We invite you to listen to the podcast InChoir: Conversations about Choral Music, the Arts and Life. Produced in the studios of Troy Public Radio, co-hosts Dr. Diane Orlofsky and Dr. Scott Sexton go directly to choral composers to learn how they explore sound and universal texts and features deep dives into their music. Each […]
Any choirs like to sing a new Mahler song?
Hot off the presses — a brand new choral creation is born — an a cappella arrangement of Gustav Mahler’s beautiful song “Ging heut’ morgen über’s Feld” — which Mahler used as the opening theme in his very 1st Symphony. And perhaps a choir somewhere might like to “test drive” this one day in concert. […]
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star – by Chris Sivak
Chris Sivak’s adaptation emphasizes the darkness hidden in the iconic children’s poem – a first meeting with this piece is always surprising for someone who remembers it from the nursery. The original poem also expresses a thankfulness for a guide through the darkness and I was drawn to the idea of a choral setting that […]
How a Single Mass Unite 50 Choirs Worldwide?
Dear Choral Friends, As I sit down to write this, my heart is filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I’m about to share something deeply personal and, frankly, quite titanic that I’ve embarked on. It’s more than a project; it’s a journey, one that I hope will leave a lasting mark on the […]
Do you conduct, or do you just beat time?
I’ve worked with dozens of young conductors over the years, and they all struggle with the same issue: “How can I be more expressive”? They come with beautifully choreographed “conducting patterns” utilizing hands and arms and torsos – yet, essentially, they are just beating time. So, how best to conduct everything else –– dynamics, phrasing, articulation, meaning, emotion, and entrances/exits? Answer: Teach your choir to keep time. Here’s how: […]
MusicEase Notation Editor Now FREE
MusicEase Software has released version 10.1 of the MusicEase intelligent music notation editor. MusicEase is a true notation editor and not just a paint program with bells and whistles related to music notation*. As such, it features true transposition, intelligent cast-off (redetermination of system breaks so that each system has roughly the same density), the […]