Choral Composition: A Handbook for Composers, Arrangers, Conductors, and Singers

Robert Stephan Hines

Greenwood Press, Jan 1, 2001 - Music - 277 pages

This comprehensive handbook details the fundamentals and forms of choral composition and expands upon the coverage and number of topics in Archibald T. Davison's 1945 classic text "Choral Composition." Historical trends in choral composition are traced with a special emphasis on the profusion of changes that occurred throughout the twentieth century, particularly since 1950. Early chapters focus on characteristics of voice, notation, text, devices, part writing, "a cappella" and instrumental accompaniments, and choral forms. Hines goes on to analyze the utilization of soloists and choruses with instrumental chamber ensembles, orchestra, and the role of the chorus in opera, operetta, musicals, and music theater. A final chapter addresses practical concerns: music publication and how the artist can function effectively in that world.

Contents

• Introduction: 1
• Choral Notation: 17
• 2b C and Fclefs: 21
• Text and Textual Devices: 35
• Choral Composition Devices: 63
• 6a Changes within simple meters: 70
• 15a Ascending steps Persichetti Celebrations: 83
• Choral Part Writing Voicings Accompaniments and Forms: 95
• Types of Choruses: 125
• 3b Fourpart chorus version Bach Now Thank We All Our God: 129
• Soloists with Chorus: 159
• Keyboard Instruments and Instrumental Ensembles with Chorus: 187
• Orchestra with Chorus and Soloists: 205
• Opera Operetta Musical Comedy and: 229
• Publication: 255
• Bibliography: 265
• Index: 271

About the author

ROBERT STEPHAN HINES has authored or co-authored five books on twentieth-century choral and orchestral music, Singers' Liturgical Latin, and freshman and sophomore ear training.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Choral Composition: A Handbook for Composers, Arrangers, Conductors, and Singers; Jazz Companions Series
• Author: Robert Stephan Hines
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Greenwood Press, 2001
• ISBN: 0313315884, 9780313315886
• Length: 277 pages
• Subjects: Music / Instruction & Study / Composition; Music / Instruction & Study / Voice; Music / Reference