World Music Selections

Featuring tenor and alto solos, this piece is based on a traditional Argentinian theme. Fairly complex in texture and harmonic structure, this exciting work also features a virtuosic piano

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

With the traditional Latin lyrics "Gloria in excelsis Deo," this setting is anything but traditional. Including some chant as well as stomping and clapping throughout, this almost has the feel of a Maori

Translated as "The One-Horned Cow," this is a playful song learned by many Irish children in school. With origins in the southwest coast of Ireland, the one-horned cow is a metaphor for a poitin still (an

From the Italian word tutti, meaning all or everyone, and the Hindustani (northern Indian) term tarana, a musical form that allows solo singers to display vocal agility, this original work

A fast and furious piece depicting the fierce power and beauty of the pre-World War II trains in the Philippines. The lyrics (in Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines) combine vast landscape

This exciting Hungarian-Romani folk song, originally arranged for Chanticleer, has been masterfully adapted in this arrangement which includes shouts, calls, claps, and spoken sounds in the tradition of

This setting of a Buddhist recitation creates a mesmerizing layered texture that is accompanied only by the constant beating of a temple block. The otherwise a cappella harmonies use repeated motives and

Based on a famous traditional Korean children's song, this creative setting for a cappella mixed choir with bongos and woodblock utilizes a whole-tone scale and text painting. The Korean lyrics use

This Pakpaknese folk song from North Sumatra, Indonesia is commonly performed at wedding celebrations, opening ceremonies, and cultural events in the region, often accompanied by traditional dancing. By

This piece is an exploration of sounds with the human voice in a language created by the composer. Inspired by his own poem, the setting captures the magical moments of a day's beginning and end through a

A setting of the famous Russian poem by Mikhail Lermontov, reflecting on the poignancy and beauty of nature. This six-minute work is in two parts, first using the original Russian text before being

Written for Philip Brunelle and Vocal Essence, this beautiful and complex piece in Spanish asks in longing harmonies, "Where has love gone?" and comments, "Because it is inhumane to live without love and

This work, inspired by Mexican culture's perspectives on death, is written for choir and indigenous instruments, including: three ayoyotes, one ocarina, one death flute and one teponaztli, which are played

This traditional Polish military song was popular among Polish soldiers during World War II. Accessible vocal lines in all parts are accompanied with body percussion, tambourine, and four-hand piano

This upbeat a cappella piece is truly a celebration. Including vocal percussion throughout, the dynamic rhythms, contrasting sections, interplay between the vocal lines and the text "Therefore, let's enjoy

Mimicking the diverse sounds of calling patterns, this Latvian piece explores sounds, vocables, and different tone colors to create an engaging a cappella concert work for advanced treble choirs.

This work is an exploration of sounds with human voice. The text is taken from the terminology used for various Malay traditional dance movements. Inspired by an exotic Indonesian Malay scale, the music

A fascinating Sioux legend is at work in this exciting piece. To be sung with gusto, the lyrics are short and repetitive, with pure vowels and many letter K's, the latter adding percussive interest to the

This original concert work captures the exuberance and revelry of a great celebration. Sudden dynamic shifts, contrasting articulations, and shifting polymetric rhythms occur throughout, culminating in a

A truly creative and unique setting of Psalm 150 that utilizes Spanish text and a Latin flavor that will have everyone wanting to dance! Different compositional techniques and contrasting sections create a

This traditional Latvian song appears to be all about horses - horses eager to run - and run they do; however, it is really a mythological song about heavenly affairs and two gray steeds with their golden

A Lithuanian sutartine, a multipart folk song, is the basis of this creative arrangement. Beginning with foot stomps and hand claps, an energy is established immediately. The tune is an enchanting folk song