2023 ACDA Reading List - College University Choirs

A beautiful and moving setting of the Rainer Maria Rilke poem in German, this original a cappella concert work uses the full range of tonal color painting, creating a work worthy of the very best choirs.

In a light-hearted style, the music mirrors Mom's emotions as she considers the various challenges her offspring might face. Perfect for spring/graduation concerts.

This is a song of praise written in a distinguished, elegant style that has become a hallmark of the composer. With text from the book of James and 1 Corinthians, this is a stunning contemporary madrigal

The De Profundis text includes excerpts from the Psalms that amount to a call to God to hear our prayers and be merciful. This setting is captivating and distinctively original. The rhythmic playfulness

Based on a Renaissance piece by Franco-Flemish composer Pierre de Manchicourt, this lovely composition maintains the flavor of the original work while adding modern rhythmic elements and tonalities.

Commissioned by the internationally acclaimed ensemble VOCES8, this beautiful a cappella selection sets a text by Charles Anthony Silvestri that speaks of the beauty and fragility of nature.

In a perfect blend of the ancient with the modern, this majestic work sets a text by Hildegard of Bingen with pentatonic chant-like melodies, parallel lines, and sections of counterpoint that are stunning.

Translated as "Wint'ry Light," this is a beautiful multi-movement cycle for choir and piano. Depicted in four movements that total about nine minutes, the thematic material continues throughout the work

William Romanis' hymn text is brought to life in this interesting anthem with unexpected harmonic shifts and fluctuating time signatures. Tonal center shifts create a beautiful, ethereal atmosphere. Also

Energetic and full of natural imagery, this piece from the Breath of Song collection imitates the contrasting characteristics of rain. Catchy melodies are combined with speech, body

Mirroring in the musical texture what poet Kate Wakeling has created in the composition of her poem, the music revolves around a fixed pitch that appears as an ostinato on the syllable "O." Expressing the

Rife with energy and soaring melodies, this selection captures the image of a boat out at sea. Jonathan Talberg's vivid text paints the scene along with the interesting piano accompaniment and the use of

A thoughtful and expressive setting of the well-known Arthur O'Shaughnessy text.

A unique selection, this work includes three pieces: We Look for You; The Year's Midnight and The Unexpected Early Hour, each based on an Indian classical raag or raga: