Chorus a cappella3.5' SDG 96-102 Male Chorus$ 1.50SDG 96-103 Treble Chorus$ 1.50SDG 96-104 Mixed Chorus$ 1.70Ascendit Deus, in its original TTBB voicing, is the second commissioned work written for Gary Schwartzhoff and the Singing Statesmen, University of Wisconsin~Eau Claire. The work opens with the original Gregorian chant transliterated from the Liber Usualis and progresses tonally and rhythmically into a Twentieth Century Alleluia which reaches a powerfully climactic vocal peak. Ascendit Deus was also set for SATB chorus (for Almeda Berkey and Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum) and for SSAA treble voices (for Jerome Wright's Seattle Girls' Choir).
See also Gregorian Tangent for Cello Ensemble (SDG 07-204).
Treble Chorus a cappella4.3' SDG 99-301 Chorus Score$ 1.50This stunning a cappella work makes use of a wide vocal tessitura in a manner similar to the works of 12th century mystic Hildegard von Bingen. A final ostinato section in thirds and fourths supports a slow moving cantus firmus, leading to a hauntingly beautiful soprano melody. The work was written as a gift to Jerome Wright and the Seattle Girls' Choir in appreciation for their superb recording of their CD, Jackson Berkey Meets the Seattle Girls' Choir.
(Thoughts and Remembrances, Carnegie Hall Series)Chorus, Piano5.5' SDG 96-116 Mixed Chorus$ 1.60SDG 96-117 Treble Chorus$ 1.60This choral setting expresses a double meaning for the Berkeys. For the originators of this spiritual there is an inherent hope of forgiveness and eternal peace and a desire to serve God well while on this earth. It was a favorite song of Almeda's mother, Opal, who never tired of serving others or in offering encouragement and strength to those in need. It bears the inscription: "For Almeda's mother, Opal, who told me of the Love." SATB version was performed in the Carnegie Hall Series.
(American Journey, Carnegie Hall Series)Chorus, Piano, String Quartet5' SDG 02-100 Mixed Chorus/Piano (includes instruments)$ 5.95SDG 02-100P Conductor's Score and Parts$ 10.00SDG 05-301 Treble Chorus/Piano (includes instruments)$ 5.95SDG 05-301P Conductor's Score and Parts$ 10.00Unexpected turns of mode and melody characterize this beautiful setting of the Appalachian folk song. Thick vocal textures as well as transparent lines weave throughout the arrangement. Commissioned by the Rochester (MN) Choral Arts Ensemble, Rick Kvam, Director.
(Carnegie Hall Series)Mixed Chorus, Strings (VI-II, Vla, Vc, Db), Percussion I (Tambourine, Tri., Susp. Cymbal), II (2 Tom-toms, Bass Drum), Piano, Marimba I-II22'SDGM 2000P4H Piano 4-Hands Part$ 16.00SDGM 2000P Instrumental Parts$ 25.00SDGM 2000 Treble Chorus/Piano$ 8.95SDGM 01-100 Mixed Chorus/Piano$ 9.95The original version of Cantate 2000 was a joint commission from the Phoenix (AZ) Boys Choir (Georg Stangelberger, Conductor) and the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus (Julian Ackerley, Conductor). The work is in four movements, the first three of which are performed without pause. The Latin texts are from Biblical sources. Running the gamut from soaring exultant song to sorrowful, then resolute to fearful and strange to jubilant praise; Cantate 2000 is an intense experience for singers and audience. There is no age requirement, since youth choirs and adults alike produce successful and meaningful performances.
Other performance possibilities:
Chorus, Piano, Marimba I-II, Acoustic Bass, Percussion I (Tambourine, Tri., Susp. Cymbal), II (2 Tom-toms, Bass Drum).
Chorus and Piano 4-Hands, Acoustic Bass, Percussion I (Tambourine, Tri., Susp. Cymbal), II (2 Tom-toms, Bass Drum) Allows performance of treble or mixed chorus versions without marimbas. Percussion still recommended. Resonet in laudibus
Super flumina Babylonis
Terra aliena
Cantate Domino
Chorus, Piano; Varied Vocal Versions5' SDG 10-101 Mixed Chorus, Piano$ 2.25 SDG 11-301 Treble Chorus, Piano$ 2.25 SDG 10-202 Voice, Piano$ 8.95SDG 10-203 Voice, Violoncello, Piano$ 9.95SDG 10-204 Soprano/Baritone Duet, Piano$ 9.95Emily Dickinson's poem I Never Saw a Moor serves as the inspiration for this statement of simple, yet powerful faith. Varied settings of this work's beautiful melody and accompaniment lead young or mature voices in a rewarding music experience. The original version was commissioned by the "Cantabile" chorus of young voices at the Kingswood-Oxford School in West Hartford, CT, Marcos Carreras, Director.See Homage to Emily Dickinson for instrumental solo and ensemble versions.
Chorus, Harp4.5'SDG 98-101 Mixed Chorus$ 1.35SDG 98-301 Treble Chorus$ 1.35 SDG 03-401 Male Chorus$ 1.35SDG 99-100P Harp, Bass, Percussion Parts (Order complete set)$ 25.00This famous Christmas hymn is introduced by a beautiful harp solo and then delicately voiced throughout, sometimes venturing into the Lydian mode. The middle section intersperses the chorus with double glissandi in the harp, followed by another solo instrumental statement of the lesser known Away in a Manger tune. The choir chants the end of the arrangement with a hushed, "Ivesian" combination of the hymn and the carol.
(Carnegie Hall Series)Chorus, Orchestra 1,1 (Ob/EngHn dbl), Strings11'SDG 01-504P Orchestra PartsSDG 03-504 Conductor's Score (Treble) SDGM 01-304 Treble Chorus/Keyboard Reduction SDG 03-504P Orchestra Parts SDGM 01-104 Mixed Chorus/Keyboard Reduction$ 2.10SDG 01-504 Conductor's Score (Mixed)Jackson Berkey's Crucifixus, the first completed movement of Towers of Sagrada Famlia, found its origins in Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum's 1999 concert tour to Barcelona, Spain. The composer's inspiration for the entire work came immediately while visiting the church. He studied the cryptogram engraved in the limestone facade by Subirachs, the architect carrying out Antonio Gaud's magnificent and grand vision for this immense artistic and sacred structure. The cryptogram appears on the "Death and Passion" entrance to the cathedral. The pathos, the passion, the sorrow, and the heavy load of the sins of all people are heard in this incredible piece. Suspension upon suspension carries the unending tension and anguish. A wonderful and penetrating English horn solo sustains over pizzicato cellos and arco double basses.
Chorus and Handbells3.5' SDG 02-304 Treble Chorus$ 4.95 SDG 05-105 Mixed Chorus$ 4.95SDG 02-304P Handbells part$ 4.00Contemporary setting of 6th C. Gallican chant. Varied tempi and vocal colors occur as the text is mixed throughout in Latin and English. Beautiful handbells sometimes play as a duet to the voices, as well as a solo section. Commissioned by the Seattle Girls' Choir, Dr. Jerome Wright, Founder and Artistic Director.
Chorus, Piano, Bells or Chimes (part in score)8'SDG 03-103 Mixed Chorus$ 4.75 SDG 03-304 Treble Chorus$ 4.75Setting of text attributed to St. Patrick, specifically "St. Patrick's Shield" or "Breastplate," also known historically as "Deer's Cry." The text speaks to the continuing presence of Christ and His free gift of salvation to all generations and all people. Commissioned for Ed Brodnicki by his loving wife, Judith.
Treble Chorus, Organ8-10' SDG 07-301 Chorus Score$ 4.75SDG 07-301P Organ Score (landscape)$ 6.00This work was commissioned for the Peace College Chamber Singers of Raleigh, NC, for their performances at the College's sesquicentennial and the Singers' 2007 European Tour. The text from John Milton's Il Penseroso determines the work's five sections. The piece awakens with the quietest breath from the organ, followed by a sweet and free canon in the voices. The voices coax the organ to unleash its power, slightly reminiscent of Tschaikovsky, until dissolved into ecstasy as "all Heav'n" is brought before our eyes. In 2009, the Seattle Girls' Choir opened the prestigious Salzburg Festival with this exciting work.
Chorus, Keyboard, opt. Synthesizer part included3' SDG 91-100 Treble Chorus$ 1.50SDG 91-103 Mixed Chorus$ 1.50Gloria in Excelsis Deo! was written on commission from the late Dan Nelson for the Edina High School Choirs, Edina, MN. It is a vibrant, intense setting of a small portion of the Gloria text. Its rhythmic variety is immediately apparent and combines beautifully with varied vocal textures throughout. On its last two pages, the choral score includes an optional synthesizer part that may be used in conjunction with the piano part.
Chorus a cappella3.5'SDG 93-104 Male Chorus$ 1.40SDG 93-105 Treble Chorus$ 1.40 SDG 93-106 Mixed Chorus$ 1.40God Be In My Head was commissioned by Gary Schwartzhoff and the Singing Statesmen at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. It is structured around original chant-like melodic fragments which are hinted at in the optional "celebrant" solo at the start of the piece and then fully stated in the first three ad libitum measures. With the melody throughout, the expressive setting exploits the dynamic and vocal ranges of the chorus while exploring both mixtures and combinations of tertian and quartal harmonic structures.
See also Sarum Primer 1545 for Cello Ensemble (SDG 07-203).
(Thoughts and Remembrances, Carnegie Hall Series)Chorus, Organ, Piano, Harp3.2' SDG 96-108 Mixed Chorus$ 1.50SDG 96-109 Treble Chorus$ 1.50SDG 96-110 Male Chorus$ 1.50Isaiah 44:3 expresses a beautiful promise from God to His people. An ancient text set to a chant-like melody by the composer hearkens back to the sound of Hebrew melody. Beginning from barely audible sounds, the choral dynamics progress fully as the work unfolds. The repetition of the chant develops both through extensions in the voice parts as well as in the accompaniment. While the melody remains constant throughout, harmonic extensions occur in the underlying parts. The work seems to develop roots almost figuratively as the promise of God takes root and nourishes generation after generation of His people's seed upon the earth. The SATB version was performed in the Carnegie Hall Series. Isaiah 44:3 is also available in a setting for solo harp.
The Wisdom of Isaiah SDGS 971 (Nature of the World)
Chorus, Piano 4-hands, Train Whistle, opt. Marimba/Xylophone5' SDG 98-103 Mixed Chorus$ 2.00SDG 98-401 Male Chorus$ 2.00SDG 99-303 Treble Chorus$ 2.00SDG 98-103P Marimba, Xylophone parts$ 5.00The tune Casey Jones (alias K.C.) takes place amidst train whistles and a dramatic spoken history, with a train in the choir! This song is great fun to sing and exciting to hear.
Three Treble Choruses, 3 sets of tuned Wind Chimes, Handbells, (opt. Vibraphones), prerecorded ambiances (ocean, wind, natural aviary)21' SDG 01-301 Treble Chorus$ 3.95SDG 01-301CD Sound FX CD$ 20.00A commission from Carol Stewart for the AmericaFest "International Singing Festival for Women" in Seattle, Washington, 2001, this minimalist work attempts to capture the "white light" period that so many people have related, due to near death experiences. The text is a gravestone epitaph written some sixty years prior to his death by Catalan composer Frederico Mompou. The text is set both in English and the original Catalan.
Chorus, Keyboard, opt. Harp4' SDG 93-101 Mixed Chorus$ 1.40 SDG 93-102 Treble Chorus$ 1.40Little Fire was commissioned by Sharon Hansen and the Iowa Choral Directors Association for their 1993 summer Symposium. Subtitled "A Remembrance of Aidan O'Neil," this work has as its title the translation of the name "Aidan." Little Fire depicts the courage and strength of a nine year old girl who, through her valiant battle with childhood cancer, left a life pattern for many of us to emulate in our adult lives. The work is accompanied on piano and ends with a heavenly jig on harp.
Chorus a cappella6'SDG 02-401 Male Chorus$ 1.50 SDG 03-305 Treble Chorus$ 1.50Varied tempi and notation styles relative to an eclectic mix of historic periods define this work. On suggestion from the commissioning body, the text (Luke 2:29-32), is presented in both Latin and English. Commissioned by The Singing Statesmen, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Dr. Gary Schwartzhoff, Conductor.
See also Lumen for Cello Ensemble (SDG 07-206).
A Song Cycle About Baseball Treble Chorus or Solo Soprano, Piano12' SDG 02-302 Chorus Score (octavo)$ 5.95 SDGS 2000-1 Solo Voice, Piano (9x12 Concert)$ 20.00Jackson Berkey's 1999 commission from soprano Carol Eikum of Northwest College, St. Paul, Minnesota, includes lyrics from Elisavietta Ritchie, May Swenson, Isabel Joshlin Glaser, and the composer himself. In versions both for solo and treble chorus, the score includes suggested costume and stage directions and is guaranteed to successfully energize a serious song recital. Sittin' on the Bench
Baseball Wrap-up
Substitute Blues
Someday, Someday
Debussy's original Piano Solo orchestrated with voices5' SDG 08-101 Mixed Chorus$ 2.50 SDG 09-302 Treble Chorus$ 2.50Claude Debussy's early 1890 composition is loved by audiences the world over. In this arrangement designed to feature the pianist as soloist with choral accompaniment, Jackson Berkey takes Debussy's original work and cradles the piano with blankets of voices. Even without lyrics, one can hear poetry. If desired, both voicings may be combined in performance.
(American Journey, Carnegie Hall Series)Chorus, Piano 4-hands, opt. Marimba/Xylophone5'SDG 96-105 Mixed Chorus$ 2.95SDG 96-106 Male Chorus$ 2.95W 5040 Chorus (Walton Music)SDG 96-107 Treble Chorus$ 2.95SDG 96-567 Marimba, Xylophone mallet parts$ 5.00Sacramento~Sis Joe was commissioned by Dr. Charles Smith for the Hastings (NE) College Concert Choir tour to Japan in March of 1996. The work is a joyous, eclectic mix of Americana at its best! It is a combination of Camptown Races (with text about the Sacramento gold rush) and Sis Joe, a railroad work song used by Aaron Copland in his Rodeo! With the addition of a dance section, piano 4-hands, and mallet instruments, it makes a tremendous concert closer! SATB setting also found in American Journey, Carnegie Hall Series.
(American Journey, Carnegie Hall Series)Chorus, Piano, Percussion (Field Drum, Picc. Snare, Triangle)10' SDG 02-305 Treble Chorus/Piano Score$ 3.80 SDG 03-102 Mixed Chorus$ 3.80SDG 02-305P Percussion Parts$ 10.00A pensive choral setting of excepts from Civil War poetry by Longfellow and O'Hara. The use of a color guard processional is encouraged during the extended instrumental introduction that includes the drum cadence played in President John F. Kennedy's funeral cortege. Commissioned by the Brooklyn (NY) Youth Chorus, Dianne Berkun, Artistic Director. SATB setting also found in American Journey, Carnegie Hall Series.
(Thoughts and Remembrances, Carnegie Hall Series)Chorus, Piano 4-Hands2' SDG 96-113 Mixed Chorus$ 1.50SDGS 967 Piano 4-hands$ 4.50SDG 96-114 Treble Chorus$ 1.50SDG 96-115 Male Chorus$ 1.50 SDG 96-113 Mixed Chorus$ 1.50The English rhyme Sing a Song of Six Pence, is the basis for 6Pence. Following a robust statement of the familiar melody by all the voices, the tune continues while the background begins "counting money, eating bread and honey, counting bread," (as in "money")! This leads to the "Counting and Eating" instrumental solo which includes excerpts from Mozart's Overture to The Marriage of Figaro and a Berkey frenzy on the piano. During this extravaganza, the women eat bread and honey while the men count their money. The piece concludes with the voices reiterating the overture to Mozart's opera, taking them to a high "C" and finishing with uproarious laughter and applause. The work bears the dedication: "For my mother, Josephine, in celebration of her ever-present, always irreverent sense of humor!" SATB version was performed in the Carnegie Hall Series.
Treble Chorus, Violin, Viola, Violoncello & Piano, opt. handbells4.5'SDG 97-301 Chorus Score$ 1.50SDG 97-301P Violin, Viola, Violoncello & Handbell parts$ 10.00A dramatic setting of text adapted from the Song of Solomon: "I will sing the song of all songs to my Love and he will smother me with kisses... Take me with you and we will run together...Let us rejoice together and be glad! ...If you find my beloved, tell him that I am faint with Love."
See also Solomon Quintet for Clar, Vln, Vla, Vlc, Pf (SDGS 976) and For This, I Love You for Soprano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano, and optional Handbells (SDGS 942).
South Dakota Shadows Suite
Treble Chorus, Dramatic Reader, Keyboard, String Quartet22'SDG 97-300 Conductor, Chorus, Piano Score$ 6.95SDG 97-300P String Quartet Parts$ 15.00Beautiful treble chorus settings of four movements from South Dakota Shadows. Haunting and serene, the treble suite includes the slower, more pensive, romantic pieces from the extended mixed chorus work. Indian Summer
Evening Shadows
Boxing With Snowflakes
Requiem
(Anniversary Carols)Chorus and Harp or Keyboard6'WW 1255 Mixed Chorus, Mezzo-Soprano Solo (Walton Music)W 5035 Treble Chorus, Mezzo-Soprano SoloW 9005 Male Chorus, Baritone SoloSDG 99-100P Harp, Bass, Percussion Parts (Order complete set)$ 25.00Still, Still Night (Silent Night) is a carol known the world over. Its music by Franz Gruber and text by Joseph Mohr have been translated into virtually every language where Christmas is celebrated. As an expression of love and thanks, this setting intentionally emulates, in key and feeling, the wonderful arrangement of Still, Still, Still by the composer's mentor, Norman Luboff. The arrangement bears a dedication to Norman and his wife, Gunilla. Contact HalLeonard.com to order.
See also Silver Winds in the Night for Flute Orchestra (SDG 01-600).
(Thoughts and Remembrances, Carnegie Hall Series)Chorus, Alto Solo, Piano4.5' SDG 96-111 Mixed Chorus, Alto Solo, Piano$ 1.50SDG 96-112 Treble Chorus, Alto Solo, Piano$ 1.50SDGS 962 Vocal Solo, PianoSDG 04-201 Handbell Ensemble (Arr. Robert Noland)$ 3.95The text source for View Me, Lord, A Work Of Thine is English poet and composer Thomas Campion (1567-1610). Berkey's beautiful composition interweaves the vocal elements with contrasting ranges and colors in the accompaniment. The melody is hauntingly beautiful and engaging. Friends of Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum, Nebraska's Professional Chorale, commissioned Berkey to compose a work in memory of his and his wife Almeda's mothers.
See Homage to Thomas Campion for instrumental solo and ensemble versions.
