Due Piccole Canzoni (Two Little Songs): 2-Part Choral Octavo
(Two Little Songs)
Music by Jerry Estes
Item: 00-PO-0004287
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Written exclusively for 2-part choirs, this delightful set about friendship combines Italian and English texts. Highlights from the text include: "You will find a treasure, when you find a friend," and "Together is better than one." First, a gentle ballad and then a light and bouncy dance. Full of unisons, parallel thirds, and simple counter melodies; it's great for young singers. Optional SoundTrax CD features Spanish guitar.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0004287
More about this title
About the Composer: Jerry Estes
Jerry Estes holds a B.M.E. in vocal music from Southwest Baptist University and earned his M.M. from Southern Illinois University. He has taught vocal music to middle school students, bringing classroom experience directly into his compositional work.
Estes maintains active memberships in MENC and ASCAP, connecting his teaching practice to broader music education and professional composer communities.
Why we love this
This pairing captures two distinct moods in one package, giving young choirs immediate variety without requiring separate purchases. The unison and parallel third writing keeps ensemble singing accessible while the counter melodies introduce real harmonic awareness, and the Spanish guitar accompaniment option adds cultural richness that elevates a simple piece into something genuinely engaging.
What to expect
The ballad unfolds with quiet sincerity, its text about friendship settling in gently through unison lines and supported by Spanish guitar. The dance bursts forward with light energy and playfulness, its simple counter melodies weaving together like people joining hands.
Who it's for
Middle school choirs building confidence in two-part singing and looking for repertoire that reflects themes of connection and collaboration. The piece works equally well for younger high school choirs seeking material with immediate accessibility and high musical reward.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the unison sections carefully; young singers often sing unevenly when parts move together, so mark dynamic contours and breath points in rehearsal to maintain ensemble precision.
- If using the recorded accompaniment, rehearse the ballad at performance tempo from the start so singers don't struggle with the slower harmonic rhythm when they perform live.
- Emphasize the rhythmic character of the dance movement; the bouncy quality comes from crisp articulation and forward momentum, not from rushing the tempo.
- Work the parallel thirds slowly at first, checking intonation before adding text; young singers often flatten the upper part instinctively in this interval.
How to use it
Pair these songs on a concert celebrating friendship, teamwork, or peace themes; the two contrasting movements create a natural arc from reflection to celebration. The short length and modest difficulty make them ideal for filling concert slots while keeping rehearsal time manageable during busy seasons.
Skills your students will build
- Singing in parallel thirds
- Maintaining independence in two-part textures
- Responding to recorded accompaniment
- Connecting text to musical character and phrasing
- Building confidence in ensemble intonation