I Am the Windby Christopher Delp
series: Joseph Ohrt
The composer has captured the spirit of the ancient Welsh poem with great imagination.
I am the wind that breathes upon the sea,
I am the wave on the ocean,
I am the murmur of leaves rustling,
I am the rays of the sun,
I am the beam of the moon and stars,
I am the power of trees growing,I am the bud breaking into blossom,
I am the movement of the salmon swimming,
I am the courage of the wild boar fighting,
I am the speed of the stag running,
I am the strength of the ox pulling the plough,
I am the size of the mighty oak tree,
I am the thoughts of all the people
Who praise my beauty and grace.
SATB - a cappella [difficulty level: medium]
catalog number: SBMP 664
see
the music - PDF file ORDER HEREI Dream a World by Joan Szymko
Poem by Langston Hughes
The famous text is set to a beautiful melody with a dramatic buildup midway emphasizing the powerful meaning herein. The treble version of this piece has been extremely popular. We are pleased that mixed voice choirs can now experience Szymko’s special treatment of Langston Hughes’ beloved poem.
SATB - piano [difficulty level: medium] duration: 3:00
catalog number: SBMP 736
A whimsical, fun madrigal about a "bird
that sings all night." Complete with a section of bird sounds, this
colorful madrigal is enhanced by a sprightly piano accompaniment.
see and hear the music: ScorchCD recording
available ORDER HERE I Know Where I'm Goin' Irish folksong - arr. Neil Ginsberg
Requested by many, the treble arrangement has grown to include men
who join the women with a clever, rhythmic drone; on occasion they join
the women for key words of the text. Bound to be a favorite
see and hear the music: ScorchCD recording
available ORDER HERE I Lift My Eyes by Joan Szymko series: Paul Head
A provocative text combining the sentiment of Psalm 121 (I lift my eyes to the hills), with a quote from the Vietnamese Buddhist Monk Thich Naht Hanh (I am solid as a mountain). The composer opens the piece with a beautiful unison melody set to the biblical text. In typical Szymko style, we are treated to a dramatic exploration of the theme, a harmonization of the original melody, and finally a strong statement to end the piece.
SATB - piano [difficulty level: medium] duration - 3:30
catalog number: SBMP 691
I Will Come to You by David N. Childs series: David N. Childs John 14 paraphrased by the composer, then set with great poignancy and a great sense of melody. I Will Come to You is part of the new David N. Childs Sacred Music Series, pieces specifically written for the church choir.
SATB - a cappella [difficulty level: easy] duration: 3:45
catalog number: SBMP 668 see and hear the music: Scorch ORDER HEREI Will Lift Mine Eyes to the Hills by David N. Childs
series: David N. Childs
Unison then 2 parts with some treble divisi at the end, the composer has set a beautiful melody with everyone getting a turn at it. This piece is part of the new David N. Childs Sacred Music Series, pieces specifically written for the church choir.
SAB - piano [difficulty level: easy] duration: 3:30
catalog number: SBMP 667 see
the music - PDF file hear
the music - midi recording ORDER HEREI Will Lift Up Mine Eyes by Nicholas Carl McKaig
series: Jo-Michael Scheibe
Beautiful beyond words! This talented young composer has created a highly moving masterpiece with this setting.
SATB - a cappella [difficulty level: medium] duration: 4:25
catalog number: SBMP 900
Illumina la tenebre by Joan Szymko
series - Daniel Hughes
The recording, done in a reverberant hall, provides the best description of this outstanding piece. The text is one of the oldest prayers of St. Francis of Assisi. The composer states: “My intention was to create a setting both spacious and intimate.” She has succeeded beautifully.
SATB with some divisi in the some soprano [difficulty level - medium] duration - c. 4:30
catalog number: SBMP 861
In Light of Time by Philip Silvey
Poet/composer Silvey has created a provocative poem and stylishly set it to music.
SATB - a cappella [difficulty level - easy/medium] duration - 2:10
catalog number: SBMP 867 see and hear the music Scorch ORDER HERE
2010 South Dakota Honor Choir
In the Bleak Midwinterby René Clausen, text by Christina Rossetti
The composer does a masterful job of setting this beloved text. Dramatic
and beautiful -- choirs will love this piece.
SATB - a cappella [difficulty level: medium]
duration - 3:00
Young Joshua Clausen pulls out all the stops with this his first choral
publication. Drama, text painting, and excellent choral writing abound
in this piece. For the advanced choir.
ORDER HEREIrish Blessing by Daniel Hughes
choral series: Daniel Hughes
The composer has created a unique setting of this favorite text that would provide an elegant closing for a concert.
SATB - a cappella [difficulty level: medium] duration: 2:25
catalog number: SBMP 941
It Sings in Meby Philip E. Silvey
A charming piece for spring. Lots of melodic writing for all three voice parts, with support and interest added by a sparkling piano accompaniment.
SAB - piano [difficulty level: easy] duration: 2:35
catalog number: SBMP 808 see and hear the music: Scorch read the text ORDER HERE
The familiar African saying, "It takes a village to raise a child,"
is given African-style treatment. A great closer, this piece is a proven
audience favorite.
A graceful contemporary madrigal welcoming spring. By a Brazilian composer,
it is to be sung in Portuguese. A transliteration appears in the score
under the Portuguese.
Clever, classy, fun. Given Clausen's magic touch, this setting of the
favorite humorous poem is destined to become a favorite choral piece of
high school and collegiate choirs.
Journey Home by Abbie Betinis
series - Jo-Michael Scheibe
A commissioned piece supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Target Foundation, it explores the emotional feelings of immigrants who find a new home and life in the United States. Composer Betinis artistically, and dramatically brings the text to life.
SATB/sop. descant - piano [difficulty level - medium] duration - 4:00
catalog number: SBMP 865 see and hear the music - Scorch ORDER HERE
Joyful Piper, The by Nicholas Carl McKaig
series - Jo-Michael Scheibe
Joyful this is, with each part having a turn at telling the story, and at being the piper. The composer occasionally tweaks the tonality, adding fun and interest to this rhythmic, upbeat piece.
voicing - SATB, piano [difficulty level - mediuim] duration - 3:00
catalog number: SBMP 872
"Sing joyfully to God, all the earth"
- the text describes the mood of the piece. In four parts with no divisi
and a conservative range, with a Latin text that is not difficult - this
dramatic piece can serve many types of choirs. Easy.
Keramosby Stephen Schwartz
series: Daniel Hughes
Broadway composer Schwartz sets the dramatic poem of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; the result: a stunning choral composition. The turning of the potter’s wheel is ever-present in the choir as beautiful melodies soar above.
SATB div. - a cappella [difficulty level: medium] duration: 6:20
catalog number: SBMP 725
A West African dance song provides a highly rhythmic
center for this rousing piece. It builds from one part to a dramatic ending
in six parts. To be sung in the native language - there is extensive repetition
of the words, so this is not too great a challenge.
Kumbaya arr. Nicholas Carl McKaig
series: Jo-Michael Scheibe
Opening and concluding with a dramatic chant-style solo, the heart of the piece features genuine South African rhythm. Outstanding, unique treatment of this well known tune.
SATBB - a cappella [difficulty level: medium] duration: 3:35
catalog number: SBMP 901
Kyrie by Joshua Clausen series: Daniel Hughes A dramatic, unique setting of this text that will appeal to high school thru college choirs. It sounds more difficult than it actually is; the divisi is minimal (3 measures in the SA parts).
SATB - a cappella [difficulty level - mediuim]
catalog number: SBMP 639
see and hear the music: Scorch ORDER HEREKyrie eleison by Randall Johnson
series: Rachel and Randy Stenson
The composer skillfully creates great, effective music without divisi or excessive difficulty. The musicality of the piece is excellent, the harmonies and rhythms give it a contemporary feel, the vocal writing is superb. The limited tenor range makes the piece accessible for the junior high choir.
SATB - piano [difficulty level: medium] duration: 2:50
SBMP 821 see and hear the music: Scorch ORDER HERE
Composer Allaway again delights us with his amazing creativity. A violin
and a classic Celtic bodhrán drum join the piano to help establish
the wonderful drama of this Celtic folk-like piece. Over six minutes in
duration, it can be the centerpiece of a concert.
Lady in the Water, The by Eric William Barnum
series - Jo-Michael Scheibe
The shimmer of the water can be heard as the choir opens this piece. The beautiful melody rises above to tell the tender story of this love song. Listen to the piece come alive in the recording created by the high school choir that commissioned this piece.
SATB - a cappella [difficulty level: medium] duration: 4:25
catalog number: SBMP 765
"Little lamb, who made thee? Dost thou know who made thee?"
The innocence of the text receives a loving treatment here with tender
melodies and rich harmonies.
Both the original German and delightful new English
texts are provided. Judicious expressive markings by the editor are clearly
marked in the score as editorial.
Unison, two-part, four-part, and finally five-part writing combine
with an excellent supportive and colorful accompaniment to make an outstanding
concert piece. An optional conductor score and instrumental parts extend
the accompaniment to piano, flute and cello.
Laughing Song by David Dickau
series: Jo-Michael Scheibe
William Blake’s poem dances with joy. A dramatic piano, a lofty flute, along with a rhythmic tambourine, join the voices to bring this text to brilliant life. A children’s chorus could partake singing the unison laughing theme that opens the piece and reoccurs along the way amidst the story telling of the SATB choir.
SATB/optional children’s chorus - piano, flute, tambourine [difficulty level: medium] duration: 4:00 Number two of a set of TWO BLAKE SONGS: PIPING DOWN THE VALLEYS WILD - SBMP 761
catalog number: SBMP 762
see and hear the music: Scorch ORDER HERE Life Has Loveliness to Sell by David Dickau
choral series: Jo-Michael Schebe
The beloved poem by Sara Teasdale gets delightful treatment by composer Dickau. Not sure the choral world needed another setting of this text, the publisher found this one to be irresistible with its soaring melodies and great charm. Conservative ranges and little divisi make this piece accessible for many choirs.
SATB div. - a cappella [difficulty level: medium] duration: 3:50
catalog number: 922
Little David, Play On Your Harp arr. Kevin S. Foster
A high-spirited setting, the song builds energy as it progresses, adding playful rhythmic layers underneath the rmelody. Clever and fun.
SATB - a cappella [difficulty level: medium] duration: 2:45
catalog number: SBMP 939
Long Time Trav’ling Sacred Harp tunes, arr. Abbie Betinis
series: Matthew and Michael Culloton
This piece is a real musical trip! Adding excitement to the choral rendition are two tenors who join in at the beginning as they ride high-flying above the choir. Reflecting the shape-note performance tradition, the composer next cleverly weaves solfege syllables into the fabric of the tunes; and in one section, we hear the distant sounds of a chain gang creating an underlay to the song. There’s a whole lot happening here. Singers will love this piece.
SATB div./tenor duet - a cappella [difficulty level - difficult] duration 4:20
catalog number: SBMP 702
Look to this Day by Rachel Stenson
series: Randy and Rachel Stenson
Perfect for graduation or a special occasion. A beautiful melody brings the text, which is a
Sanskrit Proverb, to life; the piece starts simply in unison, and grows to a dramatic conclusion.
SATB - piano [difficulty level: medium] duration: 2:45
catalog number: SBMP 768
Loosin Yelav Armenian folk song, arr. Paul Carey
The colorful, melodic song tells of the rising of the moon. Made famous by Dawn Upshaw, it is given artistic treatment in this arrangement and offers much opportunity for dramatic expression. The text is Armenian with the transliteration under the notes; the original Armenian is above the notes for easy reference.
SATB - piano, violin [difficulty level: medium] duration - 4:00
catalog number: SBMP 698
flute part - SBMP 826.1 - FREE DOWNLOADlove is by David Dickau
series: Jo-Michael Scheibe
With a text by E.E. Cummings, an eloquent violin accompaniment, and colorful choral writing, this piece has great artistic merit.
SATB/soprano solo - violin [difficulty: moderately difficult; recommended for the mature choir] duration: 5:00
catalog number: SBMP 714
Lux aeterna by David Dickau
series: Jo-Michael Scheibe
A bigger than life piece, two texts join to create a dramatic statement. Poet Michael Dennis Browne’s WE CALL THEM BLESSED provides the lyric for a soaring soprano solo that rides above the traditional LUX AETERNA underlay of the choir.
SATB div./soprano solo [difficulty level: moderately difficult; recommended for the mature choir]
catalog number: SBMP 713
Ginsberg has a unique ability to create a masterpiece from a folk song
and still retain the folk flavor. This song with an interesting heritage
promises to be a favorite.
May the World Be As a Songmusic and lyrics by Allen Koepke
Commissioned for an Iowa allstate choir, Allen has created an inspiring piece calling for the world to unite, “to be as a song bringing harmony and comfort to all who sing along.” A joyful, upbeat piece.
SATB - piano with optional brass [difficulty level: medium] duration - 4:00
catalog number: SBMP 889 see and hear the music Scorch ORDER HERE
Messenger, Theby David N. Childs
An elegant, poignant love song. The advanced choir will delight in applying their special brand of expression to this piece. Listen to the outstanding premier performance by the commissioning choir listed below.
SATB - a cappella [difficulty level: medium] duration - 5:40
catalog number: SBMP 689
The drum-cadence rhythms of the piano set the mood. The choral ranges
are suitable for the young choir, however any choir may enjoy this easy,
effective arrangement.
Any choir experiencing one movement will want to sing them all. Absolutely
gorgeous describes them. This is extraordinary music written by a talented
Lithuanian composer. Perfect for the cathedral. Medium difficulty.
Moh lee hwah (Lotus flowers) Chinese folk song arr. B. Wayne Bisbee
Composer Bisbee has painted a beautiful picture of a Chinese garden. The gentle finger cymbals set the tone, the piano adding embellishment like a colorful blossom in the garden. To be sung in Chinese, there is a pronunciation guide for this easy text.
SA(T)B - piano, finger cymbals; opt. hand chimes [difficulty level: easy] duration: 2:50
catalog number: SBMP 847 see and hear the music: Scorch ORDER HEREMonotone of the Rain by Robert Sieving
series: Matthew and Michael Culloton
While the word Monotone is part of the title of the poem by Carl Sandburg, it is not indicative of the scope of this piece! Sieving has created a dramatic choral realization of this poem that revels in the beauty of nature. The piece is very much a sensitive choral tone poem, with soaring melodies and an artistic accompaniment.
SATB - piano, violin; opt. string ensemble [difficulty level: medium] duration: 4:10
catalog number: SBMP 893
Eleanor Farjeon's poem, made famous by the Cat Steven's setting, is
set to a beautiful new melody in a dramatic folk-hymn style with optional
soprano solo. A fine pianist, composer Kirchner always adds great color
and style to his choral music through his accompaniments.