“Five from the Folder: Mixed Voices” by Edward Maclary

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER:  MIXED VOICES by Edward Maclary

 

1. “Hear my prayer, O Lord.”  Henry Purcell.  cpdl
Brief yet beautiful. An eight voice study in dissonance treatment and harmonic intensity, it has a perfect arc and projects its single line of text most effectively.

2. “Welcome to all the pleasures.” Henry Purcell.  cpdl
Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day, 1683. A delightful collection of solos and choruses that celebrate the text with infectious dance rhythms and graceful phrasing.

3. “Hymn to St. Cecilia.”  Benjamin Britten.  Boosey and Hawkes / Hal Leonard HL 48021230
Britten’s first masterwork. Great ensemble challenges. W. H. Auden’s text is a masterpiece in its own right and Britten sets it with clarity and care.

4. “Take him, earth, for cherishing.”  Herbert Howells.  Alfred GCM02869
2013 is the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination. Howells’ moving memorial was composed soon after the event and published in 1964.

5. “Cantata 140, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme.” J.S. Bach. IMSLP
The quintessential Leipzig “chorale cantata.” Seven movements richly scored for horn, oboes, taille, violin piccolo, strings, continuo and SATB.

 

(“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 )