Rain Songs

Description

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass — Man, especially the poet, has always been fascinated by rain. Perhaps because sometimes it is an inconvenience and at other times so longed for after a drought. How a thunderstorm strikes fear into humans and animals. The unpredictability of lightning, thunder, or how it humiliates the best meteorologist. Perhaps the appeal comes from earth's need for rain to provide moisture for crops, plants, trees, and animals, yet at times it can have its destructive effects as well (floods and landslides). Whatever a poet's captivation may be, rain has provided the theme and backgrounds for many.The Thunder Storm.xa0John Hall Wheelock, American poet (1886-1978).Steady eighth notes are given to the lower voices to mimic the driving of the rain. Accents are not aligned for the tenor and bass parts just as different clouds produce opposing thunder strikes. Maintain your intensity through the B-section even though the dynamic level decreases.Rain Has Fallen.xa0Irish poet and novelist James Joyce (1882-1941)In contrast, the rain in this setting serves as a backdrop as the poet longs to speak with his beloved. Pull each phrase dynamically and use rubato as you sing this through composed piece. Add more interest to the phrase by allowing the moving notes to stand out. Accentuate the longing as you sing with a smooth, connected manner. Whatever a poet's inspiration may be, rain has provided the theme and backgrounds for many songs. These two a cappella Rain Songs are contrasting in style, tonality, and tempo, making this an excellent set or stand-alone pieces. Conservative in range and length, an excellent programming choice for the mixed choir ready to embark on a cappella singing.

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