After the War
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
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP1934
SA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP1446
This beautiful Québecois 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
Carrickfergus
TBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051-47745-6
This gorgeous Irish love song expresses the yearning of a young man for his love many miles away. A wonderfully expressive piano accompaniment supports this romantic ballad that will melt your heart. This has become very popular among many male choruses worldwide.
YouTube or YouTube ChoralTracks
new release 2021 Christmas in Carrick
TBB, fiddle or flute, spoons or bodhan, Cypress Choral Music CP1920
SSA, Cypress Choral Music CP1921
SATB, Cypress Choral Music CP1912
I lively Celtic celebration of the holiday season…Pass the punch around the table, Christmas comes but once a year! See score & listen YouTube
new release 2021 The Cliffs of Dooneen
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1889
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1165.
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1164
This popular and haunting Irish folk song extols the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast. The final verse expresses longing for the homeland–a sentiment shared by many Irish immigrants during the nineteenth century when they were forced to leave for North America because of the Great Famine. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube
Cloths of Heaven
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 021
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 022
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music KH 023
A moving setting of Yeat’s magnificent poem “Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths.” Commissioned by Music Plus and the Lyrical Lines Education Network for the 2007 Waterloo Region High School Choral Festival, Centre in the Square, Kitchener-Waterloo. There are two instrumentations available from the composer 1. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano or 2) wind quintet and piano. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube or YouTube
Cotton Jenny
Gordon Lightfoot arr. Sirett
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1790
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1787
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
Dans les chantiers
TBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051-47808-8
A wonderfully boisterous Québecois lumberjack song written for the Cantabile Young Men! This ballad, supported by an inventive piano accompaniment, recounts the trials of a young man in the Canadian woods in winter. See score & listen YouTube
Dear Old Ireland
TBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M051-48095-1
A rollicking Irish-Canadian lumberjack jig tells the tale of Irish lads, who face hardships in the Canadian woods but long for the Emerald Isle. Lively and full of humour. See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks
The Dying Rebel
TBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes 051-48136-1
This poignant ballad recounts the tragic death of a young rebel from Cork during in the famous 1916 Easter Rising, which proclaimed the Irish Republic independent of Britain. See score & listen YouTube
Farewell to Tarwathie
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1876
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1357
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1597
This lovely Scottish folk song, made famous by Judy Collins, is suitable for community, high school and college/university singers. Fl, ob, vl, db, piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube
High Flight
TTBB & piano
Commissioned by the Canadian Men’s Chorus, Greg Rainville, director. For further information and perusal copy, contact the composer. YouTube
The Holy Ground
TTBB a cappella, Boosey & Hawkes HL48023063
The Holy Ground is a traditional nineteenth-century folksong from County Cork, Ireland and is based on a Welsh sea shanty, “The Lass of Swansea Town.” Dedicated to Diane Loomer, founding director of Chor Leoni, this is a reflective arrangement of what is often a boisterous “tavern song,” captures the bittersweet sentiment of the lyrics. See score & listen
new release 2022 Huron Carol
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
coming soon I Once Loved a Lass
TTBB & piano, commissioned by Nova Voce, Nova Scotia’s Male Chorus, Bryan Crocker, Director. For additional information and perusal copy contact the composer.
Jug o’ Punch
TTBB, penny whistle & piano
One of the great Irish drinking songs made famous by the Descendants, full of vigour and good humour. Written for the Cantabile Young Men, it is now available directly from the composer; please send an email to request a perusal copy. YouTube
La Rosette
TTBB & percussion, this lively Québecois folk song was commissioned by the University of Alberta, Mixed Chorus, Bob de Frece, Director. For additional information and perusal copy, please contact the composer. YouTube
Mary Ann
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
new release 2021 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
The Old House
TBB & piano
A poignant Scottish ballad familiar to many through the recording by John McDermott, available in Canada only. Suitable for high school and older ensembles. Now available directly from the composer; please send an email to request a perusal copy. YouTube
The Pierless Bridge
TTBB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1333
SSA & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1332
SATB & piano, Cypress Choral Music CP 1294
Emily Dickinson explores the question of faith is this poignant poem and Mark gives it the perfect gentle setting for solo voice and full chorus. See score & listen
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 2022 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 as the harbinger of spring. This charming song is now available for either SATB, SSA, TBB choirs. See score & listen
new release 2023 Responsibility
TTBB & piano, Hal Leonard 01169204
Jewish leader and scholar, Hillel the Elder, captures the tension between the need for healthy self-care and the importance of caring for others. Canadian composer Mark Sirett combines the ancient Hebrew text with modern English to create an elegant and folk-like setting. See score & listen
new release 2023 Seek Justice
TTBB & piano, Hal Leonard HL 01135656
Also available in SATB HL 01135654 and SSAA HL 01135655
Throughout history, prophets, visionaries, poets, and peacemakers have cried out for justice in our world. Justice must be actively pursued, and this music flows and moves as a metaphor of pursuit.See the score & listen
Silence, Frost & Snow (A Winter Triptych)
TTBB & piano. Optional Flute, Violin, Clarinet, Hn in F, Vc and Db, Boosey & Hawkes M051484751, Instrumental parts: HL 48024409
Commissioned for the 35th anniversary of the Vancouver Men’s Chorus, this three movement work celebrates the diverse beauty of the winter season. It can be performed with piano only but the optional instrumental accompaniment for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, bass and percussion make this a winter concert centrepiece.
1. The Frost That Stings Choral Tracks
2. In Snow Time Choral Tracks
3. Before the Snow Choral Tracks
new release 2021 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 sailors builds to a an exciting conclusion complete with body percussion. See score and listen
new release 2021 Sparrow
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
Thou Shalt Know Him COLLECTION
SATB a cappella, Augsburg/Fortress Press 0-8006-5520-6
SATB a cappella, The Church Music Society (OUP 978-0-19-395397-0)
Du förstår när han är här (SATB a cappella Swedish) Gehrmans Musickförlag SKG 10083
Erkennen wirst ihn (SATB a cappella German) Augsburg/Fortress 9798889831242
Vous le saurez quand il vient (SATB a cappella French) Augsburg/Fortress 9798889831235
Lo conocerás cuando vieniere (SATB a cappella Spanish) Augsburg/Fortress 9798889831259
SSAA a cappella Augsburg/Fortress Press 0800675304S
TTBB a cappella Augsburg/Fortress Press 9798889831228
A stunning text complimented by a soaring melody and expressive harmonies are found in this popular a cappella motet. This work has been frequently recorded and broadcast by professional and amateur choirs worldwide including Vocalessence, the National Lutheran Choir and heard on CBC and NPR. See score YouTube or YouTube or YouTube ChoralTracks
new release 2021 Un Canadien Errant
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 folksongs; an emotional and heartrending story of a young rebel who is banished from his homeland. Poignant and dramatic setting that has often been used for Canada Day Unisong Festival at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Full orchestra version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube
We’ll Rant and We’ll Roar
TBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes M-051-47771-5
A rousing and humorous rendition of one of Canada’s best-loved 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
When You Are Old and Grey
TTBB & piano
Commissioned by the Canadian Men’s Chorus, Toronto, Greg Rainville, director. For further information and perusal copy, contact the composer.
The Wild Rover
TBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48022979
A boisterous arrangement of this favourite Celtic pub song is a joy to sing! This is suitable to teens and adult choirs alike. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks
Walking
TTBB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes 979-0-051-48324-2
This setting of a poem by one of England’s notable war poets, Robert Graves (1895-1985), dedicated to the memory of a World War I veteran, is for 4-part men’s chorus, the perfect ensemble to bring this powerful text to life. Commissioned by the Canadian Men’s Chorus. See score & listen YouTube
The Wren Song
TBB, bodhrán & body percussion
A high-spirited ‘St. Stephen’s Day’ carol about the capturing of the wren to bring good luck. This humorous number is available directly from the composer; please send an email to request a perusal copy. YouTube