Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis (Book of Common Prayer version 1662) set to music for six part mixed voices SAT-SAT) The title of this work (Canticula Ursae Minoris/Songs of the Little Bear) comes from the origin of the melodies: Many years ago I wrote a...  moreMagnificat and Nunc Dimittis (Book of Common Prayer version 1662) set to music for six part mixed voices SAT-SAT) The title of this work (Canticula Ursae Minoris/Songs of the Little Bear) comes from the origin of the melodies: Many years ago I wrote an "Oratorio" based on Winnie the Pooh (The Expotition to the North Pole) and gave each character little melodic leitmotifs, such as "Sing ho for the life of a bear" (which becomes "to be a light to lighten the Gentiles" in the Nunc Dimittis), "They all went off to discover the pole" (which is the initial theme of the Magnificat) and "What I say, said Eeyore, is that it's unsettling" (which becomes the "Glory be to the Father" section at the end of each canticle) The original and much simpler "oratorio" work, called Poohratorio of course, may be published once AA Milne goes into public domain (2031).  less

[this is a version of a post which first appeared on My blog From the Front of the Choir]   In many ways, we are all defined by the songs we choose to sing. Our favourite ditties say a lot about our tastes, background, age, religion and culture. &...

[The views expressed in this blog are from My personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...

[The views expressed in this blog are from My personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...

[The views expressed in this blog are from My personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...

[The views expressed in this blog are from My personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...

[The views expressed in this blog are from My personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...

[The views expressed in this blog are from My personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...

[The views expressed in this blog are from My personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...

[The views expressed in this blog are from My personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...