World Music Selections

"We shall sing! We shall jump! We shall shine! We shall fly!" These opening lyrics in this third piece from the suite Three Spanish Songs for tenor-bass choirs are nothing but joy!

Here is the second song in the suite Three Spanish Songs for tenor-bass choir. This music is powerful and energetic, with a stylistic piano part that helps drive the energy of the piece.

This first piece in the suite Three Spanish Songs is a darkly romantic setting of its lyrics: "Your eyes are saying something to me, but what they are saying I do not know." 

This traditional and much-loved carol from Ireland is a welcome addition to any concert. This straightforward arrangement enhances the powerful emotions contained in the lyrics.

Here are two traditional folk songs from across the Malay Archipelago. The first from Indonesia, and the second from the eastern state of Terengganu. These songs are fun and rhythmic and a wonderful

Subtitled Standing Tall, this original work combines Swahili and English phrases about standing with hope, strength, acceptance, and a positive spirit - all in an accessible world music style.

"The whole world is a very narrow bridge and the main thing is not to be afraid at all." Set in the original Hebrew, with dramatic rhythmic intensity, this setting of an 18th-century text by Rebbe

Here is a traditional Yorta Yorta folk song from Australia that is full of energy and style. A cappella divisi harmonies surround this melody and will invite discussion of the language and cultural context

With a multicultural flair, this energetic and rhythmic work conveys a singular force for change. Combining texts from Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Matthew 5:15 with original lyrics, the

This is a popular Indonesian folk song about the game of tug of war from the island of Maluku in the Moluccas. It is a call to live in togetherness, even though there are differences that attract each

Accompanied by piano and oboe, this beautiful traditional Finnish carol affords treble choirs an opportunity to explore the beauty of this style and offers each voice part the opportunity to lead as well as

Written for the One Voice Children's Choir, this work mixes English and Swahili in a pop-style setting to drive home the message: "There is beauty all around when there's love at home."

From the Ewe people of southeast Ghana, bobobo are recreational songs performed at celebrations and festivals. Two such songs (Duma Nya Me and Joy Like a River) are combined in this a

This traditional South African song celebrates life and the paradise that is to come. An upbeat a cappella texture is punctuated with the rhythmic text and singable melody in a dynamic world music selection

This popular Hungarian folk song, rich melodically and rhythmically, will work well with a variety of ages. An English translation is included. 

Layered choral entrances in a fanfare-like introduction set up the entrance to the traditional French carol Noel Nouvelet. Conservative ranges for each part are supported well by the driving piano

This is one of the classic carols sung worldwide each Christmas. The original voicing of this arrangement is for SATB divisi choirs. A recent voicing cleverly simplifies the parts so there is no divisi and

This joyous and rhythmic a cappella celebration of hope, joy and peace is perfect for developing choirs. Your students will appreciate the high performance value, and you'll love the easy harmonic layering

This tender Spanish lullaby, also known as Duermete Nino, has been given an expressive setting for treble or mixed choirs. Appropriate for concerts at any time of year, this work exudes an

In this Turkish folk song, a young girl laments her boyfriend who has died, reminiscing about their good times together and expressing the emptiness of material things without love. Sorrowful but beautiful,

This Philippine love song has all the tenderness and lushness necessary to make the audience swoon. You will fall in love with the legato lullaby texture of this beautiful selection.

Here is a love song from Cuba that is happy and passionate. The title means "Look at me like that," and anyone who has ever fallen in love knows what that means! The tune is folk-like and beautiful, and

This is a traditional Korean children's song based on nature. Jamjari means "dragonfly" and kkongkkong is an expression that means "to freeze, to stop in place." Children in South Korea

Made popular in performances by the famous choral ensemble Chanticleer, this music is original although its connection to Scottish Celtic music is undeniable and quite intentional. The words have no meaning