Folksongs Choral Music

Feature a few soloists in this rhythmic a cappella setting of an 18th-century sea shanty that your tenor-bass choirs will love! Its historical use as a working song for short bursts of energy is evident in

Loosely adapted from the traditional Appalachian folk song with Cherokee text in the Overhill (Western) dialect, this was sung on the Trail of Tears to offer comfort to the grieving. Straightforward vocal

Based on a song by Woody Guthrie collected from American folk lyrics, this unique arrangement ingeniously employs vocal percussion to emulate a speeding train on its tracks. Scored for mixed chorus and

Highlighting the weight of the lyrics with a gospel feel and bluesy sonorities, this popular American folk song has never sounded so unique. The stylized arrangement includes echoed choral entrances as well

Based on the traditional Gaelic folk tune, this gently lilting ballad speaks of a fisherman's longing to return home to his family. Tenor-bass choirs will enjoy the sentimental approach to this melody, and

Displaying a contemporary Scottish flair on a traditional tune, this setting is unexpectedly buoyant and joyful. The slight melodic and rhythmic variations bring a lilting and skipping feel that is nicely

Long lyrical melodic lines are enhanced with echoing countermelodies in this expressive arrangement of the traditional folk tune for mixed choirs. A rich and haunting harmonic palette and flowing piano

Using a Rudyard Kipling text, this setting of the traditional English folk tune is lyrical and hauntingly beautiful. The flowing piano part supports and helps elongate the phrases, which allows for the

Written by Carolina Oliphant, Lady Nairne, an 18th-century songwriter, this Scottish song is given a bright and jaunty setting. With a dancing melody that is passed between voice parts, staccato

A veteran seafarer gives advice to a young new recruit in this traditional Scottish sea shanty. This robust arrangement possesses solid harmonies and is eminently singable and fun, similar to the style of

A 19th-century halyard sea shanty, this piece is a great example of a song sailors would sing, adopting words and phrases heard from various lands they visited. Tastefully arranged for a soloist or a series

This rousing English music-hall song was arranged for the hit television production of Agatha Christie's Why Didn't They Ask Evans? The song accompanies the final wedding scene and is full of joy

This endearing arrangement of a favorite American cowboy song is a welcome addition to the repertoire for tenor-bass choirs. With limited ranges, accessible choral writing, and the option to perform a

In this stunning setting of the traditional Appalachian folk song, the haunting tune is seamlessly paired with colorful vocal scorings and a captivating accompaniment, resulting in a soundscape that feels

This Newfoundland folk song tells a quirky story of a lad expecting the trip of a lifetime, but the trip goes awry! All who sing this rollicking sea shanty will enjoy the ridiculous journey as you travel

In this arrangement of a 19th-century song about love and war during the Irish Rebellion of 1798, a separate ensemble alternately sings the role of Ireland and the role of the Maiden. The parts for guitar

This witty setting seeks to answer the age-old question, what shall we do with that drunken sailor, anyway? For unaccompanied divisi chorus - with plenty of rhythmic activity, complementary vocal

The Sharon Gratto Global Music Series is dedicated to providing historical context to multicultural and folk music. This arrangement of the classic tune attributed to Huddie Ledbetter is accompanied by a

The traditional Irish folk song is wrapped in a gorgeous eight-part a cappella setting with expanded harmonies. The flowing, memorable melody is surrounded with lilting motives and an elegant harmonization

Set in Shaker harmony style, this is a great contribution to an Earth Day celebration. The voice-leading is both accessible and interesting for the singers as well as listeners, and the lyrics speak to our

A high-energy Celtic setting of the familiar tune, this is a great closer for seasonal concerts.

The classic American folk song Home on the Range has been reimagined as a gentle, peaceful lullaby for choir and piano. Narverud incorporates American pastoral sounds with lush contemporary

This gently rocking sea shanty was generally reserved for the end of a long voyage when the sailors would be leaving the ship. The "her" in the song refers to the ship, and the lyrics express the hardships

This piece was originally a part of the Chanticleer Silver Jubilee Anthology. Scored for unaccompanied mixed divisi voices, this advanced arrangement will be perfect for an American Music Month