“Five from the Folder: Standards for Mixed Voices” by Angela Hampton

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: STANDARDS FOR MIXED VOICES by Angela Hampton

 

1. “Sicut Cervus,” Giovanni Pieruluigi da Palestrina

The epitome of the Renaissance motet.  Simple rhythm and moderate vocal ranges.  Great for teaching students the “rise and fall” of a phrase. 

 

2. “Ave Verum Corpus” (K. 618), W. A. Mozart, Hinshaw HMC490

Beautiful, short, simple accompanied motet.  Mostly homophonic texture.  A pillar of choral literature.

 

3. “Hallelujah from The Mount of Olives,” Ludwig van Beethoven

Good mix of textures, containing homophonic sections and fugues.  Contrasting tempi and dynamics.   More accessible than most Beethoven.

 

4. “Cantique de Jean Racine, Op. 11,” Gabriel Faure, Broude Bros. Limited

Expressive contoured lines with melodic elements in all voice parts.   Good introduction to French harmony.

 

5. “Alleluia,” Randall Thompson, E.C. Schirmer #1786

Considered one of the most beautiful pieces of choral literature.  Challenging harmonies and tonal shifts for high school, but worth the effort.

 

(“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 )