A Blessing
SS & piano, Alliance Music AMP-0712
This is a Celtic blessing (not the traditional Irish blessing) commissioned by St. John’s Ravenscourt Boys’ Choir, Winnipeg MB, under the direction of Michael Proudfoot. This lyrical setting is especially suited to young voices or Women’s Chorus and the last verse includes a wonderful descant. See score & listen
A la claire fontaine
SA & piano, optional flute, oboe, double bass, Cypress Music CP1446
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
Irish Lullaby
SA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-47134-8
A charming traditional lullaby sung in Irish. The pronunciation guide makes the language very easy. The simple piano score supports a unison first verse, and the second with a flowing descant. YouTube
I Will Be There
SA, piano, bass, djembe, optional audience, GIA Publications, G-9995
Mark is delighted to contribute this work in Doreen Rao’s newly launched Global Encounters for Young Choirs with GIA Publications. The work was commissioned by the Cantiamo Choirs of Ottawa, Jackie Hawley, Director. The text by award-winning Canadian poet Wendy MacLean is a poignant reflection of the response by Japanese children to the tragic events of the Fukushima atomic disaster and the Tsumami that followed. It is a beautiful song of remembrance and hope for peace. See score
J’entends le moulin
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
Life is a Song
SA & piano
Commissioned by the choirs of St Clement’s School, Toronto in honour of the retiring music director, Heather Newsome. The text is by fellow St. Clements’ teacher, Sarah Gleeson. For additional information and perusal copy, please contact the composer.
Ma come bali bene bela bimba (La Villanella)
SA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes 979-0-051-47880-4
This familiar Italian tune comes from the Veneto; the language is repetitive and easy to learn. The colourful piano writing captures the twirling of the young dancer. A exciting number for younger voices and teens encourages ‘bel canto’ singing. See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks
Make the Song Ours
SS & piano. Commissioned by the Limestone School Board in celebration of the 20 anniversary of the founding of Young Choristers Limestone. The text is by award-winning Canadian poet and author, Stephen Heighton. For additional information and perusal copy, please contact the composer.
Though We Be But Children
Two-part & piano, Hinshaw Music HMC 2131
This contemporary lyrical ballad celebrates youth and the great promise children hold for the future. The text was written by Kathleen Smith, a member of the Peterborough Children’s Chorus which commissioned this work. See score & listen
Where Go the Boats?
SA & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48023043
Using a text from the Robert Louis Stevenson collection of poems titled “A Child’s Garden of Verses”, Mark has artfully captured the whimsy and wonder of this classic text. Poet Stevenson set the words from the perspective of a child and young people will quickly identify with both the words and the music. See score & listen YouTube