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Christmas, Chanukkah and other Winter celebrations, for Childrens' ChorusesDate: September 6, 2010 by Dwight Stone
I'm putting together a concert program for several children's choruses of different levels.
I'd like to do a multi-cultural panoply of pieces featuring winter celebrations from around the world, including Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, et al.?
Not sure what exists. Would like suggestions of chestnuts (Still, Still, Still & Do You Hear What I Hear?, etc.) as well as exotic pieces, and any pieces representing the less well-known religions of the world.
Accompanied or a cappella. Might include percussion, or possibly a solo instrument.
Thank you for your help!
Dwight Stone
Composer
Replies (11): Threaded | Chronological
Jerome Hoberman on September 6, 2010 7:11pm
Why do you assume that winter celebrations must be religious? ("Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist...") Why not instead seek winter-themed pieces that are, say, American, French, Bengali, Israeli, Malaysian, Malawian, etc.?
Best regards,
Jerome Hoberman
Hong Kong
Dwight Stone on September 9, 2010 3:24pm
Hello, Jerome,
Good point. I was starting with Christmas carols, and wanted to expand, and take an inclusive stance. As you say, that means secular as well, and from all nationalities.
I like the suggestions of "Solstice" and "Holiday Celebrations" for this reason.
Thanks,
Dwight
on September 7, 2010 5:16am
See "Solstice" by Randall Thompson, recently published by EC Schirmer, unison with challenging piano part. Originally a song for solo baritone. Short (2 minutes), almost patter-song, two verses. Perfect range for children's chorus. Cheerful celebration of hustle and bustle of Christmas season and advocates "peace on earth," but not religious..
on September 7, 2010 8:44am
Hanukkah, O Hanukkah - [Jewish] - unison with keyboard - Edwin T. Childs - Shawnee Press
Deck the Halls - [Welsh origin] unison (or 2-part) with keyboard - Edwin T. Childs - Shawnee Press
Go Tell it on the Mountain [Afro-American spiritual] - 2-part with flute and keyboard - Edwin T. Childs - Mark Foster
on September 7, 2010 9:54am
This doesn't line up with your "multi-ethnic panoply" request, but it's
a secular two-part treble carol: Carol of the Field Mice, poem from
Wind in the Willows. Sample score and recording at
Cheers,
Brian Holmes
on September 8, 2010 11:15am
Betelehemu - a Nigerian Carol. Via Olantunji and Wendell Whalum arranged by Barrington Brooks. Alfred Publishing LG52744.
This is SATB and fairly easy to learn. The fascinating thing about this piece is you need a great drummer or two or three! The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has this piece on a Christmas DVD which makes a great starting point for learning.
on September 8, 2010 7:54pm
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Holiday Celebrations by Estes, 2 part, refers to Kwanzaa as well as Christmas and Hanukkah - celebrates the three December Holidays.
Another delightful piece is "Winter Solstice" by Grier and Everson for 2 part children plus SATB, with flute.
Wishart Bell
Vesper Chorale, Children's Choir of Michiana
R&S Chair for Community Choirs, ACDA Central Division
on September 9, 2010 3:20pm
Thank you all very much for your suggestions!
This will enrich our program substantially.
(still welcoming any more suggestions...)
Thanks,
Dwight
on September 9, 2010 8:01pm
May I suggest my "Unending Flame", a Hanukkah song with klezmer overtones, commissioned by Mary Alice Stollak for her Michigan State University Children's Choir. It's published by Santa Barbara, and you can hear a great performance by the MSU choir on the sbmp.com website. The scoring is SA/solo clar/piano; there is also a fully orchestrated version. The piece has been hugely popular with young choirs and their audiences.
Paul Carey
on September 10, 2010 2:48am
Canasg Music has a new arrangement by Vladimir Morozov of fifteen Ukrainian Christmas carols for SSA voices. See
There is plenty more Christmas/midwinter music there.
John Wexler
Edinburgh, Scotland
Declaration of interest: I'm a partner in Canasg Music
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