“Five from the Folder: Mixed Voices” by Steven Zopfi

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: MIXED VOICES by Steven Zopfi

 

1. “Selig Sind die Toten.” Heinrich Schütz. Bärenreiter-Verlag. BA 523

A great example of mid-seventeenth century German motet writing from Schütz’s 1648 Geistliches Chormusik. The six-part contrapuntal writing is both an exciting and comforting reflection on death.

 

2. “Ecco mormorar l’onde.” Claudio Monteverdi. Alliance Music AMP 0368

This is an early madrigal from Monteverdi’s second book. Five-part gentle counterpoint illuminates Tasso’s lovely text about a sunrise.

 

3. “Hail Gladdening Light.” Charles Wood. Collegium Music Publications CCS235

This is a wonderful double-choir English masterpiece by the teacher of Vaughan Williams and Howells. Set in ternary form, Wood’s writing is both expressive and dramatic.

 

4. “Evening Primrose.” Benjamin Britten. Boosey & Hawkes 48008905

The fourth song in Britten’s Five Flower Songs, Britten’s “Evening Primrose” delivers lyrical melodies amid a gentle and accessible harmonic scheme with a few delightful surprises.

 

5. “Abendlied.” Josef Rheinberger. Carus Verlag CV 50.069/20

The third song of Rheinberger’s 1873 Drei Geistliches Gesänge, this is a good example of late nineteenth German motet writing. Features a six-part contrapuntal setting of Luke’s prayer from Luke 24:29.

 

(“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 )