“Five from the Folder: Women’s Voices” by Sarah Baker

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: WOMEN’S VOICES by Sarah Baker

 

1. “Letter from a Girl to the World.” Andrea Ramsey. SSAA. Alliance Music Publications, Inc.  AMP0768

Mild divisi. One of the most requested works performed. Opportunities for individual expression with spoken thoughts of empowerment.

 

2. “Boat Madrigal.” Steven Porter. SSA. Phantom Music PPI303

Fun introduction to the madrigal style. Great piece for developing treble choirs (or others just wishing to have a little fun), quoting the folk song, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”

 

3. “No Time.” arr. Susan Brumfield. SSAA. Colla Voce Music. 21-20260

Simple and beautiful setting of a traditional camp meeting song. Pleasant divisi  presents even more depth in the piece.

 

4. “I Thank You God.” Gwyneth Walker. SSA(A). E.C. Schirmer Music Co. 5331

Haunting opening with piano and voice that moves gracefully from c minor with lyrics and harmonic development until ending in full, open C major. Tremendous impact from text and music.

 

5. “Tundra.” Charles A. Silvestri & Ola Gjeilo. SSAA. Walton Music. 08501772

The descriptive text of the composer’s homeland is described beautifully with the development of vast harmonic phrasing and steady movement of the voices and accompaniment. Stunning.

 

(“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 )