1: (Easy) No divisi in voice parts, accompaniment doubles or supports vocal parts, diatonic, symmetrical phrases, textures mostly homophonic, simple rhythms, stepwise voice leading (conjunct), moderate ranges, no extended techniques, and limited sustained singing.
2: (Medium Easy) Limited divisi, voices somewhat independent from accompaniment, some chromatics, phrases may be longer or more fragmented, mostly homophonic, moderate rhythmic complexity, some difficult intervals (disjunct motion), moderate ranges, extended techniques are simple, limited sustained singing.
3. (Medium) Limited divisi, unaccompanied, or with independent accompaniment (voice parts not doubled), many chromatics, phrases of varying lengths, more contrapuntal textures, moderately complex rhythms, some difficult intervals (disjunct motion), moderately difficult/challenging ranges, extended techniques are potentially challenging, and some sustained singing.
4. (Medium Difficult) Abundant divisi, unaccompanied, or accompanying instruments are fully independent from voice parts, many chromatics and/or key changes, long and/or broken phrases, potentially little homophony, complex rhythms, many difficult intervals (disjunct motion), difficult/challenging ranges, potentially difficult extended techniques, and a demand for sustained singing.
5. (Difficult) Adundant divis, unaccompanied, or accompanying instruments are fully independent from voice parts, many chromatics and/or key changes, long and/or broken phrases, potentially little homophony, complex rhythms, extreme ranges, use of challenging or unusual extended vocal techniques, abundant sustained singing.
1 review for Welcome all Wonders
James Schatzman –
Welcome All Wonders – Carol Barnett (text by Richard Crashaw / Gerard Manley Hopkins)
Welcome All Wonders is a joyous choral composition that presents the audience with a colorful diversity of textures driven by SATB choir, two-part children’s choir and oboe.
The oboe introduces a bright and energetic layering of welcomes reminiscent of the English Choral tradition of composers like Rutter, Parry, and Britten. One can almost hear the angels singing in the opening bars of this inventive and exuberant composition. The SATB choir then presents themes of majesty and mystery. Strong melodies and open harmonies clearly present the poetic and paradoxical mystery of a baby, fully human and fully divine, while also allowing space for the oboe flourishes that complete the opening section. The bold, fanfare like texture then gives way to a more innocent and contemplative two part children’s choir singing, “To Thee, meek Majesty! soft King – Each of us his Lamb will bring, Each his pair of silver doves; ” A gentle descant by the oboe accompanies the children.
The SATB choir and children reiterate the exuberant welcome as they move to the piece’s spirited conclusion.
The children’s parts could easily be negotiated by a women’s duet or small ensemble and would preserve much of the composer’s textural interest. This piece would make a wonderful concert opener, church anthem, choral prelude, or a selection for a Lessons & Carols program.
Welcome All Wonders is of medium difficulty. It is skillfully written and puts the singers in a good position to sound their best. It is well worth the effort to master it! The quality text and inventive compositional techniques create a glorious platform from which to experience this story anew. I highly recommend this piece!
James Schatzman – Conductor and Artistic Director
Choral Arts Society of Southeastern Wisconsin