Unison & two-part secular
A la claire fontaine
Traditional Québecois folk song arr. Sirett
SA & piano, optional flute, oboe, double bass, Cypress Music CP1446
SSAA & piano, optional flute, oboe, double bass, Cypress Music CP1938
This French folk song appeared in Canada as early as 1604 when the first French settlement was established in Quebec. A clear spring, a rose, and heart-break. Children love this charming folk-song arrangement and adults relate to the deeper meanings of love and loss. See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks
All Winter Long
SA, piano & flute, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-473441
A gentle, lilting 6/8 metre builds to an exuberant celebration of spring and concluding ‘dance of the sun.’ The evocative poetry is Inuit in origin and a wonderful tribute to First Nation culture. Excellent concert or festival selection for young voices. YouTube
J’entends le moulin
Traditional Québecois folk song arr. Sirett
SA, piano & violin (optional spoons), Boosey & Hawkes M-051-478798
A lively arrangement is a favourite Québecois folk-tune full of ‘joie de vivre.’ The turning of the windmill is heard in the exciting piano and violin accompaniment. See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks
SSA secular
After the War
Paul Gross and David Keele arr. Sirett
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1326
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1378
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1328
Paul Gross and David Keele wrote the song sung by Sarah Slean for the film “Passchendaele” about a Canadian soldier at Ypres during WWI. Mark has transformed the song into a wonderful choral composition which would be well suited to Remembrance Day events or any concert about peace. Fl, ob, vl, db, piano version available from the publisher. See score & listen YouTube Choral Tracks
A la claire fontaine
Traditional Québecois folk song arr. Sirett
SSAA & piano, optional flute, oboe, double bass, Cypress Music CP1938
This wonderful folk song appeared in Canada as early as 1604 when the first French settlement was established in Quebec. A clear spring, a rose, and heart-break. Teens and adults love adore this folk-song and relate to the deeper meanings of love and loss. See score & listen YouTube
Canadian Boat Song
Traditional folk song arr. Sirett
SSA & piano, Jubilate Music VG-369
Irish poet Thomas Moore wrote the poem as he traveled along the St. Lawrence River in 1842. The tune is a lilting French folk song. The descriptive piano writing portrays tolling bells, the rapids, and the peacefulness of the evening along the St. Lawrence. See score YouTube ChoralTracks
Citadel Hill
Traditional Nova Scotian folk song arr. Sirett
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1335
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP1245
Mark is a master of writing approachable choral music. After all, he directs his own choirs every week and adjudicates choral festivals all over the country. So his voice leading is intuitive, making the learning process a breeze for the director and a joy for the singers. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube YouTube ChoralTracks
Cotton Jenny
Gordon Lightfoot arr. Sirett
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP CP 2246
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1787
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1790
Many singers and audience members will remember this delightful folk song by Lightfoot with the refrain, “The wheels of love go ’round!” Great fun! See score & listen ChoralTracks
inngiqtuq
SSA, body percussion & drum, Boosey & Hawkes 979-0-051-48351-8
inngiqtuq (She Sings) is a soundscape that honours the culture of the Inuit people of the Arctic. Musical references to traditional “throat-singing” and “ay-ya” songs are found in the music. The body percussion – stomping, clapping, chest pounding – and drum will add to the authentic experience this piece brings to singers and audience. See score & listen YouTube
new release In the Early Morning Rain
Gordon Lightfoot arr. Sirett, SSA & piano, optional guitar, bass & violin, Cypress Music CP 2243
SATB & piano, Cypress Music CP 2101
TBB & piano, Cypress Music CP 2102
This classic song by Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot, expresses the homesickness he often felt as a traveling folk artist. It has been covered by Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Eva Cassidy and many others. See score & listen
Lake Huron Autumn
SSA & percussion (Orff), Boosey & Hawkes M051-48019774
An evocative soundscape on poetry by William Wilfred Campbell is appropriate for children, teens and adults alike. The inventive work captures the sounds of the autumn along the shores of the Great Lakes: rustling bulrushes, leaves, flying geese and ducks, the cold wind. See score & listen YouTube
Maybe
Robbie Smith arr. M. Sirett, SSA & piano, Cypress Music CP 1978
SATB & piano, Cypress Music CP 1971
TTB & piano, Cypress Music CP 1976
The beautiful lyrics and music by Nova Scotia singer and songwriter, Robbie Smith, are especially appropriate for Remembrance, AnZac, Memorial Day observations. Maybe war will teach us something–teach us how to live in peace. Peace will come, peace will come; peace will come in time. All the guns and marching drums, fade to silence in time. The poignant text is partnered with an expressive tune. See score & hear
new release Red-Winged Blackbird
David Francey arr. M. Sirett, Cypress Choral Music
SSA & piano CP2083
SATB & piano CP2082
TBB & piano CP2084
One of the best-loved songs by Scottish-Canadian folk artist, David Francey, rejoices in the arrival of the red-winged blackbird as the harbinger of spring. This charming song is now available for either SATB, SSA, TBB choirs. See score & listen
Reel à bouche
Original work inspired by Acadian mouth music
SSA, piano & clarinet (or accordion), optional double bass, Alliance Music AMP 0714
In the Acadian tradition, a Reel à bouche is a form of ‘mouth music’ with nonsense syllables and extra vocal effects. Commissioned by the Amabile Youth Singers of London ON, this rhythmic dance has a French cabaret feeling that is full of fun for performers and audience alike. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube
Sparrow
Raylene Rankin & Susan Crowe arr. Sirett
SSA & piano, violin or flute, CP 1607
TTBB & piano, violin or flute, CP 1890
SATB & piano, violin or flute, CP 1610
This beautiful winter song is the creation of the Canada’s beloved Raylene Rankin and Susan Crowe. The text expresses the concern for the environment and would be an ideal number for winter concerts or Earth Day. See score & listen YouTube
Un Canadien errant
Traditional Québecois folk song arr. Sirett
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 109
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 119
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 108
One of Canada’s best-loved folk songs; the emotional and heartbreaking story of a young rebel who is banished from his homeland following the failed rebellion of 1837. This poignant and dramatic setting that has often been used for Canada Day Unisong Festival at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Two orchestrations available from the composer a) Fl, ob, vl, db and piano b) Full orchestra. See score & listen YouTube
Watane
SSA, percussion, Boosey & Hawkes M051-473434
Watane is an original work inspired by Canada’s aboriginal culture. Non-traditional vocal sounds, fragments of Iroquois chants, bird calls, and varied percussion evoke the atmosphere of the eastern woodlands. The work has been performed at international festivals, ACDA and the World Symposium of Choral Music. This SSAA score is easily adapted for various voice combinations. YouTube or YouTube Choral Tracks
SSA Holiday
D’où viens-tu, bergère?
Traditional Québecois carol arr. Sirett
SSA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051-47818-7
A charming setting of one of Canada’s favourite carols suitable for children’s and women’s voices. The carol is in the form of a dialogue between a young shepherdess who has returned from the manager and local villagers. A great selection for a carol concert or service. See score & listen YouTube
new release 2022 Huron Carol
Traditional carol arr. Sirett
SSAA a cappella Carus 7.518/10 available for digital download
SATB a cappella, Christmas Carols of the World and Weinachtslider aus aller Welt ed. Volker Hempflig, Carus Verlag Carus 3.297/90, also available for digital download
TTBB a cappella Carus 7.518/20 available for digital download
The new choral anthology Christmas carols of the world will enrich the Christmas repertoire for choirs, with lots of exciting choral arrangements of a selection of 85 international Christmas carols. Composers include John Rutter, John Høybye, Mark Sirett, Wolfram Buchenberg, Matti Hyökki and Fredo Jung. Available separately: Order See score & listen YouTube
Tenor & Bass
After the War
Paul Gross & David Keele arr. Sirett
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1378
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1328
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1326
Paul Gross and David Keele wrote the song sung by Sarah Slean for the film “Passchendaele” about a Canadian soldier at Ypres during WWI. Mark has transformed the song into a wonderful choral composition which would be well suited to Remembrance Day events or any concert about peace. Fl, ob, vl, db, piano version available from the publisher. See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks
A la claire fontaine
Traditional Québecois folk song arr. Sirett
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP1934
SA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP1446
This wonderful folk song of lost love is now available for lower voices. Fl, ob, db and piano version available from the composer. See score and listen YouTube
Cotton Jenny
Gordon Lightfoot arr. Sirett
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1790
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP CP 2246
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1787
Many singers and audience members will remember this delightful folk song by Lightfoot with the refrain, “The wheels of love go ’round!” Great fun! See score & listen ChoralTracks
new release In the Early Morning Rain
Gordon Lightfoot arr. Sirett, SATB & piano, optional guitar, bass & violin, Cypress Choral Music CP 2101
TBB & piano, optional guitar, bass & violin Cypress Choral Music CP 2102
This classic song by Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot, expresses the homesickness he often felt as a traveling folk artist. It has been covered by Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Eva Cassidy and many others. See score & listen
new release Huron Carol
Traditional carol arr. Sirett
TTBB a cappella Carus 7.518/20 available for digital download
SSAA a cappella Carus 7.518/10 available for digital download
SATB a cappella, Christmas Carols of the World and Weinachtslider aus aller Welt ed. Volker Hempflig, Carus Verlag Carus 3.297/90, also available for digital download 3.297/90
The new choral anthology Christmas carols of the world will enrich the Christmas repertoire for choirs, with lots of exciting choral arrangements of a selection of 85 international Christmas carols. Composers include John Rutter, John Høybye, Mark Sirett, Wolfram Buchenberg, Matti Hyökki and Fredo Jung. Available separately: Order See score & listen YouTube Listen to the SATB version
new release In the Early Morning Rain
Gordon Lightfoot arr. Sirett, TBB & piano, optional guitar, bass & violin, Cypress Music CP 2102
SATB & piano, Cypress Music CP 2101
SSA & piano, Cypress Music CP 2243
This classic song by Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot, expresses the homesickness he often felt as a traveling folk artist. It has been covered by Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Eva Cassidy and many others. See score & listen
Mary Ann
Traditional Maritime folk song arr. Sirett
TTBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48019915
One of the most beautiful of all Maritime love songs masterfully set for older teens or adult voices. Simple canonic writing and warm harmonies supported by an evocative rolling piano accompanist build to the final verse. See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks
Maybe
Robbie Smith arr. M. Sirett, TTB & piano, Cypress Music CP 1976
SSA & piano, Cypress Music CP 1978
SATB & piano, Cypress Music CP 1971
The beautiful lyrics and music by Nova Scotia singer and songwriter, Robbie Smith, are especially appropriate for Remembrance, AnZac, Memorial Day observations. Maybe war will teach us something–teach us how to live in peace. Peace will come, peace will come; peace will come in time. All the guns and marching drums, fade to silence in time. The poignant text is partnered with an expressive tune. See score & hear
qitiraliq
TTBB & percussion, Boosey & Hawkes 48019901
An imaginative and haunting soundscape that portrays an Inuit hunting expedition in the Arctic: the cold, moon, ice, snow, and the northern lights are captured in special vocal effects. Commissioned and premiered by the Amabile Men’s Chorus, London ON, Carol Beynon and Ken Fleet, directors. A challenging and rewarding work. See score & listen YouTube
new release Red-Winged Blackbird
David Francey arr. M. Sirett, Cypress Choral Music
TBB & piano CP2084
SSA & piano CP2083
SATB & piano CP2082
One of the best-loved songs by Scottish-Canadian folk artist, David Francey, rejoices in the arrival of the red-winged blackbird, the harbinger of spring. This charming song is now available for either SATB, SSA, TBB choirs. See score & listen
Skippers & Mates
Robbie Smith arr. M. Sirett, TBB a cappella, Cypress Choral Music CP2007
or SATB a cappella, Cypress Choral Music CP2006
This rollicking sea shanty is by Robbie Smith, beloved Nova Scotia singer and songwriter. This high energy, boisterous and toe-tappin’ ode to the sea builds to a an exciting conclusion complete with body percussion. See score and listen
Sparrow
Raylene Rankin & Susan Crowe arr. Sirett
TTBB & piano, violin or flute, CP 1890
SATB & piano, violin or flute, CP 1610
SSA & piano, violin or flute, CP 1607
This beautiful winter song is the creation of the Canada’s beloved Raylene Rankin and Susan Crowe. The text expresses the concern for the environment and would be an ideal number for winter concerts or Earth Day. See score & listen YouTube
Un Canadien Errant
Traditional Québecois folk song arr. Sirett
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 119
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 108
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 109
One of Canada’s best-loved folk songs; the emotional and heartbreaking story of a young rebel who is banished from his homeland following the failed rebellion of 1837. This poignant and dramatic setting that has often been used for Canada Day Unisong Festival at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Two orchestrations available from the composer a) Fl, ob, vl, db and piano b) Full orchestra. See score & listen YouTube
We’ll Rant and We’ll Roar
Traditional Newfoundland folk song arr. Sirett
TBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-47771-5
A rousing and humorous rendition of one of rollicking sea shanties from Newfoundland. Suitable for teen and adult male ensembles, this was written for the Cantabile Young Men. A great concert finale. See score & listen Listen YouTube
SATB secular
After the War
Paul Gross & David Keele arr. Sirett
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1328
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1326
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1378
Paul Gross and David Keele wrote the song sung by Sarah Slean for the film “Passchendaele” about a Canadian soldier at Ypres during WWI. Mark has transformed the song into a wonderful choral composition which would be well suited to Remembrance Day events or any concert about peace. Fl, ob, vl, db, piano version available from the publisher. See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks
Berceuse Acadienne
Traditional Acadian folk song arr. Sirett
SATB a cappella, Boosey and Hawkes M051-4801992-8.
One of the most beautiful melodies from the Acadian region of Canada’s east coast is exquisitely for a cappella voices. This gorgeous lullaby is suitable for teens and adult choirs, and is also appropriate for Christmas. See score & listen YouTube
Citadel Hill
Traditional Nova Scotian folk song arr. Sirett
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1245
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1335
Mark is a master of writing approachable choral music…a breeze for the director and a joy for the singers. This is another of his charming Canadian folk song arrangements. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks
Cotton Jenny
Gordon Lightfoot arr. Sirett
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1787
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1790
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP CP 2246
Many singers and audience members will remember this delightful folk song by Lightfoot with the refrain, “The wheels of love go ’round!” Great fun! See score & listen ChoralTracks
new release 2023 Danse Mon Moine
SAB, piano, violin & spoons, Cypress Music CP 2231
This lively Acadian/Québecois folk song is based on a game of words. In the vernacular of colonial Quebec, the name “moine /monk” is given to a small top that the child spins with a cord and as it spins. The young people tease the ‘monk’ with various gifts to entice him to ‘dance.’ See score & listen
D’ou viens-tu, bergère?
Traditional Québecois carol arr. Sirett
SATB a cappella, ‘An American Christmas’ ed. Jerry Rubino, Oxford University Press. An a cappella version of one of Canada’s best-loved carols. Performed by Chanticleer for its 2018 Christmas tour See score Listen to Chanticleer: YouTube
new release In the Early Morning Rain
Gordon Lightfoot arr. Sirett, SATB & piano, optional guitar, bass & violin, Cypress Music CP 2101
SSA & piano, Cypress Music CP 2243
TBB & piano, Cypress Music CP 2102
This classic song by Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot, expresses the homesickness he often felt as a traveling folk artist. It has been covered by Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, Eva Cassidy and many others. See score & listen
Maybe
Robbie Smith arr. M. Sirett, SATB & piano, Cypress Music CP 1971
TTB & piano, Cypress Music CP 1976
SSA & piano, Cypress Music CP 1978
The beautiful lyrics and music by Nova Scotia singer and songwriter, Robbie Smith, are especially appropriate for Remembrance, AnZac, Memorial Day observations. Maybe war will teach us something–teach us how to live in peace. Peace will come, peace will come; peace will come in time. All the guns and marching drums, fade to silence in time. The poignant text is partnered with an expressive tune. See score & hear
Les Raftsmen
Traditional Québecois arr. Sirett
SA(T)B & piano, Song Stream 2: An American Journey: 10 Songs for Youth Choirs, compiled and edited by Bob Chilcott and Peter Hunt, Oxford University Press
This vigorous lumberjack song, complete with body percussion, will delight younger singers. This accessible folk song arrangement was written for Oxford University Press especially for younger choirs with few tenors and basses. YouTube or YouTube
O Earth, Loving Mother
SATB a cappella Hal Leonard HL 319887
This work, on words by one of Canada’s most treasured poets, Archibald Lampman, underscores the urgent need for us all to be respectful and mindful of the fragility of mother earth, which gives us life and sustains us. This is a beautiful work for any concert lifting up earth day, the environment, socially conscience themes or plant and animal life. See score & listen
Ononyatakaka
SATB, hand drum, sticks, shaker (Kelman Hall, Kitchener ON)
Inspired by Mohawk culture this work is a bold, rhythmic etude that represents sounds echoing off rock cliffs. The percussion instruments provide interesting cross rhythms to the vocal lines. A middle contrasting section is atmospheric. Very dramatic and energetic work especially good for teen singers and older singers. YouTube ChoralTracks
Onokenoga
SATB & percussion, Boosey & Hawkes 48019902
This dramatic soundscape retells the tragic Mohawk legend of two young lovers. Commissioned for Central Bucks High School-West Chamber Choir, Pennsylvania, Dr. Joseph Ohrt, director and premiered at the Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts in May, 2006. See score & listen YouTube
new release Red-Winged Blackbird
David Francey arr. Sirett, Cypress Choral Music
SATB & piano CP2082
TBB & piano CP2084
SSA & piano CP2083
One of the best-loved songs by Scottish-Canadian folk artist, David Francey, rejoices in the arrival of the red-winged blackbird as the harbinger of spring. This charming song is now available for either SATB, SSA, TBB choirs. See score & listen
Sparrow
Raylene Rankin & Susan Crowe arr. Sirett
SATB & piano, violin or flute, Cypress Choral Music CP 1610
SSA & piano, violin or flute, Cypress Choral Music CP 1607
TTBB and piano, violin or flute, Cypress Choral Music CP 1890
This beautiful winter song is the creation of the Canada’s beloved Raylene Rankin and Susan Crowe. The text expresses the concern for the environment and would be an ideal number for winter concerts or Earth Day. See score & listen YouTube
True North
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1575
This is a stirring work to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, commissioned by the Orpheus Choir of Toronto directed by Robert Cooper. See score & listen YouTube
Un Canadien errant
Traditional Québecois folk song arr. Sirett
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 108
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 109
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 119
One of Canada’s best-loved folk songs; the emotional and heartbreaking story of a young rebel who is banished from his homeland following the failed rebellion of 1837. This poignant and dramatic setting that has often been used for Canada Day Unisong Festival at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Two orchestrations available from the composer a) Fl, ob, vl, db and piano b) Full orchestra. See score & listen YouTube
Voices of Earth
SATB, piano & violin, Boosey and Hawkes M051479603
This tone poem, by Canadian poet Archibald Lampman, begins and ends gently, but rises to a striking moment which describing “the roar of the sea’s surge, the might of thunder breaking”. Appropriate for an advanced high school, college or community chorus. Commissioned by the Dartmouth Concert Association for the award-winning Halifax Camerata, Jeff Joudrey, conductor. See score & listen YouTube Listen
Watane
SSA & percussion, easily adapted to SATB, Boosey & Hawkes M051-4473434
A soundscape inspired by aboriginal culture. Non-traditional vocal sounds, fragments of Iroquois-inspired chant, bird calls, and varied percussion help evoke the atmosphere of the Eastern woodlands. The work has been performed at ACDA national and regional conventions, World Symposium on Choral music, and international festivals. YouTube or YouTube
SATB holiday & Winter
Huron Carol
Traditional carol arr. Sirett
SATB a cappella, Christmas Carols of the World and Weinachtslider aus aller Welt ed. Volker Hempflig, Carus Verlag Carus 3.297/90
SSAA a cappella Carus 7.518/10
TTBB a cappella Carus 7.518/20
The new choral anthology Christmas carols of the world will enrich the Christmas repertoire for choirs, with lots of exciting choral arrangements of a selection of 85 international Christmas carols. Composers include John Rutter, John Høybye, Mark Sirett, Wolfram Buchenberg, Matti Hyökki and Fredo Jung. Available separately as digital download: Order See score & listen YouTube
Larger work
words, stories, truth — A Trilogy in Honour of North America’s Indigenous Peoples
SATB, SSA, piano, flute, oboe, violin, cello, double bass and percussion
This three movement work on words by award-winning Anishnaabe poet Vera Wabegijig was awarded Outstanding Choral Composition, Choral Canada, 2018. It was commissioned by the choirs of the Don Wright Faculty of Music, Western University by Gloria Gassi, with the assistance of Canada 150. Full score and parts available from the composer.