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.
3 reviews for Fill the Sky
Eileen Finley –
This piece is beautiful! I I love the clarity of each vocal line, the significant role for each section of the choir, the expansion of the musical material at on the coda and flow of the text. It must be so very satisfying for the singers. I’m currently retired but this is the kind of piece I would have loved to share with my choirs during my 50+ years of conducting.
David J. Fitzpatrick –
If you are looking for something new and original for your Christmas concert, mass or service then look no further! Fill the sky is a delightful, madrigal-like piece that tells the Christmas story in an accessible and rewarding way (with a few little tricks here and there). Each verse offers its own color and word painting that will keep your singers engaged and excited. The fabulous coda ties the whole piece together. I cannot recommend this piece enough.
Janet Easlea –
As choirs begin to sing together again and conductors think about an upcoming Christmas season, this would be a wonderful piece to add to this year’s repertoire. This a cappella music will allow the unique sound of your choir to create something beautiful during this special season.