Theme: “Seasons of Song”

Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day (Nils Lindberg) SATB a cappella – Walton WWCS102

This is perhaps the best setting of Shakespeare famous text.  It flows like a madrigal with subtle contemporary jazz harmonies and a lilting, dancing rhythm.

Spring Returns (Luce Marenzio) SSATB a cappella – EC Schirmer #1642

This is a Baroque madrigal that is delightful, quick (mostly), and paints the text perfectly.

Bitter for Sweet (Chorbajian) SATB divisi a cappella – Hal Leonard 50316230

The title helps describe the musical setting of this selection.  The harmonies are tantalizing, modern, and help the aromas of the text become real.

Autumn (Memley) SATB divisi with piano – Pavane P1445

The choir parts are outstanding, but the piano accompaniment is fantastic. The way Kevin ends this piece, you can feel summer slipping away.

Winter (Z. Randall Stroope) SATB divisi with piano – Alliance

Stroope is such a fine craftsman of the choral arts. The winter season of nature is not what the poem describes, and Randall brings such passion to his writing that the deeper meaning becomes apparent.

Winter Song (Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson/Arr. Huff) SATB and three soloists – Hal Leonard 02501642

Pop songs don’t always transfer into the choral arts well, but Mac’s setting honors both mediums.

Here Comes the Sun (Harrison/Kirby Shaw) TTBB a cappella – Hal Leonard 8202876

Kirby is a craftsman for sure.  He takes this familiar Beatles song and makes it soar with TTBB voices alone.

As Torrents in Summer (Edward Elgar) SATB a cappella – CPDL

This may be a classic from more than 100 years ago that everyone knows, but it is a stunning piece of choral literature.