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55 Art Songs: Vocal Book

$14.95 USD
$14.95 USD
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55 Art Songs Cover Image
55 Art Songs: Vocal Book

55 Art Songs: Vocal Book

Compiled and ed. by Sigmund Spaeth and Carl O. Thompson

Item: 00-0082
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Description
The idea for FIFTY-FIVE ART SONGS was conceived by Carl O. Thompson, head of The Division of Fine and Applied Arts at the State Teachers College, Bemidji, Minnesota. From his experience as a choral conductor, he knew how much choral groups enjoyed the chance to sing beautiful solos in unison instead of always being confined to their individual parts. But this collection isn't designed just for unison choral singing: It is equally valuable for class or individual vocal teaching, for amateurs and professionals. Sigmund Spaeth, well known for his writings, lectures, and radio talks on music, collaborated with Dr. Thompson in assembling this collection. He best describes its scope in the foreword: "This book is a cross section of the entire literature of Art Song. Every one of the 55 numbers is a classic of its kind and each is by a different composer, which in itself makes the collection unique." Also unique are Spaeth's new singable translations of the German, French, Italian, and Russian songs.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 128
ISBN10: 0-87487-082-8
ISBN13: 978-0-87487-082-4
UPC: 029156154993
SKU: 00-0082

More about this title

About the Creator

Carl O. Thompson spent his career at the State Teachers College in Bemidji, Minnesota, where he directed choral ensembles and observed firsthand what singers craved: opportunities to perform solo repertoire that still honored their place in a choral tradition. His insight that unison singing could showcase the artistry of a group while allowing individual voices to shine shaped the vision behind this collection.

Sigmund Spaeth, a prolific music critic, educator, and radio personality, brought scholarly depth to the project through his extensive knowledge of art song literature. His contribution extended beyond curation; he created singable English translations of works in German, French, Italian, and Russian that balance fidelity to the original texts with the demands of English vowels and phrasing.

Why we love this

A survey of art song written by 55 different composers eliminates the false choice between depth and breadth. You're not sampling one composer's output or shuffling through decades of unfamiliar names; instead, you're holding a concentrated overview of how the lied, the mélodie, and their counterparts developed across traditions and centuries. The inclusion of singable new translations makes these works accessible without sacrificing the vocal writing that made them endure.

What to expect

Opening this book is like stepping into a music library curator's most thoughtful work. The scope is immense yet never overwhelming; each song arrives complete and purposeful, whether you're drawn to the introspection of a German lied or the elegance of a French mélodie. The translations feel natural on the voice rather than imposed, allowing you to inhabit the stories and emotions these songs carry.

Who it's for

This collection serves choral directors who want to program solos within an ensemble context, voice teachers seeking a diverse repertoire spanning multiple languages and styles, and serious amateur singers building a recital or exploring the breadth of the art song tradition. Solo performers will find reliable, beautifully translated material; conductors will discover accessible ways to feature voices within group performances.

How to get the most out of it

  • Treat unison arrangements as an opportunity to balance ensemble cohesion with individual tone. The power comes from unified breath and phrasing, not from singers disappearing into the group.
  • Study Spaeth's translations aloud before sightreading. The new English texts were crafted with vocal mechanics in mind, and hearing how they sit in the voice informs your musical choices immediately.
  • Build a solo recital or concert act by pairing selections thematically rather than chronologically. Grouping songs by character, season, or emotional arc creates programming shape that 55 individual selections easily support.

How to use it

Feature rotating solos from this collection at the top of choral concerts, allowing ensemble members to step into the spotlight while the group remains engaged as context and support. Voice teachers can assign selections sequentially through a year of study, ensuring students encounter stylistic variety and learn to navigate different languages and musical periods. Build a chamber recital or special concert event entirely from this book, using thematic pairings to create a arc that feels considered rather than miscellaneous.

Skills your students will build

  • Musicianship across multiple languages (German, French, Italian, Russian)
  • Interpretation of art song conventions and historical styles
  • Ensemble intonation and blend in unison settings
  • Text interpretation and lyrical phrasing
  • Sight-reading confidence with diverse melodic and harmonic vocabulary
  • Solo performance technique within a choral context

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