“Five from the Folder: Community Choirs” by Karen P. Thomas

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: COMMUNITY CHOIRS by Karen P. Thomas

 

1.”Five Flower Songs.” Benjamin Britten.  Boosey & Hawkes 48011505

Five separate “character” pieces, related to flowers – can be performed separately. “Evening Primrose” is gentle and gorgeous. “Ballad of Green Broom” a fun and fast romp.

 

2. “Bring us, O Lord.” William Harris. Novello 14005150

Equally as lush and wonderful to sing as his more well-known “Faire is the Heaven”, this double-choir work is accessible for community choirs. (Note – it has recently been re-issued.)

 

3. “The Gallant Weaver.” James MacMillan.  Boosey & Hawkes 48011820

A delicate and sweet setting of the poem by Robert Burns. Easier than many of MacMillan’s works, but still includes a few challenging rhythms.

 

4. “Os justi.” Anton Bruckner. Peters P6315

Choirs love this piece, and enjoy making big, glorious sound in the forte sections. Includes nicely balanced quiet sections, and contrasting homophonic and polyphonic sections.

 

5. “Mata del’ anima sola.” Antonio Estevez. Earthsongs S-38

Incredibly fun to sing, this contemporary Venezuelan piece includes a solo for tenor or soprano, and sections in which the choir imitates folk instruments.

 

(“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 )