Kirke Mechem

James Mulholland

Libby Larsen

André Jerome Thomas

David N. Childs

René Clausen

Morten Lauridsen

Z. Randall Stroope

Gwyneth Walker

Each composer addresses the following topics: biography ; creative process ; the relationship between text and music; views from the composer to the conductor ; the relationship between the composer and the commissioning party ; views on the teaching of composition ; influencial individuals ; ten works all choral conductors at all levels should study ; the future of choral music ; comprehensive list of [his/her] works for choir.

Composers on Composing for Choir

Renowned choral conductor and educator Andr J. Thomas has crafted a book that the conductor of any choral ensemble-be it church, high school, university, or professional-will want close at hand when preparing to program any concert spiritual. Understanding the Spiritual, the first of the book's two sections, includes an exploration of the beginnings of the spiritual, its role in society and its transition into art music. Issues of interpretation-text, diction, rhythm and tempo-are addressed in the second section, Performing the Spiritual. In addition to interviews with noted conductors Dr. Anton Armstrong and Prof. Judith Willoughby as to matters of performance and selection, the centerpiece of this section is Dr. Thomas's personal reflections on several spiritual arrangements, including his rehearsal techniques (with specific examples and measure-number references to the included scores), as well as an insightful look into his decisions of interpretation.

Understanding and Performing the Negro Spiritual

Way Over in Beulah Lan'

André Jerome Thomas

About

Books

Join the club