Tag Archives: Choir

New Music from CPH

This is just a heads up that CPH recently released their new choral, handbell, and organ books/pieces for 2009. As always, CPH has MP3s and PDF samples of the pieces to view before purchasing. On the organ side, at least, there were a few items that got my attention early on and I have since purchased.

CPH is continuing its series “Musica Sacra” with Volume 7 by Donald Busarow. The Musica Sacra series is a great way to get some easier and quick pieces to prepare that are interesting. I have all 7 volumes and I consistently use all of them, but especially the volumes by Hildebrand, Kosche, and Culli. Just to be aware, I’d guess that roughly half of the compositions in Volume 7 are reprints of previously published pieces. I’m thinking that by the copyright date they are from the Concordia Hymn Prelude series which CPH is now slowly retiring.

The other selection I ordered was Kevin Hildebrand’s “Five Easy Easter Hymn Settings for Organ” . I know Easter is over and I won’t be able to use this set for another year — BUT it has a lovely setting of Duke Street which is appropriate for funerals throughout the year.

If you’re in the market for some sacred music, give the folks at CPH a try. They have an abundance of resources — especially for the Lutheran musician. But if you want Paul Manz, Michael Burkhardt, or some of Robert Hobby’s pieces, you’ll need to head over to MorningStar Music.

Church Music Workshops @ CTSFW

Kramer Chapel OrganChrist is risen!  He is risen indeed!  As the music of Holy Week and Easter Sunday continues to ring in our ears, I’d like you to think about summer.

What’s happening this summer?  The Church Music Workshops at Concordia Theological Seminary – Ft. Wayne, IN.  This year there are opportunities for organists, AND choir directors, AND handbell directors/ringers.  In other words, bring the whole crew.

These workshops are an excellent opportunity for fellowship, refreshment, and growth.  I’ve attended twice over the last few summers and they were great experiences.  See my previous reviews here and here.

  • If you’re a musician, consider attending.
  • If you’re a pastor, ask your musician(s) if they would like to attend.
  • If you’re a lay person, offer to send your musician.

The following information is provided by Kantor Kevin Hildebrand:

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Joy to the Heart

On today’s Issues, Etc program Todd Wilken had Pastor Will Weedon on the show to discuss a great Easter hymn – Joy to the Heart (link to the MP3 of the show).  It is well worth the listen.

If you’ve never heard the hymn, here is a video of a setting written by K. Lee Scott.  The setting is available from CPH and performance scores are available for the optional instrumentation.  Enjoy!

Paul Manz at 90

Paul Manz is turning 90 in May and MorningStar Music is having a 20% off sale during April and May 2009 on ALL Paul Manz items – choral & organ music, CDs, and the recent biography “The Journey Was Chosen”.  This is a great opportunity to fill in the gaps in your sheet music collection.  You can read more by downloading their April newsletter.

If you order, make sure you use the code: MANZB20

In Singing the Faith: Living the Lutheran Music Heritage by the Good Shepherd Institute, the study guide says the following about Manz.

In a way that has not been surpassed in the late twentieth and twenty-first centuries, Manz improvised hymn introductions and accompaniments that underscored the meaning of the hymn texts, thus enlivening the proclamation of the Gospel in hymn singing at both liturgical services and in hymn festivals.  Manz published and recorded many such improvisations for the use of organists and for the listening pleasure of all who love hymns and organ music.  Younger generations of Lutheran composers and organists who have been inspired by Manz include (to name only a few) Jeffrey Blersch, Michael Burkhardt, David Cherwien, John Ferguson, Kevin Hildebrand, and Robert Hobby.