“Five from the Folder: Mixed Choir” by Lee Nelson

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: MIXED CHOIR by Lee Nelson

 

1.  “O Beatum et Sacrosanctum Diem.” Peter Philips. CPDL.

A beautiful Latin motet that rarely gets performed.  It would be a great addition to any holiday concert.  The SSATB setting makes it an accessible piece to choirs of varying ability levels.

 

2.  “Frohlocket, Ihr Volker Auf Erden” (Weihnachten). Felix Mendelssohn. CPDL.

This is a joyous, 8-part fanfare that would be a wonderful opening selection due to its relative brevity, exuberance, lyricism and rich harmonic style.

 

3.  “Slava V Vyshnikh Bogu” (Glory to God in the Highest; #7 All Night Vigil). Sergei Rachmaninoff

This movement is often overlooked because its predecessor (#6 – “Bogoroditse Devo”) is more often performed.  However, this movement equals in beauty and is very accessible to a choirs of varying ability levels.  

 

4.  “Crucifixus.” Antonio Lotti. CPDL.

A wonderful late renaissance/early baroque motet that every singer should have the opportunity to perform.  It is a piece that sounds, in many ways, quite modern due to the chain suspensions and lush, thick texture.

 

5.  “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes.” Adophus Hailstork. Theodore Presser Company.

This multi-movement work requires a strong tenor soloist and pianist (unless performing with orchestra.)  Chorus parts quite accessible. Mvts 1 & 3 can be easily excerpted.  Combines gospel, jazz and classical music to great effect. Good substitute to typical “spiritual” ending to a concert.

 

(“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 )