3 minute read
What’s in the Folder?
W h a t ’ s i n t h e F o l d e r ?
My ensemble—the UMary Cappella—has the very specific (and delightful) purpose of singing for Wednesday and Sunday University Masses each and every week as well as prepare for other events, including a new sacred music festival in the Twin Cities area each December. We rehearse M-TH, 3-4:30pm, followed by leading sung vespers each night prior to our daily afternoon Mass.. We have so many things in our folder, all in various stages of development, just like any other choir. I’m happy to share some from each category! With the amount of music we need to have ready, I have several other pieces that we’ve already performed that are good quality "quick wins." Please reach out if you’re interested in knowing others we’ve sung. Each title is hyperlinked to a Spotify recording.
Performed
Do Not Be Afraid, by Philip Stopford
The students LOVE this piece. More and more every year, students seem to be facing anxiety; this really strikes an important and comforting note. Of course, it may not work for every situation; however we directors are masters of helping students and audiences apply ideas and concepts to understand from their own perspective.
Ubi Caritas, by Maurice Durufle
A favorite, all-purpose piece…sophisticated and shimmering expressive moments.
Set Me as a Seal, by René Clausen
A few weeks ago we had the "wedding readings" for Sunday; this was perfect
Ave Maria, by Franz Biebl
Can you even direct at a Catholic School without doing this piece?
O Salutaris Hostia, by G.P. Palestrina Super-accessible Palestrina; homophonic and straight-forward. Available on CPDL.
The Lord is My Shepherd, by Allen Pote
A lovely piece with gorgeous melodies and voice pairings; accompanied.
Sing a Mighty Song, by Daniel Gawthrop
(my students sang this lesser-known gem at SD All State years ago).
Ave Verum Corpus, by W.A. Mozart
A staple, written about 6 months prior to his death, accessible and expressive, with organ; available on CPDL.
Almost Ready
Gabriel’s Message, arr. Jim Clements
Gorgeous piece on Gabriel’s visit…just perfect for my school and chapel!)
Zdrávas Maria, by Leos Janáček
Super interesting repertoire from an operatic composer who also dabbled in sacred music. A challenging and expressive high tenor solo, in Czech, with a melancholy violin solo, organ accompaniment and very minimal choral writing—so minimal that you are tempted to teach by rote).
Zion hört die Wächter Singen, by J.S. Bach
The simple men’s chorus from BWV 140 Wachet auf…great for Advent. Available on CPDL.
The Lily of the Valley, arr. Wendell Whalum
A lesser-known spiritual, but one of my favorites, some divisi.
Praise to the Lord, arr. F. Melius Christiansen
Working this up for Christ the King Sunday; divisi.
The Blessed Son of God, from Hodie, by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Love this piece!
The Call, arr. Vaughan Williams SATB arrangement of the well-known solo song by Allen Percival…great Advent text.
Ave Verum Corpus, by Stopford
We love almost anything by Stopford; lush, thoughtful, & expressive.
And This is Love, arr. John Keltonic
Remember the vocal group GLAD? They have great arrangements for purchase.
Adoramus te, by Quirino Gasparini
Available on CPDL. I really like this piece, doing it for the second time.
Sicut Cervus, by Palestrina
Yes, more Palestrina…hooray! Available on CPDL.
Jesu dulcis Memoria, by Pierre Villette
Great motet, expressive text…if you like Poulenc & Durufle, you’ll like Villette!.
Drop down, ye heavens, from above, by Judith Weir
Just starting; like plainsong, but with lush harmony.
I hope that you are all flourishing in your work and that your students are grateful to be making music together again! If you’re ever in Bismarck, with or without students, please reach out. I’d love to invite you to one of our Masses or rehearsals—best wishes to you on your upcoming concert seasons!
Rebecca Raber University of Mary
