SKU: A0.1317505

Trebled Seas combines three popular 19th-century sea shanties into an epic voyage on the high seas. Cape Cod Girls, originating from North America, is traditionally thought of as a short-drag shanty used in activities such as raising sails. Its lyrics vary from version to version between “heave�, “haul�, and “bound� away, depending on the physical activity required. Jolly Sailor Bold first appears in a collection of sailing songs out of London, but has many similarities to the Irish ballad The Banks of Claudy. While not used as a working song, its minor tonality and association to sailing folklore makes for an interesting middle point along the journey. This setting contains a newly written verse warning of the dangers of sirens, mythical creatures known to sing to lure sailors to their doom. Lastly, Leave Her, Johnny is a pump shanty, usually one of the last activities done as a ship docks. In these types of pieces, sailors sing to complain about the rough conditions aboard, knowing they are soon to leave and will face no punishment. 

While sea shanties have been popular repertoire for tenor/bass ensembles, there has been a distinct lack of arranging for treble choirs. Historical research is discovering more and more evidence that while piracy and sailing was male-dominated, female captains like Anne Bonny, Mary Read, Zheng Yi Sao and others made their mark on the high seas. This piece is dedicated to the women that his-tory has forgotten.

SKU: A0.953846

Cradle Song (Two-Part Choir) is a brand new composition that’s perfect for the Christmas season. It was inspired by a text from the great 18th century English hymn writer Isaac Watts. In addition to 700 hymns, Watts wrote Joy to the World and is considered the father of the English hymn. In my piece I used a few of Watts' most attractive lines including, Heavenly blessings without number, gently falling on thy head, and omitted those referring to Horned oxen, cursed sinners and burning flames. Cradle Song incorporates lush modern keyboard harmonies in attractive piano interludes. Pianists may recognize subtle references to Chopin’s famous Prelude in D-flat, the Raindrop Prelude. To me, raindrops falling helped paint an emotional picture of heavenly blessings gently falling on the Christ child. Comfortable vocal ranges and many unison lines make the two-part treble version sing-able by young choirs and even two soloists. Cradle Song is available in multiple formats including SATB, SAB, in addition to this Two-Part Treble for small choirs.

SKU: A0.918670

Vive la Liberté! for Two-Part Treble choir, flute, percussion, piano (JB 114) by Jenni Brandon. Duration approx. 4:30 Text written and compiled by Jenni Brandon. Vive la Liberté! was commissioned in 2007 to celebrate the 250th birthday of the Marquis de Lafayette and to honor his constant belief in liberty and freedom for all people. This is a great work to program on a historical concert or a work celebrating freedom and liberty.  Appropriate for younger choirs through college and community.  Winner of the 2008 Roger Wagner Center for Choral Studies International Composition Competition in the Treble Category. Score includes parts for flute and percussion.

Programming: Concert and Contest

Jenni Brandon Music
www.jennibrandon.com
ASCAP