Tsuki (Japanese Moon): 2-Part Choral Octavo

$1.75 USD

Tsuki (Japanese Moon): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Name: Tsuki (Japanese Moon): 2-Part Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-31322
Price: 1.75 USD
Availability: InStock

Inspired by a Traditional Japanese Song, words and music by Lois Brownsey and Marti Lunn Lantz

Item: 00-31322

$1.75

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"Tsuki" means "moon," and is one of just a few Japanese words sung in this pentatonic scale-based song. Other words describe the beauty of the Japanese moon throughout the year. A captivating and memorable piece.

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Series: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081340906

SKU: 00-31322

More about this title

About the Composer: Lois Brownsey

Lois Brownsey and Marti Lunn Lantz have established themselves as trusted voices in multicultural and seasonal choral writing. Based in Pennsylvania, where Brownsey lives in the Pocono Mountains, the two have cultivated a substantial catalog with Alfred Publishing that includes works like "Winter's Frost," "Japanese Snow Song," and "The Colors of Winter," alongside thematic song collections such as Celebrations around the World and The Wonders of the Earth. Brownsey's background spans musical theatre, live performance in rock and blues bands across multiple continents, and commercial songwriting for clients including AT&T and GMC Truck Dealers.

Brownsey's partnership with Lantz reflects a shared commitment to culturally informed composition and accessibility. Their work consistently balances musical sophistication with pedagogical clarity, making their pieces attractive to school and community choirs seeking repertoire that honors traditions while remaining approachable for young singers. Brownsey's husband, recording engineer Kent Heckman, operates Red Rock Recording Studios, where many of their Alfred projects are produced, grounding their creative work in solid technical practice.

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Why we love this

The pentatonic framework and minimal Japanese text create an elegant entry point for singers to explore non-Western tonality without overwhelming them with language barriers. Brownsey and Lantz craft pieces that respect cultural authenticity while remaining genuinely singable, and this octavo does both: the melody sits naturally in the voice, the imagery is vivid enough to sustain interest across eight pages, and the recorded accompaniment support (when purchased separately) gives less experienced choirs confidence.

What to expect

Serene and contemplative, with the pentatonic scale evoking the clarity and quiet beauty of moonlight across changing seasons. The piece feels intimate despite its simplicity, inviting singers and listeners alike into a moment of reflection.

Who it's for

Two-part choirs spanning middle school through adult levels will find this accessible yet musically satisfying. The piece works equally well for singers encountering non-Western scales for the first time and for experienced choirs seeking culturally grounded repertoire to expand their season.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the pentatonic melody with attention to the subtle color shifts between verses; resist the urge to make every phrase sound identical. The seasonal imagery deserves musical variety.
Balance the two parts so that neither dominates; 2-part writing succeeds when both lines feel equally purposeful and heard.
If using the recorded accompaniment, run through it multiple times at full tempo before concert; let singers internalize the accompaniment's rhythmic feel so they sing with it, not against it.

How to use it

Program this alongside other world music selections to create a thematic concert section, or use it as a transitional piece between more dramatic works to give audiences and performers a moment of calm. Its brevity and cultural focus make it an excellent choice for spring or fall concerts where seasonal reflection feels natural.

Skills your students will build

Singing in pentatonic scales and recognizing non-Western melodic structures
Balancing two-part harmony with equal textural weight
Sustaining musical shape across a longer phrase without harmonic anchor points
Cultural awareness through repertoire that honors Japanese aesthetic and imagery