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)
Performed by Florida State University Combined Choir, conducted by André Thomas
Gloria (from The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass)
Carol Barnett (b.1949)
Performed by VocalEssence Ensemble Singers & Monroe Crossing, conducted by Philip Brunelle
Arr. Michael Tippett (1905-1998)
Steal Away
Performed by Conspirare, conducted by Craig Hella Johnson
Arr. William Dawson (1899-1990)
Ain’-a That Good News!
Performed by Conspirare, conducted by Craig Hella Johnson
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
Chichester Psalms
Performed by Tenebrae & BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nigel Short
Jake Runestad (b.1986)
Reflections (from American Triptych)
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
Performed by Dale Warland Singers, conducted by Dale Warland
Stephen Foster; Arr. Gail Kubik (1914-1984)
Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair
Performed by Dale Warland Singers, conducted by Dale Warland
Stephen Foster; Arr. Roger Wagner (1914-1992)
Nelly Bly
Performed by Dale Warland Singers, conducted by Dale Warland
Arr. James Erb (1926-2014)
Shenandoah
Performed by Westminster Choir, conducted by Joe Miller
Samuel Ward (1848-1903); Arr. Mack Wilberg (b.1955)
America the Beautiful
Performed by Morman Tabernacle Choir & Orchestra at Temple Square, conducted by Craig Jessop