World Music Selections

This elegant original concert work combines the ancient Hebrew text of Jewish scholar Hillel the Elder with English lyrics to capture the tension between the need for healthy self-care and the importance of

Don't miss this unique setting of a traditional Israeli folk song scored for a cappella voices, flute, and hand drum. Inventive with spoken chants woven throughout, this is accessible with limited ranges

Fun to sing and surprisingly rehearsal-friendly, this South African musical celebration of freedom and hope is sure to have instant appeal. Lending itself to simple stage choreography and with an exciting,

With texts taken from the Kokin Wakashu, a collection of Japanese waka poetry compiled from various poets in the early tenth century, these four short songs of spring show the passing of the season from the

This high-energy piece for a cappella treble choir with optional body percussion and spoons is fun to sing and dynamic to perform. Written in the style of an Acadian folk song, the words of Vichten

This authentic sounding salsa piece is a fun way to incorporate Spanish text into your choral program. A contrasting middle section makes use of claves and vocal percussion, and the song provides an

Kusimama is written in a world-music style that is accessible for choirs, both young and old, that are just beginning to be exposed to world rhythms and language - a sort of introduction to new

Beautifully melodic, with a great beat and a great message, this "world music" piece has a text in Swahili which translates as, "We have a right." Imbakwa was written for the score of a film about

This traditional Chinese folk song is used as a blessing for a bountiful harvest and a good year. The pentatonic melody line and simple repeated harmonies preserve the Eastern feel of the arrangement, and

A traditional Venezuelan villancico (Spanish carol), this lullaby is sung by Mary to her newborn child. With Spanish text throughout, it is creatively arranged in 5/8 meter with a gently rocking

This beautiful Gaelic carol comes from the Scottish Isles. The tune, which is in the mixolydian mode, has a medieval quality; the gently swaying rhythm captures the essence of Mary gently rocking the Baby

This Latin-style piece blends a Spanish text with the syncopated and energetic Brazilian choro-samba style. To capture the exciting, life-celebrating text, this fun selection incorporates chanting, melodic

This traditional French carol is set in an arrangement that sparkles with rhythmic vitality and mixed meter. Utilizing just one verse, the French text is simple to learn and makes for a wonderful

Composed to teach three essential and specific music and dance styles in the Carribbean music traditions: the Cuban "son," the Puerto Rican "Plena," and the Dominican "Merengue." Accompanied by piano, bass

Based on a folk song from Ghana, this is a happy song of welcome that will make a wonderful, upbeat opener to your concert. Carefully considered ranges and simple stacking harmonies that are fun to

This traditional Venezuelan carol has a Spanish text with a phonetic pronunciation guide and translation included. Sweet and lilting, with well-written treble voice parts, the piece is accompanied by piano,

This traditional, gentle lullaby from the Dominican Republic has been a favorite of families for many years. In this arrangement, the sweet gentle head nods required to finally lull this child to sleep are

This traditional Christmas lullaby from Mexico with long flowing phrases and exquisite vocal harmonies can be performed in either Spanish or English or even a combination of both. It can be performed a

This beautiful and moving text comes from the Hebrew liturgy and a Hebrew folk song is quoted in the music. The choral parts are lovely and accessible, as the choir asks God to "be gracious and answer

Used in the film "Slumdog Millionaire," here is a wonderful fusion of Indian rhythms and scales with American pop styles and instrumentation. Excellent program notes offer guidance for the Bollywood style,

This exuberant African-style original work is an invitation to let music be our guide and sing together with joyful hearts. You'll want to use the optional percussion parts with this a cappella piece to