This stunning two-CD set contains premier recordings of 38 of the most significant works ever composed for choir, levels 1-3, as selected by leaders in the choral art. These performances will inspire and inform you as you make literature selections for the year. Featuring breathtaking performances by the Westminster College of Rider University's Westminster Williamson Voices, James Jordan, Conductor and the University of North Texas Chamber Choir, Jerry McCoy, Conductor.

For more information about each piece, as well as conducting insights from Frank Abrahams, Anton Armstrong, Joseph Flummerfelt, Graeme Morton, and Weston Noble, refer to the companion book, Teaching Music through Performance in Choir, Volume 1 (G-6534), compiled by Heather J. Buchanan and Matthew W. Mehaffey published by GIA Publications, Inc.

Listen to Tracks - CD 1:
Level 1 Be Thou My Vision - Arr. Parker Bist du bei mir - Bach Old Abram Brown - Britten Simple Gifts - Copland  Level 2 Ave verum corpus - Elgar Die Nachtigall - Mendelssohn El Grillo - Desprez Erev Shel Shoshanim - Dor/Hadar Psallite - Praetorius  Level 3 Alleluia - Larsen Ave verum corpus - Mozart Bogoróditse Djévo - Pärt Cantique de Jean Racine - Fauré Circus Band - Ives Dirait-on - Lauridsen A Gaelic Blessing - Rutter Gloria - Haydn Hallelujah, Amen - Handel Haneirot Halalu - Hoffman He, Watching over Israel - Mendelssohn

Listen to Tracks CD 2:
Level 3 (cont.) Innoria - Patriquin Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier - arr. Parker/Shaw The Last Words of David - Thompson Let Their Celestial Concerts All Unite - Handel Muié Rendêra - Pinto Fonseca Musicks Empire - Pfautsch Notre Père - Duruflé Salmo 150 - Ajuiar Set Me as a Seal - Clausen Shenandoah - arr. Erb Sicut cervus - Palestrina Sure on This Shining Night - Barber Time and Concord - Britten Wade in the Water - arr. Hogan Zigeunerleben - Schumann Song of Peace - Persichetti  Level 4 Ave verum corpus - Byrd There Will Be Rest - Ticheli

Written, researched, and compiled by scholars with a wealth of teaching and conducting experience, Teaching Music through Performance in Choir, Volume 1, is an indispensable resource that enables conductors and educators to move beyond the printed page toward full musical awareness.

This book is an ideal tool for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the preeminent music composed for choir and who wishes to learn from some of the seminal voices in the choral profession.

In Part I of the book, noted choral directors and educators Frank Abrahams, Anton E. Armstrong, Joseph Flummerfelt, Graeme Morton, and Weston H. Noble, cover such topics as breath control, stylistic awareness from polyphony through the Classical period, the challenges of modern music, "Performance Practice in the African American Slave Song," and "Meeting the National Standards through Choral Performance."

Part II establishes a new system for grading the difficulty of choral repertoire, and contains nuts-and-bolts analysis of more than 100 of the most significant works for choir composed, Levels 1 through 5. Repertoire Resource Guides include information on the composer and composition, historical background, technical requirements, stylistic considerations, musical elements, suggestions for additional listening, and a guide to selected references. Also included is an in-depth study of Gabriel Fauré's Requiem, completed by Bruce Chamberlain, Anthony Reeves, and Matthew Mehaffey. This portion includes, an extended history of the work, graphical analyses, and rehearsal strategies for both choir and orchestra.

Teaching Music through Performance in Choir is an essential resource for choir directors at all levels and a major contribution to the choral field.

Frank Abrahams is professor and Chair of Music Education and Arts & Sciences at Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey.

Anton E. Armstrong is the Tosdal Professor of Music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he conducts the St. Olaf Choir.

Joseph Flummerfelt is Conductor Emeritus at Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey.

Graeme Morton is Director of Choral Activities at St. Peter’s Lutheran College in Brisbane, Australia.

Weston H. Noble is Professor of Music at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, where he conducts the Nordic Choir.

Heather J. Buchanan is Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, New Jersey, where she conducts the 135-voice Chorale and 36-voice Chamber Singers. A certified Andover Educator, Buchanan specializes in the teaching of Body Mapping and somatic pedagogy for choral musicians.

Matthew Mehaffey is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he holds degrees from Bucknell University, Westminster Choir College, and the University of Arizona.

Bruce Chamberlain is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Arizona.

Anthony Reeves is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choirs at the University of North Dakota.

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