BL675_AMERICA - Schram
Ruth has arranged the "prequel" to her very popular "America the Beautiful," skillfully setting "America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)" for three-part mixed chorus and optional baritone. While it is magnificent on its own, an alternate ending that enables a segue into her arrangement of "America the Beautiful" creates a stirring patriotic medley.
BL676_DOWN_BY_THE_RIVERSIDE - Beery/Lee
"Down by the Riverside" is one of the most beloved of all African-American spirituals, thus among the most important American folk songs. Lon Beery has combined with Pamela Perec Lee in this skillful arrangement for three-part mixed voices. An optional baritone line is included for those chorus members possessing the lower range. You will find yourself and the audience instinctively wanting to clap along with this energetic, gospel-style selection.
BL677_SANCTUS - Howard
Sandra Howard has combined a sublime motive with long, sustaining lines to achieve a very touching presentation of this Latin text. An optional baritone part provides even richer harmonies, while offering an alternative for members with a lower range.
BL678_LONG_MAY_SHE_REIGN - Purcell/Liebergen
Long May She Reign is from "Love’s Goddess Sure was Blind," an ode performed for the birthday of Queen Mary in 1692. Liebergen has edited the original score to accommodate a smaller group and provided a new keyboard part for accompaniment. This is a very exuberant work that is quite rhythmical with many dynamic contrasts.
BL679_COLD_DECEMBERS_WINDS - Courtney
This traditional Catalonian carol describes the winter scene when one rose tree blossoms, growing one sweet flower. This marvelous arrangement is skillfully set for three-part mixed voices and includes an optional baritone part.
BL680_CHRISTMAS_ IS_COMING - DeLanoy
This traditional English carol is full of half pennies and fat geese! Featuring a baritone part consisting of primarily four pitches, the two treble lines are full of canonic entrances in a madrigal style. Impressive, when all the parts come together!
BL681_A_CARIBBEAN_GLORIA - Parks
A full-out Caribbean rhythmic section makes it hard to think of cold or snow, as the chorus sings of the wintry night beneath a star. This "Gloria" will be a hit, regardless of the climate. Optional percussion parts and tracks are available online.