“Five from the Folder: Male Choirs” by Bob Boyd

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: MALE CHOIRS by Bob Boyd

 

1.  “For the Fallen.” Mike Sammes. TTBB with keyboard.  Eboracum/Banks ECS 214

Very accessible setting of the poignant text in remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

 

2. “Hava Nageela.” Maurice Goldman.  TTBB with keyboard. Alfred LG 52107

Thrilling arrangement that starts simply, continues with added vocal textures, and ends with a memorable shout of joy.

 

3. “Joshua.”  Robert Sells. TTBB. Hal Leonard HL 08740311

–Unusual slow start breaks into a spirited setting of this gem.  A reliable Bass section is a must to do justice to this setting originally for the Kings’ Singers.

 

4.  “La Pastorella” (The Shepherdess). Franz Schubert. TTBB with keyboard, Alfred LG 00512

You owe it to your male voices to investigate this gorgeous setting by Schubert.  There is a workable English translation in the music provided by Ms. Parker, but go the extra mile and do it in the original Italian.

 

5.  “Rise Up, O Men of God.” William Walter. TTBB. Augsburg Fortress Press A9780800645731

Your male voices will savor this four verse setting starting with the two-voice first verse to the wonderful layering of the next three exalting the brotherhood of man. 

 

(“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 )