“Five from the Folder: Mixed Voices” by Jon Hurty

FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: MIXED VOICES by Jon Hurty

 

1. “When David Heard.” Norman Dinerstein. Boosey & Hawkes M-051-46014-4

Challenging a cappella work featuring individual voice parts, and large dynamic contrasts. Intense and dramatic setting of the text. An emotional roller coaster.

 

2. “O Heiland, Reiß die Himmel auf.” Johannes Brahms. CPDL

Five verses of various contrapuntal textures. Ends with an exciting short “alleluia”. Four-part texture throughout.

 

3. “Daniel, Servant of the Lord.” Stacey V. Gibbs.” Gentry JG2429

Big and exciting from beginning to end. Divisi throughout, but some repetition and Gibb’s signature rhythmic excitement.

 

4. “Indodana” (Traditional South African Song), arr. Michael Barrett and Ralf Schmitt. SBMP 1177

Soulful with beautiful rich harmonies. Builds to a great crescendo in the middle section and then relaxes to the end. Four-part men’s divisi, but not difficult.

 

5. “Song of Praise.” Knut Nystedt. Norsk Musikforlag N.M.O. 10929

Exciting mixed meter. Quite a bit of divisi. Sectional structure based on text. Great opener!

 

(“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 )