Celebrate the late fall season with these three songs! “Insidious” combines a little demonic possession, a little soul stealing, and a journey into another realm. “Two Old Crows” involves onomatopoeia, stage movement, and fun for a lighter spooky season selection. And “La Ofrenda (The Offering)” recounts the tale of a child’s mystical reunion with a departed loved one during their family’s Day of the Dead gathering.
Insidious
One of the spookiest choral pieces you’ll ever hear, Timothy C. Takach’s “Insidious” uses a mixture of terrifying text, whispering singers and a haunting piano line to portray obsession and possession. Strange harmonies are made more accessible with thoughtful voice leading, and the piano is semi-supportive throughout, giving moments of help and doubling, but maintaining, its own independence as well. Special stage effects can make this piece come alive with a darkened house, blacklights, and cell phone flashlights.
Two Old Crows
TBB, violin, piano
Also for SSA & SATB
This humorous poem is deftly set by Paul John Rudoi, embracing the onomatopoeia in the text and echoing it in the voices and violin. Rudoi bounces back and forth between independent vocal lines, voice pairs and homophony, and alternates between sung and spoken notes. The result is a delightful piece with manageable voice leading, exciting rhythms and even some subtle movement suggestions.
La Ofrenda (The Offering)
Inspired by the Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico, this piece by Sabina Covarrubias communicates the richness of the old tradition, explaining that it has nothing to do with Halloween and that it is neither sad nor scary, but a joyful and mystical party.
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