Short SATB Choral Works
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For treble voices | Extended works
Neapolitan Carol
SATB chorus and piano ・2’30”
This arrangement of the Neapolitan Christmas carol, sometimes known as "Canzone d'i Zampognari," or "Carol of the Bagpipers", was written for the San Francisco Bach Choir in 2021. It tells the story of the starry night when Bethlehem was visited by three strangers from far away. Sung here in the original Neapolitan language, there is also an optional English text written by the composer.
Tumbalalayka
SATB a cappella ・2’30”
Tumbalalayka is one of the most performed and beloved Yiddish folksongs. This choral setting employs the use of instrument-like sounds imitating the strumming of the balalayka, a Russian folk instrument similar to a guitar, and contrasts the upbeat “Tumbalalayka” refrain with dark harmonic colors and occasional smooth polyphonic textures.
Tumbalalayka has been performed in the US, Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, Romania and other countries around the world. It is included on French vocal quartet Quatour Aesthesis’ 2022 CD O Do Not Move.
The Noble Art of Music
SATB a cappella ・2’
Composed for San Francisco Choral Artists as part of the composer’s 2017-18 stint as Composer-in-Residence, “The Noble Art of Music” is a short, fanfare-like choral setting of two well known quotations by Martin Luther about music:
After the word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.
As long as we live there is never enough singing.
It will work well as a concert opener and is suitable for many high school, college and community choirs.
Fare Ye Well, My Darlin’
SATB a cappella ・4’40”
Based on an American folksong, perhaps dating from the Civil War, collected in South Carolina. A soldier bids farewell to his beloved, informing her that he has enlisted to fight in the war. It was premiered in June, 2018 by San Francisco Choral Artists, Magen Solomon, Artistic Director, as part of the composer’s 2017-18 residency.
Ducks in the Garden
SATB a cappella ・2’25”
Premiered in 2012 by San Francisco Choral Artists, Magen Solomon, Artistic Director, Ducks in the Garden is a short, challenging and “serious” a cappella piece based on a very silly poem by Will T. Laughlin.
The Ballad of the Lost Lamb
SATB a cappella ・6’
A theatrical setting of “Di Balade Funem Farloyrenem Shefel,” a colorful allegory by Yiddish poet Itzik Manger telling the story of a shepherd boy searching high and low for his lost lamb, only to discover that he has found something more important that he didn’t know he was looking for. It was premiered in March, 2018 by San Francisco Choral Artists, Magen Solomon, Artistic Director as part of the composer’s 2017-18 residency.
Are Friends Delight or Pain?
SATB + SATB a cappella ・2’15”
A double choir setting of the Emily Dickinson poem excerpted from Cycle of Friends for soprano solo, chorus and chamber orchestra, premiered by The Music Group of Philadelphia with Seán Deibler, Artistic Director.
Roll the Tide
SATB a cappella ・3’50”
“Roll the Tide” is a short, a cappella quasi-spiritual excerpted from the larger work Waiting…, based on poems by Elisabeth T. Eliassen, that was premiered by the Sanford Dole Ensemble in San Francisco in 2012. The video a performance is heard by the Kodály Summer Institute Chorus at Holy Names University, conducted by László Matos.