Kensington Choral Works

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This work has for years been an important part of Disneyland's Candlelight Procession in which the Christmas story is told. From its atmospheric opening to its sweeping final verse, Don Neufeld has given us a traditionally definitive setting of the famous carol. Primarily utilizing unison, two- and four-part writing, extended voicings do occur (especially in the treble), all to marvelous effect. Masterful and effective, this arrangement makes a rich and meaningful addition to any Christmas concert or service. Available for choir and piano, or choir and full orchestra.

The First Noel

SATB Octavo

Kent Jon Fenske offers deft treatment of four wonderful texts, each celebrating a different aspect of Spring: nature, hope, frivolity and love. Each piece is brief, and can stand alone. However, as a set, "Dandelions," "Promise," "The Kite" and "Rendezvous" complement each other perfectly. At certain moments, in the latter, one may sense a faint reminiscence of "The Coolin'" (Samuel Barber/James Stephens), conjured up not only by the text, but the handling of both melody and harmony. A challenging, unique, and highly worthwhile quartet of partsongs.

Spring Songs

A wonderfully singable, florid arrangement of Mendelssohn’s art song; perfect for women’s voices, yet not beyond the reach of middle school choirs.

On Wings of Song

SSAA Octavo

Extremely rich settings of Shakespeare display the art of choral composition at its highest level. The charming portrayal of the texts' emotional qualities bridges the centuries between music and lyric. This set enjoyed wide sales when first released through its original publisher. We are happy to make them available once again to delight singers and audiences alike! The set includes O Mistress Mine; Come Away, Death and the rousing finale I Am Gone, Sir.

Songs from Twelfth Night

The evocative, haunting tune wanders among each of the four voice parts, while the reflective, personal lyric shares moods of hardship, longing, and transport. Careful not to detract from these moods, the arranger builds stylized effects into the musical fabric - to striking effect. Some of these serve to infer the song’s country and (perhaps) period of origin: occasional sparse, open harmonies (reminiscent of early American hymns), an American Indian motif, even a few blue notes.

Wayfaring Stranger

Voice Subcategory

A phenomenal jazz miniature! Lots of fun to be had with this witty, finger-snappin' showstopper. The delightful text, by contemporary writer, Scott Guy, relates the amusing tale of the romantic plight between two birds ...and introduces us to 'gracle-speak,' with the cry: "Shoo-gokh." Skillful singers required!

The Grackle

SSAATTBB Octavo

Miss Dickinson graciously invites March in for a conversation, only to be interrupted by April’s arrival, in this delightfully whimsical waltz. The third month is not merely personified by the poet, but by the composer in his abundant use of thirds, and other techniques of tone painting. Since March is considered the first month of Spring, the initial notes of the repeating refrain act as springboards. The words “out of breath...” are placed over a hemiola, giving the impression a breath is actually needed. Invited to “come right upstairs...” the notes ascend stepwise, wafting us upward with them. At the phrase, “I have so much to tell,” the music suddenly becomes polyphonic, as if the speaker is attempting to say everything at once. And you can’t miss April’s arrival, knocking boldly at the door! One of Dickinson’s most fanciful and ebullient works, the music couldn’t be more fitting. Considerable repetition, hastens the learning process.
‘Dear March’ is the second of Emily Dickinson’s nature poems, set by Kenneth Neufeld in a collection entitled, “a Stranger yet.” Please see two more movements (sold separately): ‘Mystery’ (from which the triptych’s name is derived), and the award-winning ‘Bring Me the Sunset.’

Dear March

Àla Watteau is the second of Mr. Neufeld’s re-voicings of Fauré art songs for choir, piano and solo instrument, collectively known as “FauréVoix.” This time, the solo instrument is the violin, giving a light, airy quality to ‘Mandoline’---of which this is an arrangement. With only a few changes, Mr. Neufeld retains the original mandolin-like piano part, over which the violin and near-wordless choir alternate, serving as either accompaniment or ornamentation for the other. Soloists will have a wonderful little tour de force with which to shine. If not performing the complete “FauréVoix,” this piece pairs wonderfully with its ‘Vocalise.’

Ala Watteau

A proposal of marriage, Christopher Marlowe’s famous poem, The Passionate Shepherd to His Love was adapted by Shakespeare and used in his play, “The Merry Wives of Windsor”. It is this second version that Kenneth Neufeld deftly weaves into a beautiful engaging partsong. This is one of his most harmonically colorful a cappella endeavors. Originally composed for a wedding, the work lends itself to programs of various themes, especially in which a romantic text and lush vocals are suited.

Come Live with Me

Emily Dickinson marvels, “What mystery pervades a well!” A repeating and fragmenting motif in the accompaniment (an inverted hint at Debussy’s Reflets dans l’eau) introduces a sense of foreboding, as singers cautiously approach this well; their shrinking distance noted in subsequent echo effects. When close enough to gaze into its murky depths, the mystery remains, but their trepidation is gone. In this setting, vocal lines are predominantly unison or two-part, though not without some exciting rhythmic and dynamic challenges. Like the remaining (fully SATB) pieces in the set, this work is exquisite, with excellent text/tone relationship, and very rewarding for good high school choirs, and collegiate ensembles.
 
‘Mystery’ is the first of Emily Dickinson’s nature poems, set by Kenneth Neufeld. The collection is entitled, “a Stranger yet,” which is a line from this work. Please see two more movements (sold separately): the delightful ‘Dear March,’ and the award-winning ‘Bring Me the Sunset.’

Mystery

Hints of medieval chant and Renaissance polyphony are blended into this glorious rendering of the French plainsong hymn. For a cappella voices. Optional string parts are available separately. NOTE: The video recording of our piece utilizes a small sampling of pictures from French monasteries, sunrises over Israel, and other thematic visuals.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Cory Johnson’s skill at part-writing is gloriously exemplified in this masterful setting from Shakespeare’s Cymbeline. From the echoing two-note motif, enjoining us to “Hark!” we follow soft arcs of melody, as they wing through contrapuntal phrases, or alight, momentarily, to nest in sumptuous chordal harmonies. Especially wonderful is the composer’s word-painting as “winking Mary-buds begin to open their golden eyes.” And harmonies of exquisite tenderness shade “With everything that pretty is, my lady sweet, arise.” This piece quickly proves to delight both singer and audience.

Lark at Heavens Gate Sings

This is the first selection from the collection "FaureVoix: re-voicings of Faure Art Songs." Each piece in the set involves mixed chorus, piano, and a (specified) solo instrument...in this case, a solo clarinet (or solo voice). "Vocalise" is an arrangement of Faure's popular "Après un Reve," but as the title suggests, without words. While maintaining the original languorous flavor, Mr. Neufeld has adapted Faure's piano score and added choral accompaniment to this beautiful melody. From its intimate opening and rhapsodic climax to the hushed and atmospheric final sostenuto, this evocative setting presents a luscious and romantic reverie. NOTE: Our audio file is the clarinet version, while the video shares the vocal rendition.

Vocalise

Originally a bestseller for its original publisher, this is definitely NOT the campfire sing-along version! Mr. Neufeld brings an incredible new approach to this simple tune. While vocal lines encompass little more than a divisi between high and low voices, the masterful touch is in the keyboard. In fact, this arrangement has been described "a work for piano with vocal accompaniment." The hymns May the Mind of Christ... and Old Hundredth become countermelodies in two separate verses. Extremely effective in any two-part combination, Kensington Choralworks is proud to rerelease this still-popular and worthy setting!

Kum Ba Ya

Two-Part Mixed Octavo

This spectacular arrangement is a true showcase, performed not only nationwide, but across the globe!  Its eight-part writing provides abundant and varied layers of rich textures and harmonies.  Extend warm wishes to your audience with this musical Christmas card of love and hope. "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, now"!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Cory Johnson's 4-part mixed voices adaptation of his popular SSA classic is now available! "Music, Exalted Gift of God" is a beautifully melodious work that practically sings itself. Harmonically stunning as well, the composer deftly weaves melody and countermelody over a flowing accompaniment. His new setting will reveal this charming work to a much wider audience.

Musica, Dei Donum Optimi

Written for the Notre Dame Glee Club, Curtis Heard demonstrates his ample talent in this charming collection. From "She's Like the Swallow," which affords a languorous testimonial to love, to the rousing revelry and farce "On the Banks of the Don," culminating in a plaint of parting (with tenor solo) in "Farewell, My Friends," this trilogy is a 'must' for all male choirs! The songs encompass unison, three- and four-part writing, gentle contrapuntal lines, rollicking and robust singing, and wordless voices supporting a soloist. The set is brought to its end with an emotional and touching finale. (Please sample our soundfile of excerpts.)

Three Folksongs for Mens Voices

TTBB Octavo

In this contemporary setting of the famous lyric from Song of Solomon, Mr. Williams utilizes a palette, reminiscent of Halsey Stevens, full of bold dissonance, yet retaining a grounded sense of tonality. The work is pervaded by a somewhat angular, but lush beauty, which strikingly complements the text.

My Beloved Spake

A beautifully melodious work that practically sings itself! Harmonically stunning as well, Cory Johnson deftly weaves melody and countermelody over a flowing accompaniment. Useful and appropriate for adults' as well as children's voices.

Musica Dei Donum Optimi (Music, Exalted Gift of God)

SSA Octavo

Ethereal and expansive, this chantlike motet for men's voices is incredibly rich in texture and sonority. A lovely balance of polyphony and homophonic passages, this adaptation of Psalm 62 is a worthy and moving addition to men's choral repertoire.

Psalm in Stillness

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