Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (Book of Common Prayer version 1662) set to music for six part mixed voices SAT-SAT) The title of this work (Canticula Ursae Minoris/Songs of the Little Bear) comes from the origin of the melodies: Many years ago I wrote a...  moreMagnificat and Nunc Dimittis (Book of Common Prayer version 1662) set to music for six part mixed voices SAT-SAT) The title of this work (Canticula Ursae Minoris/Songs of the Little Bear) comes from the origin of the melodies: Many years ago I wrote an "Oratorio" based on Winnie the Pooh (The Expotition to the North Pole) and gave each character little melodic leitmotifs, such as "Sing ho for the life of a bear" (which becomes "to be a light to lighten the Gentiles" in the Nunc Dimittis), "They all went off to discover the pole" (which is the initial theme of the Magnificat) and "What I say, said Eeyore, is that it's unsettling" (which becomes the "Glory be to the Father" section at the end of each canticle) The original and much simpler "oratorio" work, called Poohratorio of course, may be published once AA Milne goes into public domain (2031).  less

(1988, rev. 1999) Music: © Copyright 1999 by Ione Press, Inc., a division of ECS Publishing. www.ecspublishing.com All rights reserved. Used by permission. ECS Publishing Catalog No. 5315 Text: Used by permission of Haim Guri with the kind...  more(1988, rev. 1999) Music: © Copyright 1999 by Ione Press, Inc., a division of ECS Publishing. www.ecspublishing.com All rights reserved. Used by permission. ECS Publishing Catalog No. 5315 Text: Used by permission of Haim Guri with the kind assistance of ACUM, Tel Aviv, Israel. English translation by Mark Elliott Shapiro.  

Song by Debussy for voice and piano arranged for soloist and choir [poem by Paul Bourget - English version see below] Les feuilles s'ouvraient sur le bord des branches, délicatement. Les cloches tintaient, légères et franches, dans le ciel clément....  moreSong by Debussy for voice and piano arranged for soloist and choir [poem by Paul Bourget - English version see below] Les feuilles s'ouvraient sur le bord des branches, délicatement. Les cloches tintaient, légères et franches, dans le ciel clément. Rhythmique et fervent comme une antienne, ce lointain appel me remémorait la blancheur chrétienne des fleurs de l'autel. Ces cloches parlaient d'heureuses années, et, dans le grand bois, semblaient reverdir les feuilles fanées, des jours d'autrefois. The leaves unfurled on branches so lightly delicate and soft. The bells rang out so light and free in the cloudless sky Rhythmical and fervent a distant call like the anthems of old Called to mind the pure white lilies on holy altar's sacrifice Those bells spoke to me of happier times now gone And in the great wood they seemed to revive the faded leaves of days long since passed. singing translation (c) David W Solomons  less

German folksong about two hares escaping the hunter Arranged for mixed choir (SAB) by David W Solomons images from Walter Crane's Baby Bouquet. Words (slightly amended by Pastor Joachim Bremer) (translation below) Zwischen Berg und tiefem, tiefem Tal...  moreGerman folksong about two hares escaping the hunter Arranged for mixed choir (SAB) by David W Solomons images from Walter Crane's Baby Bouquet. Words (slightly amended by Pastor Joachim Bremer) (translation below) Zwischen Berg und tiefem, tiefem Tal saßen einst zwei Hasen, fraßen ab das grüne, grüne Gras, fraßen ab das grüne, grüne Gras, bis auf den Rasen. Als sie sich nun satt gefressen hatten, Setzten sie sich nieder, Bis dass der Jäger Jäger kam Bis dass der Jäger Jäger kam, Und schoss sie nieder. Als sie sich nun aufgerappelt hatten, Und sie sich besannen, Dass sie noch am lieben Leben war'n, Dass sie noch am lieben Leben war'n, Hoppelten sie von dannen. ========== Between the mountain and the deep valley there were once two hares sitting eating up the green green grass right down to the ground When they had had their fill They sat down Until the hunter came and shot them down When they came back to their senses and realised they were still alive they hopped away.  less