secular

Canadian Boat Song SSA & piano, Jubilate Music VG-369 Irish poet Thomas Moore wrote the text for Canadian Boat Song as he traveled along the St. Lawrence River in 1842. The tune is a lilting French folksong. The descriptive piano writing portrays tolling bells, the rapids, and the peacefulness of the evening along the St. Lawrence. See score YouTube ChoralTracks Citadel Hill SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1335 SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP1245 This lively and humorous folk song tells the romantic tale of two young lovers on Citadel Hill, the Nova Scotian landmark that overlooks Halifax harbour. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube YouTube ChoralTracks The Cliffs of Dooneen SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1165. SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1164 TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1889 The Cliffs of Dooneen is a popular and haunting Irish folk song that extols the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast. The final verse expresses longing for the homeland–a sentiment shared by many Irish immigrants during the nineteenth century when they were forced to leave for North America because of the Great Famine. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube Cloths of Heaven SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 023 SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 022 TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 021 A moving setting of Yeat’s magnificent poem “Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths.” Commissioned by Music Plus and the Lyrical Lines Education Network for the 2007 Waterloo Region High School Choral Festival, Centre in the Square, Kitchener-Waterloo.  There are two instrumentations available from the composer 1. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano or 2) wind quintet and piano.  See score & listen YouTube or YouTube or YouTube Every Child Has Known God SSA & piano, Alliance Music AMP 0815 This work was written for the Columbian Choirs, Les Chanteuses, Edmonton AB, directed by Heather Bedford.  The text by Persian poet Hafiz is a celebration of the love of God for all creatures on earth.  See score  Youtube  Every Rhythm is the Beat Words and Music by Sarah Slean arr. M. Sirett Arranged for Les Chanteuses, Edmonton AB, directed by Heather Bedford.  Text and music used by permission.  For further information contact the composer. Farewell to Tarwathie   SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1597 SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1357 TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1876 This lovely Scottish folk song, made famous by Judy Collins and Pete Seeger, is suitable for community, high school and college/university singers. Fl, ob, vl, db, piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube new release 2024 The Fields of Athenry SSA & piano, optional instruments, Hal Leonard HL 01454755 SATB & piano, optional instruments, Hal Leonard HL 01454754 TTBB & piano, optional instruments, Hal Leonard HL  01454756 This iconic folk song by legendary Pete St. John has become the unofficial national anthem of Ireland.  It tells the story of a young man during the mid-1800’s Irish Famine. Both heartache and the resilience of the human spirit are captured in this emotive arrangement. Order  Listen new release 2024 For the Fallen SSA & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2381 Two-part & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2380 SATB & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2379 TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral CP 2382 A single verse from the famous poem ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon has become synonymous with acts of remembrance throughout the world  It has become known as the ‘Ode of Remembrance’ and often recited at Remembrance Day, Veterans’ Day, ANZAC and Memorial Day commemorations . This setting, in both English and French, is appropriate for Remembrance Day in Canada.  For English only, appropriate for other counties of the Commonwealth and the USA, the first verse should be repeated to letter B, with m. 39 to the end as a Coda. See score & listen The Gift to Sing SSA & piano, Alliance Music AMP 1152 Written for the anniversary of Canada’s celebrated Junior Amabile Youth Choir of London ON, this work is on the fabulous words of Afro-American James Weldon Johnson. Sometimes the mist overhangs my path, And blackening clouds about me cling; But, oh, I have a magic way To turn the gloom to cheerful day— I softly sing. See score & listen   Choral Tracks Give Me Your Stars to Hold SSA & piano, Santa Barbara Music SBMP 1252 Written for the Association of Music in International Schools Girls’ Middle School Festival, Luxembourg.  Abounding in melodic interest, and blessed with an ever-pulsating accompaniment, this setting of the Teasdale poem is destined to be a favourite of singers. String quintet and piano version available from the composer. See score YouTube or YouTube  ChoralTracks Go, Lassie, Go  SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-475308 SATB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48005157 Instrumental parts for flute, oboe, violin and double bass: M-051-105106 This Celtic folk song is well known in Scotland and Ireland. This is animated rendition that sets the audiences toes ‘a-tappin’ and would make a perfect opening or conclusion to a concert. Listen YouTube ChoralTracks inngiqtuq SSA, body percussion & drum, Boosey & Hawkes 979-0-051-48351-8 inngiqtuq (She Sings) is a soundscape that honours the culture of the Inuit people of the Arctic. Musical references to traditional “throat-singing” and “ay-ya” songs are found in the music. The body percussion – stomping, clapping, chest pounding – and drum will add to the authentic experience this piece brings to singers and audience. See score & listen YouTube In the Early Morning Rain Gordon Lightfoot arr. Sirett, SSA & piano, optional guitar, bass, violin, Cypress Choral Music CP2243 SATB & piano, optional guitar, bass & violin, Cypress Choral Music CP 2101 TBB & piano, optional guitar, bass & violin Cypress Choral Music CP 2102 This classic song by Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot, expresses the homesickness he often felt as a traveling folk artist.  It has been covered by Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Eva Cassidy and many others.  See See score & listen new release 2024 Joy SSA & piano,  Alliance Music AMP 1176 This sparkling setting of the poetry by Sara Teasdale expresses the joy of young love.  Commissioned by the Calgary Girls’ Choir ‘Brava’ directed by Elaine Quilichini See score Lake Huron Autumn  SSA & percussion (Orff), Boosey & Hawkes M051-48019774 An evocative soundscape on poetry by William Wilfred Campbell is appropriate for children, teens and adults alike. The inventive work captures the sounds of the autumn along the shores of the Great Lakes: rustling bulrushes, leaves, flying geese and ducks, the cold wind. See score & listen YouTube   The Leaving of Liverpool SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes, M051-48177-4 Setting this Celtic folk song in a slow and majestic style, Mark underscores the anguish and uncertainty of the lovers who must say goodbye. The final outburst is full of heartbreak and will be a passionate and emotional moment for your choir and audience. See score & listen  YouTube Les étoiles (Stars) SSA & piano, Alliance Music AMP 0687 Full of lyricism and romantic harmonies, Les étoiles was commissioned by the Oriana Women’s Choir of Toronto under the direction of William Brown on words by young poet, Ryan O’Reilly. It is recorded by the Oriana Women’s Chorus on the CD “Child with the Starry Crayon”.  See score & listen YouTube  Listen Maybe Robbie Smith arr. M. Sirett, SSA & piano, Cypress Music CP 1978 SATB & piano, Cypress Music CP 1971 TTB & piano, Cypress Music CP 1976 The beautiful lyrics and music by Nova Scotia singer and songwriter, Robbie Smith, are especially appropriate for Remembrance, AnZac, Memorial Day observations.  Maybe war will teach us something–teach us how to live in peace.  Peace will come, peace will come;  peace will come in time.  All the guns and marching drums, fade to silence in time.  The poignant text is partnered with an expressive tune.  See score & hear new release 2024 May You Heal SSA, piano & cello (optional) Hal Leonard HL 01302037 SATB, piano & cello (optional) Hal Leonard HL 00396766 TTBB, piano & cello (optional) Hal Leonard HL HL 01302038 This is the centerpiece of the May You Heal Project, a series of five short choral works that have been written and recorded during the pandemic. The project offers music of comfort, peace, renewal and self-awareness. In this piece, Mark captures the essence of the text in a poignant, contemplative choral setting.  See score & listen ChoralTracks My Heart Soars SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes, HL 48023055 The SATB version is available from the composer Composer Mark Sirett set the beautiful and evocative poem “My Heart Soars” of Chief Dan George for a tribute concert to aboriginal cultures of the world. The concert was recognized by Choral Canada as Outstanding Choral Event of  2010.  See score & listen YouTube or YouTube The Peace of Wild Things SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48024168 Here is one of American writer and poet Wendell Berry’s best known and best loved poems. This music captures the serenity and peacefulness of the words and offers hope amid the hurried pace of modern life. See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks The Pierless Bridge SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1332 SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1294 TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1333 Emily Dickinson explores the question of faith is this poignant poem and Mark gives it the perfect gentle setting.  See score & listen Red-Winged Blackbird David Francey arr. M. Sirett, Cypress Choral Music SSA & piano CP2083 SATB & piano CP2082 TBB & piano CP2084 One of the best-loved songs by Scottish-Canadian folk artist, David Francey, rejoices in the arrival of the red-winged blackbird as the harbinger of spring.  This charming song is now available for either SATB, SSA, TBB choirs.  See score & listen Responsibility SSA & piano, Hal Leonard HL357220 SATB & piano, Hal Leonard HL357218 Jewish leader and scholar, Hillel the Elder, captures the tension between the need for healthy self-care and the importance of caring for others. Canadian composer Mark Sirett combines the ancient Hebrew text with modern English to create an elegant and folk-like setting.  See score & listen Reel à bouche SSA, piano & clarinet (or accordion), optional double bass, Alliance Music AMP 0714 In the Acadian tradition, a Reel à bouche is a form of ‘mouth music’ with nonsense syllables and extra vocal effects to imitate the sounds of other instruments.  Commissioned by the Amabile Youth Singers of London ON, this rhythmic dance has a French cabaret feeling that is full of fun for performers and audience alike.  See score & listen YouTube or YouTube Shanti (Peace) SSA, drone, finger cymbals, gong, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-47984-9 This soundscape is inspired by the mysticism of ancient Eastern religions, with a Buddhist text: “Peace. May all beings be well and happy.” The work was commissioned to accompany an art installation by Canadian sculptor, Marlene Hilton Moore. The drone was original performed by a singing bowl but a cello, keyboard or low organ pedal could easily be used. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube   Choral Tracks Song of the Angels (Gloria) SSAA, handbells, percussion, Boosey & Hawkes, CME In High Voice, M-051-47492-9 Although the Gloria is often associated with Christmas the message of peace is universal and appropriate for many different settings.   Commissioned by La Jeunesse Northumberland Girls’ Choir, this colourful soundscape uses accessible experimental effects often supported by the tuned and untuned percussion instruments. Gregorian chant inspires the opening and concluding melodies. The work has received acclaim at international competitions and festivals. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube The Songster SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48023436 Celebrating the arrival of spring and the glorious song of the birds, Mark Sirett captures the passion and grandeur of the lyrics by Canadian poet, Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake). Commissioned for the Ottawa Children’s Choir. See score & listen YouTube Sparrow SSA & piano, violin or flute, CP 1607 TTBB & piano, violin or flute, CP 1890 SATB & piano, violin or flute, CP 1610 This beautiful winter song is the creation of the Canada’s beloved Raylene Rankin and Susan Crowe.  The text expresses the concern for the environment and would be an ideal number for winter concerts or Earth Day. See score & listen YouTube The Spinning Wheel SSA & piano, ECS Publishing ECS 6416 “Merrily, cheerily, noiselessly whirring”–this delightful Irish folksong tells the story of a young maiden spinning under the supervision of her grandmother. The sounds heard at the window are that of the young girl’s lover come to steal a kiss without her grandmother knowing. An inventive piano part highlights the humour of the story.  See score & listen YouTube Treat the Earth Well SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes, Building Bridges Series, HL 48023877 The words for this ancient prayer comes from the Southwestern United States. It speaks of the earth as a sacred and holy place that is worthy of our love and respect. The prayer challenges us to be diligent stewards of the land for future generations. Written for Les Chanteuses of Edmonton, Heather Bedford, conductor.  See score & listen YouTube new release 2024 Torn Screen Door SSA a cappella Cypress Choral CP 2083 SAB a cappella Cypress Choral CP 2085 TBB a cappella Cypress Choral  CP 2084 David Francey, a Scottish-born Canadian, has become known as “one of Canada’s most revered folk poets and singers” (Toronto Star). Born in Ayrshire, Scotland he moved to Canada when he was twelve, working as a carpenter, in rail yards and the Yukon bush, all the while writing poetry and setting his words to melody.  In his 40s he turned to the stage to sing his songs in public. His first album Torn Screen Door came out in 1999 and was an instant hit in Canada. Since then, he has released eleven albums, and has won three Juno Awards.  See & listen Un Canadien errant SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 109 TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 119 SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 108 One of Canada’s best loved folk songs, an emotional and heartrending story of a young rebel who is banished from his homeland.  This poignant and dramatic setting that has often been used for Canada Day Unisong Festival at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Easy.  Two versions available from the composer a) Fl, ob, vl, db and piano b) Full orchestra. See score & listen YouTube Watane SSAA (or TTBB) percussion, Boosey & Hawkes M051-473434;  easily adaptable to SATB Watane is an original work inspired by Canada’s aboriginal culture. Non-traditional vocal sounds, fragments of Iroquois chants, bird calls, and varied percussion evoke the atmosphere of the eastern woodlands. The work has been performed at international festivals, ACDA and the World Symposium of Choral Music. This SSAA score is easily adapted for various voice combinations. See score YouTube or YouTube  Choral Tracks Where have all the flowers gone? SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48018855 SATB & piano,  Boosey & Hawkes HL 48018867 Full score with violin, flute, oboe, double bass: M-051-10515-1 Also available for SSA. A beautiful, expressive setting of this favourite song for peace by Pete Seeger. The inventive and deeply moving setting was written for the Cantabile Youth Singers.  Since 911, this work is especially suitable for concerts of remembrance and peace.  Two versions available from the composer a) fl, ob, vl, db, piano b) string orchestra See score & listen YouTube or YouTube ChoralTracks