Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Oh Shenandoah dates back to the early nineteenth century, with possible origins in Virginia. Sometimes referred to as a ‘shanty’ song because of its refrain (‘away, you rolling river,’ etc.), its lyrics exist in many versions and can be seen as a paean either to the river itself, or perhaps to the (mythical?) daughter of an Indian chief of that name. Regardless of …

Par KANDER JOHN / BEALE CHARLES (Arr.). John Kander and Fred Ebb created a number of 20th-century show classics, including Cabaret and Kiss of the spider woman, but Chicago! is perhaps their greatest and best-loved show of them all. Mama Moreton sings When you’re good to Mama to indicate to the prison inmates how the world really works. She is deeply cynical, knows the ways of the world and contro…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Simple Gifts has been sung to numerous different lyrics (particularly Sydney Carter’s 1960s hymn Lord of the dance) and the tune is very well known, thanks to its use in Aaron Copland’s score for the ballet Appalachian Spring, first performed in 1944. Elder Joseph Brackett – a shaker from Maine – originally wrote it as a ‘dancing song’ in 1848. This arrangement by …

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Danny Boy (the melody of which is also known as Londonderry Air), is often assumed to be an old, traditional tune, however its structure and meter do not fit any of the known Irish folksong forms. As for the words most commonly associated with it for the last hundred years or so, they were written by an English lawyer who apparently never set foot in Ireland! Still…

Par KANDER JOHN / BEALE CHARLES (Arr.). This well-crafted arrangement of Roxie, from the Broadway hit Chicago!, is fun, sassy and accessible. A perfect opportunity for you and your choir to experiment with staging and movement! This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and fo…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Auld Lang Syne (meaning ‘old long since’) recalls days gone by, promising always to remember them with friends. A popular New Year’s Eve song in many parts of the world and a perfect encore piece for any New Year or celebratory concerts. This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity o…

Par MIRANDA LIN-MANUEL. With irresistible hip-hop rhythms, solo opportunities and catchy chorus, the popular song My Shot from the hit Broadway musical Hamilton is the perfect way to open or close a concert with a bang and showcase your choir’s talent.  This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles.…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal entreats a lover to emulate nature’s patterns, imploring that they first waken like the firefly and then ‘slip into my bosom and be lost in me’. Alexander L’Estrange was inspired by composers Gerald Finzi and Roger Quilter, two of the most prominent figures in English song in the first half of the twentieth century, and the poem is by T…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Standing in the Need of Prayer is a simple, meditative melody with a pleasing, repetitive chord sequence. This arrangement gives you a chance to ‘crank it up a gear’ after the modulation; there is also an opportunity to thicken out the vocal harmonies towards the end with some optional alto notes. Once singers get more confident, you may wish to experiment with oth…

Par MIRANDA LIN-MANUEL. Relive the best hits from the Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and GRAMMY Award-winning musical Hamilton in this 9-minute choral medley for SA/Men. With opportunities for soloists and small groups, this is a perfect showcase piece for your choir and a lively and fun addition to any concert programme. This medley includes the songs Alexander Hamilton, My Shot, The Schuyler Sisters…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). The Skye Boat Song is perhaps one of the best-known Scottish melodies of all. It refers to the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie who, still only a boy, was smuggled out of Scotland to France after the Scots’ defeat by the English at the Battle of Culloden in 1745. Despite there being a huge reward on his head, not one of his faithful Highlanders would betray him to th…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Love’s Philosophy, a beautiful setting by Alexander L’Estrange, explores the marvellous comparison of couplings in nature – the mountains and the river, the moonbeams kissing the sea – and amongst humans. The music is inspired by composers Gerald Finzi and Roger Quilter, two of the most prominent figures in English song in the first half of the twentieth century, a…

? just songs! is a varied mixture of pieces from various styles of music. Jazz is followed by pop or rock music, followed by madrigals from the Renaissance. The individual songs from different centuries complement each other with regard to subject and music and make an original and conclusive compendium. Originally written for all-male ensemble, some pieces can also be performed by mixed SATB voic…

Par FAURE GABRIEL / MESSAGER. Andre Messager (1853-1929) was a composition and Piano pupil of Gabriel Faure (1845-1924). They collaborated during the summer of 1881 to compose Messe Des Pêcheurs De Villerville and the first performance was in aid of the fisherman's charitable association. The Mass comprises five movements; 1) Kyrie, 2) Gloria Benedictus, 3) Sanctus, 4) O Salutaris, and 5) Agnus De…

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