John the Slacker : 19th Century Halyard Shanty

Welcome All Wonders : SATB

The 17th century text by Thomas Traherne is given an impressive and challenging setting suitable for a large choir.

We Sing the Mighty Power of God : 18th-century German tune

Hopsa! Lisella! : (Dance! Lisella!)

“Hopsa! Lisella!,” an 18th century Alsatian folk song, quite literally sways back and forth as it is sung. The feeling of acceleration typical of 18th century song is captured through ritards, accelerandos and tempo changes at the beginning of each verse. Add tambourine and triangle to enhance the French character of the song. In two parts, this accessible setting will work nicely with any treble group. Duration: ca. 3:05

Dayung Sampan

Dayung Sampan is a Singaporean folk song brought to the country in the nineteeth century from Indonesia. Written for an advanced SSAA chorus, this exciting uptempo work will be a fun and worthy challenge for your singers. Dayung Sampan is a Singaporean folk song brought to the country in the nineteeth century from Indonesia.Written for an advanced women's chorus, this exciting uptempo work will be a fun challenge for your singers.

Te Lucis Ante Terminum

Based on an 8th Century St. Ambrose text, this is a lush, moderately difficult SATB piece that would work well as a showcase for a good high school choir. Unaccompanied.

Of the Father's Love Begotten

Opening with a beautiful chantlike verse, this new arrangement of the familiar hymntune is a welcome addition to any choir's repertoire. The gently flowing musical line supports the worshipful first century text.

Adam Lay Ybounden

This fresh setting of a well-known 15th century lyric works well for mixed choirs in school and church settings, with its easy melodic and harmonic lines, limited ranges, and accessible text and accompaniment.

Stars I Shall Find

Set to an early 20th century poem by Sara Teasdale, this SATB work speaks of peace through the music of stillness holy and low... Stars I shall find. Lovely concert work for school or church. Unaccompanied.

Poor Wayfaring Stranger

This arrangement of the beloved 18th-century spiritual fuses folk and jazz ideas to create a unique new version of the work. For more advanced choirs and a good soloist, this will fit a variety of programs.

The Sweetheart of the Sun

A sophisticated mood piece, with text taken from the 19th century poem, Ruth, inspired by the dramatic love story of Ruth and Boaz in the Old Testament, this is a good teaching piece which will amply reward the effort required to master it.

Hermosas Ninfas Que, En El Rio Metidas : Beautiful Nymphs Who Are in the River

A beautifully crafted setting of a 16th century sonnet by the poet of Amor De Mi Alma. With accessible range and vocal demand, this work will be another favorite for high school level choir and beyond. Also included in the FourSpanish Sonnets collection. Duration: ca. 3:30.

Blessed Be That Maid Marie (Arr. LaBarr) (SATB)

From three Marian carol arrangements written for Seraphic Fire. This carol first appeard in a collection of 15th-century tunes compiled by G.R. Woodward. The aeolian tonality gives the tune an earthiness and other-worldliness. Rhythmic and driving, this will be a unique work on your Christmas program.

Jenny Kiss'd Me

Sprightly and engaging, this setting of a well-known early 19th century lyric by James Leigh Hunt (a contemporary of Shelley and Keats) offers competent high school choirs a chance to explore rhythmic precision, clear diction and vocal color in a work which perfectly captures both the humor and poignancy of the poem.

There Stood In Heaven A Linden Tree (Arr. LaBarr) (SATB)

From three Marian carol arrangements written for Seraphic Fire. This carol derives from a 15th-century German folk ballad that compares Mary to the unique and special bloom of a linden tree. Singable, with all of the harmonies and counterpoint coming out of the melodic line. A great option for both school and church choirs.

Past Three O'Clock

A traditional street crier melody from the 17th century turned into a carol, this a cappella piece imagines the crier in the night being joined by carolers for part of his nightly walk. While suitable in any concert, this piececould be a secular or sacred Holiday selection as well. For high school and beyond.

El Grillo : The Cricket

The well known text from the 17th century has been given a new Spanish spin and a new original melody with romantic Latino rhythms. A perfect piece in the weave of a concert program offering great fun for junior high and high school choirs! With piano, optional percussion handled by the singers, bass and guitar. Duration: ca. 3:20.

Blessed Be that Maid Mary

The text for “Blessed Be That Maid Mary” comes from an anonymous 15th century English author and makes liberal use of a common literary device of the time: mixing English and Latin phrases together. Set with a gentle melody like a lullaby, the Christmas work evokes warmth and a sense of quiet wonder. Duration: ca. 4:15

Come, Ye Ladies and Lairds

A great piece for concerts or madrigal dinners! The setting is 16th century Scotland. Opportunity is given for theatrical effects in dance, costume and instrumentation, with much flexibility, all according to available resources. The SA(T)B voicing is helpful for developing choirs with more girls than boys, but also works well with evenly balanced choirs. Duration: ca. 3:00.

Stroope Z Randall Amor De Mi Alma You Are Love Of My Soul Ttbb Choral

Now available for male voices, this profound work sets a stunning 16th century love poem by Garcilaso de la Vega. The rich harmonic language and lucid vocal lines are both expressive and masterfully written without excessive demands in range or vocal color. Can be performed with or without the tasteful piano accompaniment. In Spanish. Available for SATB divisi and TTBB.

Richard Sparks: The Swedish Choral Miracle (Swedish A Cappella Music Since 1945)

This is the first complete survey of Sweden's rich choral music during half a century. Equally suited to music libraries and music institutions and as individual studies for choirs with an interest in Scandinavian music, it includes a guide to research, a select discography, a select bibliography, and a list of selected a cappella works relating to the composers interviewed. Dr. Sparks is a Professor of Music at Pacific Lutheran University and is Artistic Director of Choral Arts Northwest, a 24-voice chamber choir founded in 1993.