvey evidences his thorough understanding vocal ranges by his ideal voicings for TBB singers.
Wanting Memories (Solo and SATB) Ysaye M. Barnwell Barnwell’s Notes Publishing YMB103-2
Duration: Approximately 4:33
A former member of female internationally acclaimed vocal group, “Sweet Honey in the Rock” many of Barnwell’s compositions can be heard on the groups’ recordings. As part of a suite of songs, “Wanting Memories” was commissioned for “Crossings” which was a dance theater piece. It also appears on Sweet Honey’s 1993 album “Still on the Journey.” Knowing that it was not originally intended as a choral octavo should inform choirs and directors how to approach this song, considering the full background. Barnwell uses the bass voice as the rhythmic foundation throughout, in vocal ostinato, and she harmonizes the melody (solo) through the remaining voice parts. In classic Sweet-Honey-in-the-Rock style, one can assume that the addition of djembe and/or shekere would be appropriate.
William Powell
William Powell serves as Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Auburn University. He conducts the Chamber Choir, Men’s Chorus, Concert Choir, and Gospel Choir.
42
August/September 2019
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