Baltic choral music has undergone a massive resurgence in recent years. Sacred choral music, in particular, has flourished since the end of the Soviet era, with composers such as Eriks ESENVALDS (b. 1977) and Rihards DUBRA (b. 1964) achieving international recognition. This collection of choral music brings together a number of works by ESENVALDS and DUBRA, and a varied selection of Christmas music, some to standard Latin texts, some to Latvian poetry, others drawing both words and melody from the older pagan tradition of masked singers and dancers.
Publisher: Edition Peters
Instrumentation: SATB div. and others / a cappella / Glass Harp and other accompaniment
Language: English / Latin / Latvian / Ratogaria language
Contents:
Eriks Esenvalds (1977-)
Kas Vins? (Who is he?) / Lielupe (Lielupe River) /
O Saltaris Hostia / A Drop in the Ocean (Pilens Okeana) /
Evening (Vakars) / This is my Father's World /
Amazing Grace / Stars / Only in Sleep (Tikai Miega) /
In my Little Picture Frame / Long Road
Richards Dubra (1964-)
Miserere Mei / Eripe Me / Rosa vernans caritatis /
Duo seraphim / Puer Natus in Bethlehem /
Hodie Christus natus est (II) / Florete Flores /
Ave Maria (I) / Ave Maria (II) / Ave Maria (III) /
Dominus regit me / Stetit Angelus /
Hail, Queen of Heaven
Christmas
O Emmanuel (Esenvalds) / At Christmas (Esenvalds) /
Hodie Christus Natus Est (I) (Dubra) /
O Radix Jesse (Dubra) / Verbum Caro (Dubra) /
A Child's Prayer (Dubra) / The Candles Glow (Dubra) /
O Nata Lux (Miskinis) / Duido (Rupaine arr.) /
Kalado (Vaivods arr.)
View product details or purchase
Walt Whitman has always been one of Ola GEIJO's favorite poets. He loves the unabashed optimism, exuberance, and the unwavering confidence in our deeper humanity - all through the prism of a big, warm, beating heart. These were all qualities Geijo found in his wonderful Song of the Universal poem, from which he chose a few excerpts to form the lyrics for this piece. For string orchestra, piano, and choir, this work will be a grand addition to your choir repertoire.
Composer: GJEILO, Ola (1978-)
Publisher: Edition Peters
Instrumentation: SSAA div. / piano and string orchestra accompaniment
Language: English
Duration: 11'30"
View product details or purchase
This work is full of dynamic syncopations and clear yet rich harmonies. It is ideal for those wishing to develop an excellent sense of rhythm and secure intonation. Poem of the famous poet Emily Dickinson was used for the lyrics to inspire singing as her language is so simple and economical, yet contains wonders: seeing the world through her eyes, we watch the unfolding of vast, cosmic dramas.
Composer: DOVE, Jonathan (1959-)
Publisher: Edition Peters
Instrumentation: SSAA / a cappella
Language: English
Contents:
It sounded as if the Streets were running / I saw no Way /
How happy is the little Stone
View product details or purchase
This is a festive piece for mixed choir. Composer Alec ROTH was born in the UK and later studied at Indonesia National University of the Arts, thus, gaining a very interesting experience. Senza misura is used in the music. It can be a challenge to sing this song as the sense of rhythm is required.
Composer: Roth, Alec (1948-)
Publisher: Edition Peters
Instrumentation: SATB / a cappella
Language: Latin
Duration: 6 mins
View product details or purchase
This collection contains new arrangements for various performances. The solo part can be taken over by choir members. Besides, this anthology has the following strong points:
- Gospel collection in the typical call-and-response style
- Six Gospel classics in new arrangements and new compositions
- With piano accompaniment including chord symbols
- Suitable for gospel choirs, youth choirs and church choirs
- All 12 titles available as a choral score in single piece
An accompaniment CD is included.
Arranger: PRZYSTANIAK, Peter (1956-)
Publisher: Edition Peters
Instrumentation: SATB div. / piano accompaniment
Language: English
Contents:
Go Down, Moses / To Him / Oh Happy Day / Joy to You /
Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho / Have a Talk with God /
His Name is God / Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen /
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot / Post from Heaven /
Under Heaven / Down by the Riverside
View product details or purchase
American publisher Alliance Publications has published many choral music pieces from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This version of "Quis Petest Dicere" was written by Zdenek LUKAS. In the lyrics, Proverbs 20:9 and 12:4 from the Bible are used. It is a wonderful choral work from a master composer for SSATB a cappella choir.
Composer: LUKAS, Zdenek (1928-2007)
Publisher: Alliance Publications
Instrumentation: SSATB / a cappella
Language: Latin
Duration: 3'30"
View product details or purchase
"Magna Est Vis Veritatis" was composed by Zdenek LUKAS. The words by Cicero are used in the title. This is an excellent repertoire for SATB divisi a cappella choir. Music atmosphere is similar to ORBAN's "Daemon Irrepit Callidus".
English translation of the text:
"Great is the power of Truth against the natural sly Cunning, Falsehood, and Treachery of man, which by themselves would lead him astray: Great is the power of the Truth!"
Composer: LUKAS, Zdenek (1928-2007)
Publisher: Alliance Publications
Instrumentation: SATB div. / a cappella
Language: Latin
Duration: 5 mins
View product details or purchase
"Ama Musicam! Amor Musicae" is written by Zdenek LUKAS for female choir a cappella. The four Latin words and the meaning they convey provide this energetic work with a drive that is contagious. The whole text is in Latin. This is an outstanding work for SSAA a cappella choir.
Composer: LUKAS, Zdenek (1928-2007)
Publisher: Alliance Publications
Instrumentation: SSAA / a cappella
Language: Latin
Duration: 3'30"
View product details or purchase
"Ej, hoja hoja" and "Helo, helo Anicka" have been composed by Otmar MACHA based on the Moravian Czech mountain folk songs from the cycle Lasske helekacky for treble choir. The pieces are written for SSAA a cappella choir with vocal solo. The songs require singers to be very concentrated on the notes of the music. Pronunciation guide of the Czech language is included.
Composer: MACHA, Otmar (1922-2006)
Publisher: Alliance Publications
Instrumentation: SSAA / a cappella
Language: Czech
Duration: 4 mins
Contents:
Ej, hoja hoja / Helo, helo, Anicka
View product details or purchase
Suite "Materska znamenka" (Birthmarks) was composed by Czech composer Otmar MACHA who wrote the famous "Hoj, hura, hoj!". In the first song, music depicts the tranquility of the unfolded rose bud, while joyful music signifies the arrival of Spring. The rest of songs present other beautiful images related to nature and love. Lyrics are delicately intertwined with synergistic effects of the music. Translation in the Czech language and the pronunciation guide are included.
Composer: MACHA, Otmar (1922-2006)
Publisher: Alliance Publications
Instrumentation: SSAA div. / a cappella
Language: Czech
Duration: 9 mins
Contents:
O nerozvite ruzi (A Rose Not Yet Open) /
Pisnicka pres zamrzle okno (Song through the Frosted Window) /
Za letu laburi (When the Swans Fly) /
Pred usvitem (Before the Dawn)
View product details or purchase
"Letala mi lastovenka" (Swallow was Flying) is based on the Slovak folk songs. Swallow was flying and its wings reached the sky bringing happiness to this song. It is not difficult to guess that the swallow symbolizes a girl in love. Rich color of the song and mysterious melody fill the music with a very unique charm. Translation in the Slovak language and the pronunciation guide are included.
Composer: SESTAK, Zdenek (1925-)
Publisher: Alliance Publications
Instrumentation: SSAA / piano accompaniment
Language: Slovak
Language: 4 mins
View product details or purchase
The three sacred songs were composed by Lithuanian composer Jurijus KALCAS to honor the Virgin Mary. Elegant music with a dash of jazz style is a key characteristic of the songs. It is suitable for all kinds of choirs as the music is rich but not complex.
*Composer Jurijus KALCAS was commissioned to compose “Magnificat” for Kunitachi College of Music University High School Choir. The premiere was performed in March 2015 in Japan and afterwards in Lithuania.
Composer: KALCAS, Jurijus (1956-)
Publisher: Miela Harmonija
Instrumentation: SATB / a cappella
Language: Latin
Contents:
Ave, Regina Caelorum / Alma Redemptoris Mater / Tota Pulchra Es, Maria
View product details or purchase
This version of "Silent Night" is arranged for unaccompanied mixed chorus. Text is given in Lithuanian and English. Transparent harmony creates a peaceful atmosphere. It also a little bit of jazz flavor.
Composer: GRUBER, Franz Xaver
Arranger: KALCAS, Jurijus (1956-)
Publisher: Miela Harmonija
Instrumentation: SATB / a cappella
Language: Lithuanian (English)
View product details or purchase
The two motets were composed in Latin to praise the birth of Jesus Christ. "O Magnum Mysterium" uses harmony with tension; "Hodie Christus natus est" was composed in the pop music style with the quick tempo expressing blessed joy.
Composer: SUTO, Satoshi
Publisher: Miela Harmonija
Instrumentation: SSA / a cappella
Language: Latin
Contents:
O Magnum Mysterium / Hodie Christus natus est
View product details or purchase
"Furusato" is one of the most famous Japanese song. It has also inspired many non-Japanese composers to arrange new versions. Originally, the composer wrote this song for mixed choir. This female version with piano accompaniment is truly dramatic. You can sing either as a duet in two parts or three parts or as a large festival choir. It is recommended as an encore piece of a joint concert.
Composer: OKANO, Teiichi
Author: TAKANO, Tatsuyuki
Arranger: SUTO, Satoshi
Publisher: Miela Harmonija
Instrumentation: S(S)A / a cappella
Language: Japanese (romanized)
View product details or purchase
Beautifully refreshing landscape is depicted in the poem of Michizo TACHIHARA. The brilliant gentle sound intensively represents the poem's images. It is the version for four parts female choir. You can sing it in both big choirs or small ensembles.
Composer: SUTO, Satoshi
Author: TACHIHARA, Michizo
Publisher: Miela Harmonija
Instrumentation: SSAA / a cappella
Language: Japanese (romanized)
View product details or purchase
Poems "Flower", "Umbrella" and "Empty canvas" were written by the composer's college classmate. Originally composed for mixed choir, it was so popular that male version was also highly requested. Honest and friendly melody combines well with the message of the lyrics. Each song can be seen as an independent work.
Composer: SUTO, Satoshi
Author: OKAKURA, Kenji
Publisher: Miela Harmonija
Instrumentation: TTBB / piano accompaniment
Language: Japanese (romanized)
Duration: 9 mins
Contents:
Flower / Umbrella / Empty Canvas
View product details or purchase
Poems "Flower", "Umbrella" and "Empty canvas" were written by the composer's college classmate. Originally composed for mixed choir, it was so popular that female version was highly requested. Honest and friendly melody combines well with the message of the lyrics. Each song can be seen as an independent work.
Composer: SUTO, Satoshi
Author: OKAKURA, Kenji
Publisher: Miela Harmonija
Instrumentation: SSA / piano accompaniment
Language: Japanese (romanized)
Duration: 9 mins
Contents:
Flower / Umbrella / Empty Canvas
View product details or purchase
"To Freedom" was written for Ensemble Mikanier of Wakayama Prefecture. This early composer's work was written as a satire of himself and a way to express the status of being free from loneliness and anxiety. This arrangement is a revised version.
Author and composer: SEIGI
Publisher: Miela Harmonija
Instrumentation: SATB / a cappella
Language: Japanese (romanized)
Duration: 3'30"
View product details or purchase
"The Word" was originally written in cappella version and this is the new version with piano accompaniment. Based on popular song style, this choral work is suitable for singers ranging from teenagers to adults. Beautiful melody reminds for each of us the promises from our childhood. Just one word can be a key that opens the paths to the memories long forgotten in our minds.
Author and Composer: SEIGI
Publisher: Miela Harmonija
Instrumentation: SATB / piano accompaniment
Language: Japanese (romanized)
View product details or purchase
Owing of his piece "Jubilate Deo", German young composer Simon WAWER became very popular in Japan. He has composed many excellent a cappella choral pieces. "Nunc Dimittis" can be noted for delicate sensibility and sweet atmosphere of the harmony. Music floats with the chords and melody letting you feel the angels dancing in and the light shining from heaven. You will feel joy that the Savoir has appeared.
Composer: WAWER, Simon (1979)
Publisher: Ferrimontana
Instrumentation: SATB div. / a cappella
Language: Latin
View product details or purchase
This is one of the most famous folk melodies in Germany. Simon WAWER, a new star of choral compositions, arranged this song in a traditional way for SATB mixed choir.
Arranger: WAWER, Simon (1979-)
Publisher: Ferrimontana
Instrumentation: SATB / a cappella
Language: German
View product details or purchase
This is the theme of the American movie "The Rose" (1979). Performed by Bette Midler, it became a hit at that time. This arrangement is for three parts female choir. A CD is included for rehearsal reference and self-practice.
Author and Composer: McBROOM, Amanda
Arranger: KOGA, Ai
Publisher: Elevato
Instrumentation: SSA / piano accompaniment
Language: English
Duration: 4'35"
View product details or purchase
Based on the well-known bible text "Sing unto the Lord a new song" , this upbeat composition with strong dynamics and flowing block chords alternating with fast-paced polyphony brings across this joyful message and enthuses singers.
Composer: JANSSON, Marten (1965-)
Publisher: Barenreiter
Instrumentation: TTBB / a cappella
Language: Latin
View product details or purchase
This piece was originally written for male choir. By adding women's voices, the version for mixed choir presents a further dimension of colour. This version also makes it possible to divide the choir into two groups, one for women and another for men, and to have them sing either together or as separate units. This version for mixed choir was premiered in Uppsala Cathedral (Sweden) on 26 October 2013, with the Uppsala Cathedral Singers conducted by Ulric Andersson.
Composer: JANSSON, Marten (1965-)
Publisher: Barenreiter
Instrumentation: SSAATTBB / a cappella
Language: Latin
View product details or purchase
This piece expresses a steadfast faith in God, and thus the central message of Dickinson's poem. The music describes feelings of trust and wonder, joy and gratitude. The piece was commissioned for the German women's choir Cant'Ella, who premiered it in Monchengladbach (Germany) on 25 October 2014 in a concert celebrating the choir's 20th anniversary.
Composer: JANSSON, Marten (1965-)
Publisher: Barenreiter
Instrumentation: SSSSAA / a cappella
Language: English
View product details or purchase