“Five from the Folder: Community Choir” by Richard Nutting

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: COMMUNITY CHOIR by Richard Nutting

 

1. “I Katisma.”  Einojuhani Rautavaara.  Fazer Music Inc. #M042088562

This piece is from his All-Night Vigil. A great opening piece with rhythmic excitement that uses a solo quartet. Sung in Finnish the piece is easily accessible once you master the changing meter.

2. “Water Night.” Eric Whitacre.  Walton Music #HL08500040

What can I say. My group loves Whitacre, and this stunning piece is no exception. Don’t let the tone clusters scare you. The voice leading is very predictable and leads to a beautiful resolution that is touching and sensitive.

3. “Butterfly.” Mia Makaroff.  Sulasol Publishing #S6.S971

Another Finnish composer, but this one is in English. This uses two solos in a jazzy style against a rhythmic, percussive choral background. There is some 6-part writing, but the harmonic structure is very accessible.

4. “Blackbird.” Lennon/McCartney.  Hal Leonard #08753836

This is a stunning jazz arrangement by Paris Rutherford and should not be tempted by the faint of heart. Very interesting harmonic structure that will challenge any choir.

5. “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”  Dolly Parton. Hal Leonard #08750799

Written in a blues/gospel style, a beautiful work for solo and chorus. Can be sung with or without accompaniment, the piece uses a choral layering style to support the solo melody.

 

(“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 )