The newest in the series, this is the definitive edition for translations of French and Italian texts used throughout the history of choral music. French translations range from the works of Josquin des Pres and Jan Sweelinck, through Faure, Ravel and Poulenc. Italian entries include those of Gabrieli, Gesualdo, DiLasso, Rossini and a strong representation from Monteverdi. A section devoted to early French Noels is particularly noteworthy.

This comprehensive volume is the new definitive source for Hebrew texts, with chapters covering Singing in Hebrew; Bloch's "Avodath Hakodesh:" and Selected Texts, Translations and Pronunciation Guides, plus nine appendices which address every aspect of Hebrew singing from composers and choral repertoire to phonetics and transliteration, including a complete listing of texts and translations.

In the preface to her complete volume on vocal jazz, Michele Weir writes "Jazz improvisation can be one of the most creative, adventurous, meaningful, and intrinsically rewarding things you can do in music." Not only is she passionate about the art form, she has developed a step-by-step method that develops basic skills, teaches about hearing the changes, examines music theory, suggests group activities and provides a state-of-the-art recording with some of the best singers currently active in vocal jazz. Interviews with 19 singers include Bobby McFerrin and Darmon Meader. For singers, voice teachers, choral directors or students wanting to hone their skills or start from the beginning, this book is an absolute must.

Renowned choral conductor and educator Andre J. Thomas has crafted a book that the conductor of any choral ensemble - be it church, high school, university, or professional - will want close at hand when preparing to program any concert spiritual. Understanding the Spiritual, the first of the book's two sections, is an exploration of the beginnings of the spiritual, its role in society and its transition into art music. Issues of interpretation - text, diction, rhythm, and tempo - are addressed in the second section, Performing the Spiritual. In addition to interviews with noted conductors Dr. Anton Armstrong and Professor Judith Willoughby, focusing on performance and selection, it features Dr. Thomas' personal reflections on several spiritual arrangements. He discusses his rehearsal techniques (with specific examples and measure-number references to the included scores) and shares valuable insights into his approach to interpretation. This practical, personable book will help you develop a firm understanding of the spiritual and realize the full potential of the spirituals your choirs perform!

Editors' Choice
The invaluable information contained in this book is based on the work of cellist and educator William Conable. He developed the concept of Body Mapping to free the body and mind to move and make music naturally and expressively. This spiral-bound book is written clearly and concisely. It can be effectively applied by all types of musicians including instrumentalists, pianists and singers. It describes the structure and movement of the head and neck; the spine; the torso; the legs; the arms the hands and the head. It details brain and movement; Body Mapping; how to support the instrument and breathing. You'll immediately be equipped to apply the concepts to yourself and educate your students.

What is it about some musicians and performers who consistently achieve success? Are they the best performers? Did they have the best teachers? Do they have the best professional contacts and connections? Is it just coincidence? Of course not! Dr. Steve Zegree, choral arranger and conductor of Western Michigan University's prestigious vocal jazz group Gold Company, has developed this practical guide for performers, students, teachers and parents which offers fundamental philosophies and concepts that are essential to a person's growth and development and will contribute to a successful professional life in music. More than just the basics, more than a prescribed curriculum, and more than just getting in front of an audience to go through the motions of what you did in rehearsal - call it The Wow Factor - there is something for everyone in this book! And, as a special bonus, it includes interviews with great performers from all facets of the music industry, including Simon Carrington, Nick Lachey, Ward Swingle, Roger Emerson, Mac Huff, Liza Minnelli, and many more! Chapters include: 1. The Wow Factor: The Framework; 2. How to Practice and Rehearse for The Wow Factor; 3. How to Prepare a "Wow" Audition; 4. Ifs, Ands or Buts - and Rules to Live By; 5. Don't Go to Your Face: Putting the Polish on Your Performance; 6. How to Educate and Entertain; 7. How to Win on NBC's Clash of the Choirs; 8. "Wow" Perspectives: The Interviews; 9. Coda.