A Checklist of Sacred Choral Music With Instrumental Accompaniment
Graduation Date
Spring 1984
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program Name
Humanities
Abstract
Choral music has had a prominent place in the Church for centuries. Since it continues to perform an important function in most church services today, music directors are familiar with at least some of the literature. Less well-known is the choral music with instrumental accompaniment which can be used for special services or concerts.
This checklist is compiled as an introduction to such music; it is not intended to be comprehensive. Periods from the Renaissance to the present are represented. Much of the music was written for small amateur groups and available instruments. Substitution of instruments, such as flutes for violins, was expected when necessary. A music director can enlarge the amount of useable material by following this practice; for example, music for double choirs is not beyond the ability of a small group if the second-choir parts are given to instruments.
Not included are those choral editions with a keyboard reduction only. Using instruments with such scores requires ordering parts from another publisher, when available, and checking to be sure editing has not made them incompatible. Other compositions are excluded because they are so well-known as to need no introduction. Also excluded are those using guitar, handbells, and electronic instruments.
The listings are almost always SATB as that is the constitution of the average church choir. The compositions are of varying length; some are rather long cantatas and others are of only a few minutes' duration. The number of instruments required ranges from one to ten, usually including keyboard, either organ or piano.
The music is listed alphabetically by composer with the following information: title, composer and his dates, editor, publisher and date of edition, date of original publication, publisher's number, voicing, solos, instruments required, language, comments on style or points of interest, and level of difficulty.
-Thesis excerpt-