“Five from the Folder” by Madlen Batchvarova

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER by Madlen Batchvarova

 

1.  "Bogoroditse Devo," Sergei Rachmaninoff, Musica Russica Ra028

A movement from the “All Night Vigil,” this homophonic unaccompanied setting of the Ave Maria text is a symbol the beauty of Orthodox sacred tradition, and the spirit of Romanticism.

 

2.  "Cherubic Hymn No.7," Dmitri Bortniansky, Musica Russica V1-51

Part of the Orthodox “Divine Liturgy” service. Sung in Church Slavonic. The elegant ease of this mostly homophonic song of angels evokes the ethereal nature of the Heavenly Hosts.

 

3.  "Betelehemu," Via (Babatunde) Olatunji, arr. Whalum, Lawson- Gould, Alfred Music Publishing AP.LG52647

A rhythmically pulsating TTBB arrangement of a Nigerian Christmas song with Yoruba text. Opportunities for solo improvisations and complementary percussion accompaniment.

 

4.  "J’entends le Moulin" arr. Donald Patriquin, SATB, Earthsongs, S-06

A French folksong interpreted in rapid tempo, with a beguiling melody line, imitative polyphony, syncopated, irregular accentuation, stage whisper and body percussion. Demanding piano part.

 

5.  "Ergen Deda" Peter Lyondev, Colla Voce 20-96750

Exciting dance-like unaccompanied composition for women’s choir. Employs the traditional Bulgarian 7/8 metric pulsation with fun text and optional drums.

 

(“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 .)