(no subject)

[violachic]

I don't suppose anyone in my LJ-land would know if such a book exists that would contain descants to Christmas carols?

I only remember two from my children's chorus days - Joy To The World and O Come All Ye Faithful- although I once knew at least five or six. Somewhere in my head I still have Silent Night and Hark The Herald Angels, but I can never make them happen when I'm actually singing.

I'm hoping to be able to get a book and maybe practice some before Christmas Eve services on Saturday.


Any ideas, choral folk?

Comments

[magp.livejournal.com]

Since I go around claiming to be a musician, I feel like an asshole asking this:

What's a descant?

[violachic.livejournal.com]

Its the line in choral music when (usually) the sopranos take off and sing stuff really high over the melody line.

[magp.livejournal.com]

As in sheet music for the high harmonies? I agree with bethypooh95, try the downtown Carl Fischer store (on Wabash, I think). Or maybe someone that specializes in Christian music.

Few things sound cooler than voices in harmony (one of my specialties, even if I say so myself)!!

[violachic.livejournal.com]

I hate to disappoint, but the Wabash Carl Fischer closed about six years ago ;-) They had a store in the Music Mart for a few years with some sheet music, but the number I found for that comes back to me as disconnected. I dunno what's up with that.

[magp.livejournal.com]

Shows ya how long it's been since I've bought sheet music...

S'okay -- I can usually pick the harmonies out of the air on the fly, anyway... ;) Sorry, couldn't resist.

[bethypooh95.livejournal.com]

yes there is,... although off hand,... i couldnt tell you the name of it, or where to find it. however i would try a music store,... but not like, joe blow music,... something like carl fischers, or depaul or something along those lines.

[violachic.livejournal.com]

I forgot there's still a Carl Fischer's in the Music Mart- thanks, I'll call them.

I'll also try to call you, too, sometime over the holidays!

[bethypooh95.livejournal.com]

that would oh so nice,... i was beginning to think you forgot who i was... or that maybe my breath smelled. lol or that maybe i broke your camera because you took too many pics of me and you were pissed or something. i have a new house number though,... so you are going to have to email me for it.

[sleepykins.livejournal.com]

totally unrelated- but we're on for tomorrow night's bisque and movie fiesta. Chris pointed out we can also give your house our house keys so the kitties won't be lonely. They'll still be freaked by the giant fans, but what can ya do?

[atlanticat.livejournal.com]

I know two verses of descant for Silent Night. If you can use these and you have a small tape recorder, I could probably sing them to you over the phone and type out the lyrics in an e-mail. Let me know.

[hellfaerie.livejournal.com]

i swear to god that Margaret whipped out just such a book at choir practice last week. ask her about it.

[violachic.livejournal.com]

I think I will, thanks :-)

[loonyatcbh.livejournal.com]

This alto wishes she could help but can't at the moment.

Happy singing!

[surlytart.livejournal.com]

Lutheran Book of Worship. Walk into an ELCA church, steal - borrow, i mean - the green hymnal, and photocopy. At least, i think i remember it having descants.

Buh?

[surlytart.livejournal.com]

Er, alternately, they have the 4 part arrangements in the selfsame LBW. You could take a tenor line and toss it up an octave...?

One thing you gotta say about those lutheran types: we/they have a great choral tradition.

[violachic.livejournal.com]

That's true! I was Lutheran when I was younger, and went to an ELCA college for a few years. I was really blessed to be able to sing w/ the St. Olaf people (although not in THE St. Olaf Choir) for that time. I still have my Christmas Festival tape. I should bust it out.

[surlytart.livejournal.com]

Hee. My parents are Oles.

[pixelene.livejournal.com]

No clue... but then again, I'm an alto. :P

[violacat.livejournal.com]

Do you ever get uncomfortable being a violist and a soprano?

I mean, I don't sing very often, but when I do, I think "wait, I'm not supposed to have the melody this much, is this OK, what do I do?", and the thought of singing ABOVE the melody IS JUST PLAIN WRONG.

Maybe if I sang more, this wouldn't happen. :) Of course, right now I have a cold that means I can go about a fifth lower than normal, but still.