Date: Fri, 3 Oct 1997 12:18:43 -0700
From: praheb(a)telis.org (Paul J. Raheb)
Subject: MEN'S LITERATURE COMPILATION

DEAR LISTERS:

ONCE AGAIN, I AM TRULY IMPRESSED BY THE AMOUNT OF RESPONSES TO MY QUERY.
HERE IS A COMPILATION OF THE RESPONSES I RECEIVED.

A GRACIOUS THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO RESPONDED.


PAX,

PAUL RAHEB

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ORIGINAL QUERY

The Southern California Vocal Association sponsors an annual Young Men's
Clinic in January which male singers from Middle and High schools come with
notes learned, work with a clinician on three choral selections and perform
the selections en-masse at the conclusion of the clinic. I am in charge of
the this years clinic and I am searching for successful titles (traditional
or contemporary) of TB, TTB, and TTBB choral literature that would be
accessible, appropriate as well as exciting for middle school and high
school young men to perform for this workshop. (The middle school and
high school students participate in different sessions - although they may
have some of the same music in common.)

If you have any suggestions, I would be interested in hearing from you.
Please respond to me privately. Thank you.

Pax,

Paul

Paul J. Raheb
Loara High School
1765 W. Cerritos Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92804
(714) 999-3714 (714) 999-3703 FAX
praheb(a)telis.org

**************************
Ave Maris Stella - Cypress Publications CP1007 - Intrada is Distributor
(1-800-INTRADA)
Away from the Roll of the Sea - Cypress Publications CP1029
The Water is Wide - Cypress Publications CP 1027
The Carrion Crow - Jaymar Publications
Song for the Mira - Allister MacGillivray - G.V. Thompson Music
She's Lik the Swallow - Jaymar Publications
Christmas Angel - Cypress Publications CP1023(?)
Four STrong Winds - Jaymar Publications

If your looking for more classical repertoire, I could send you our
Repertoire list from the past five years and underline the ones that might
work...hope this helps!

Diane Loomer
Elektra Women's Choir, Chor Leoni Men's Choir (www.chorleoni.org)
dloomer(a)axionet.com
(604) 261-2670 (604) 264-0027 (FAX)
7061 Cypress St.Vancouver, BC, V6P 5M2
CANADA
***********


Workin' on the Railroad, TTB, Donald Moore, Studio Press
I'm Bound Away, TTB, Donald Moore, Studio Press
Sing Me A Song Of A Lad That is Gone, TTB, Sherri Porterfield
The Sailor's Song, Patti Dewitt, TTB, Hal Leonard
A Red, Red Rose, TTB, Emily Crocker, Hal Leonard
Rosalee, Dave and Jean Perry, TTB, Hal Leonard

These are some pieces that my 8th/9th grade Male choruses have performed
and seemed to enjoy. Good luck with the festival.

Rhonda Hawley Director of Choirs
Phone: 501-750-8849 Southwest Junior High
Fax: 501-750-8704 1901 Princeton Avenue
e-mail: rhawley(a)swjh.jonsenet.org Springdale, AR 72762

**************


You might look at my compositions TENZI and MBIRI KUNA MWARI, both original
compositions written in a Shona (African) style. Though originally written
for treble voices, they are readily performed by mixed or male groups. Incl.
drums. Both published by Boosey & Hawkes.

Lee Kesselman
***************

From: RobertamR(a)aol.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 11:00:47 -0400 (EDT)
Subj: Re: Men's Choral Literature

Take a look at my *America the Beautiful* for TTBB, high school level,
published by Thomas House/Intrada. They can be reached via e-mail at
, please tell them I sent you.

Robert Ross, Artistic Director
Voces Novae et Antiquae
Philadelphia, PA

****************

You might try sources such as "Songs of Yale" (in an edition, like mine,
old enough to have everything arranged for TTBB; I believe, but am not
certain, that contemporary editions have at least some SATB, women
having been admitted since 1971 or so). Or song-books of other (current
and former) men's colleges.
-- DFB.

****************

Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 10:00:50 -0700 (PDT)
From: Paul Sinasohn
Subj: Re: Men's Choral Literature

Schubert's men's choral pieces (especially La Pastorella and Nachtelle)
are fantastic. And the Grieg album for Men's Voices has some gorgeous
pieces.

**************

Last spring, I did a men's festival in suburban Kansas City and used
Schubert's "Gloria" (TTBB) with 250 men (middle-high school). It was
terrific. publisher: Plymouth Music . Transcribed by Don Craig. Be
Thou My Vision is also a superb piece for men (but the tenor parts are too
low for middle school tenors). The Schubert doesn't have that problem.

Terry Barham, Ph.D.
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS 66801

**************

Paul,
I have a piece with a text by Ray Bradbury (who lives in Los Angeles,
as you know) called "The Young Galileo." It was originally written for
skilled SSAA voices (Chicago Children's Choir), but is also available in
a TTBB version. This is published by Lux Nova Press (Cat. # LNP-C-029).

*********************

I saw your post. I'm sending you a complimentary selection of men's choir
items from our catalog for your examination. Let us know if anything
strikes your fancy.
**************************************************************************
David Bohn, composer, organist
Assistant Editor/Head Internet Surfer
Mark Foster Music Company, Box 4012, Champaign, IL 61824-4012
800-359-1386 FAX: 217-398-2791 Phone: 217-398-2760
Business: markfostermus(a)champ.il.aads.net
**************************************************************************


There are some nice new things in the E. Henry David, Roberton, and
Thorpe catalogs. Would you like me to put together a reference packet
with a few samples and a catalog? Or do you just want titles?
Natalie
_____________________________________________________
Natalie Pessin Bliss
Theodore Presser Company
reply to: npessin(a)presser.com
tel. (610) 525-3636, ext. 211
Bryn Mawr, PA, USA

*****************

Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 10:00:50 -0700 (PDT)
From: Paul Sinasohn
Subj: Re: Men's Choral Literature

Schubert's men's choral pieces (especially La Pastorella and Nachtelle)
are fantastic. And the Grieg album for Men's Voices has some gorgeous
pieces.

*************************

Paul,
I have a piece with a text by Ray Bradbury (who lives in Los Angeles,
as you know) called "The Young Galileo." It was originally written for
skilled SSAA voices (Chicago Children's Choir), but is also available in
a TTBB version. This is published by Lux Nova Press (Cat. # LNP-C-029).

**********

Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 08:41:11 -1000
From: Robert Irwin Engle
Subj: Re: Men's Choral Literature

PAUL.

> If you have any suggestions, I would be interested in hearing from you.
> Please respond to me privately. Thank you.

I remember the SCVA fondly during my years of teaching at Palos Verdes HS
(1968-1972). You have a wonderful organization, envied by many across the
country. I have two suggestions for you, from my own editing "pen."

[1] I have published an SA (could also be used as TB) arrangement of the
Star-Spangled Banner. It puts the song into 4-4 with a slight gospel
ballad feel, uses considerable canon, and transposes the high section at
the end so that the entire piece is within the range of a 10th. This
arrangement has been used by several honor choirs in PA, and has been
performed by the Lincoln (NE) Children's Chorus on national radio. The
publisher (Foxhall), unfortunately, is out of business but I have
sufficient copies for your purposes, should you be interested.

[2] Ready to be released "any day" by Lawson-Gould is my TTB arranagement
of "Kanaka Waiwai," a fairly easy arrangment of a popular Hawaiian song.
It tells the story of the rich young ruler who could not give up his
riches to follow Jesus. (Don't know if you will have "separation ..."
problems or not with this one. It is not dogmatic, but simply tells the
story.) Both the Hawaiian and English texts are given. If you decide you
want to use this arrangement, I can get special permission from L-G to
provide copies. The general nature of the song is slow ballad, with the
melody outlining major chords. It is accompanied by piano, and guitars if
available. I have used this arrangment very successfully in a number of
venues.

You might also want to check with Professor Joan Conlon of U-Colorado
(conlonj(a)stripe.colorado.edu). She ran a very successful "For Boys Only"
festival at U-Washington for several years and is a storehouse of choral
repertoire knowledge, especially for men's and boy's voices. It was for
this festival that I wrote the Star-Spangled Banner arrangement.

Best wishes for a successful festival. Wish I could be there!


Bob Engle
Honolulu

***************

Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 15:04:35 -0400
From: markfostermus(a)champ.il.aads.net
Subj: Re: Men's Choral Literature

I saw your post. I'm sending you a complimentary selection of men's choir
items from our catalog for your examination. Let us know if anything
strikes your fancy.
**************************************************************************
David Bohn, composer, organist
Assistant Editor/Head Internet Surfer
Mark Foster Music Company, Box 4012, Champaign, IL 61824-4012
800-359-1386 FAX: 217-398-2791 Phone: 217-398-2760
Business: markfostermus(a)champ.il.aads.net
**************************************************************************

Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 07:58:22 -0500
From: dkrunnfusz(a)madison.k12.wi.us (Krunnfusz, Dan)
Subj: Re: Men's Choral Literature

Paul,
A few of the pieces that I have had great success with:
MS/Jr High
Sing Me A Song Of A Lad That Is Gone - Sherri Porterfield TTB
Polly Wolly Doodle - Dan Krunnfusz TTB
Kyrie - Dan Krunnfusz TB
I Will Sing of Thy Great Mercies - Mendelssohn TB

HS or MS
Climbin' Up the Mountain - Wm H. Smith TTBB
Hunters' Chorus - (from Der Freischutz) TTBB

HS
Captain Fate - Peter Schickele TB
Gentle Annie - arr. Parker/Shaw TTBB
Song of Peace - Persichetti TTBB
Down in the Valley - G. Meade TTBB
Swansea Town - TTBB

Please post a compilation

Dan Krunnfusz
Artistic Director
Madison (WI) Boychoir

*************

Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 22:13:00 -0400
From: Vlad Morosan
Organization: Musica Russica
Subj: Re: Men's Choral Literature

Would you be interested in reviewing some packets of male
chorus music from Musica Russica? (In Russian with "user-friendly"
phonetics.) They are great favorites with men of all ages.

Sincerely,

Vlad Morosan
Musica Russica - "Your source for Russian choral music!"

http://www.musicarussica.com

*******

Here is a list I've just culled for you from some old programs. You might
want to save this list for future clinics too. This is all non-yucky,
respectable literature.


I'll code each of these pieces as follows:
E = high-energy
Q = quiet but rich-sounding and gratifying to sing
S = such a solid piece that you could order it right away in multiple
copies if you didn't have time to peruse everything else on the list
P = piano accompaniment
A = unaccompanied
2,3,4 = number of parts

But my real recommendation is that you look at whatever sounds appealing,
to see what really suits your purposes. You know the ranges and attention
spans of these guys!


First, some favorites that I'd give my very highest recommendation for you
to consider:

S,A,3
Emily Crocker, arr. "Bound for the Promised Land." Published by Hal
Leonard. TBB.
Lots of unison with easy counterpoints. Easy, solid. I just
discovered this.

S,A,E,4
Brazeal Dennard, arr. "Hush! Somebody's Calling My Name," TTBB.
Easy, fun, rowdy energy. Can be learned in about ten minutes.
Little solo bit.

A,E,4
Smith, W. H. "Ride the chariot."
Foolproof. Famous tenor solo for a few lines, solo could be done
by a small group.

A,4
Lennon and McCartney, When I'm sixty-four (barbershop).
Easy barbershop, very charming. Hal Leonard publishes it, I think?

P,Q,2
J. S. Bach, Der Herr segne euch
Peters edition. About 10 words of German. 2-part.

P,Q,4
George Mead, arr., Down in the Valley.
Lush, easy men's-festival classic. E. C. Schirmer?

A,4
Dowland. "Say, Love"
An easy, charming lute song transcription. Fun and funky.
Published by Oxford University Press as "Two Lute Songs," but you should
ignore the other one in this set. "Say, Love, if ever thou didst find a
woman with a constant mind..." It's about Queen Elizabeth, and tosses
"she, she, she, she" and "no, no, no, no" back and forth. (It's my
edition.)

A,3
Smith, J. S. "To Anacreon in Heaven."
The glee that our national anthem is based on. Fun; easy to learn
because guys recognize the tunes. Makes singers and listeners feel smart!
My transcription -- I'd give you a camera-ready copy.

P,Q,2
Thompson, Randall. "Stopping by woods on a snowy evening."
Gorgeous/easy, from Frostiana. E.C. Schirmer.

A,Q,4
Gilbert, arr. "Sometimes I feel like a motherless child."
Mellow and chant-like; one of my three best published arrangments.
Published by Mark Foster.

A,E,4
Gilbert, arr. "Wade in the water." TTBB + tuba.

New arrangement published by Santa Barbara. I recommend "Wade,"
though Santa Barbara tells me that "This Train" (see below) is already into
its second printing. I still recommend "Wade," if you have a tuba.



Also worth considering:

A,3
"Deo gracias, Anglia" (The Agincourt Carol).
Maybe a bit too sophisticated. This is "Our king went forth to
Normandie..." -- I have my own transcription you could use.

A, 3 (2 on verses)
"What tidings bringest thou, messenger?"
Medieval Christmas Carol with 3-part chorus and 2-part verses.
Again, I have my own transcription.

A,4
Anonymous (1556). "Rìu, rìu, chìu."
Transposed down from the original SATB. Easy chorus; verses for
soloists. My own transcription. In Spanish.

A,4
Dowland. "Can she excuse."
My TTBB transcription of the SATB lute song (manuscript).

A,4
Handl (Gallus). "Fratres, iam non estis hospites."
Medium-easy Renaissance TTBB. My manuscript transcription.

A,E,3
Anonymous (18th-century English). "Viva tutti."
Fun to sing as-fast-as-possible. In semi-literate Italian.

round
Brown, Richard. "A Cat Catch."
Some guys like this, some feel silly singing "Meow." "We cats when
assembled at midnight together for innocent purring..." In various catch
collections, including Paul Hillier's for Oxford.

P,2
Brahms. Two Liebeslieder Waltzes, Opus 52 ("Sieh, wie ist"; "O die frauen").
With piano duet. Easy vocal lines.

A,4
Grieg. "Brothers, sing on."
A classic; sometimes the unofficial official song of the
Intercollegiate Men's Choruses.

P,4
Rossini. "La danza."
If you had an operatic tenor soloist visiting, this is your piece.

P,4
Adler, "The Steps to Wisdom."
For any four parts; all in treble clefs, but works fine with all
tenors and basses. Fun to put different sections in balconies and other
locations. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom." Published
by Hinshaw.

A,Q,4
Manz, Paul. "E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come."
An instant contemporary classic, nicer in TTBB than in SATB.

P,S?,Q,4
Persichetti, Vincent. "Song of peace."

E,A,4
Poulenc, Francis. "La belle si nous étions."
If French is too difficult, then skip this. But musically it's not
too hard.

A,4
Tchesnokov, Pavel. "Salvation belongeth to our God" or "Salvation is
Created" -- two translations/arrangements of a men's-choir classic. Easy.

P,4
Vaughan Williams. "Drinking song: back and side go bare."
Can you have high school guys sing about the joys of filling their
bellies with ale?

P,E,4
Dawson, William L. "Soon-ah will be done."
A classic rowdy spiritual.

4
Hunter, Robert. "Be thou my vision."
An easy men's-festival classic.

E,4,A
Morrow, arr. "Got a mind to do right."
My favorite rowdy spiritual, these days.

E,4,A
Dvorak, Raymond F. "Sophomoric philosophy."
"The more you study, the more you learn. . . the more you learn
the more you forget, so why study?" Another goofy men's-festival classic.

P,3,E
Stocker, David, arr. "Whistle, Maggie, whistle."
Very, very easy if you can get the tenors to enjoy singing the
"Maggie" part in falsetto. UCI men's favorite last year. Hilarious for
the audience. Does your event have an audience? Really easy piano part.

A,4,Q
Vaughan Williams. "The turtle dove."
Great if you have a romantic-sounding soloist.

E,4,A
Mainstreeters, arr. "Coney Island baby."
One of two barbershop pieces I'd suggest.

A,4
Gilbert, arr. "This train." TTBB + trombone.
Published by Santa Barbara.


-----------------------------------------------------------------
Nina Gilbert
Music Department, University of California-Irvine
ngilbert(a)uci.edu; NLGilbert(a)aol.com
voice mail: 714-824-3854; department fax: 714-824-4914
http://www.arts.uci.edu/music/gilbert/ (updated May 7)
-----------------------------------------------------------------

***********

Please check out my "Break of Day" for TTBB, unaccompanied, based on a
poem attributed to John Donne. It's published by Bourne Co. here in New
York City, but it should be available through most dealerships (JWP,etc.).
Also, let me know if you decide to do it; the piece has been around since
about 1985 (?) and I've *never* heard it done!

Best wishes,
Steven Rosenhaus
rosenhss(a)is2.nyu.edu

***********

From: SVSTHP(a)aol.com
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 1997 13:54:17 -0400 (EDT)
Subj: Re: Men's Choral Literature

I like two things David Stocker has published with Thomas House, one at each
end of the spectrum. At the "serious" end is an edition of Schubert's "Lay of
the Imprisioned Huntsman" (1C0369604), and at the "fun" end is an arrangement
of the chantey"Blow Ye Winds" (1C0369407).

Regards,

Vern Sanders

**************

Are you aware of our men's things? We have some great things in these voicings.

Barbara Harlow


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Barbara Harlow, President
Santa Barbara Music Publishing
260 Loma Media
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
_________________
PHONE 805-962-5800
FAX 805-966-7711
_______________
sbmp(a)sprynet.com

***************

Our publications are now available in large and small sizes, and in
both reproducible and low-priced non-reproducible formats.

Let me know if you're interested in seeing samples of our TB, TTB, and TTBB
publications, and please specify sacred, secular, or both.

Sincerely,

- Jerry

Jerome Gries
Publisher
Masterworks Press - "Octavos you can COPY"
------------------------------------------
* Classical Choral Music
* Sight-Reading Materials
* Elementary School Musicals
* Barbershop Harmony for Choirs
------------------------------------------
A L L R E P R O D U C I B L E
------------------------------------------
mstrwrks(a)aol.com
fax: (360) 943-6808
vox: (360) 753-3727


**********

---

Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 16:44:01 CST
From: "Wanda Vilhauer"
Subject: Men's Music Compilation

A sincere thank-you to everyone who wrote - your suggestions have
been immensely helpful!

Here is a list of the responses I received to my request for men's
choral arrangements:

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, arr by Van Horn, pub by Thomas House
Jesus Jesus Rest Your Head, arr by Dinham, pub by Banks
For Men Only, Holiday Collection, arr. by Roger Emerson, Hal Leonard
4032607.
Mary Had a Baby, arr. Wendell Whalum, TTBB, Bar solo (Lawson-Gould)
Sleep Little One, Ron Nelson, TTBB (Boosey & Hawkes)
The set of Four Christmas Madrigals by David Kraehenbuehl on old
English texts : I Sing of a Maiden, A Christmas Blessing, Welcome
Yule, What Cheer (Associated Music A-212, 213, 214, 215)
Musica Russica has just published a set of 5 Ukrainian carols arr. for
male voices, incl. the famous "Carol of the Bells" (that one is
for TTBB), the other four are for TBB. Texts are in original Ukrainian,
phoneticized, and diction tapes are available. Preview packet (cat.
no. CCM 1) is available for $4.75 + S&H. To order, call:
1-800-326-3132 or fax your order to 1-203-421-3132.
Robert Wetzler's setting called "Christmas Dawn." The text is
translated from Swedish and the original Swedish is not included. It
is (or was?) published by Sacred Music Press, # S-2862-3. An organ
accompaniment is included, but it works just as well a cappella.
African Noel for TTBB
"Sing Out the News" composer is Besig--Pepper carries it.
The Yelton Rhodes Music company in LA has MANY things for TTBB and
various combinations thereof. Their website may be reached at
http://www.yrmusic.com/catalog/new or you can call 1-800-4YR-MUSIc and
request a free catalogue.
"Ya Viene la Vieja" arr. Leininger TBB with keyboard, AMP0101,
Alliance Music Publications, Houston, Texas
"Betelehemu" (Nigerian, arr. Whalum, pub. Lawson-Gould) with percussion.
"Betelehemu," a Yoruba song, TTBB with two soloists, and percussion
"Two Latvian Carols," TTBB a cappella
"El Yivneh Hagalil," a Hannukah song, TTBB a cappella

Thank you again for all your help?

---

Date: Tue, 14 Feb 1995 13:52:30 -0700
From: jfh(a)crl.com (Jack Hamilton)
Subject: Re: TTBB literature suggestions

At 12:51 AM 2/14/95 -0700, sneedb(a)email.uah.edu wrote:

>I have begun a Tenor-Bass Chorale at my university and I am
>in need of some great tried and true literature for this
>group. Not just the pop stuff. They are good readers and
>like the classics. We've done Vive L'amour and Brothers Sing
>On as well as some Latin and German. Any suggestions will
>be greatly appreciated.

The men's choruses in the Gay And Lesbian Association of Choruses
have all had the same problem, and their members and directors have
found a lot. Try calling your local gay men's chorus (maybe the
closest one is the Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus, but I don't know), or
one of the larger choruses like the NYCGMC or Seattle Men's Chorus.
I suspect they'd be glad to help, by giving you titles or by lending you music.

Some of what you'll find will deal with gay men's issues, and might
make some of your members uncomfortable - just don't choose those pieces.
A lot of what you'll find could be sung by any chorus.

Forget the Brahms and go for the Listz Requiem.

----------
Jack Hamilton KD6TTL '92 K75RTA co-moderator, sci.med.aids

---

Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 15:24:47 -0700
From: "Galen P. Darrough"
Subject: Re: TTBB literature suggestions

Good for you for starting a men's chorus!! I have had one at the
University of Northern Colorado for many years and they are refreshing
and of course, oh so manly! I personally haven't found a lot to like in
the TTB or TTBB music of Brahms, even though I LOVE his compositions for
women's chorus (he had two in his lifetime). The Shaw Parker stuff is
very nicely done, if you can get a hold of the old recording titled "Sea
Chanties" RCA records LSC-2551, it contains a ton of tried and true
classics such as Shenandoah, A Rovin', What Shall we Do with a Drunken
Sailor, The Drummer and the Cook, and a lot more that are available
through Lawson Gould (handled by Albert pub.) James Marvin (Harvard Glee
Club) published a list of music performed by the HGC in the ACDA Easter
Division Newsletter a few years ago, with the favorites listed as well.
There are lots of motets included. You can get materials for FREE if you
are a member of the Intercollegiate Men's Choruses organization -
materials published by members and available to members only (you can
legally reproduce the music). Their address is:

Intercollegiate Men's Choruses
Gerald Polich, Executive Secretary
McCain Auditorium
Kansas State University
Manhatten, KS 66506-4706

I found also that the Interscholastic Music League (?) List
is of great help. It is a list of graded literature (all voicings)
for the choirs in Texas. I ordered grades 4 and 5 (1-5) and received
quite a few very good single copies (about 15-20 per grade or more). The
single copies can be found through Southern Music Co. in
San Antonio, Texas (they have an 800 #). Below are some of my favorite
selections given to a friend who asked for lit. suggestions:

Ave Maria TBB/TTBB Biebl
I just think this is the #1 chestnut for male choirs, and
personally think that the men's chorus version (the original) is far more
beautiful in terms of sonority. You can use a small trio (TBB) but I
prefer to use at least 1/4 of the entire choir.

The Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard TTBB Britten
Tough but don't all male choirs love the themes of adultery and
murder? This has been done at the CO all state. A great piece, full of
drama and as fun as heck to direct.

Western Medley TTBB/Bar solo arr. Roger Wagner
These are a blast and the part writing is quite good. Paul S. did
them at San Antonio many years ago and brought the house down. They
really are neat and the tenors float on much of the high stuff. You could
put them in cowboy hats and they'd bring the house down. My men love this
piece.

Betelehemu TTBB/Percussion Wendell Whalum
Larry Kaptein's mixed group did this (transcribed from the original
men's
setting) at several conventions and brought the house down. BYU's huge (250+)
men's chorus does it with motions, and a big battery of percussion and it
really rocks. Not too tough, except for the pronunciation, which is
easily learnable. A barn burner.

EASIER SELECTIONS THAT ARE WINNERS
You know a lot of these Shaw/Parker things, I'm sure.

Gentle Annie TTBB Shaw Parker
Such beautiful line and nicely constructed parts, and a good key
for Men's voices - E major

Viva L'Amour TTBB S/P
Crowds love it. Men's choirs need more songs of brotherhood,
since we seem to be gravitating towards a unisex society.

Blow the Man Down TTBB S/P
This works much better than, say, Swansea Town. Fun Pirate song!

Shenandoah TTBB S/P
I think this works as well as Gentle Annie. I prefer to do it in
F#. Lovely lines.

The Drummer and the Cook - TTBB S/P
I THINK THIS IS ONE OF SHAW/PARKER'S BEST!!!!!! WHAT FUN TO SING.

Down in the Valley TTBB Mead
You can bet this has been done before. A terrific piece. The
"throw your arms 'round me..." section just melts the women!

When Jesus Wept Equal voices Billings
The sonorities created here are just really stunning. It takes
the lower voices into the upper register. I just numbered everybody off
1-4 and did it with equal voices.

Colorado Trail TTBB Luboff
Corney but so rich and sonorous. The writing is very good and the
effect is nostalgic and warm. I love this piece!

The Pasture TBB Thompson
Terrific piece, although I admit it works better with older voices.

BET YOU WISH YOU NEVER ASKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope these
work, I didn't mean to be so wordy!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!
Galen Darrough
Dir. Choral Music Ed.
University of Northern Colorado
PVA Music
Greeley, CO 80639
(303) 351-2290
On Tue, 14 Feb 1995
sneedb(a)email.uah.edu wrote:

> Dear Choralisters:
>
> I have begun a Tenor-Bass Chorale at my university and I am
> in need of some great tried and true literature for this
> group. Not just the pop stuff. They are good readers and
> like the classics. We've done Vive L'amour and Brothers Sing
> On as well as some Latin and German. Any suggestions will
> be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
> Bonnie Sneed, Univ. Alabama Huntsville
> email: sneedb(a)email.uah.edu
>

---

Date: Fri, 17 Feb 1995 13:32:04 -0700
From: feaver(a)MIT.EDU
Subject: TTBB Literature

Music for TTBB
A disclaimer: These works represent works from the Romantic (along
with the Brahms already mentioned, and a few works by R. Schumann) and the
early 20th Century which I found to be readily assimilable and rewarding
for a wide variety of musical backgrounds.

SCHUBERT:
Complete Works for Men's Chorus - Kalmus (study score)
my favorites: Widerspruch - ed. Shaw/Parker (Lawson-Gould 513)
La Pastorella - ed. Shaw/Parker (Lawson-Gould 512)
Der Gondelfahrer - (Breitkopf & Hartel Nr. 5130)
-- get the CD "Schubert Songs for Male Chorus" Robert Shaw (Telarc
CD-80340)

POULENC:
(all published by Salabert)
Quatre petites prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise
Clic clac dansez sabot
La belle si nous etions
these last two from "Chansons Francaises"
Chanson a boire
-- get the CD " Chansons francaises" by The Sixteen (Virgin
Classics)

MENDELSSOHN:
Another copious composer from this period for men's voices
Op 50, 6 Male Choruses
Op 75, Wandersman
Op 76, 4 Male Choruses
Op 120, 4 Male Choruses

-- a great recording that I have on cassette tape is "Mendelssohn
Choruses" by Rundfunkchor Leipzig (Philips 7337 362)

HOLST:
Six Choruses (published Boosey & Hawkes)
-- get the CD "The Evening Watch" by The Holst Singers (Hyperion
CDA66329)

VAUGHAN WILLIAMS:
Loch Lomond (Galaxy/ECS Publishing)
The Seeds of Love (Galaxy/ECS Publishing)
The Vagabond (from Songs of Travel - Boosey & Hawkes 5454)
Linden Lea, arr. Harrison (Boosey & Hawkes 1991)

I hope this helps
- Cecil Feaver

---

Date: Fri, 17 Feb 1995 15:18:06 -0700
From: Mimi
Subject: War & Peace

I, too, lost the address of the person requesting rep. on war & peace for men's
chorus. Sorry to send this to all--but for once I have some info: the followin
g works are by the Estonian composer, Veljo Tormis. Distribut or: Th. Presser,
Bryn Mawr, PA Ask Presser to forward your request to Fazer Music in Finland i
f Presser doesn't yet have that work. Important to let Fazer know there are peo
ple interested in this stuff.
Kaitse, Jumal, soja eest! (God Protect Us from War!), 1984, from the "Kanteleta
r" in Finnish, Estonian, or Latin, TTBB, tam-tam, 5'30"
Sojakulleri soit (Journey of the War Messenger), 1984, from "Kalevipoeg",
TTTTBB, whip, humming top, 5'30" in Estonian, a great language for singing (My
guide to pronunciation of Estonian for English speakers is ready for press--tel
l Fazer you want it!)
Sottaminek (Goin to War), traditional, in Estonian, 1973, TTBB
Nekruti pogenemine Tallinna Toompealt (A Conscript's Escape from Toompea Castle
Home to Kuusalu), traditional, 1969, 3' TBB & 4 or more falsettists. Needs
explanation of Estonian history to make sense of this one.
There are more--see my Tormis works list in Research Memoranda Series.
Mimi Daitz MSDCC(a)CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU

---

Date: Thu, 20 Apr 1995 13:10:02 +0000
From: krl1(a)cornell.edu (Kevin Robert Lash)
Subject: Music for Men's Choruses


During the month of February, there was some Choralist discussion of male
chorus repertory. I would like to offer the following information for
anyone who is interested...

I am the Choral Music Librarian at Cornell University, as well as a member
and officer of the Cornell University Glee Club. Our ensemble recently
celebrated its 125th anniversary, and is probably one of the few surviving
collegiate men's choruses from the "old days". Our library of TTBB music
has grown to nearly 500 pieces, and contains many works which may be of
interest to anyone involved with a men's chorus. I would be more than
pleased to suggest works by particular composers or in certain styles, or
answer questions regarding TTBB repertory.


Some personal favorites for men's voices...

Fest-Cantate.......Anton Bruckner (Doblinger)
Messe Cum jubilo...Maurice Durufle (Durand)
Miserere...........Gregorio Allegri / arr. Davison
O Vos Omnes........Pablo Casals / arr. Richter (Tetra-Continuo)
Ave Maria..........Leos Janacek
Psaume 121.........Darius Milhaud (Universal Edition)
Spaseniye Sodelal..Pavel Chesnokov (Musica Russica)
Invocation.........Claude Debussy (Choudens)
Devce v Haij.......Antonin Dvorak (Supraphon)
Mulato Gajd........Zoltan Kodaly
Shenandoah.........arr. Marshall Bartholomew (G. Schirmer)
Loch Lomond........arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams (E.C. Schirmer)
Saltarelle.........Camille Saint-Saens (Durand)

[The Milhaud and Saint-Saens pieces are both included on the *fabulous* CD
entitled "OD Highlights" by the Orphei Drangar Choir under Eric Ericson
(BIS CD 383, available from Qualiton Imports). The disc also contains great
men's chorus works by Strauss, Reger, Bartok and Suchon, and several
wonderful pieces by Scandanavian composers. Very highly recommended!]


I admit that my list reflects a period bias... I have spent the past few
years becoming familiar with *uncommon* choral music from the 19th and 20th
centuries (for mixed as well as men's voices). There is a wealth of great
music out there, lying neglected, waiting to be sung. It is my sincerest
hope that more and more choral directors will broaden their knowledge of
such music, and will thus be able to bring these underperformed and rarely
(if ever) recorded pieces to a larger audience.


Kevin R. Lash KRL1(a)cornell.edu
Choral Music Librarian (607) 255-3396 (office)
Cornell University (607) 256-2366 (home)

"...La musique encore et toujours!"
- Paul Verlaine

---

134
Date: Wed, 28 Aug 1996 22:48:22 -0400 (EDT)
From: PKSuiter(a)YadTel.Net (P. Kevin Suiter)
Subject: TTBB Survey Results (long)

As I promised in my original request for TTBB repertoire recommendations,
here is a compiled list of your suggestions. Many thanks to all who
responded so quickly. What a resource all of you have been for me!!!

For your information, I got responses from a variety of sources. In order
to insure objectivity of the compiled list, I chose not to include titles
offered by publishers/composers. Only those suggestions offered by those
who are actually using the literature were included.

Suggestions are listed separately as they were sent to me, largely wothout
commentary.
______________________

Gustav Holst: Six Choruses, Op. 53 (1931-32); pub. by either Oxford or G.
Schirmer?
Intercession
Good Friday
Drinking Song
A Love Song
How Mighty Are the Sabbaths
______________________

Grieg: Brothers, Sing On - an exciting opener
______________________

Tallis: Lamentations
Britten: Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Barnhard
Byron Adams: An Irish Airman Forsees His Death
Holst: Dirge for Two Veterans
Durufle: Messa cum Jubilo
Milhaud: Psaume 121
______________________

Fuare: Cantique de Jean Racine; pub. by Hinshaw
Under the Milkwood - psalm-like setting of the Dylan Thomas text
Thompson: The Pasture (from Frostiana set)
______________________

Douglas Wagner: Born, Born in Bethlehem; Somerset Press
Don Besig: We've Got Good News to Tell; Shawnee Press
______________________

Mark Hayes (arr.): A Mighty Fortress Is Our God; Hal Leonard?
Michael Cox: Praise Him; Shawnee?
______________________

Biebl: Ave Maria
Debussy: Invocation
Poulenc: 4 Preires de St. Francis d' Assise
Mozart: Laut verkunde uns're Freude
______________________

Hold On - classic spiritual
Morning Trumpet - Richardson?
My God Is A Rock - Shaw/Parker
______________________

Down In the Valley - arr. George Meade (Easy & enjoyed by all)
Georgia On My Mind - arr. Shaw, Hal Leonard (Needs pop soloist)
Consecrate - Lloyd Pfautsch; Lawson Gould (good opener)
Sing Dem Herrn - Praetorius/De Pue; Columbia Pic. (a great! processional)
A Hymn to God the Father - Beck; Beckenhorst
Somebody's Callin' My Name - arr. Whalum; Lawson Gould (need soloist)
Mbube - Linda/Emerson; Lawson Gould (comical; The Lion Sleeps Tonight)
Southern Ships and Settlers - arr. Leavitt; Hal Leonard
Fight the Good Fight - Gardner; Oxford
Laudamus - arr. Protheroe; Boston Music CO. (great piece)
What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor - Shaw-Parker; Lawson Gould (tough)
______________________

Cindy - traditional tune, can't recall arranger, one piano four hands, men's
voices
______________________

Peter Hallock: The Dawning; pub. by Ionian Arts, Inc.
______________________

Thompson: The Testament of Freedom
Lord, When Your Glory I Shall See - arr. Carl Schalk; Concordia
______________________

Tenebrae factae sunt - Palestrina
My Eternal King - Jane Marshall
Blue Tail Fly - arr. Kirk Mechem (this can be VERY funny)
Selections form Sigmond Romberg's "The Student Prince":
Drinking Song
Gaudeamus Igetur
To the Inn
______________________

Song of Peace - Persichetti
Betelehemu - arr. Wendy Whalum
Gentle Annie - Parker/Shaw
Vive L'Amour - Parker/Shaw
Silhouettes - Lojeski (doo wop?)
______________________

Schubert Part Songs - Lawson Gould
La Pastorella
Widerspruch
Blow Ye the Trumpet - Kirke Mechem; G. Schirmer
______________________

Sea Songs by Shaw/Parker
Blow the Man Down
The Drummer and the Cook
What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor
Away to Rio
______________________

Pablo Casals, O Vos Omnes (TTBB); Tetra/Continuo Music Group
Mark Hayes, Rejoice and Sing Out His Praises; Hinshaw
Gilbert Martin, THe Water is Wide; Hinshaw

______________________

For additional suggestions check the Choralist CRS posting from 2/14/94
(TTBB repertoire).

---

Date: Wed, 11 Sep 1996 07:58:46 -0500
From: morrisg(a)jhs.jps.k12.ar.us (Gary E. Morris)
Subject: TTBB arrangemnets of The Star Spangled Banner

At the suggestion of another, I am posting this compilation of TTBB
arrangements I have received for archival purposes. In the interest of
conserving space and your time, if you want to read the comments made about
these, I can forward that to you direct. Contact me at
morrisg(a)jhs.jps.k12.ar.us (Gary E. Morris)

Two people suggested the arrangement in the Yale Song Book, published by G.
Schirmer

A facsimile was found in a book on Stravinsky by Robert Craft. It is in the
key of D. Plans are to include this arrangement in the upcoming Centennial
Song Book for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia

James McKelvy's arrangement of "The Star-Spangled Banner." It is actually
arranged for SSA-SATB-TTB. (Mark Foster Music Company), MF 3021.


Contact SPEBSQSA (the Barbershop Quartet Society). They have a wonderful
TTBB a cappella arrangement. 800-876-7464 They also have a Web Site.

Star Spangled Banner arranged for TTBB Chorus by Arthur Brandvold,
published by E. C. Schirmer Music Company, Boston, catalog number 4613,
$1.10. ECS Publishing in Boston at 1-800-777-1919 to order direct.


Unpublished Arrangements contact


1)James H. Gall
Tucson, AZ
(I accidentally deleted this E mail Address)


2) "Andy Call, NPHS Vocal Music Director"

3) Unpublished TB arr. Contact bengle(a)uhunix3



===========================================================================Gary E. Morris Director of Choirs
Fax/Message 501 933-0900 Jonesboro High School
morrisg(a)jhs.jps.k12.ar.us 301 Hurricane Drive
Jonesboro AR 72401
==========================================================================

---

Date: Fri, 20 Dec 1996 20:56:53 -0500
From: BEEKEN1(a)aol.com
Subject: Men's Chorus Compolation

Thank you to all that responded to my request. The information and
suggestions you shared have proven, and will continue to be most useful.

Ryan
First, sacred pieces --


Ave regina coelorum Dufay/Liebergen Broude Bros.CR 46
Hodie apparuit Lassus EC Schirmer1230
Jesu dulcis memoria Vittoria EC Schirmer79
Pater noster II Liszt Carus Verlag40.802/20
Requiem aeternam Cornelius Broude/TetraTC 184
Rex autem David Anonymous/Marvin Oxford94.105
Si iniquitates observaveris Wesley Oxford41.031
Veni Sancte Spiritus Janacek UniversalUE 16780NJ
Dukh tvoy blagiy Tchesnokov Musica Russica
Bogoroditse Devo Kedroff/Morosan Musica Russica

The Dufay, Lassus and Wesley pieces are all 3 part, the rest are 4 part

Now, some secular pieces --- all Schubert

Title composer arranger publisher pub #
La Pastorella Schubert Lawson-Gould 512
Liebe Schubert Haberlen Mark Foster MF 1059
Die Nacht Schubert Erb Lawson-Gould 786

There are more, too -- but all these would work. All of them except La
Pastorella are a cappella.

Re -- violin -- nothing comes to mind offhand, but is fiddle (as opposed to
violin) OK? -- If so, check with Wallace DePue at Bowling Green State
University in Ohio. He has done several arrangements for choir and
bluegrass-type fiddle, such as "Listen to the Mockingbird", things like that.
English texts include the two from
Frostiana "Stopping by Woods" and "The Pasture"

One EXCELent piece that just came to mind are the Quatre Petites
Prieres de Saint Francois d'Assise Francois Poulenc. The drawback would
be it's reserved nature, you may wish to consider if this chamber work
is suitable for 50 voices.

My other suggestion would be to recordings by the numerous male
choruses in the United States. While the Chanticleer deals mainly with
lighter works they do maintain a small amount of spiritual repertoire
including an arrangement of Steal Away by Joseph Jennings. The latin
motets are also glorious.

Any music recorded by the Turtle Creek Chorale would be a good
sugestion. This 250 member mens chorus out of Dallas has recorded many
great large men's peices from testament to Freedom to Liturgical
Masses. If you don't have the recordings search the home pages by the
group's titles and view the selections by title and composer.

If you don't have a strong aversion to quality pop music check out
Boyz 2 Men Cooliehighharmonie. While such a sugestion my be scoffed at
first if honest consideration is given after careful listening you may
find a welcome addition to your program. Hope I've been of some help.


Betelehemu (TTBB) arr. Wendall Whalum (in Nigerian)

Ave Maria (TTBB/TTB) Franz Biebl (in Latin)

God Be in My Head (TTBB) Jackson Berkey (in English)
You might try t get ahold of the NYSSMA (New York State School Music
Association) Manual. It's got contest repertoire for both instrumental and
vocal solos and ensembles, including men's choir literature.

Contact Bruce Purrington at 61 Prince Lane, Westbury, NY.

Foreign language pieces - contact EarthSongs, Oregon - they have some good
selection. Get your retailer to give them a call.
"Cantique de Jean Racine" by Faure available from Hinshaw has a beautiful
violin solo with it. My male chorus loves to perform this work.

Check out "Der Herr Segne Euch" by J.S. Bach from his "Wedding Cantata" BWV
196. It is accessable to high school Men's Choruses and in German. I am
doing it with my Men this spring.

Check the latest releases from Musica Russica:

http://www.musicarussica.com

We have a packet of ten male chorus pieces that would fit your criteria.
The text is phonetic. We also offer diction tapes that will help you and
your singers sound like native speakers. Several of our pieces have been
done quite successfully at high school all-states and festivals.

In several weeks we will be also releasing a dynamite packet of Russian
folk songs for male chorus.

I recommend
La Pastorella by Schubert. If you have some real tenors in the group this
would work well since it requires a light sound and the voices will not
have to be forced.


Ave Maria by Franz Biebel in TTBB, Accompanied, Hinshaw
Deep River, arr Marvin Gaspard in TTBB, Accomp, Hinshaw
God of Our Fathers by Warren, arr Davies, TTBB, Piano,Boston
The Last Words of David-Thompson-TTBB-Piano-ECS
Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace-Rutter-TTBB-Piano- Hinshaw
The Pasture(Frostiana)-Thompson-TBB-Accomp-ECS
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Eve-Thompson-TBB-Piano-ECS

Richard Schauer Music Publishers has a wonderful catalog of a cappella
choral music for men, in German:
Bruch, Op. 48 (3 selections), Volkslieder (6 selections);
Dvorak, Eine kleine Fruehlingsweise and Heimatlied;
Brahms, German Folksongs arr. by Hegar;
Bohm, Lacrimae Christi, Still As the Night, Was i hab';
plus a bunch of other composers that are not as well known in the USA.


The (Latin) Missa Brevis by Bartlomiej Pekiel (Polish, 17th century)
is gorgeous, and does use male altos. (Choral Journal gave it a rave
review.)

Gute Nacht German Folk Song, arr. McKelvy MF 1051
Liebe Schubert, arr. Haberlen MF 1059

---

Date: 16 Jan 97 16:15:32 EST
From: "C.Szalai, Agnes"
Subject: Male repertoire compilation

Thank you to all who replied my request for TTB music with a focus on grape,
wine and singing. Please, find below the compilation - with a special remark,
that ***further ideas/proposals are still very much welcome*** (you will see,
the list is faily short).
However, thanks again to Don Gooding, Paul Stephen Meers, Susan Mueller, William
Heim, Ewan Stewart, Steve Fraser and David Bohn for the items below:

Laughing - an arrangement made for The King's Singers (has anybody any
idea whether it is published? Where?)
G. Rossini: Count Ory - 4-part male chorus and orch. lauding the wine
of the Lord of the Manor (publisher?)
C.F.Ackers: Old Bacchus - Novello Ewer and Co
Shaw-Parker arr: The Parting Glass - Irish folksong (publisher?)
P. Hindemith: Landknechts Trinklied (publisher?)
F. Schubert: Trinklied (publisher?)
F. Giardini: Beviamo, ed. Wm Tortolano, Mark Foster 1057
J. McKelvy arr: Drink To Me Only with Thine Eyes - traditional, Mark
Foster 1064
"Biergesangel" in 3/8, with text:"Das Bier, das nicht getrunken wird",
very fast, a cappella (composer? publisher?)

Well, that's it. Further ideas, details, information are warmy welcomed.
Remember: TTB, a cappella or accompanied, good for mass choirs, in ANY language.


Please, send directly to 100263.1245(a)CompuServe.com

Your

Agnes C.Szalai, from Budapest, Hungary

---

Date: Fri, 28 Mar 1997 20:25:02 -0600
From: 3veales(a)tznet.com (veale)
Subject: TTBB repertoire compilation

Greetings, Listers! I requested TTBB literature to augment a 3-piece
festival program of Vive L'Amour and Soon Ah Will Be Done. Here are the
suggestions I received. Hope this compilation is up to code!

from Barbara Retzko:
Bound for Jubilee (easy)
I Wish I Were Single Again (cute crowd pleaser)

from Vern Sanders:
Lay of the Imprisoned Huntsman by Schubert (serious)
Blow Ye Winds arr. David Stocker (humorous)

from Kathy May:
Down in the Valley by Meade (melts everyone's heart) MANY people suggested this!
Gentle Annie arr by Parker/Shaw?
Colorado Trail by Luboff (great piece and he has several other similar arr)
also:
Do You Fear the Wind? by Sateren
Widerspruch by Schubert
May God Smile on You by Bach
Si Inquitates Observaveris by Samuel Wesley
Ya Viene La Vieja (Christmas with guitar or piano)
Boar's Head Carol by Shaw/Parker
De Animals a Comin' by Bartholomew and his arr of Drunken Sailor
Praise Ye the Lord by Saint Saens

from Carl Stam:
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands arr Heath
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child arr Heath
The Pasture by Randall Thompson

from Morna Edmundson:
A-Roving arr Luboff (fun and piano part adds a lot)

from Natalie:
Persichetti's Song of Peace, published by Elkan-Vogel

from Brian Breeding:
Wilbur Chenowith's Vocalise for TTBB men's chorus, sop. or ten. solo (I
recommend sop) and piano
Debussy's Invocation, for TTBB, piano, and tenor solo.

from Melodie Duple:
Sick of the Songs of the Sea - Charles A. Bennett - Hal Leonard #08740447
Fergus an' Molly (from Celtic Songs) - Vijay Singh - Belwin #OCT9605

from Paul Sinasohn:
WIlhousky's Battle Hymn arr. used to be available in TTBB.
SOme of the Schubert TTBB items are fun,
Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening, by R. Thompson - has piano

from Robert Browning:
Emily Crocker's "A Red, Red Rose" TTB text by Robert Burns--easy but
gorgeous.
Sherri Porterfield's Sing Me a Song of a Lad That is Gone. My high school
boys aren't even embarassed to sing these sensitively!