America Sings — July 3, 2020

Derived from a range of outstanding choral music, my themed Playlists are designed to be like concerts, of about an hour in length.

In observance of the Independence Day holiday, this week’s Playlist honors America’s rich tradition of song, with works by Bernstein and Stephen Foster, James Erb’s exquisite setting of Shenandoah, African-American Spirituals, America the Beautiful and more.

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PROGRAM

Click the links for information on the pieces and texts/translations.

I Hear America Singing André Thomas (b.1952)

 

Text

Performed by Florida State University Combined Choir, conducted by André Thomas

 

Gloria (from The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass

Carol Barnett (b.1949)

 

Text

Performed by VocalEssence Ensemble Singers & Monroe Crossing, conducted by Philip Brunelle

 

Arr. Michael Tippett (1905-1998)

Steal Away

Text

Performed by Conspirare, conducted by Craig Hella Johnson

 

Arr. William Dawson (1899-1990)

Ain’-a That Good News!

Text

Performed by Conspirare, conducted by Craig Hella Johnson

 

Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

Chichester Psalms

Background and Translations

Performed by Tenebrae & BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nigel Short

 

Jake Runestad (b.1986)

Reflections (from American Triptych)

Background and Text

Performed by Conspirare, conducted by Craig Hella Johnson

 

David Conte (b.1955)

Choral Variations on Simple Gifts

Background on Original Tune and Text

Performed by San Francisco Symphony Chorus, conducted by Vance George

 

Stephen Foster (1826-1864); Arr. Edwin Fissinger (1920-1990)

Gentle Annie

Text

Performed by Dale Warland Singers, conducted by Dale Warland

 

Stephen Foster; Arr. Gail Kubik (1914-1984)

Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair

Text

Performed by Dale Warland Singers, conducted by Dale Warland

 

Stephen Foster; Arr. Roger Wagner (1914-1992)

Nelly Bly

Text

Performed by Dale Warland Singers, conducted by Dale Warland

 

Arr. James Erb (1926-2014)

Shenandoah

Text

Performed by Westminster Choir, conducted by Joe Miller

 

Samuel Ward (1848-1903); Arr. Mack Wilberg (b.1955)

America the Beautiful

Text

Performed by Morman Tabernacle Choir & Orchestra at Temple Square, conducted by Craig Jessop