“Five from the Folder: Women’s Voices” by Dana W. Taylor

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: WOMEN’S VOICES by Dana W. Taylor

 

1. “Benedicamustrope: Congaudeant catholici” SSA. Anonymous 4, earthsongs
Fun tosing but a challenge to learn. A very good work to introduce early polyphony.A4’s recording varies rhythmically from this edition.
 

2. “Geantrai” by Michael McGlynn. anuna.ie  SSAA
Gaelic title translates as “happy song”. Challenging harmonic language but the singers love it. The translation of the text is a hoot.
 

3. “Ergen Deda” P. Lyondev. SSA Henry Leck Choral Series. Colla Voce
Tough rhythmically but such fun to sing. Listen to the Bulgarian State Television’s Female Vocal Choir version on YouTube.
 

4. “Ani ma’amin” by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory. Earthsongs
Easy to sing and a great way to build a unison sound. The text and accompanying readings make for a powerful historical and social statement.
 

5. “Michael, Seraphim”. SSAA By Patricia Van Ness.  patriciavanness.com
Challenging on many levels, it is satisfying to sing and worth the effort. The melodic writing is reminiscent of Hildegard von Bingen.

 

(“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 )