For an apparently significant percentage of us, the hunt for new music is a never-ending quest. Like so many made-for-TV zombies, choral conductors prowl the musical countryside in an effort to feed that burning yearning for “The New.” The matter of “new” music verses “old” music has been something of a mini-controversy for several […]
Composition Spotlight: “Prayer and Answer “
COMPOSITION SPOTLIGHT ~ by Jack Senzig (Each week we look at one or two of the best choral works posted in the Composition Showcase here on ChoralNet. This is where we store a treasure trove of works that your choirs will love to sing and your audiences will love to hear.) Prayer and Answer by Michael Sandvik […]
GUEST BLOG: “ACDA Hosts America Cantat VIII,” by Tim Sharp
ACDA HOSTS AMERICA CANTAT VIII, by Tim Sharp The America Cantat is an international choral festival that takes place every three years in a different American country. Past host countries include Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Venezuela, Columbia, and Mexico. I am proud to say that through ACDA’s hosting and sponsorship of this event, the United […]
Speaking of Voice: “My Go-To Warm-Up” by Cory Evans
MY GO-TO WARM UP, by Cory Evans (Utah State University) For my choir, our daily warm-ups and routines usually focus around establishing appropriate STYLE for the wide variety of repertoire selections we perform. I am certainly concerned about establishing a beautiful blend, an exquisite choral tone, and all of the other elements necessary for […]
Speaking of Voice: “My Go-To Warm-Up” by Raymond J. Roberts
MY GO-TO WARM UP, by Raymond J. Roberts (Milwaukee High School of the Arts) The first sound produced during the singing process is the most important. It has little to do with first impressions and everything to do with getting a good start to the phrase. Coordinated Onset: The hardest to achieve and […]
“Five from the Folder: Mixed Voices” by Steven Zopfi
FIVE FROM THE FOLDER: MIXED VOICES by Steven Zopfi 1. “Selig Sind die Toten.” Heinrich Schütz. Bärenreiter-Verlag. BA 523 A great example of mid-seventeenth century German motet writing from Schütz’s 1648 Geistliches Chormusik. The six-part contrapuntal writing is both an exciting and comforting reflection on death. 2. “Ecco mormorar l’onde.” Claudio Monteverdi. Alliance […]