Music for Study #2: Waldesnacht

Our second piece is a work from the Romantic era of music, by the great German composer Johannes Brahms. In addition to writing symphonies and chamber music, Brahms wrote many great solo songs and choral works, including his masterpiece for voices, the German Requiem.

Here are the study files:

• Score of the music (.pdf)
• MIDI file of all four parts
• The Soprano Part
• The Alto Part
• The Tenor Part
• The Bass Part

There are many great recordings and videos of this classic piece.

• A free clip of The King's Singers
• A royalty free audio recording
• Video: University of Memphis
• King's Singers with "behind the scenes" video
• A young choir singing the music

If you're unfamiliar with German, here are some sites that may help you. The best thing is to listen to the recordings!

• German pronunciation guide
• German for beginners
• German for singers

Chamber Singers Handbook

It may be revised again before September, but you can download the Handbook here.

Music for Study #1: Haec dies

Our first selection is by the great English composer, William Byrd. This is one of his most famous pieces. Here's how to get started:

First download the .pdf of the score. It is available here and here. A translation of the text can be found here.

Resources for practice:

• a MIDI file of the music
• the Soprano 1 part
• the Soprano 2 part
• the Alto part
• the Tenor 1 part
• the Tenor 2/baritone part
• the bass part
  

There are dozens of great recordings available of this music. Here are some of the better versions on YouTube:

• The King's Singers
• King's College
• Mixed choir (unknown artists)

Let me know if you have any questions or problems with the technology. I'd like you to have your part learned (not memorized) by September. New music will be coming approximately every 2-3 weeks.

coming soon

In the coming weeks I will be posting links to choral music, video, and audio recordings; plus news and information about next year's ensemble. Check back often!