Ite Fortes: Choral Works (inc. Oratorios)

Howard's choral writing balances structural sophistication with genuine singability, making these works rewarding for singers at intermediate to advanced levels. The collection offers substantial material that moves beyond standard SATB fare, giving your choir access to repertoire that sounds and feels genuinely contemporary.

These works possess an intricate, modern sensibility paired with vocal lyricism. The harmonic language is sophisticated without sacrificing emotional clarity, creating an engaging listening experience that rewards both performers and audiences.

This collection is suited for accomplished high school choirs, collegiate ensembles, and community choirs with strong musicianship and ensemble cohesion. Directors programming concert-level repertoire will find compelling material that challenges singers while remaining performable.

• Establish clear sectional entrances by rehearsing voice parts separately before combining; Howard's counterpoint rewards precision.
• Pay close attention to dynamic markings and phrasing indications, as they shape the harmonic intensity throughout.
• Allow adequate rehearsal time for blend and intonation, particularly in passages with chromatic movement or unconventional voice leading.

Program these works on concerts that feature contemporary choral music or as part of a thematic program exploring current compositional voices. The collection's scope makes it valuable for building a repertoire library across multiple concert seasons.

• Reading contemporary harmonic language and non-traditional choral textures
• Sustaining vocal line independence in complex counterpoint
• Interpreting dynamic and expressive markings with precision
• Ensemble blend and intonation in extended harmonic contexts