“Five from the Folder: Treble Voices” by Jennifer Tibben

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: TREBLE VOICES by Jennifer Tibben

 

1.  "Puisqu’ici-bas toute âme," Gabriel Fauré, Treble Clef Music Press, TC-269

Beautiful soaring melodies.  Parts are equal.  The work gives singers exposure to a rich French text about the beauty and pain of love.  Range c4-g5, with the second part a third below the top.

 

2.  "Two Eastern Pictures," Gustav Holst, Galaxy Music Corporation, 1.5078

Spring & Summer, wonderful “eastern” harmonies. 3 part. Lilting and dance-like! Perfect for HS or higher. Text from Sanskrit poet Kalidasa. Piano or harp.

 

3.  "A Girl’s Garden," Randall Thompson, EC Schirmer 2540

So much fun!  Wonderful text about a spirited young lady and her adventures in farming.  Mostly unison (great for tuning and sound quality), effective split at end for drama.  Challenging piano part.

 

4.  "Four Folksongs for Women’s Choir," Robert Schumann, Gentry Pulbications, JG215 1/2 part

Strophic, lovely parts with harmony primarily in thirds.  Cross rhythms between voices and piano in #2 & 4. Verses have variety.  Could do part of set to expose students to German Lieder. 

 

5.  "Ave Maria," Johannes Brahms, Edition Peters 66136:  Four part, orchestral accompaniment is available

Soprano parts often dialogue with alto.  Supportive accompaniment, with lovely a cappella moments.  Great choice for lush tone development.

 

(“Five from the Folder” provides brief, text-length reviews of vocal works currently in the folders of choral directors throughout the United States.  To share five from your folder, contact Scott Dorsey at )