Choral Repertoire by Women Composers
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
- Editor: Hilary Apfelstadt
- Language: English
- ISBN:
- Size: 7.0 x 9.8 inches
In recent years, the choral profession has become especially mindful of recognizing a broad spectrum of composers, but scholarly materials have not kept pace. in fact, a survey of the available academic writings on choral music reveals a startling lack of information about women composers.
Choral Repertoire by Women Composers addresses this gap by highlighting the lives and music of more than 200 women choral composers spanning different time periods and geographic locations. Their choral works—expressive, compelling, and innovative—represent a diversity of styles and are suitable for choirs of varied ages and experience. Nearly 2,000 unique works are listed in this edition.
Though impossible to include every deserving composer and piece, this timely volume covers considerable ground, spotlighting the important contributions women composers have made to choral music throughout history and across the world.
Hilary Apfelstadt is a choral conductor whose experience ranges from teaching public school to university students, and working with community and church choirs. She is a published author with particular interest in choral pedagogy, music for treble voices, and Canadian repertoire. Retired from the University of Toronto, she is a past national president of the American Choral Directors Association.
Alan Davis is a conductor, music educator, and voice teacher who has taught in public high schools in Oregon, Colorado, and California. He recently completed the DMA degree in choral conducting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and holds additional degrees in choral conducting and music education. His research interests include choral intonation, vocal pedagogy, and choral repertoire by women composers.
The book's 56 contributing authors are choral scholars and music educators who work with singers of all ages. Some are composers themselves.
"Choral Repertoire by Women Composers is a timely and valuable resource for all choral musicians who wish to expand their knowledge of historical and contemporary women composers from around the world. Biographical information and a list of selected choral works with durations, publisher information, and various voicings are provided for each composer, giving readers new repertoire ideas to enhance their concert programs."
—Edie Copley Professor Emerita, Northern Arizona University National Vice President, ACDA
"I am pleased to offer my enthusiastic support for Choral Repertoire by Women Composers , an invaluable contribution to the choral world. This book highlights the incredible diversity and depth of works by female composers, offering a wealth of artistically compelling music suggestions essential for modern choral programs. This book will likely become a vital resource that will inspire conductors and performers and enrich the choral repertoire for future decades."
—Jo-Michael Scheibe Professor Emeritus, University of Southern California Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series Editor, Walton Music Past National President, ACDA
"This is a long-awaited and very welcome resource for conductors and educators. Concise essays with background information, words directly from the living composers, and other pertinent information—including representative works, voicing, duration, and publishers—make this book a quick and easy reference for anyone looking to explore and program works by women composers from around the world. A must-have book for every choral musician!"
—Pearl Shangkuan Chorus Director, Grand Rapids Symphony Editor, Hinshaw Music National President-elect, ACDA Professor Emerita of Music, Calvin University
"This remarkable book on women composers fills a significant gap in music history literature. It features insightful essays, a curated list of representative choral works, and a bibliography. Whether conducting research or seeking to diversify your repertoire with works by women composers, Choral Repertoire by Women Composers is an indispensable resource."
—André J. Thomas Professor Emeritus, Florida State University Composer Associate Artist, London Symphony Orchestra Past National President, ACDA
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Choral Repertoire by Women Composers
