Sacred Polyphony for Beginners

[pm1853]

Because we all have to start somewhere…

I want to start including some polyphony for my choir. They’ve handled 4 part harmony and chant rather well and I think that they could start some more simple polyphonic works. I’m in no rush, but I would like to start introducing a work or two for the future. Does anyone have any recommendations for a startng point? Specific composers or works? I am blessed with a very supportive pastor and a choir that, while certainly not professional, works hard, does well, and most importantly, is willing to humor me.

Many thanks.

 

[baltobetsy]

Go get yourself a copy of the Oxford Easy Anthem Book. I hope it’s still in print - it’s full of really nice pieces that average singers can do well.

Specific pieces - the *Ave Verum Corpus *of William Byrd is not too hard, and quite lovely, and always appropriate for Communion.

If Ye Love Me, by Thomas Tallis, is breathtaking and a good piece to teach some general singing techniques.

That’s what comes to mind immediately. I’m sure others will have good suggestions.

Betsy

 

[countertenor]

A nice easy polyphonic piece is “domine non sum dignus” by Tomas Luis de Victoria. You can find it for free on the choral public domain library along with hundreds, possibly thousands of other pieces

www.cpdl.org

is the url. It’s a beautiful piece but good for beginners because it’s not overly difficult. Browse the collection they have lots of stuff.