Favorite piece of Musica International, the global choral database, for June 2025: “Insalata italiana”, by Franz Friedrich Richard GENÉE (Austria/Germany). This humorous piece parodies a typical opera scene, playfully using a variety of Italian musical terms. Written for SATB or TTBB choir, it’s an enjoyable musical joke that can be especially entertaining with some creative […]
New Publications
Saving all the Whales in the Sea – by Elizabeth Alexander
My newest choral concoction, a high-spirited, flexibly-voiced farce about some exceedingly like-minded people, has a “whale” of a backstory! The song was inspired by something that happened thirty years ago…and also right now… In the early 90’s I attended a peace rally in Madison, Wisconsin. As the speeches got underway the air was filled with […]
Intermediate SATB piece with Spoken Word- “Imperfect”
I’m excited to share Imperfect, a newly published SATB piece exploring themes of self-acceptance and vulnerability. Written with both developing and advanced ensembles in mind, it features accessible part writing, lyrical melodies, and subtle harmonic tension that invites singers and audiences into an honest reflection on embracing imperfection. Perfect for concerts centered on wellness, mental […]
Skana, Swim by Me – by Leah Abramson
“Skana, Swim By Me” is a small glimpse into the story of Skana, the first orca kept in captivity at the Vancouver Aquarium in 1967. Skana — whose name refers to “Skaana,” the Haida word for orca — was a member of the endangered Southern Resident orca population (K pod) of the Pacific Northwest. Shortly after arriving at the Vancouver aquarium, Skana exhibited […]
A Season to Sing – A captivating reimagining of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons by Joanna Forbes L’Estrange
‘A SEASON TO SING’ New from RSCM Publications Publication date 1 June 2025 Choral Book £15.00 Full-Canadian Wiro binding £22.50 A Season to Sing is a choral re-imagining by British composer Joanna Forbes L’Estrange of Vivaldi’s enduringly popular set of violin concertos, evergreen The Four Seasons. Published in the 300th anniversary year of Vivaldi’s most […]
“And Can It Be?”
This is a classic United Methodist hymn, but during my service in that church for many years, the hymn was rarely used. If you have experienced the same, this hymn arrangement may be used by the choir to re-introduce the hymn to the congregation. Here’s a link: And Can It Be? | J.W. Pepper