Hot Off The Press
His Eye Is on the Sparrow by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel; arr. by Zanaida Robles; Words by Civilla Durfee Martin
SATB a cappella; View Score
Amanda Quist Recommendation: Stunning arrangement of a really special traditional gospel hymn
I Want to Die Easy arr. by Roland M. Carter
SATB; E/M difficulty; View Score
Jennaya Robison Recommendation: Published in 2022, Carter’s arrangement of the Spiritual is accessible for advancing or advanced choirs, unaccompanied. Some extended divisi and featured solo at the end of the work.
This Love Between Us: Prayers for Unity, mmt 6 by Reena Esmail
SA, SSA, SSAA w/ sitar, tabla, piano (other versions available); View Score
Erin Plisco Recommendation: A newly published transcription of the sixth movement from the larger work “This Love Between Us” – featuring sitar and tabla.
The Lantern of Your Heart by Jocelyn Hagen
SATB divisi/percussion/crotales; View Score
Amanda Quist Recommendation: Beautiful and unique setting, ethereal and fascinating poem.
Global Expressions
Lok Sui Ten arr. by Zechariah Goh
SATB divisi, a cappella; View Score
Madlen Batchvarova Recommendation: The idea of Lok Sui Ten (Rainy Days) is to rekindle the interest in the younger generations in Singapore in the sounds and nuances of the Chinese dialects, and to preserve the richness and variety of language expressions beyond the standard Mandarin. It depicts the sounds of the pouring rain falling down. Without a shelter (umbrella) the people are doleful. This unaccompanied SATB divisi is an interesting edition to a nature-themed, contemplative, or global expressions program. The composition was premiered at the Singapore Youth Festival Choral Competition by the Victoria Junior College Choir directed by Nelson Kwei.
Ndji Raisa Ondundu arr. by Eslon V. Hindundu
SATB divisi a cappella; View Score
Madlen Batchvarova Recommendation: A warm song from Namibia with a universal message: “Father, show me the mountain where I can climb to see your face, show me the way and world to dwell in your house and live in a house of peace…” Useful for both, sacred and secular programs and occasions.
rotala by juris karlsons
SSSSSAAAAATTTTTBB a cappella; View Score
Madlen Batchvarova Recommendation: “Rotala” is a description of a round-dance game played by Latvian children: Vidu! To the middle! One came, the other went, One lets go, another waves, vidu! The outstretched hand is not yet grabbed You already swing along in circle, vidu! Hither, thither, part and join your hands, further joining, further swaying, vidu! The piece is for unaccompanied SSAATTBB divisi choir, and is an exciting rhythmic challenge for the more advanced ensembles.
Early Music
Baciai Per Aver Vita with music by Vittoria Aleotti and text by Giovanni Battista Guarini; edited by Jami Lercher
SATB; View Score
Amanda Quist Recommendation: Early Music female composer, great edition of this beautiful Italian madrigal. Works for a variety of levels.
Barechu by Salamone Rossi
SAB; View Score
Ryan Beeken Recommendation: Among the earliest extant non-Christian polyphony
Hanacpachap cussicuinin by Anonymous
SATB; View Score
Ryan Beeken Recommendation: First piece published in New World – Lima Peru. Indigenous Language/Composer. Processional
Magnificat, RV 610/611
SATB w/ soloists and organ; View Score
Amanda Quist Recommendation: Amazing alternative to Gloria, beautiful, works well for a variety of levels.
Regina caeli by Vicente Lusitano
SSATB; View Score
Ryan Beeken Recommendation: Portuguese composer from the Renaissance period
