Freudig Singers are pleased to announce their March concert entitled "Yours Fauré Song!" to be held at St John's Grace Episcopal Church in Buffalo on Saturday, 10 March 2012.
Musical Director Roland Martin explains the title pun thus: "I have been wanting to produce a concert of choral music by Gabriel Fauré for the longest time that would fit perfectly under this title."
The concert includes The Cantique de Jean Racine, Ave Verum, Tantum Ergo, Messe Basse and Pavane by Fauré. This segment also includes Litanies à la Vierge Noire by Francis Poulenc. "Faure's music is sacred," adds Martin "yet, in a subtle way, sensual. Simply put, it's beautifully French!"
The 2nd half of the show includes five madrigals new to the Freudig Singers' already extensive repertoire of this medieval genre. It's a style of music perfectly tuned to the evocative atmosphere of the gorgeous St. John's Grace Church. These songs include April is in My Mistress' Face, and Dainty, Fine, Sweet Nymph by Thomas Morley as well as Grace My Lovely One, Fair Beauties by Thomas Weelkes. Rounding out the celebration of springtime themes are Gwyneth Walker's Feathers and Frogs. Need we add that Freudig Singers' loyal patrons will Get Happy when they hear the finale of the concert?
Yours Fauré Song! will be performed at St John's Grace Episcopal Church, 51 Colonial Circle, Buffalo on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors/students at the door. Pre-sale tickets at $12/$10 are available by calling 667 - 7088.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Missing your share of the All-American Pie?
We tell ourselves that life is not fair. That part is true, at least, but to think that lucre will answer our problems is the biggest problem of all and we know this. How to send your hopes down the tank? Ask someone else to put money in your bank.
We need spirit: the spirit of All - American Christmas Pie! Think like a patriot! Roll up your sleeves! Make your own work and let people see it! Remember the christ-mess and share the sound (not to mention the tart taste) of good-ness.
Join the meaty railroaders, the chirpy blacksmiths, the high-falutin' hawkers and the dusky virgins (um... question mark) this Sunday. Tomorrow!
Listen to Western New York's busiest musician describe the show by clicking here. Call 837-4552 for tickets.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Freudig Singers announce The All-American Christmas Pie Concerts of 2011
Indefatigable director Roland E. Martin has compiled a selection of music, written entirely by American composers, to stir the patriot in you and color your cherished memories of Christmas.
Most exciting (like a new present!) is "Christmas Long Ago" by our ever-popular guest performer, Sidney King. This new piece is an indulgent reminiscence of childhood memories with Sidney's signature harmonies. Sidney will be visiting Buffalo for our concerts for the third Christmas Pie concert in a row with his magic double-bass and we are so grateful to him.
Equally, exquisitely, child-like is Martin J. Wimmer's brand new piece "All Is Quiet, All Are Sleeping." Marty's lush music is so simple and so direct that only the child in you (and the children around you!) will connect the rhythms that describe Christmas. Be sure to bring all the children in your life along. The patriotic theme of this Christmas Pie concert is augmented by a classic spiritual arranged by Gwyn Arch, "What Month Was Jesus Born In."
Also featured will be a beautiful piece, "Night of Dreams" by Valerie Showers Crescenz, an "Honorable Mention" composer in our 2nd Freudig Singers' Choral Composition Competition this year.
"A Virgin Unspotted" by the father of American choral music, William Billings, and "We Nations All, On You I Call" by William 'Singing Billy' Walker, South Carolina's 19th-century Baptist shaped-note music compiler, lend an Appalachian, "frontier" character to this concert. The patriotic theme of this Christmas Pie concert is augmented by a classic spiritual arranged by Gwyn Arch, "What Month Was Jesus Born In."
Other popular seasonal choices include favorites by Leo Nestor, James Pierpont, George Wyle and Eddie Pola, Felix Bernard, Vernon Hoyle and our favorite, ever-modest, music director Roland E. Martin.
As always, the Freudig Christmas Pie experience features singers' favorite pies for auction and a generous post-concert helping of all-american pie!
Vesper Responsory
Judah and Jerusalem, fear not, nor be dismayed;
Tomorrow go ye forth, and the Lord, He will be with you.
Stand ye still, and ye shall see the salvation of the Lord.
Tomorrow go ye forth, and the Lord, He will be with you.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Tomorrow go ye forth, and the Lord, He will be with you.
Words: II Chronicles 20:17
A Carol
Sung by the Freudig Singers at The American Christmas Pie 2011
arranged Roland E Martin
Once for a shining hour, heav’n touched earth,
Hope was born anew, and peace reigned in the world.
Who Comes
Written by living hymn-poet Brian Wren and composed by Leo Nestor
Sung by the Freudig Singers at The American Christmas Pie Concerts 2011
Who comes? A child, delivered on a stable floor.
His mewing, newborn cry is all that God can say
of hunger, thirst and aching need
where Jesus lives today.
Come, singing fire of truth, compassion, right,
and scorch our hardened apathy
till love is new and bright.
Who comes? A Jew declaiming from a prophet’s scroll.
His messianic cry is all that God can say
of freedom, health and saving hope
where Jesus lives today.
Come, singing breeze from worlds already, new.
Blow in and out of weary minds
till faith is singing too.
Who comes? A man, in dying moments on a cross.
his God-forsaken cry is all that God can say
of searching, scarred, redeeming love
where Jesus lives today.
Come, singing light from new creation’s dawn,
where trees of healing deck the streets
and joy is newly born.
A Virgin Unspotted
Sung by the Freudig Singers in The American Christmas Pie 2011 Concerts
this traditional song is by William Billings, the father of American choral music
A virgin unspotted, the prophet foretold,
Should bring forth a Saviour, which now we behold,
To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin,
Which Adam’s transgression involved us in.
Refrain:
Then let us be merry, put sorrow away;
Our Saviour, Christ Jesus, was born on this day.
Through Bethlehem city, in Jewry it was
Through Bethlehem city, in Jewry it was
That Joseph and Mary together did pass,
And for to be taxed when thither they came,
Since Caesar Augustus commanded the same.
But Mary’s full time being come, as we find,
She brought forth her first-born to save all mankind;
The inn being full, for this heavenly guest
No place there was found where to lay him to rest.
But Mary, blest Mary, so meek and so mild,
Soon wrapped up in swaddlings this heavenly Child;
Contented, she laid him where oxen do feed;
The great God of nature approved of the deed.
To teach us humility all this was done;
Then learn we from hence haughty pride for to shun;
A manger’s his cradle who came from above,
The great God of mercy, of peace and of love.
Then presently after, the shepherds did spy
Vast numbers of angels to stand in the sky;
So merrily talking, so sweet they did sing:
“All glory and praise to our heavenly King!”
Refrain: Then let us be merry, put sorrow away;
Our Saviour, Christ Jesus, was born on this day.
Ye Nations All, On You I Call
Written by William "Singing Billy" Walker, American baptist song leader and compiler of four "shaped note" tunebooks. Sung by the Freudig Singers for The American Christmas Pie Concerts 2011
Ye nations all, on you I call: come hear this declaration,
And don’t refuse this glorious news of Jesus and salvation!
To royal Jews came first the news of Christ the great Messiah,
As was foretold by prophets old: Isaiah, Jeremiah.
To Abraham the promise came, and to his seed for ever,
A light to shine in Isaac’s line, by Scripture we discover.
Hail, promised morn! The Saviour’s born, the glorious Mediator -
God’s blessed Word, made flesh and blood, assumed the human nature.
His parents, poor in earthly store to entertain the stranger,
They found no bed to lay his head but in the ox’s manger;
No royal things, as used by kings, were seen by those that found him,
But in the hay the stranger lay, with swaddling bands around him.
On the same night a glorious light to shepherds there appeared;
Bright angels came in shining flame: they saw and greatly feared.
The angels said: “Be not afraid! Although we much alarm you,
We do appear good news to bear, as now we will inform you.
“The city’s name is Bethlehem, the which God hath appointed;
This glorious morn a Saviour’s born, for him God hath anointed.
By this you’ll know, if you will go to see this little stranger:
His lovely charms in Mary’s arms, both lying in a manger.”
When this was said, straightway was made a glorious sound from heaven;
Each flaming tongue an anthem sung: “To men a Saviour’s given!
In Jesus’ name, the glorious theme, we elevate our voices;
At Jesus’ birth be peace on earth; meanwhile all heav’n rejoices.”
Sing We the Virgin Mary
Traditional arranged by John Jacob Niles. Sung by Freudig Singers for The American Christmas Pie Concerts 2011
Sing we the Virgin Mary,
Sing we that matchless one;
See how the angels attended her
When she birthed God’s own Son.
So silently came our Jesus
Unto his sweet Mary,
As dew of April falleth
On flower so tenderly.
When Jesus was a-borning,
To earth came heaven down,
To lie upon a manger,
Away in Bethlem’s town.
Ah, blessed Maiden Mother,
Be-known to prophecy:
Now Jesus is a-borned,
And all men knoweth thee.
Promise
Words by ever-Freudig Peter Siedlecki. Music by Roland E. Martin. Sung by Freudig Singers for The American Pie Concerts 2011
No curtain had been drawn as yet
upon the whiteness of her youth
when that voice pierced the black night
to announce its ponderous and frightening truth:
that life would soon grow in her womb
like promised fruit to feed a waiting world.
She shook with dread, clutched at her breast and cried.
Then something like an early spring leaf, curled
in the expectation of its own wonder,
settled in her heart and she saw a light surround.
It entered her, showed in her eyes and fingertips.
She smiled softly and the earth made no sound.
What Month Was Jesus Born In
American traditional spiritual, arranged by Gwyn Arch, sung by the Freudig Singers at The American Christmas Pie Concerts 2011
What month was Jesus born in? Last month of the year.
What month was Jesus born in? Last month of the year.
Refrain:
Oh, Lord, you got January, February, March,
Oh Lord, you got April, May and June.
You got July, August, September,
October and a November,
The twenty-fifth day of December.
You got last month of the year.
He was born of a virgin mother. Last month of the year.
He was laid in an oxen manger. Last month of the year.
His mother’s name was Mary. Last month of the year.
She wrapped Him in the swaddlin’. Last month of the year.
Night of Dreams
Words adapted and music composed by living composer Valerie Showers Crescenz. Sung by Freudig Singers for The American Chrismas Pie Concerts 2011
That night when in the Judean skies
the mystic star dispensed its light,
a blind man moved in his sleep
and dreamed that he had sight.
That night when shepherds heard the song
of choirs of angels singing near,
a deaf man stirred in slumber’s spell
and dreamed that he could hear!
That night, a man in sickness lay,
and suff’ring more than words could tell
found refuge from his pain in sleep,
and dreamed that he was well.
That night, a man who was all alone
and friendless in this world of men
reached out and smiled in his sleep
and dreamed he had a friend.
That night while to His mother’s heart
the little King was held secure,
a sinner slept a happy sleep
and dreamed that he was pure!
That night when in the manger lay
the Son of God who came to save,
a man moved in the sleep of death
and dreamed there was no grave.
Chanticleer's Carol
Words by William Austin. Music by Vernon Hoyle. Sung by The Freudig Singers, Christmas Pie 2009 and again for The American Christmas Pie Concerts 2011
All this night shrill chanticleer
Day's proclaiming trumpeteer
Claps his wings and loudly cries
Mortals, mortals, wake and rise!
See a wonder Heav'n is under
From the earth is ris'n a Sun
Shines all night though day be done
Wake O earth, wake ev'rything!
Wake and hear the joy I bring
Wake and joy for all this night
Heav'n and ev'ry twinkling light
All amazing
Still stand gazing
Angels, pow'rs and all that be
Wake, and joy this Sun to see
Hail O Sun O blessed light
Sent into the world aright
Let thy rays and heav'nly pow'rs
Shine in these dark souls of ours
For most duly
Thou art truly
God and man we do confess
Hail O Sun of Righteousness!
All this night shrill chanticleer
Day's proclaiming trumpeteer
Claps his wings and loudly cries
Mortals, mortals, wake and rise!
See a wonder Heav'n is under
From the earth is ris'n a Sun
Shines all night though day be done
Wake O earth, wake ev'rything!
Wake and hear the joy I bring
Wake and joy for all this night
Heav'n and ev'ry twinkling light
All amazing
Still stand gazing
Angels, pow'rs and all that be
Wake, and joy this Sun to see
Hail O Sun O blessed light
Sent into the world aright
Let thy rays and heav'nly pow'rs
Shine in these dark souls of ours
For most duly
Thou art truly
God and man we do confess
Hail O Sun of Righteousness!
O Magnum Mysterium
Traditional words set to music by Peter Mathews, sung by the Freudig Singers for The American Christmas Pie Concerts 2011
O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum,
Ut animalia Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio!
Beata Virgo cujus viscera meruerunt portare
Dominum Christum. Alleluia!
Translation:
O great mystery and wondrous sacrament
O great mystery and wondrous sacrament
that the animals should see our Lord born in a manger!
Blessed be the virgin whose womb was worthy to bear
our Lord Christ. Alleluia!
Santa Baby
Music by Joan Javits, Phil Springer, Tony Springer. Sung by Freudig Singers at The American Christmas Pie 2011.
Mister “Claus”, I feel as tho’ I know ya,
So you won’t mind if I should get familya, will ya?
Santa Baby, just slip a sable under the tree for me.
Been an awful good girl Santa Baby,
So hurry down the chimney tonight.
Santa Baby, a fifty-four convertible, too, light blue.
I’ll wait up for you dear Santa Baby,
So hurry down the chimney tonight.
Think of all the fun I’ve missed.
Think of all the fellas that I haven’t kissed.
Next year I could be just as good
if you check off my Christmas list.
Santa Baby, I want a yacht and really that’s not a lot.
Been an angel all year Santa Baby,
So hurry down the chimney tonight.
Santa Baby, one little thing I really do need; the deed
to a platinum mine Santa honey,
So hurry down the chimney tonight.
Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with a duplex and cheques.
Sign your X on the line Santa cutie,
and hurry down the chimney tonight.
Come and trim my Christmas tree
with some decorations bought at Tiffany.
I really do believe in you.
Let’s see if you believe in me.
Santa Baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring!
I don’t mean on a phone, Santa Baby,
So hurry down the chimney tonight.
The One Horse Open Sleigh
A parlor song by James Pierpont, this original was sung by the Freudig Singers for The American Christmas Pie Concerts 2011 (and several times before that!)
Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh,
O’er the hills we go, laughing all the way;
Bells on bobtail ring, making spirits bright;
Oh, what sport to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight.
Refrain: Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way;
Oh! What joy it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh!
A day or two ago I thought I’d take a ride,
And soon Miss Fannie Bright was seated by my side,
The horse was lean and lank; misfortune seemed his lot.
He got into a drifted bank and we, we got upsot.
A day or two ago (the story I must tell),
I went out on the snow and on my back I fell.
A gent was riding by in a one horse open sleigh;
He laughed as there I sprawling lie, but quickly drove away.
Now the ground is white, go it while you’re young;
Take the girls tonight and sing this sleighing song.
Just get a bobtail bay, two forty as his speed:
Hitch him to an open sleigh and crack! You’ll take the lead.
I Wonder as I Wander
Sung by the Freudig Singers at The American Christmas Pie 2011 concerts
with special thanks to Sidney King
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die
For poor ordinary people like you and like I
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
with special thanks to Sidney King
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die
For poor ordinary people like you and like I
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all
But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall
And the promise of ages it then did recall
If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing
A star in the heaven or a bird on the wing
Or all of God's angels in heaven to sing
He surely could have it , ' cause he was the King
I wonder as I wander
I wonder, I wander out under the sky
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die
For poor ordinary people like you and like I
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
origin Appalachian folk song documented by John Jacob Niles
arranged Sidney King 2009
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all
But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall
And the promise of ages it then did recall
If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing
A star in the heaven or a bird on the wing
Or all of God's angels in heaven to sing
He surely could have it , ' cause he was the King
I wonder as I wander
I wonder, I wander out under the sky
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die
For poor ordinary people like you and like I
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
origin Appalachian folk song documented by John Jacob Niles
arranged Sidney King 2009
Coventry Carol
Traditional arranged by Sidney King. Sung by Freudig Singers for Christmas Pie 2009 and for The American Christmas Pie 2011 Concerts
Lully lullay
thou little tiny child
by by lully lullay
Oh sister too
how may we do
for to preserve this day
this poor youngling
for whom we sing
by by lully lullay
Herod the king
in his raging
charged he hath this day
his men of might
in his own sight
all young children to slay
lully lullay
thou little tiny child
by by lully lullay
That woe is me
poor child for thee
and ever morn and day
for thy parting
neither say nor sing
by by lully lullay
Lully lullay
thou little tiny child
by by lully lullay
Oh sister too
how may we do
for to preserve this day
this poor youngling
for whom we sing
by by lully lullay
Herod the king
in his raging
charged he hath this day
his men of might
in his own sight
all young children to slay
lully lullay
thou little tiny child
by by lully lullay
That woe is me
poor child for thee
and ever morn and day
for thy parting
neither say nor sing
by by lully lullay
Christmas Long Ago
Words, with nostalgia, and music by Sidney King. This brand new piece was sung by Freudig Singers for The American Christmas Pie Concerts 2011.
Frosty days and ice still nights,
Fir trees trimmed with tiny lights,
Sound of sleigh bells in the snow,
That was Christmas long ago.
Footsteps stealthy on the stair,
Sweet-voiced carols in the air,
Stockings hanging in a row,
Tell of Christmas long ago.
Refrain: Each Christmas finds me longing
For Christmases past,
And I am back in childhood
As long as memories last.
Tykes on sleds and shouts of glee,
Icy window filigree,
Sugarplums and candle glow,
Part of Christmas long ago.
Each Christmas finds me dreaming
Of days that used to be
When we hid presents here and there
For all the family.
These days can oft leave me wanting
To see as children do;
A time of hope and wonder,
A wonder I share with you!
Starry nights so still and blue,
Good friends calling out to you,
Life, so fast, will always slow
for dreams of Christmas long ago.
Star in the East
Words by Reginald Heber. Music by Sidney King, Sung by Freudig Singers for The American Christmas Pie Concerts 2011
Hail the blest morn, see the great Mediator,
Down from the regions of glory descend!
Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger,
Lo, for his guard the bright angels attend.
Refrain:
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Shine/dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star in the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer was laid.
Cold on his cradle the dewdrops are shining;
Low lies his bed with the beasts of the stall;
Angels adore Him, in slumbers reclining,
Wise men and shepherds before Him do fall.
Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion,
Odours of Edom and off’rings divine?
Gems from the mountains, and pearls from the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, and gold from the mine?
Vainly we offer each ample oblation;
Vainly with gold we His favor secure;
Richer by far is the heart’s adoration;
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Winter Wonderland
Words: Richard Smith. Music: Felix Bernard arranged by Roland E. Martin. Sung by Freudig Singers for The American Pie Concerts 2011
Over the ground lies a mantle of white,
A heaven of diamonds shine down thru the night,
Two hearts are thrillin’ in spite of the chill in the weather.
Love knows no season, love knows no clime,
Romance can blossom any old time,
Here in the open, we’re walkin’ and hopin’ together!
Sleighbells ring, are you list’nin’?
In the lane, snow is glist’nin’,
A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight,
Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland!
Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird,
He sings a love song, as we go along,
Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland!
In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown;
He’ll say, “Are you married?” We’ll say, “No, man!
But you can do the job when you’re in town!”
Later on, we’ll conspire, as we dream by the fire,
To face unafraid, the plans that we made,
Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland!
All Is Quiet, All Are Sleeping
Words and music by living, Western New York composer Martin J. Wimmer. This brand new piece was sung for the first time by Freudig Singers at The American Chistmas Pie Concerts 2011.
Refrain:
All is quiet, all are sleeping.
No one worried, no one weeping.
Goodness, kindness, in the air,
Caring, sharing, hear my prayer.
All is quiet, all are sleeping.
No one worried, no one weeping.
Free us Lord, from our cares
on this Christmas Eve.
Lift us up from on High.
Lead us to your Light.
Baby boy brings us joy
on this Christmas Eve.
Lift us up from on High.
Lead us to your Light.
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Music by George Wyle & Eddie Pola, arranged by Bob Krogstad. Sung by Freudig Singers for The American Christmas Pie 2011
Christmas! Merry, merry Christmas!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
With the kids jingle-belling
and ev’ryone telling you, “Be of good cheer!”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
It’s the hap-, happiest season of all!
With those holiday greetings
and gay, happy meetings
when friends come to call.
It’s the hap-, happiest season of all!
There’ll be parties for hosting,
marshmallows for toasting
and caroling out in the snow;
There’ll be scary ghost stories
and tales of the glories
of Christmases long, long ago.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
There’ll be much mistletoeing
and hearts will be glowing
when loved ones are near,
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Will your Christmas Pie be All - American?
Are you ready for Christmas, patriot? I'm not talking about giving thanks for black retail therapy. Nope, I mean neither twinkly lights on dead trees nor deals on electric tchotchkies from far away. I'm referring to your spirit! Your mood! It's a rough world out there... how will you regenerate your soul in time to cope?
Let's get ready for All-American Christmas Pie!
The answer stands ahead of the routine on your calendar: An All-American Christmas Pie by the Freudig Singers! Imagine hawkers, blacksmiths and railroaders, sleeves rolled up, hoisting, "Ye Nations All, On You I Call" above the fray of your life. Listen carefully and you may hear Virgins Unspotted too, for the antidote to ill wind is no mystery, "Then let us be merry, put sorrow away; our Saviour Christ Jesus was born on this day!" These songs date back to early 19th century America. Probably earlier is the fun spiritual, "What month was Jesus born in?" arranged by veteran English choral musician Gwyn Arch.
But the Freudig Singers are a relentlessly modern force in choral music. Treat your spirit to lullabies, teary sighs and custom pies. Buffalo broadcasting star Marty Wimmer has written us with a fresh soothing lullaby chant, so we debut "All is Quiet, All are Sleeping" to awake the child in you. Ever effervescent Ron Martin, in addition to assembling this festive program, contributes, "A Carol" to get your attention for heaven has touched earth."Night of Dreams is a gorgeous, gorgeous reverie by Valerie Crescenz of Philadelphia, PA. Not least hear four lush, n.a.d.e.i.t.h.* melodies of Kentucky composer Sidney King, including the debut of "Christmas Long Ago" completed this November 2011. To be Freudig is to just love Sidney and his magic double-bass and, this year, we plan to welcome his new bride, Evelyn Loehrlein and her handmade, wooden flute.
Why do we print all the lyrics of our songs and post them on our website? Long after the sounds of our singing fade in your memory the lyricism of our poetry will remind you that heaven is, after all, just around the corner. If heaven is more than you bargained for, will you settle for some patriotic, All-American Christmas Pie?
Visit Freudig Singers dot org or facebook "Freudig" to learn more. Call 716-837-4552 to book seats in advance and save $$$.
* not a dry eye in the house
p.s. waddayamean you have no $$$. Don't let that stop you getting into the spirit.
Let's get ready for All-American Christmas Pie!
The answer stands ahead of the routine on your calendar: An All-American Christmas Pie by the Freudig Singers! Imagine hawkers, blacksmiths and railroaders, sleeves rolled up, hoisting, "Ye Nations All, On You I Call" above the fray of your life. Listen carefully and you may hear Virgins Unspotted too, for the antidote to ill wind is no mystery, "Then let us be merry, put sorrow away; our Saviour Christ Jesus was born on this day!" These songs date back to early 19th century America. Probably earlier is the fun spiritual, "What month was Jesus born in?" arranged by veteran English choral musician Gwyn Arch.
But the Freudig Singers are a relentlessly modern force in choral music. Treat your spirit to lullabies, teary sighs and custom pies. Buffalo broadcasting star Marty Wimmer has written us with a fresh soothing lullaby chant, so we debut "All is Quiet, All are Sleeping" to awake the child in you. Ever effervescent Ron Martin, in addition to assembling this festive program, contributes, "A Carol" to get your attention for heaven has touched earth."Night of Dreams is a gorgeous, gorgeous reverie by Valerie Crescenz of Philadelphia, PA. Not least hear four lush, n.a.d.e.i.t.h.* melodies of Kentucky composer Sidney King, including the debut of "Christmas Long Ago" completed this November 2011. To be Freudig is to just love Sidney and his magic double-bass and, this year, we plan to welcome his new bride, Evelyn Loehrlein and her handmade, wooden flute.
Why do we print all the lyrics of our songs and post them on our website? Long after the sounds of our singing fade in your memory the lyricism of our poetry will remind you that heaven is, after all, just around the corner. If heaven is more than you bargained for, will you settle for some patriotic, All-American Christmas Pie?
Visit Freudig Singers dot org or facebook "Freudig" to learn more. Call 716-837-4552 to book seats in advance and save $$$.
* not a dry eye in the house
p.s. waddayamean you have no $$$. Don't let that stop you getting into the spirit.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Here's to the Music (that Makes You Tingle)
Did you ever fill with emotion so that your whole body shudders in one uncontrolled jerk and your skin tingles? It's a delicious feeling, isn't it? Do you remember it? Indescribable. Unforgettable. Rare. Peculiar. Pleasurable. Special.
It could be yours! Freudig Singers sing extraordinary music tomorrow evening, 29 October 2011, for our 2nd “Composition Competition” show in two years called, “Here's to the Music!”
Our famous director, Roland E. Martin has combined fresh music, written by living, fleshy composers, that will so move you that you'll wish you'd brought your mom! Of these, my favorite is by Steve Danyew, “An Hour of Hallowed Peace” based on the writing of William Bingham Tappan, a Massachusetts clock-maker and evangelist. It's a simple, lush, Southern harmony that builds and swells to fill the idyllic theme of Tappan's poetry then recedes just as smoothly to a restful conclusion.
How does music paint a picture? In “Adirondack Day,” Valerie Crescenz has painted three diurnal songs set to Nadine McLaughlin's poetry. This composition will answer the question for you... “Think Copeland!” was the injunction of our music director. Yes, the fanfare works for the beginning of the day but what else is to come?
Peace and harmony not quite the fit for your crusading style? Perhaps the Gospel romp “Samson” by Jeffrey Cobb will fire you up! Jeffrey has crafted a seductive, spiritual, biblical epic, with several musical chapters, that will make you tap your feet and transport you to a Hollywood movie set in a moment! Victor Mature, where are you! You must be in the room somewhere!
Finally, our 2011 Composition Competition winner, "Here's to the Music" by Massachusetts composer Steve Murray. Melody! Harmony! Rhythm! Music, yeah! This is a toast hatched in a pub after a music practice, Steve Murray writes. Be sure of this: whatever darkness and despair lurk in the depths of your soul, they will be dispelled by this song! If you must celebrate music, or if you like music, or if you have ever heard music, or if you are a man or a woman, you probably should head to Buff Sem on Saturday, October 29.
Of course, our show will also feature gorgeous, evocative and thoroughly patriotic songs by Western New York composers Marty Wimmer, Persis Parshall Vehar and own director, the indefatiguable, ever creative Roland E. Martin.
Reserve your ticket at $12 ($10 for seniors and students) by calling Elizabeth at 716-667-7088 to book your tingle or pay $15 on the night ($13 for seniors and students) at Buffalo Seminary on Bidwell Parkway from 6:30 p.m. onwards. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Of course there will be cider and cookies afterwards and we think you may get to meet several stellar, creative composers. Here's to the Music! Yeah!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Here's to the Music: Freudig Singers announce first concert of 2011-2012 season
Freudig Singers of Western New York, having concluded a 2nd Composition Competition within two years, announce a concert filled with fabulous, recently composed choral pieces to be held at Buffalo Seminary at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 29th, 2011.
Headlining the show is "Here's to the Music" by Massachusetts composer, Steve Murray, the winning entry in our competition this year. It's a celebratory toast to the beauty of music and those who sing it, bring it and shape it.
Also featured will be honorable mentions from the competition: "An Adirondack Day" by Valerie Showers Crescenz of Pennsylvania, "The Everlasting Voices" by Ivan Bozicevic of Croatia and "Samson", by Jeffrey Cobb of Michigan, a rousing, Gospel instant classic based on the Biblical account and much mythical folklore besides.
These pieces, together with three pieces by local composers Roland E. Martin, Persis Parshall Vehar and Marty Wimmer, give testament to the Freudig Singers leadership by continued innovation and creativity in the broad choral arts community of Western New York.
"Here's to the Music" promises a sampling of extraordinary lyricism combined with authentic Americanism in a suite that will have you put your hand on your heart and your handkerchief to your eye. Who else but the Freudig Singers could bring you to such fervor?
Headlining the show is "Here's to the Music" by Massachusetts composer, Steve Murray, the winning entry in our competition this year. It's a celebratory toast to the beauty of music and those who sing it, bring it and shape it.
Also featured will be honorable mentions from the competition: "An Adirondack Day" by Valerie Showers Crescenz of Pennsylvania, "The Everlasting Voices" by Ivan Bozicevic of Croatia and "Samson", by Jeffrey Cobb of Michigan, a rousing, Gospel instant classic based on the Biblical account and much mythical folklore besides.
These pieces, together with three pieces by local composers Roland E. Martin, Persis Parshall Vehar and Marty Wimmer, give testament to the Freudig Singers leadership by continued innovation and creativity in the broad choral arts community of Western New York.
"Here's to the Music" promises a sampling of extraordinary lyricism combined with authentic Americanism in a suite that will have you put your hand on your heart and your handkerchief to your eye. Who else but the Freudig Singers could bring you to such fervor?
Tickets are $15 for adults/$13 for students or seniors and are available at the door. Obtain Presale tickets at $12/$10 and Group Discounts by calling 667-7088. (More details about our repertoire are available by visiting the www.freudigsingers.org.) Seating is limited and presale reservations are highly recommended.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Freudig Singers of Western New York to Hold Auditions
The Freudig Singers of Western New York will hold auditions for all voice parts on Monday, August 15 in the sanctuary of St. James United Church of Christ, 76 Main Street in Hamburg, New York, and again Monday, August 29 in the choir room of St. Joseph’s University Church, 3269 Main Street in Buffalo. For both dates auditions will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Singers will be auditioned on a first-come, first heard basis and should bring a prepared piece of vocal music with them.
The Freudig Singers is an auditioned professional caliber chamber ensemble presenting both standard repertoire and contemporary choral literature. Call 667-7088 for questions regarding auditions.
The Freudig Singers is an auditioned professional caliber chamber ensemble presenting both standard repertoire and contemporary choral literature. Call 667-7088 for questions regarding auditions.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Winners of Second Choral Composition Competition
The Freudig Singers of Western New York Announce Winners of Second Choral Composition Competition
Buffalo, New York, June 12, 2011: The Freudig Singers of Western New York, directed by Roland E. Martin, recently launched the Second Freudig Singers Choral Composition Competition. Composers were invited to submit original compositions arranged for four-part choir. A total of sixty-three works were submitted from around the world - three continents, eight countries and 21 states in the US.
The three-member jury consisted of published composers Roland E. Martin, Director of the Freudig Singers, Persis Vehar, Canisius College Composer-in-Residence, and Martin J. Wimmer, Depew Public Schools Music Teacher, Radio Host Classical 94.5/WNED, and Competition Coordinator. Wimmer states, “We’re thrilled that we can offer this amazing opportunity to composers, performers and our beloved audience members, and we hope that our competition will grow with each passing year.”
The first prize winner will receive $1,000 and the work will be performed and recorded during the 2011-12 concert season. Three additional works were named “Honorable Mention” and will also be performed and recorded during the season.
###
Buffalo, New York, June 12, 2011: The Freudig Singers of Western New York, directed by Roland E. Martin, recently launched the Second Freudig Singers Choral Composition Competition. Composers were invited to submit original compositions arranged for four-part choir. A total of sixty-three works were submitted from around the world - three continents, eight countries and 21 states in the US.
The three-member jury consisted of published composers Roland E. Martin, Director of the Freudig Singers, Persis Vehar, Canisius College Composer-in-Residence, and Martin J. Wimmer, Depew Public Schools Music Teacher, Radio Host Classical 94.5/WNED, and Competition Coordinator. Wimmer states, “We’re thrilled that we can offer this amazing opportunity to composers, performers and our beloved audience members, and we hope that our competition will grow with each passing year.”
The first prize winner will receive $1,000 and the work will be performed and recorded during the 2011-12 concert season. Three additional works were named “Honorable Mention” and will also be performed and recorded during the season.
###
FIRST PRIZE WINNER
Here’s to the Music - Steve Murray (Massachusetts)
###
HONORABLE MENTIONS (in no particular order)
The Everlasting Voices - Ivan Bozicevic (Croatia)
Sunrise - Valerie Showers Crescenz (Pennsylvania)
Samson - Jeffrey Cobb (Michigan)
###
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Freudig Singers announce the last concerts of the 27th Season: Music of the Ages
Freudig Singers revive the will to live with Favorites from Stage and Screen, the final concert of their 27th year to be held on Friday, May 6th at Blessed Trinity Church and May 8th at MusicalFare Theatre.
Directed by Roland E. Martin, Favorites from Stage and Screen will include songs penned by Charles Strouse, Richard Rodgers, John Kander, Stephen Schwartz, Sir Elton John and Irving Berlin, among others. Discover how nothing will bring on a glow like our new arrangements of Applause, I Love Lucy, and All That Jazz.
Freudig Singers receive requests to perform popular hits all of the time. The Freudigs will get under your skin in the still of the night and do something to your heart with audience-requested songs of love by Cole Porter. By popular demand, included for the first time are various offerings by Disney's Alan Menken, lushly arranged for four-part choir by Freudig's own Roland E. Martin, from Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The freudig ladies will wow you with a rendition of a 1963 classic popularized by the Chiffons, and what all-request show would be complete without our signature tune, How Did I Find You? by Buffalo composer John Burke Armesto.
Join the Freudig Singers for the Favorites from Stage and Screen concert at Blessed Trinity on Leroy Avenue in Buffalo, NY at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 6th and at MusicalFare Theatre on Daemen Campus at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 8th.
Tickets cost $12 on pre-sale ($10 for seniors and students) and $15 on the night ($13 for seniors and students.) Group discounts are available. Call Elizabeth at 716-667-7088 to book your antidote to the winter doldrums and be prepared to tell her your favorites to guide next year's repertoire.
###
Elizabeth Sands
Chairwoman, Board of Directors
Freudig Singers of Western New York
P.O.Box #1103
Orchard Park, NY 14127-8103
Check out Music for the Ages
www.freudigsingers.org
Directed by Roland E. Martin, Favorites from Stage and Screen will include songs penned by Charles Strouse, Richard Rodgers, John Kander, Stephen Schwartz, Sir Elton John and Irving Berlin, among others. Discover how nothing will bring on a glow like our new arrangements of Applause, I Love Lucy, and All That Jazz.
Freudig Singers receive requests to perform popular hits all of the time. The Freudigs will get under your skin in the still of the night and do something to your heart with audience-requested songs of love by Cole Porter. By popular demand, included for the first time are various offerings by Disney's Alan Menken, lushly arranged for four-part choir by Freudig's own Roland E. Martin, from Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The freudig ladies will wow you with a rendition of a 1963 classic popularized by the Chiffons, and what all-request show would be complete without our signature tune, How Did I Find You? by Buffalo composer John Burke Armesto.
Join the Freudig Singers for the Favorites from Stage and Screen concert at Blessed Trinity on Leroy Avenue in Buffalo, NY at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 6th and at MusicalFare Theatre on Daemen Campus at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 8th.
Tickets cost $12 on pre-sale ($10 for seniors and students) and $15 on the night ($13 for seniors and students.) Group discounts are available. Call Elizabeth at 716-667-7088 to book your antidote to the winter doldrums and be prepared to tell her your favorites to guide next year's repertoire.
###
Elizabeth Sands
Chairwoman, Board of Directors
Freudig Singers of Western New York
P.O.Box #1103
Orchard Park, NY 14127-8103
Check out Music for the Ages
www.freudigsingers.org
Monday, April 18, 2011
Freudig Singers announce 2nd Choral Composition Competition
Opportunity Detail:
The Freudig Singers of Western New York $$$
Application Deadline: 4/30/2011
Seeks unpublished works for mixed chorus. Cash prize, performances and possible professional recording.
Details
The Freudig Singers of Western New York is an auditioned, professional caliber chamber ensemble dedicated to broadening the musical experience of the people of Western New York by providing quality choral performances. We present the standard choral literature as well as music of contemporary composers. From our inception in 1984 under founder Dr. Kathleen Keenan-Takagi and continuing under the leadership of Roland E. Martin, we have focused on the education and enrichment of our audience and concert partners, offering concerts in a variety of venues around Western New York incorporating area children's choirs, exceptional high school choristers and the area's finest instrumentalists. "Freudig" means “joyful” in German.
Eligibility
No age restrictions.
Awards
The winner will receive $1000 and will have his/her work performed and possibly recorded professionally. Works should be for mixed chorus (mostly SATB) with piano or organ accompaniment, or a cappella. Please note that any work with a protected text must be accompanied by a letter of permission from the publisher, poet or author. Also note that the jury reserves the right to make no award and to change the number of award winners depending on the quality of the music submitted. The winner retains all rights to his/her work.
Submissions
Three hard copies of each piece with composer’s name and identifying information removed.
Limit: three pieces per composer.
A letter including contact information (name, address, phone number, email), performance history of each work and program notes by the composer.
A brief composer biography.
Recordings of music, if available (MIDI realizations are acceptable.)
Send only copies of all materials. Do not send originals as no materials will be returned.
Administrative Fee: $20 per piece.
Checks to “The Freudig Singers of Western New York”
Materials must be postmarked by April 30, 2011.
Send all materials to:
Martin J. Wimmer, Freudig Singers Competition Coordinator
482 Linwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
Questions?
Contact: MJWimmer@aol.com (Martin J. Wimmer is a member of the American Composers Forum)
Comments?
Comments on the Competition or the Freudig Singers? Click the Comments link below.
The Freudig Singers of Western New York $$$
Application Deadline: 4/30/2011
Seeks unpublished works for mixed chorus. Cash prize, performances and possible professional recording.
Details
The Freudig Singers of Western New York is an auditioned, professional caliber chamber ensemble dedicated to broadening the musical experience of the people of Western New York by providing quality choral performances. We present the standard choral literature as well as music of contemporary composers. From our inception in 1984 under founder Dr. Kathleen Keenan-Takagi and continuing under the leadership of Roland E. Martin, we have focused on the education and enrichment of our audience and concert partners, offering concerts in a variety of venues around Western New York incorporating area children's choirs, exceptional high school choristers and the area's finest instrumentalists. "Freudig" means “joyful” in German.
Eligibility
No age restrictions.
Awards
The winner will receive $1000 and will have his/her work performed and possibly recorded professionally. Works should be for mixed chorus (mostly SATB) with piano or organ accompaniment, or a cappella. Please note that any work with a protected text must be accompanied by a letter of permission from the publisher, poet or author. Also note that the jury reserves the right to make no award and to change the number of award winners depending on the quality of the music submitted. The winner retains all rights to his/her work.
Submissions
Three hard copies of each piece with composer’s name and identifying information removed.
Limit: three pieces per composer.
A letter including contact information (name, address, phone number, email), performance history of each work and program notes by the composer.
A brief composer biography.
Recordings of music, if available (MIDI realizations are acceptable.)
Send only copies of all materials. Do not send originals as no materials will be returned.
Administrative Fee: $20 per piece.
Checks to “The Freudig Singers of Western New York”
Materials must be postmarked by April 30, 2011.
Send all materials to:
Martin J. Wimmer, Freudig Singers Competition Coordinator
482 Linwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14209
Questions?
Contact: MJWimmer@aol.com (Martin J. Wimmer is a member of the American Composers Forum)
Comments?
Comments on the Competition or the Freudig Singers? Click the Comments link below.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
MARCH MAD-rigal-NESS
Freudig Singers announce a jolly, innovative programme for their March Mad-rigal-ness Concert to be held on Saturday, March 5th at St John's Grace Episcopal Church.
Inspired by the medievally-motivated Roland E. Martin, March Mad-rigal-ness includes songs of love, lust and loss opening, naturally, with "Pastyme with Good Company" by Henry VIII. The theme continues with songs by Morley, Farmer, Dowland, Bennet and Josquin Des Pres.
March Mad-rigal-ness digs in an earthy humour with onomatopoetic songs of barnyard animals and crickets and odes to beer and ale to which Ben Franklin would have, surely, replied,"Hale!" There are songs of royal turpitude by PDQ Bach, "The Queen to Me a Royal Pain Doth Give," and what medieval show would be complete without the colourful graphic, "Long Live the King!" (Not!)
It's true: the winter can only so much darkness bring so we finish this show with songs of spring by Thomas Morley and our Annual Freudig Singers' Choral Composition Competition winners Brian Holmes and Mark Dal Porto.
March-madrigal-ness is a potent concoction to fill your heart with gratitude and cheer at the lowest time of year. This choir, in its 27th year and recording CDs three times a year, continues to boost the rich heritage of choral music in Western New York with music of extra-ordinary value and unmatched breadth and depth of creativity.
Join the Freudig Singers' March Mad-rigal-ness Concert at St John's Grace Episcopal Church on Colonial Circle in Buffalo, NY at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5th.
Tickets cost $12 on pre-sale ($10 for seniors and students) and $15 on the night ($13 for seniors and students.) Call Elizabeth at 716-667-7088 to book your antidote to the winter doldrums.
Inspired by the medievally-motivated Roland E. Martin, March Mad-rigal-ness includes songs of love, lust and loss opening, naturally, with "Pastyme with Good Company" by Henry VIII. The theme continues with songs by Morley, Farmer, Dowland, Bennet and Josquin Des Pres.
March Mad-rigal-ness digs in an earthy humour with onomatopoetic songs of barnyard animals and crickets and odes to beer and ale to which Ben Franklin would have, surely, replied,"Hale!" There are songs of royal turpitude by PDQ Bach, "The Queen to Me a Royal Pain Doth Give," and what medieval show would be complete without the colourful graphic, "Long Live the King!" (Not!)
It's true: the winter can only so much darkness bring so we finish this show with songs of spring by Thomas Morley and our Annual Freudig Singers' Choral Composition Competition winners Brian Holmes and Mark Dal Porto.
March-madrigal-ness is a potent concoction to fill your heart with gratitude and cheer at the lowest time of year. This choir, in its 27th year and recording CDs three times a year, continues to boost the rich heritage of choral music in Western New York with music of extra-ordinary value and unmatched breadth and depth of creativity.
Join the Freudig Singers' March Mad-rigal-ness Concert at St John's Grace Episcopal Church on Colonial Circle in Buffalo, NY at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5th.
Tickets cost $12 on pre-sale ($10 for seniors and students) and $15 on the night ($13 for seniors and students.) Call Elizabeth at 716-667-7088 to book your antidote to the winter doldrums.
Pastyme with good company
Pastyme with good company,
I love and shall until I die.
Grudge who lust but none denye,
so God be pleased thus live will I.
For my pastance, hunt, sing and dance,
My heart is set
All goodly sport, for my comfort,
who shall me let.
Youthe must have sum daliance,
off good or ill some pastance.
Company me thinks then best
all thoughts and fancies to digest.
For idelnes, is chief mistress of vices all
Then who can say
but mirth and play
is best of all.
Company with honesty,
is virtu, vices to flee.
Company is good and ill,
but every man hath his free will.
The best ensue,
the worst eschew,
my mind shall be.
Vertu to use,
vice to refuse,
thus shall I use me.
Henry VIII
I love and shall until I die.
Grudge who lust but none denye,
so God be pleased thus live will I.
For my pastance, hunt, sing and dance,
My heart is set
All goodly sport, for my comfort,
who shall me let.
Youthe must have sum daliance,
off good or ill some pastance.
Company me thinks then best
all thoughts and fancies to digest.
For idelnes, is chief mistress of vices all
Then who can say
but mirth and play
is best of all.
Company with honesty,
is virtu, vices to flee.
Company is good and ill,
but every man hath his free will.
The best ensue,
the worst eschew,
my mind shall be.
Vertu to use,
vice to refuse,
thus shall I use me.
Henry VIII
Sing We and Chant It
Sing we and chant it
while love doth grant it.
Fa la la...
All things invite us
now to delight us.
Fa la la...
Not long youth lasteth,
and old age hasteth.
Now is best leisure
to take our pleasure.
Fa la la...
Hence, care be packing!
No mirth be lacking!
Let spare no treasure
to live in pleasure.
Fa la la...
music by Thomas Morley
while love doth grant it.
Fa la la...
All things invite us
now to delight us.
Fa la la...
Not long youth lasteth,
and old age hasteth.
Now is best leisure
to take our pleasure.
Fa la la...
Hence, care be packing!
No mirth be lacking!
Let spare no treasure
to live in pleasure.
Fa la la...
music by Thomas Morley
Fair Phyllis I Saw
Fair Phyllis I saw sitting all alone,
feeding her flock near to the mountainside.
The shepherds knew not,
they knew not wither she was gone,
but after all her lover Amyntus hied.
Up and down he wandered,
Up and down he wandered...
Whilst she was missing;
When he found her,
O, then they fell a-kissing, a-kissing,
O, then they fell a-kissing...
music by John Farmer
feeding her flock near to the mountainside.
The shepherds knew not,
they knew not wither she was gone,
but after all her lover Amyntus hied.
Up and down he wandered,
Up and down he wandered...
Whilst she was missing;
When he found her,
O, then they fell a-kissing, a-kissing,
O, then they fell a-kissing...
music by John Farmer
Come Again
Come again, sweet love doth now invite
thy graces that refrain
to do me due delight,
To see, to hear, to touch, to kiss,
to die with thee again
in sweetest sympathy.
Come again, that I may cease to mourn
through thy unkind disdain;
For now left and forlorn,
I sit, I sigh, I weep, I faint,
I die in deadly pain
and endless misery.
Gentle love, draw forth thy wounding dart:
Thou canst not pierce her heart;
For I that do approve
by sighs and tears more hot than are thy shafts
did tempt while she for scanty triumphs laughs.
music by John Dowland
thy graces that refrain
to do me due delight,
To see, to hear, to touch, to kiss,
to die with thee again
in sweetest sympathy.
Come again, that I may cease to mourn
through thy unkind disdain;
For now left and forlorn,
I sit, I sigh, I weep, I faint,
I die in deadly pain
and endless misery.
Gentle love, draw forth thy wounding dart:
Thou canst not pierce her heart;
For I that do approve
by sighs and tears more hot than are thy shafts
did tempt while she for scanty triumphs laughs.
music by John Dowland
Flow My Tears
Flow my tears
fall from your springs,
exil’d forever let me mourn:
Where night’s black bird
her sad infamy sings,
there let me live forlorn.
Down vain lights
shine you no more,
No nights are dark enough for those
that in despair their last fortunes deplore,
light doth but shame disclose.
Never may my woes be relieved,
since pity is fled,
And tears, and sighs, and groans
my weary days
of all joys have deprived.
From the highest spire of contentment,
my fortune is thrown,
And fear, and grief, and pain
for my deserts,
are my hopes since hope is gone.
Hark you shadows that in darkness dwell,
learn to contemn light,
Happy, happy they that in hell
feel not the world’s despite.
music by John Dowland
fall from your springs,
exil’d forever let me mourn:
Where night’s black bird
her sad infamy sings,
there let me live forlorn.
Down vain lights
shine you no more,
No nights are dark enough for those
that in despair their last fortunes deplore,
light doth but shame disclose.
Never may my woes be relieved,
since pity is fled,
And tears, and sighs, and groans
my weary days
of all joys have deprived.
From the highest spire of contentment,
my fortune is thrown,
And fear, and grief, and pain
for my deserts,
are my hopes since hope is gone.
Hark you shadows that in darkness dwell,
learn to contemn light,
Happy, happy they that in hell
feel not the world’s despite.
music by John Dowland
Weep, O mine eyes
Weep, O mine eyes,
and cease not,
Alas, these your spring tides
methinks increase not.
O when begin you to swell so high
that I may drown me in you?
music by John Bennet
and cease not,
Alas, these your spring tides
methinks increase not.
O when begin you to swell so high
that I may drown me in you?
music by John Bennet
Mille Regretz
Mille regetz de vous habandonner
et d’eslonger vostre fache amoureuse.
J’ay si grand dueil et paine douloreuse
Qu’on me verra brief mes jours deffiner.
(A thousand regrets at deseting you,
And leaving behind your loving face.
I feel so much sadness and such painful distress,
That it seems to me my days will soon dwindle away.)
music by Josquin Des Pres
et d’eslonger vostre fache amoureuse.
J’ay si grand dueil et paine douloreuse
Qu’on me verra brief mes jours deffiner.
(A thousand regrets at deseting you,
And leaving behind your loving face.
I feel so much sadness and such painful distress,
That it seems to me my days will soon dwindle away.)
music by Josquin Des Pres
The Silver Swan
The silver swan who living had no note,
when death approached
unlocked her silent throat;
Leaning her breast against the reedy shore
thus sung her first and last,
and sung no more.
Farewell, all joys;
Oh death, come close my eyes;
More geese than swans now live,
more fools than wise.
music by Orlando Gibbons
when death approached
unlocked her silent throat;
Leaning her breast against the reedy shore
thus sung her first and last,
and sung no more.
Farewell, all joys;
Oh death, come close my eyes;
More geese than swans now live,
more fools than wise.
music by Orlando Gibbons
El Grillo
El grillo, el grillo `e buon cantore
che tiene longo verso.
Dalle beve, grillo, canta...
Ma non fa come gli altri uccelli:
Come le han cantato un poco,
Van’ de fatto in altro loco,
Sempre el grillo sta pulsando.
Quando la maggior el caldo
Allor canta dol per amore.
El grillo, el grillo `e buon cantore
che tiene longo verso.
words and music by Josquin des Pres
che tiene longo verso.
Dalle beve, grillo, canta...
Ma non fa come gli altri uccelli:
Come le han cantato un poco,
Van’ de fatto in altro loco,
Sempre el grillo sta pulsando.
Quando la maggior el caldo
Allor canta dol per amore.
El grillo, el grillo `e buon cantore
che tiene longo verso.
words and music by Josquin des Pres
Contraponto bestiale alle mento
Fa la la...
Nulla fides gobbis similiter est zoppis, (Cu-cu cu-cu....chiu chiu...
si squerzus bonus, bonus ist, miau miau...Babau babau...)
super annalia scribe.
Fa la la...
words and music by Adriano Banchieri
Nulla fides gobbis similiter est zoppis, (Cu-cu cu-cu....chiu chiu...
si squerzus bonus, bonus ist, miau miau...Babau babau...)
super annalia scribe.
Fa la la...
words and music by Adriano Banchieri
The Queen to Me a Royal Pain Doth Give
The Queen to me a royal pain doth give.
Yet were I so to say, I scarce would live
to see the fair Thusnelda once again,
Oy vey, oy vey...
A Queen who reigns,
yet keeps her powder dry,
Must power use
where love would best apply
to keep me from Thusnelda once again.
Oy vey, oy vey...
She fancies me her lad
and so, alas, she bids me bide awhile
her time to pass.
But once her royal cup
the Queen doth drain,
The ruler by her servant sleep is slain.
And I to my Thusnelda fly again.
Oy vey, oy vey...
words and music by PDQ Bach
Yet were I so to say, I scarce would live
to see the fair Thusnelda once again,
Oy vey, oy vey...
A Queen who reigns,
yet keeps her powder dry,
Must power use
where love would best apply
to keep me from Thusnelda once again.
Oy vey, oy vey...
She fancies me her lad
and so, alas, she bids me bide awhile
her time to pass.
But once her royal cup
the Queen doth drain,
The ruler by her servant sleep is slain.
And I to my Thusnelda fly again.
Oy vey, oy vey...
words and music by PDQ Bach
My Bonnie Lass She Smelleth
My bonnie lass she smelleth,
making the flowers jealouth.
Fa la la...
My bonnie lass dismayeth
Me, all that she doth sayith.
Fa la la...
My bonnie lass she looketh like a jewel,
and soundeth like a mule.
My bonnie lass she walketh like a doe,
and talketh like a crow.
Fa la la...la dee da.
My bonnie lass liketh to dance alot;
She’s Guinevere and I’m Sir Lancelot.
Fa la la...
My bonnie lass I need not flatter;
what she doth not have doth not matter.
Oo la la la...
My bonnie lass would be nice
yea even at twice the price.
Fa la la...
words and music by PDQ Bach
making the flowers jealouth.
Fa la la...
My bonnie lass dismayeth
Me, all that she doth sayith.
Fa la la...
My bonnie lass she looketh like a jewel,
and soundeth like a mule.
My bonnie lass she walketh like a doe,
and talketh like a crow.
Fa la la...la dee da.
My bonnie lass liketh to dance alot;
She’s Guinevere and I’m Sir Lancelot.
Fa la la...
My bonnie lass I need not flatter;
what she doth not have doth not matter.
Oo la la la...
My bonnie lass would be nice
yea even at twice the price.
Fa la la...
words and music by PDQ Bach
Long Live the King
Long live the King,
at least until he’s dead;
Long live the King
‘til we chop off his head;
Long live the King
‘til the guillotine is through;
Long live the King
as he bids his head adieu.
Here’s to the King
The ill begotten, thoroughly rotten,
cottonpickin’ King.
Mourn for the King
with sniffles and a sob;
Pity the King,
for he has lost his job;
Poor little King,
this is his final day;
He’ll get the ax,
but he’ll get no severance pay.
Here’s to the King;
Now the time has come
to let old gravity do her thing.
He is the one
who took our daily bread;
He is the one
who’s paying with his head;
He is the one
who now receives his due;
He is the one,
but soon he’ll the the two.
Here’s to the King!
Louis, Louie...
Here’s to the King!
Simon says to Louie Seize:
“Phooey on the King!”
Long live the King! Not.
Words and music by PDQ Bach
at least until he’s dead;
Long live the King
‘til we chop off his head;
Long live the King
‘til the guillotine is through;
Long live the King
as he bids his head adieu.
Here’s to the King
The ill begotten, thoroughly rotten,
cottonpickin’ King.
Mourn for the King
with sniffles and a sob;
Pity the King,
for he has lost his job;
Poor little King,
this is his final day;
He’ll get the ax,
but he’ll get no severance pay.
Here’s to the King;
Now the time has come
to let old gravity do her thing.
He is the one
who took our daily bread;
He is the one
who’s paying with his head;
He is the one
who now receives his due;
He is the one,
but soon he’ll the the two.
Here’s to the King!
Louis, Louie...
Here’s to the King!
Simon says to Louie Seize:
“Phooey on the King!”
Long live the King! Not.
Words and music by PDQ Bach
Bacco, Bacco
Bacco, Bacco, e u o e
Bacco, Bacco, e u o e
Bacco, Bacco, e u o e o e
Bacco, Bacco, e u o e
e u, e u o e, e u o e, e u o e
Bacco, Bacco, e u o e
Bacco, Bacco, e u o e
Bacco, Bacco, e u o e o e
Bacco, Bacco, e u e u
words and music by Francesco Corteccia (1502-1571) ed. by R. E. Martin
Bacco, Bacco, e u o e
Bacco, Bacco, e u o e o e
Bacco, Bacco, e u o e
e u, e u o e, e u o e, e u o e
Bacco, Bacco, e u o e
Bacco, Bacco, e u o e
Bacco, Bacco, e u o e o e
Bacco, Bacco, e u e u
words and music by Francesco Corteccia (1502-1571) ed. by R. E. Martin
Good Ale
I cannot eat but little meat, my stomach is not good;
But sure I think that I can drink with him that wears a hood.
Though I go bare, take ye no care, I nothing am a cold,
I stuff my skin so full within of jolly good ale and old.
Back and side go bare, go bare: both foot and hand go cold;
But belly, God send thee good ale enough (enough), whether it be new or old!
I love no roast, but a nut-brown toast, and a crab laid in the fire;
A little bread shall do me stead, much bread I not desire.
No frost nor snow, nor wind I trow, can hurt me if I wold,
I am so wrapt and thoroughly apt of jolly good ale and old.
Back and side go bare, go bare: both foot and hand go cold;
But belly, God send thee good ale enough (enough), whether it be new or old!
Now let them drink till they nod and wink, even as good fellow should do;
They shall not miss to have the bliss good ale doth bring men to;
And all poor souls that have scoured bowls, or have them lust'ly trowled,
God save the lives of them and their wives, whether they be young and old!
Back and side go bare, go bare: both foot and hand go cold;
But belly, God send thee good ale enough (enough), whether it be new or old!
words by John Still 1543 arr. by Arnold Cornelissen
But sure I think that I can drink with him that wears a hood.
Though I go bare, take ye no care, I nothing am a cold,
I stuff my skin so full within of jolly good ale and old.
Back and side go bare, go bare: both foot and hand go cold;
But belly, God send thee good ale enough (enough), whether it be new or old!
I love no roast, but a nut-brown toast, and a crab laid in the fire;
A little bread shall do me stead, much bread I not desire.
No frost nor snow, nor wind I trow, can hurt me if I wold,
I am so wrapt and thoroughly apt of jolly good ale and old.
Back and side go bare, go bare: both foot and hand go cold;
But belly, God send thee good ale enough (enough), whether it be new or old!
Now let them drink till they nod and wink, even as good fellow should do;
They shall not miss to have the bliss good ale doth bring men to;
And all poor souls that have scoured bowls, or have them lust'ly trowled,
God save the lives of them and their wives, whether they be young and old!
Back and side go bare, go bare: both foot and hand go cold;
But belly, God send thee good ale enough (enough), whether it be new or old!
words by John Still 1543 arr. by Arnold Cornelissen
Of Beer
Trudge away quickly and fill the black bowl devoutly as long as we bide.
Now welcome good fellows, both strangers and all; let madness and mirth set sadness aside.
Of all reck'nings I love good cheer, with honest folks in company;
And when drink comes, my part for to bear, for still me thinks one tooth is dry,
for still me thinks one tooth is dry.
Love is a pastyme for a king if one be seen in physnomy;
But I love well this pot to wring, for still me thinks one tooth is dry,
for still me thinks one tooth is dry.
Masters this is all my desire; I would no drink should pass me by;
Let us now sing and mend the fire, for still me thinks one tooth is dry,
for still me thinks one tooth is dry.
Master Butler, give us a taste of your best drink so gently:
A jug or twain, and make no waste, for still me thinks one tooth is dry,
for still me thinks one tooth is dry.
Master Butler, of this take part: ye love good drink as well as I:
And drink to me with all your heart, for still me thinks one tooth is dry,
for still me thinks one tooth is dry.
words and music by Thomas Ravenscroft c.1582-1635 ed. by R. E. Martin
Now welcome good fellows, both strangers and all; let madness and mirth set sadness aside.
Of all reck'nings I love good cheer, with honest folks in company;
And when drink comes, my part for to bear, for still me thinks one tooth is dry,
for still me thinks one tooth is dry.
Love is a pastyme for a king if one be seen in physnomy;
But I love well this pot to wring, for still me thinks one tooth is dry,
for still me thinks one tooth is dry.
Masters this is all my desire; I would no drink should pass me by;
Let us now sing and mend the fire, for still me thinks one tooth is dry,
for still me thinks one tooth is dry.
Master Butler, give us a taste of your best drink so gently:
A jug or twain, and make no waste, for still me thinks one tooth is dry,
for still me thinks one tooth is dry.
Master Butler, of this take part: ye love good drink as well as I:
And drink to me with all your heart, for still me thinks one tooth is dry,
for still me thinks one tooth is dry.
words and music by Thomas Ravenscroft c.1582-1635 ed. by R. E. Martin
Of Ale
Toss the pot, toss the pot; let us be merry; And drink till our cheeks be as red as a cherry.
We take no thought, we have no care, For still we spend and never spare;
Till of all money our purse is bare, we ever toss the pot.
We drink, carouse with heart most free; A hearty draught I drink to thee;
Then fill the pot again to me, and ever toss the pot.
And when our money is all spent, Then sell our goods and spent our rent,
Or drink it up with one consent, and ever toss the pot.
When all is gone, we have no more; Then let us set it on the score,
Or chalk it up behind the door, and ever toss the pot.
And when our credit is all lost, Then we may go and kiss the post,
And eat brown bread instead of roast, and ever toss the pot.
Let us conclude as we began, And toss the pot from man to man,
And drink as much now as we can, and ever toss the pot.
We take no thought, we have no care, For still we spend and never spare;
Till of all money our purse is bare, we ever toss the pot.
We drink, carouse with heart most free; A hearty draught I drink to thee;
Then fill the pot again to me, and ever toss the pot.
And when our money is all spent, Then sell our goods and spent our rent,
Or drink it up with one consent, and ever toss the pot.
When all is gone, we have no more; Then let us set it on the score,
Or chalk it up behind the door, and ever toss the pot.
And when our credit is all lost, Then we may go and kiss the post,
And eat brown bread instead of roast, and ever toss the pot.
Let us conclude as we began, And toss the pot from man to man,
And drink as much now as we can, and ever toss the pot.
Springtime Mantleth Every Bough
Springtime mantleth ev'ry bough, and bowers make for shepherds' sport;
Birds and beasts are of consort, Fa la la la...
Our hearts in true love we do vow unto that fairy shepherd's maid;
We with true love are repaid, Fa la la la la...
words and music by Thomas Morley (1557-1602)
Birds and beasts are of consort, Fa la la la...
Our hearts in true love we do vow unto that fairy shepherd's maid;
We with true love are repaid, Fa la la la la...
words and music by Thomas Morley (1557-1602)
Now is the Month of Maying
Now is the month maying, When merry lads are playing, Fa la la...
Each with his bonny lass upon the greeny grass. Fa la la...
The Spring, clad all in gladness, Doth laugh at winter's sadness, Fa la la...
And to the bagpipe's sound the nymphs tread out their ground. Fa la la...
Fie then! Why sit we musing, Youth's sweet delight refusing? Fa la la...
Say, dainty nymphs, and speak, Shall we play barley-break? Fa la la...
words and music by Thomas Morley
Each with his bonny lass upon the greeny grass. Fa la la...
The Spring, clad all in gladness, Doth laugh at winter's sadness, Fa la la...
And to the bagpipe's sound the nymphs tread out their ground. Fa la la...
Fie then! Why sit we musing, Youth's sweet delight refusing? Fa la la...
Say, dainty nymphs, and speak, Shall we play barley-break? Fa la la...
words and music by Thomas Morley
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
