“Five from the Folder: Women’s Voices” by Katherine FitzGibbon

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER:  WOMEN’S VOICES by Katherine FitzGibbon

 

1. "Hoj, hura, hoj," Otmar Macha, SSAA, Alliance 8057890

Beautiful four-part a cappella mirroring echoes across a mountain, along with soloists. Fosters part independence. 

 

2. "Herbstlied," Robert Schumann, SA, National WHC-54

"Greatest hit" of women's duet repertoire, with exciting parallel thirds and German text moving over a quick piano part. 

 

3. "Song of Perfect Propriety," Carol Barnett. SSA. Earthsongs S-291

Witty Dorothy Parker text about longing to be a pirate, but instead writing "little verse as little ladies do." Barnett's music juxtaposes rollocking/mixed meter for the pirates, simpering for the little ladies.

 

4. "Nada te turbe," Joan Szymko, Santa Barbara SBMP334

SSAA with obbligato cello. Haunting text by Saint Teresa of Avila, both in Spanish and English. "New classic." 

 

5. "Salut printemps," Claude Debussy, Choudens 17090 

Great 2 and 3 part women's piece that fosters a warm, full sound. Needs a great pianist and soloist. 

 

(“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 )