“Five from the Folder: Mixed Voices” by John Warren

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: MIXED VOICES by John Warren

 

1. “Salmo 150.” Ernst Widmer. Colla Voce 30-96620

Rousing, joyful setting by Swiss-Brazilian 20th century composer. SSATBB. Great combination of western classical tradition with Brazilian syncopation and cross rhythms. May be done in Portuguese or Latin.

 

2. “Sechs Chanson.” Paul Hindemith. Schott C 43 782

Core 20th century repertoire for chamber choir. SATB. Expressive settings of wonderful French Rilke poems on subjects of nature.

 

3. “Die Warnung.” Joseph Haydn. Peters 1183

From Haydn’s late 4-Voice Partsongs. SATB and piano. The 3 and 4-voice partsongs of Haydn are fun, light, very accessible, and filled with mock seriousness.

 

4. “O Magnum Mysterium.” Francis Poulenc. Salabert 16759

One of my favorite settings. SATB. Utterly homophonic, with Poulenc’s usual short, repetitive phrases and sudden dynamic contrasts.

 

5. “S’vivon” (from Arise and Be Free). arr. Barnett. Transcontinental 991293

Familiar draydle song. A light rock feel with jazz harmonies.

 

(“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 )