recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Snow on Snow (In the Bleak Midwinter) arr. Ruth Elaine Schram, SATB with piano
This beautiful work creates a mood of wonder, mystery, and anticipation of the solitude and serenity on that first Christmas night. Lush harmonies and an original section comprising cascading vocal lines complement Holst’s melody, and the Christina Rossetti text sparkles with the wonder of the season. An artistic piano accompaniment brings new motives and fluid support to the choral lines.
Velvet Shoes by Andy Beck, SATB with piano
Andy Beck brings his gift for vivid text painting, evocative piano motives, and tuneful melodies to a favorite wintertime poem. Though not a word-for-word setting, the themes of the Elinor Wylie’s words are evident from the snow-covered introduction, winding melody, and expressive andante, to the silken harmonic palette and lacy choral layers. Choose this piece with the confidence that it has been carefully constructed to encourage musicality and artistry from any ensemble. Program the eloquent concert and contest work from fall to spring, anytime there might be snow on the ground. “We shall walk in velvet shoes…under a veil of lace.”
Pat-a-pan arr. Shawn Kirchner, SATB divisi with piano
Here is a lively and intricate setting of the classic French carol that builds to a powerful close. In imitation of the flute and drum mentioned in the carol, the singes play back and forth with their “tu-re-lu-re-lu’s” and “pat-a-pat-a-pan’s” on interludes throughout the piece. After a straightforward first verse, the second presents the melody mysteriously, in pianissimo octaves, while a “tu-re-lu-re-lu” ostinato trades off in the inner parts. The third verse presents the melody in a three-part canon, and finally, anchored by a powerful 3-part women’s texture reminiscent of Britten’s “This Little Babe,” the fourth verse rises to a powerful and rafter-raising conclusion.
Masters in This Hall arr. Mark Burrows, SATB with piano and optional hand drum
Piano and optional hand drum accompany this French melody and adapted Morris text. Vocal lines build excitement to the first strains of the familiar melody. Individual and unison singing weave within full harmonic writing creating an incredibly energetic work for the holidays.
Cold December Flies Away arr. Daniel Schreiner, SATB with piano
A driving and inspiring piano accompaniment fills this dynamic arrangement of the perhaps lesser-known carol. Expertly arranged vocal lines are supported by the modern and fresh accompaniment throughout.
Coventry Carol arr. Mark Burrows, SATB a cappella with oboe or C instrument
This truly unique setting of the traditional English carol pairs an a cappella choir with a single instrument. Singers will be awestruck by a harmonic structure that supports and intensifies the beloved 16th century melody. Listeners will be captivated by an emotional journey from lullaby to battle cry and back again. The pivotal obbligato adds a sorrowful overtone and may be played on oboe or any C-instrument. A dramatic setting of great depth.
Deck the Hall arr. Philip Lawson, SATB with piano
“Deck the Hall” for a new age of choir, this mixed-meter, multiple-genre quoting version of Deck the Hall is completely fresh and fantastically nimble. Available for both mixed and women’s choirs, arranger Philip Lawson has had some fun here, subverting expectations to create something wholly original!
Dormi, Jesu by Mark Burrows, SATB with piano and optional string quartet
Here is a traditional Latin Christmas text beautifully set. Both the joy and the passion of the new born baby is captured in this lush new composition. An optional string quartet is available to add sparkle to your program.
Hodie (This Day) arr. J. Edmund Hughes & Brian Edward Galante, SATB with piano
A familiar Christmas classic, this arrangement begins with a chant-like opening. The carol emerges in a strong statement from the treble voices. The TB voices soon add responsive punctuations, then the parts move into a canon. The writing is simple but solid, easily learned and sounds impressive. Great for high school. Easy to medium in difficulty.
Il est né, le divin Enfant arr. Mark Burrows, SATB a cappella with flute & percussion
Joyously contrapuntal concert treatment of one of the world’s most endearing carols. French and English lyrics weave in and out, with limited ranges and a bit of divisi for your developing singers. Hand drum, finger cymbals, and flute provide an added authentic Renaissance flavor to the texture.
A la Nanita Nana arr. Victor C. Johnson, SATB with piano
Victor’s arrangement of this gentle nativity carol from Spain is sung entirely in the original language (a pronunciation and translation are included). This sensitive treatment captures the lullaby mood and adds a light rhythmic undercurrent in moderate 3/4 time. The tonality shifts seamlessly between D minor and D major to reflect a text that moves from quieting the baby to a rushing fountain and singing birds. While the words do return, no two verses are set in the same manner, creating an ever-evolving arrangement. Piano fingers dance over the keys with triplet turns and easily grasp the bigger chords in the supportive and stylistic accompaniment. A nice contrast on holiday programs.
When Angels Sing by Mark Miller, SATB with piano
Mark Miller’s pastoral melody and harmonies help to usher in the deep peace of a Christmas where we pause to listen. A beautiful, accessible work that is appropriate for both church services and winter concerts.
Find all of our Winter & Holiday Five Star Features for 2021 on our website, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
Lora Moore joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2018. A former middle school and high school director of 32 years, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music from Capital University and a Master’s of Arts in Choral Music from The Ohio State University. Currently she is a church choir director, operates a private voice/piano studio and is active as a clinician and accompanist. During the off hours, Lora enjoys scouting out new day trips in Ohio to balance what her budget allows for her frequent trips to New York City to visit family and take in a Broadway show or two!
Categories: Christmas, New Publications, School Choral, Staff Picks
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