Description:
Written for the 20th anniversary of the CME Institute, A Living Song serves to honor and reflect on the passion for music that CME has instilled in countless singers throughout the years.

David Brunner (Composer)
 

David Brunner (Composer)
 

Description:
With a text from an old gospel hymn, this original setting is brisk and syncopated, perhaps even “jazzy” and calls for a bright, energetic and joyous choral sound.

 

Description:
A message of hope and optimism, as well as a call to the whole range of life's participants to raise their figurative voices in a celebration of diversity. With piano.

Jim Scott (Composer)
 

Description:
A gentle Russian Doukhobor lullaby, the second movement of “Northwest Trilogy.” Varied textures and voicings bring this song of warmth and simplicity to life.

Imant Raminsh (Composer)
 

Description:
Strong, dance-like rhythms carry the opening words of Psalm 96 and make this an inviting selection. Using both English and Latin text, this work combines engaging vocal counterpoint with stirring energy. With piano or organ.

Wayland Rogers (Composer)
 

Description:
This tenderly wrought and graceful work transcends the usual imagery of Christmas to embrace universal questions of humanity. Piano and viola form a lyrical accompaniment. Recorded by Portland Symphonic Girlchoir, Roberta Q. Jackson, director.

Imant Raminsh (Composer)
 

Description:
Commissioned by Doreen Rao for the Elmer Iseler Singers, this work was inspired by Raphael's St. Cecilia Altarpiece in which Cecilia, the patron saint of music,is surrounded by discarded instruments, symbols of King David's penitence. The work opens with a declamatory section calling upon God to punish the wicked, moves into a more reflective middle section that begs forgiveness, and ends with praise to the wonder and beauty of creation.

Elizabeth Alexander (Composer)
 

Description:
Different influences from across the gospel tradition gather together in this spirited piece. Body percussion and double choir call and response make for a vivid performance!

Stephen Hatfield (Arranger)
 

Description:
This collection of four variations, one for each of the four winds, is the first in a set of pieces based on Carl Sandburg poems. The piece is stormy and sometimes gently, ending with a burst of wind.

Imant Raminsh (Composer)
 

Description:
“For this we stand, all peoples of the earth, in spirit as in law across the sacred land; a worth and dignity bestowed to each as right of birth, our lives in interdependence, for this we stand.” This stirring work celebrates a vision for peace vital to an interdependent world. With piano.

Jim Scott (Composer)
 

Description:
Written in the style of students performing in Nairobi, Kenya, Harambee (a Swahili word that symbolizes unity) is full of energy, with an occasional drum and optional clapping to embellish the rhythm and enliven the performance.

Robert Hugh (Composer)
 

Description:
A musical representation of the sonnet by Keats of the same name, this work expresses the creative process in variously musing and emphatic music. With piano and oboe or violin.

Michael Richardson (Composer)
 

Description:
These intimate and comforting lines of Elizabeth Bishop's Sonnet are set to music that is reflective, lush and lyrical, with the text always foremost.

David Brunner (Composer)
 

Description:
Jubilation is given full voice in this rousing setting of Psalm 150! With piano. “Laudate Dominum” is the final movement of Raminsh's Symphony of Psalms for chorus and orchestra; full vocal and orchestral materials are available from Boosey & Hawkes Rental Library.

Imant Raminsh (Composer)
 

Description:
Cuckoo calls and shifting moods across three verses round out this satisfying Welsh folksong arrangement. Both Welsh and English texts are given.

Nigel Jones (Arranger)
 

Description:
A setting of The Creation by James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) from his collection of poetic sermons, “God's Trombones,” this work is in keeping with the style of the poem, flowing freely through the changing moods of the text.

Ruth Watson Henderson (Composer)
 

Description:
Hauntingly beautiful, this is the story of a young girl exiled to a remote island by a hard-hearted uncle. The story of love and loss that unfolds is second only to the lush harmonies of the vocal lines.

 

Description:
Written for the Virginia ACDA Voices United Children's Honor Choir, this is a Yiddish lament set to an unstoppable dance groove. The rhythms and melodic contour evoke the Middle East without being culturally specific, and driving percussion fuels cantabile vocal lines. A unique piece that will not soon be forgotten!

 

Description:
The first movement of Nights in Armor, a four-movement suite evoking the legend of King Arthur as related by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. “Merlin's Riddle” is a quirky, dance-like incantation, in which the famous sorcerer prophesies Arthur's coming.

Lee R. Kesselman (Composer)
 

Description:
This native welcoming song from British Columbia features free incantation alongwith evocative choral writing. First movement of “Northwest Trilogy.”

Imant Raminsh (Composer)
 

Description:
Nukapianguaq presents Inuit music in a choral setting that remains as faithful as possible to the aesthetics of the original tradition.

Stephen Hatfield (Arranger)
 

Description:
This breathtaking work, derived from unique fragments of plainchant from the 13th century, evokes a sense of serenity and peace. O Columba begins slowly and quietly with three verses of hymn in praise of St. Columba.

Ken Johnston (Composer)
 

Description:
This lyrical yet forceful setting of Psalm 124 speaks to the strength of those who trust in God. A children's choir and SAB voices in combination make this a memorable selection. With piano and optional flute, oboe, and bassoon.

Valerie Shields (Composer)
 

Description:
Based on a text from Psalm 139, this work is a prayer for examination and guidance. Firmly anchored in a modal E minor tonality, the music employs minimalaccompaniment patterns and homophonic choral writing. The simplicity of musical means is intended to heighten the heartfelt eloquence of this ancient prayer of David. With piano and optional cello.

Timothy Broege (Composer)
 

Description:
Gospel forms and Latin rhythms, percussive singing and shouting make this high-energy praise song an exuberant fusion! For SATB, solo and piano. Optional accompaniment for Baritone Sax, Electric Bass, Shakers, Timbales (or Conga), Cowbell and Bass Drum is available. Performance Time: Approx. 4:00

Nick Page (Composer)
 

Description:
A meaningful work of togetherness: children's and SATB choruses combine in a multigenerational performance, while the text draws from an Irish fisherman's prayer and the Way of the Boddhisattva to express the importance of community support for those in need. With piano.

David Brunner (Composer)
 

Description:
Perfect for graduations, retirements, or other occasions of farewell. Song of the Open Road delivers a message of strength, courage, and confidence for the start of a new journey.

David Brunner (Composer)
 

Description:
Folksy, poignant, and slighty tongue-in-cheek, this lament portrays the thoughts of a dying British Columbian cowboy. Third movement of “Northwest Trilogy.”

Imant Raminsh (Arranger)