"Aurum, aurum!" is dedicated to Asira Shukuru. It is a musical search for the meaning of gold, a choral exploration of our human relationship to this precious metal. In Latin and English. As always, comments are most welcomed. Sincere thanks to Matt...  more"Aurum, aurum!" is dedicated to Asira Shukuru. It is a musical search for the meaning of gold, a choral exploration of our human relationship to this precious metal. In Latin and English. As always, comments are most welcomed. Sincere thanks to Matthew Curtis (choraltracks.com) for recording "Aurum, aurum!" Email me at rain@magma.ca, if you'd like more info, or to obtain a copy of the score. I would like to acknowledge the a cappella choir that I sing in, The Stairwell Carollers, and our director Pierre Massie, for their musical inspiration these past 26 years. I would also like to thank my friends in our "Ad hoc Chorale" for testing out this piece in one of our informal workshops and offering valuable comments. And with deepest appreciation to my brother Adam Rain and my friend Geneviève Lajoie for their invaluable support throughout my composing journey.  less

The choir was founded in 1984 as a result of the efforts of Marie Dowler of Ryerson's English department and became a success under the direction of Matthew Jaskiewicz. In 1985 the choir became an Oakham House society open to Ryerson students, faculty and...  moreThe choir was founded in 1984 as a result of the efforts of Marie Dowler of Ryerson's English department and became a success under the direction of Matthew Jaskiewicz. In 1985 the choir became an Oakham House society open to Ryerson students, faculty and staff. In 1987 membership was opened to the general public. The choir is currently made up of Ryerson undergraduates and alumni, current and retired faculty members and people from all ages and walks of life in the community. It ranges in size from 60-80 members. A core of long term members makes it possible to maintain high standards and perform a demanding repertoire. Under Matthew's direction, the choir has performed over 50 concerts and on several occasions performed at Ryerson graduation ceremonies. In 1986 the choir competed in three categories at the Kiwanis Festival, winning first place in two categories and receiving high marks in all three. The choir continues to perform two major choral works per season in at least two concerts accompanied b...    less

Robert Ramsey’s O vos omnes is a haunting 17th-century masterpiece that blends late-Renaissance polyphony with the bold, expressive dissonances of the early English Baroque. This five-voice setting uses poignant word-painting to bring the "sorrow of sorro...  moreRobert Ramsey’s O vos omnes is a haunting 17th-century masterpiece that blends late-Renaissance polyphony with the bold, expressive dissonances of the early English Baroque. This five-voice setting uses poignant word-painting to bring the "sorrow of sorrows" from the Book of Lamentations to life. It remains one of the most intimate and emotionally raw works in the sacred choral repertoire.  

World Premiere performance at the CMEA Conference in Colorado Springs on January 27, 2012) ----- English Poetic Translation: Hurry up, walk quickly! Lift your feet up so you won't miss it, Wake up, take advantage, The Tap-Tap is warming up! ...  moreWorld Premiere performance at the CMEA Conference in Colorado Springs on January 27, 2012) ----- English Poetic Translation: Hurry up, walk quickly! Lift your feet up so you won't miss it, Wake up, take advantage, The Tap-Tap is warming up! If your legs are short, get a head start; The best time is now, Don't say you didn't know, Those who are wise are those who lead. Don't let time pass you by, It's time for you to get on board, The Tap-Tap is leaving now, It's time for us to go! Hurry up, walk quickly! Lift your feet up and don't miss it, The Tap-Tap is taking off! Don't fool around, get on! Don't wait, don't stare, Don't joke around, get on! The Tap-Tap might just leave you! Get up! Stand proud! Those of you who know what you want, Those of you with your minds made up, Don't miss a great opportunity To do something for the nation! Listen, don't miss a great opportunity to do something, Get up, stand proud, don't sit around and wait! Get up! Let's...    less

English Translation: Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Taghkanic Chorale https://www.taghkanicchora...  moreEnglish Translation: Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Taghkanic Chorale https://www.taghkanicchorale.org/ June 2020  

John White (5 April 1936 - 4 January 2024) was an English experimental composer and musical performer. He invented the early British form of minimalism known as systems music, with his early "Machines". Humming And Ah-ing Machine is an innovative and f...  moreJohn White (5 April 1936 - 4 January 2024) was an English experimental composer and musical performer. He invented the early British form of minimalism known as systems music, with his early "Machines". Humming And Ah-ing Machine is an innovative and fun composition by John White for unaccompanied SATB chorus. The work is made up of short repeated phrases that evolve and entwine, creating a hypnotic and exciting overall work. We performed this piece at a concert in St Michael's Cornhill, London, in 1983.  less

Attacca celebrates the holidays with a program that features Christmas Carols by Francis Poulenc (arranged by Attacca) and quartets by Mozart and Dvořák.    Poulenc: Christmas Carol Selections (arranged by Attacca) Dvořá...

Arrangement of an old English folk song for three voices (versions available for women's voices, mixed voices and men's voices). This version is for mixed voices AAB or MezAB

Traditional Basque Carol arranged by Edgar Pettman Sung by the dwsChorale www.dwsolo.com Sing lullaby! Lullaby baby, now reclining, Sing lullaby! Hush, do not wake the Infant King. Angels are watching, stars are shining Over the place where he i...  moreTraditional Basque Carol arranged by Edgar Pettman Sung by the dwsChorale www.dwsolo.com Sing lullaby! Lullaby baby, now reclining, Sing lullaby! Hush, do not wake the Infant King. Angels are watching, stars are shining Over the place where he is lying: Sing lullaby! Sing lullaby! Lullaby baby, now a-sleeping, Sing lullaby! Hush, do not wake the Infant King. Soon will come sorrow with the morning, Soon will come bitter grief and weeping: Sing lullaby! Sing lullaby! Lullaby baby, now a-dozing, Sing lullaby! Hush, do not wake the Infant King. Soon comes the cross, the nails, the piercing, Then in the grave at last reposing: Sing lullaby! Sing lullaby! Lullaby is the babe awaking? Sing lullaby! Hush, do not stir the Infant King. Dreaming of Easter, gladsome, morning, Conquering death, its bondage breaking: Sing lullaby!  less

Highlights from our Christmas concert at St Stephen's Church, Lansdown, Bath. 15th December 2012 Pianist, Organist ~ Nick Thorne Directed by Francis Faux Excerpts: Shepherd's Pipe Carol - John Rutter I Wonder as I Wander - Andrew Carter Hodie Chr...  moreHighlights from our Christmas concert at St Stephen's Church, Lansdown, Bath. 15th December 2012 Pianist, Organist ~ Nick Thorne Directed by Francis Faux Excerpts: Shepherd's Pipe Carol - John Rutter I Wonder as I Wander - Andrew Carter Hodie Christus Natus Est - Francis Poulenc Riu Riu Chiu - Traditional Spanish www.noctischoir.com