C.F. Peters Choral Music Catalog - Peters Edition Ltd

From the Vault
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten track of standard repertory, or something that may have been popular in the
past but has been forgotten, or maybe something that never got the attention it deserved -- look no further.
Presented here are some worthy works that we’re dusting off and presenting for your consideration and enjoyment.
KAY, Ulysses
A Lincoln Letter (Eng.) .........................EP 6027
Solo Bass voice and Mixed voices (a cappella)
Dedicated to Carl Haverlin, president of BMI from
1947-1964, this work is difficult tonally and rhythmically;
a piano reduction is provided for rehearsal,
but performing this work is not for the faint of
heart.
However, its heartbreaking text--a condolence letter
from President Lincoln to a woman who had lost 5
sons in the Civil War--bridges the 140 year gap to
reach us today and makes it worth the effort to
learn.
The complicated circumstances surrounding this
letter (Mrs. Bixby was a confederate sympathizer;
and at least 1 of the sons had deserted, not died)
only emphasize the realities of war, then as now.
BELCHER, Supply
Deep North Spirituals (Eng.) ...............EP 66331
Mixed or male voices in 3 and 4 parts
Besides not being able to resist smiling at the name
of this early American composer, it’s hard to resist
enjoying the simplicity and accessibility of his music.
Published in 1794, this music reflects the folksy,
grassroots fashion of American music of the time
(especially in contrast to the music being created in
Europe at that time). Belcher, who had sung in
classes held by the more well known William
Billings, composed to enhance the flourishing
musical community in his area, and for his efforts
was dubbed “The Handel of Maine.”
This un-polished, uncomplicated music is easy to
learn and perform, and can be sung in any combination
of voices.
SALIERI, Antonio
Mass No.1 (Latin) ..................................................... EP 8579
Vocal score (SATB soli, SATB chorus & piano)
The respected teacher of such luminaries as Schubert, Beethoven and
Liszt, Salieri had a successful 5-decade career in the Viennese court and was
admired by his contemporaries. His music only suffers in comparison to
that brightest of stars, Mozart.
The Mass No. 1 in D major dates from 1788, the year Salieri was appointed
court conductor, and the sing-able cantabile melodies take
precedence over counterpoint. This festive, straightforward work is sure to
please both the performers and audience.
LASSUS, Orlando di
Trionfo del tempo (It./Ger.) .................................. EP 4812
Madrigal for 10 voices in 2 choirs (SSATBar and SAATB)
This work’s text, atypical of the usually sacred texts set by Lassus, is an
excerpt from the “Triumph of Time” by Petrarch, and it reminds the
listener that regardless of wealth, power or talents, we all suffer the same
fate in the end.
Also notable is its double chorus of five, rather than four, voices. This
edition is by Paul Winter, author of Polychoral Style.
MENDELSSOHN, Felix
Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 60 (Ger.) ...................... EP 1752
Vocal score (ATBarB solo voices, SATB chorus and piano)
May Day rejoices in Spring’s victory over Winter; Walpurgisnacht is the
celebration of May Day Eve. It’s name is derived from Walburga, a
Catholic saint and protectoress against witchcraft and sorcery, and it
combines elements of paganism and Christianity much as Halloween
does.
Based on Goethe’s text of the First Walpurgis-Night, the Druids, while
performing their seasonal ritual, pull a prank on the locals (Christians) by
pretending to be the witches and devils with whom the locals tried to
frighten the Druids away. The solo roles are substantial and the choral
lines demanding.