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Compositions using Vocal sounds onlyChoralist Here is a compilation of everyones suggestions on choral music that uses vocal sounds, not necessarily words. The original request was for pieces that were contemporary, tonal, non-tonal, non-pitched, indeterminate, "machine-like", using extended techniques, etc, but that are reasonable for a choir to perform. Here is what I have found: 1. Swedish composer Lars Edlund wrote a number of choral "etudes" using graphical notation which might fit in this category. I believe the Swedish title is "Ko:rstudier." [that's o-umlaut] It's published by Warner-Chappell Scandinavia. 2. William Coppers "Prelude XXII/The Two April Mornings" uses inarticulate word-ish sounds to frame a poem by Wordworth. The music is a transposition and arrangment of a Bach prelude (Bb minor, from Well Tempered Clavier Book I). If you'd like to know more, see http://www.hartenshield.com/choral.html, and select the "Prelude XXII". 3. The sound of overtones and drones- Sally Hopkins- "Past Life Melodies" 4. R. Murray Schafer's "Gamelan." SATB a cappella 5. Chen Yi's Spring Dreams....it has Chinese syllables in multi -meters AND multi-tempi with a little section for bird whistlers and then there is singing at the end (in Chinese). 6. R. Murray Schafer - he has written aleatoric music for all levels. 7. Aglepta "To leave an enemy without an answer" by Arne Mellnas. 8. Kyrie - SATB a cappella - Greg A. Lapp bp920101 - This setting breaks up the text into itâs component sounds and manipulates those sounds into a lyric yet cacophanous expression of Lord have mercy . 9. Gloria - 2 part w/ body percussion - Greg A. Lapp bp920102 - This highly rhythmic setting of the traditional Latin text employs claps, stomps, and finger snaps from the singers. Although listed as 2 part, it was conceived as an ST-AB piece. A visceral and dynamic statement of Glory to God. 10. Sanctus-Benedictus - SATB a cappella - Greg A. Lapp bp920104 - This passionate setting of the traditional text utilizes a number of avant-garde techniques in a very accessible manner. Whispering, shouting, speaking, melodic singing, multiple meters, and aleatoric singing all give this piece a dynamic and expressive quality. 11. Agnus Dei - SATB a cappella - Greg A. Lapp bp920105 - Above the pulsating rhythm of the inner voices, the soprano and bass present a lovely melody which builds into a wailing climax at miserere . The use of dissonance and the constant pulse creates an intense expression of this classic text. 12. Three American Haiku - SATB a cappella - Greg A. Lapp - text by Klaton Smith bp950301 - These three short movements capture the absurdity and serenity of this contemporary poet. A number of avant-garde vocal techniques work together to create a wondrous emotional and aural effect. Although the score is graphic in nature, it is very accessible to the singer. 13. Everyone Sang - SSAATTBB a cappella - Greg A. Lapp - text by Siegfried Sassoon bp960108 - After an intonation, each singer "bursts out singing" and through this cacophony, a haunting melody emerges and builds to a glorious climax then fades away leaving everyone singing. 14. Joseph Gentry Stephens "Ineffable", "In the Sun In the Sand By the Sea", and "Recordare". Can be found at www.stephensmusic.com 15. Meredith Monk's work. She has some pieces recently published by Boosey and Hawkes. 16. R. Murray Schafers "Miniwanka",imitates water sounds - published by Arcana Editions (in Canada). 17. "Solfeggio" by Arvo Part 18. Anders Hillborg "Myoaououm" (Edition svecia) (BIS recording 789) 19. Jan Sandström "The singing apes" (STIM) 20. Thomas Jennefelt "Villarosa sarialdi" (Warner Chappell) 21. Lars Edlund "Scherzo" (Warner Chappell) 22. Urmas Sisask "Oremus" (Fazer) 23. "Nokwic" by Carlos Chavez. It is published by Tetra Music(Alexander Broude) #AB 780 24. The Lament of Job by Dale Jergenson 25. "Jing-ga-lye-ya" by Bruce Sled 26. "Adiemus" by Jenkins 27. "Kasar" - an Earthsongs publication by Grau 28. A CD by Toby Twining called SHAMAN 29. "Sound Patterns" by Pauline Oliveros (pub. EAMC/WB) 30. Messiaen's "Cinq Rechants" (Salabert/G. Schirmer) 31. 'Funeral March on the Deaths of Heroes' and 'Here Comes the Avant-Garde' by Brock McElheran 32. Geographical Fugue, by Ernst Toch 33. "Lament for a Lost Child" by ??? 34. Ivan Hrusovsky wrote three choral etudes, one is called Rytmus Thanks to everyone who responded! If cutting and pasting did not work right, email me with questions. Blake Leister University of Massachusetts - Amherst blakeleister(a)hotmail.com _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp
Peter Mannion on June 30, 2005 10:00pm
A wonderful piece is 10 proverbs by Arne Mellnas - espically the 'North Wind' piece where the performers, thru a process of 4 differing platael clicks create the sound of the rain after an opening section of the sound of the wind- very effective
on July 5, 2005 10:00pm
A few more for the list. Mare, mare minne Arne Mellnas Rondes Folke Rabe Joe's Harp Folke Rabe Compositions by Jennifer Walshe jennifer.walshe@akademie-solitude.de
on July 18, 2005 10:00pm
Chindia -- Pescanu Dravidian Dithryamb -- Paranjoti (from Earthsongs Publishing)
on February 23, 2006 10:00pm
In the 1960's I directed an satb choir arrangement on the "Rhapsody In Blue" by Gershwin that utilized the chorus singing "AH'S" ACCOMPANIED BY THE regular piano solo. The arrangement may have been a Finlayson Pub group. I remember the front page was BLUE in color.
on July 19, 2006 10:00pm
What does "bp" stand for in the Greg A. Lapp music? I am having difficulty finding the music let alone a recording. Any advice? |
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