Secular Choral Concert Music

A powerful call to justice, this work reminds us that in order for hope to survive, every day we need to work toward peace. A free-flowing solo is followed by the layering of rhythmic ostinatos, building

Four rhythmic ostinatos underscore the lilting melody in this work scored for a cappella mixed choir and solo or small group. Speaking to the hope found in each child that's born, this piece reminds each of

Originally composed as a dance theater piece, this sobering work should maintain a strict tempo. Written for a cappella mixed choir, the dense harmonic texture and drastic dynamic shifts help deliver the

Also set as a children's book, this powerful text quite literally sings itself. With a divided bass ostinato and accessible harmonies, this a cappella work is a poignant tool to help young people discover

As recorded by Sweet Honey in the Rock, this extraordinary a cappella piece speaks of the precious gifts of life and loved ones. Newly updated by a scholarly committee dedicated to Dr. Barnwell's works,

Close harmonies and a lyrical melody paint the sense of longing one feels after losing a loved one. An exploration of dissonance and resolve, this a cappella piece provides comfort in a time of

The setting of this Walt Whitman text provides a challenge for the advanced ensemble. The harmonic progressions and vocal treatments are adventurous, and the motivic development is effective.

A well-known text by George Herbert combined with a sensitive choral setting, this piece includes lovely harmonies in a beautiful selection for advanced ensembles.

The Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey is now marked with cemeteries; particularly striking are the graves of Australian and New Zealand infantry which are marked with epitaphs provided by the families

In just six lines of poetry, this well-known and highly-regarded hymn, Spirit of Life, deals with nearly all the key concepts cherished by one's faith. Set solo flute, piano/harp and SATB

This piece is a paean to the glories of summer. Images of nature are illuminated, climaxing in the splendor of God's sun: "His Caravan of Red." The setting strives to capture the pleasure of the

From a three-part collection based on poetry by American pioneers, this third piece depicts a barn dance as vocalists circle 'round the instruments, stomp, clap, and perform with general

Freight Train combines the speed of a train with nostalgic remembrances of places traveled. "There's one more place I'd like to see... to watch those Blue Ridge Mountains climb while I ride Old

Composed at the request of the choral ensemble Sospiri, this short a cappella work sets three 1915 texts of the French poet Guillaume Apollinaire. Each text deals with aspects of his life during the

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's famous poem tells the story of the colonial American patriot who rides on horseback to rally his Massachusetts neighbors against the British militia. The route which the British

Mary Ellen Solt's Rain Down is an example of concrete poetry with its gradually changing repetitive patterns which inspired the form of the music. The piece is constructed with a continuous

A traditional memorial text with spiritual roots has been adapted by the composer in a setting that is simple and honest. With an unadorned melody set in a beautiful musical language with open, transparent

This is a song of hope - of building a bridge between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Their respective trees, Jaffa Orange in Israel and Olive on Arab lands, reach out their branches as hands across

The third in a set of three songs titled Love Was My Lord and King! based on the poetry of Alfred Lord Tennyson. For TTBB chorus and chamber orchestra or piano. Commissioned by the Orpheus Male