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The Music of Wilbur Skeels

NEW!  "A Choral Sampler: The Music of Wilbur Skeels" Compact Disk CQS22, $15.00 (2 CDs). The Los Robles Master Chorale conducted by James Stemen and Wilbur Skeels. Includes the seven complete works marked * below.

1. Larger Works

Canticle to the Waterbirds*
For SATB Choir, Soprano and Contralto Soli, and chamber ensemble (Flute, Oboe/English horn, Bassoon, Celli, Koto, and percussion). Duration 24 mins. A setting in 5 movements of the poem by William Everson (1912-1994). Difficulty level 3-4. The lyrics are a tour de force in a style reminiscent of Gerard Manley Hopkins [see Songs of Inscape below], and describe how songless birds bear testimony to the Creator. The landscape/seascape stretches from the Sacramento delta of California to Washington State's Puget Sound. The melodic music makes use of whole-tone scales (in the 3rd movement) and the oriental ambience of flute and koto in movements 2 and 4. Commissioned for premiere by the Los Robles Master Chorale of California in March, 2008.

Koto

CQ2716   Full score, 92 pp., $20.00
CQ2716A  Vocal score with piano reduction of orchestra (rehearsal only), 56 pp., $17.95
CQ2716B  Set of orchestral parts: $10.00. Includes koto score in both European and tradtional Japanese notation (see sample).

I Tempo comodo / Andantino / Moderato Soprano solo and chorus (SATB)	Sample pages	midi file	mp3 file	Concert excerpt (3:30)
II Andante / Alla barcarolle Contralto solo and male chorus (TTBB)	Sample pages	midi file	mp3 file	Concert excerpt (3:30)
III Poco allegro e molto legato Chorus (SATB)	Sample pages	midi file	mp3 file	Concert excerpt (3:00)
IV Lento e dolente Soprano and Contralto Soli	Sample pages	midi file	mp3 file	Concert excerpt (4:19)
V Moderato Soli and Chorus (SATB)	Sample pages	midi file	mp3 file	Concert excerpt (3:40)

Choral Fantasia and Fugue for Christmas*
For SATB Choir (with div.), bar. and sop. solos, full orchestra. Optional organ accompaniment. Approximately 9 minutes long, with a previously unpublished sacred text (by Paul Barkman), and fresh new music. Christmas is more than a season for gifts: its underlying gift encompasses Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost and more as well as the Nativity. Perfect for a program opener or closer. Medium to challenging difficulty.
CQ9601     Vocal Score, $5.95.   View Sample
CQ9602     Optional Organ/Vocal Score, $7.95.
CQ9603     Orchestral parts and full score, RENTAL ONLY, $75.00. 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clar, 2 Bsn, 2 Hns, 3 Tpts, 2 Tbn, Bass Tbn, Tuba, Xylophone, Triangle, Tambourine, Cymbals, Timpani, Strings.

CQ2526   In The Beginning , Cantata for SATB Chorus & Mezzo-Sop., Bar. soli, a cappella; 48 pp., $12.50.
With original text by the composer, combined with Scripture text (John 1) and an early (658-680) Anglo-Saxon hymn, this sacred cantata in 7 movements highlights the contemporary discussion about "Intelligent Design" in creation. The prologue and epilogue make use of ancient Chinese melodies— the music of Zhongheshaoyue. The unusual lyrics explore the sciences of cosmology, microbiology, and quantum physics. The second and sixth movements incorporate New Testament Greek text (transliteration and pronunciation helps provided). A challenging (a cappella), exciting and timely cantata for performing in either a religious or secular setting. Duration approximately 20 mins.

I. Prologue. Chorus. Sample pages | midi file | mp3 excerpt.

II. Alpha. Chorus; Mezzo-Soprano and Baritone duet. Sample pages | midi file | mp3 rxcerpt.

III. The Dance of Life. Chorus. Sample pages | midi file | mp3 excerpt.

IV. Ordo Mundi. Chorus. Sample pages | midi file | mp3 excerpt.

V. Author, Author! Chorus and Mezzo-Soprano solo. Sample pages | midi file | mp3 excerpt.

VI. Omega. Chorus and Baritone solo. Sample pages | midi file | mp3 excerpt.

VII. Epilogue. Chorus. Sample pages | midi file | mp3 excerpt.

The premiere performance was by the Georgetown University Concert Choir in Washington, D.C., November 14, 2007; Paul Heins, Director, who writes: "We truly enjoyed learning your cantata—not only is it a well-crafted and beautiful piece of music, but the interdisciplinary connections made this a powerful educational experience for all of us." Note: the mp3 excerpts above are from a live recording of that performance.

CQ2821   Missa ex Terra Nova (Mass from the New World)* , SATB, 51 pp., $7.00. Set of four octavos. Revised edition. Commissioned in 2000 for a European choir tour as a Missa Brevis, this work features the use of melodies from American spirituals in the Kyrie, Credo, and Agnus Dei, organ accompaniment, with optional soloists (SATB quartet). As performed in St. Patrick's Cathedral (New York), Sta. Maria Maggiore (Rome), Il Duomo Sta. Maria del Fiore (Florence), and other significant venues. Suitable for liturgical or concert performance. Sets the Ordinary of the Mass in Latin. About 17 mins. duration.
CQ2821-1 I Kyrie, $1.65, 2'55" duration.    View sample
CQ2821-2 II Gloria, $1.95, 3'30" duration.    View sample
CQ2821-3 III Credo, $2.25, 5'45" duration.    View sample.
      Composed in 2004 to complete the Missa Brevis.
CQ2821-4 IV Sanctus, 2'30" duration.     View sample : AND
CQ2821-5 V Agnus Dei, 3'30" duration.     View sample.
      Both in one octavo for $1.95.
Buy all four octavos and save 10% on the individual prices.

CQ2103    Songs From the Dead Sea Scrolls - Series A (The Thanksgiving Scroll)* , SATB, 11 pp., $1.95.   View Sample
Exciting new lyrics from the Qumran papyri set to music for the first time! (Revised edition, 2005). For a cappella choir. Difficulty level 2-3. Approx. 10'30" duration for all four songs, or use separately. Read (and use, if you wish) a program note. Listen to recordings below. [MP3 files recorded live in concert by the Los Robles Master Chorale]

1. Grace At All Times	2:28	midi file	mp3 file
2. The Limitless Plain	2:25	midi file	mp3 file
3. Light Shines Out	1:52	midi file	mp3 file
4. Nothing More To Be Said	2:54	midi file	mp3 file

"Through the years, we conductors do a lot of different music and have a good sense for what is a well-written, classy piece of music, these certainly are." -James Stemen, Artistic Director, Los Robles Master Chorale.

CQ2528    Songs From the Dead Sea Scrolls - Series B (The Psalms) , SATB, bass/bar. and alto soli, 23 pp., $3.50.   View Sample
Four non-canonical psalms set to Arab Christian melodies! Give your program a different sound! Original lyrics based on the scrolls. Difficulty level 3-4. Approx. duration 13'20" for all four songs, or use separately. Listen to midi files:
Psalm 151 | Psalm 152 | Psalm 153 | Psalm 154. Read (and use, if you wish) some background notes.

CQ9700 Songs of Inscape*, $7.50 for the set of 5, or separately as below (note—reduced prices)
Song cycle of five poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889) for mixed chorus and pianoforte. Second (revised) edition (2004). Approx. 17'30" long.
CQ9701    1. The Grandeur of God, $1.65, approx. 3'55" long.   View Sample | mp3 file
CQ9702    2. The Authentic Cadence, $1.65, approx. 3'45" long.   View Sample | mp3 file
CQ9703    3. At the Wedding March, $1.45, approx. 3'10" long.  View Sample | mp3 file
CQ9704    4. Peace, $1.65, approx. 4'0" long.   View Sample | mp3 file
CQ9705    5. Pied Beauty, $1.65, approx. 2'25" long.   View Sample | mp3 file
Read (and use, if you wish) a program note.
(mp3 files recorded live in concert by the Los Robles Master Chorale).

CQ9610   (Choral Suite) To Find Love, $5.95
Ubi Caritas serves as the matrix into which Gott ist die Liebe and Love Will Come Back to You (see above) are embedded to form a complete work. SATB with some divisi, a cappella. Accompaniment optional. Approx. 13'10" long. Note, the Ubi Caritas of the suite is more extended than the same text standing alone in CQ9607.

2. Octavos

CQ2417  The Arrow and the Song, for SABar a cappella. $1.35, 3 pp., duration 2'0".    View sample | Listen to midi file.
Setting of the well-known poem by William Wadsworth Longfellow. Longfellow might not have phrased it the same way today, what with the dangers of innocents being killed from random gunfire, but it's a great poem, and a good excuse to talk about those issues, along with the way in which music enters the heart to bring life and friendship instead. Ranges suitable for high school choirs.

CQ9811   As Time Goes By, $1.65 [reduced price].
Not the song from Casablanca! SATB with optional keyboard.Original sacred text and music. The seasons of life are reflected in summer, autumn, winter and resurrection spring, with a prayer for God's companionship. Duration approx. 3'20"     View Sample

CQ2019    Come, let us worship and bow down, SSATB, $1.95.   View Sample
A five-part madrigal published in 1605 by Claudio Monteverdi, transcribed with a Biblical text (in English) from Psalms 95 and 96, edited by Wilbur Skeels. 10 pp. Approx. 3 minutes duration. A cappella.

CQ2907  Dixit Maria, for SSAA a cappella. $1.75, 6 pp., duration 2'50".    View sample | Listen to midi file.
Text in Latin from John 2:5 (the wedding at Cana) and John 5:24. Difficulty level 3. Sacred motet suitable for concert or general liturgical use.

CQ9611    Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep - OUT OF PRINT   
Text by Mary Frye (formerly attributed to Native American sources), with additional stanzas by Wilbur Skeels. SATB a cappella. Approx. 3'44" long.

CQ9706    Elizabeth's Song, $1.65.  
SSAATB with piano. Original text based on Luke 1:45. Requires divisi for sopranos and altos, plus descant (solo or treble choir). Duration approx. 3'35"   View Sample

CQ9604-2    Farewell (Abschied), 95¢ [2nd edition]   View Sample.
For SSAATTBB Choir, with optional piano accompaniment. Original text. A short, 2-page song ideal for an encore, for ending a concert, for special occasions, for choir tours, etc. German translation by Franz Biebl. Duration about 1'20". For Male Choir (TTBB) arr., order CQ9604M.

CQ9809 The Farmer's Valentine, 95¢.
For male choir, TTBB, a cappella. Original text and music. A sentimental ballad of found and lost love. Duration approx. 2'50'      View Sample

CQ2212  Ein Freundessegen (A Friend's Blesssing) , TTBB, 3 pp., $1.35.   View Sample | Listen to midi file.
Original text (by Munich poet Helmut Zöpfl) and music for a cappella male choir. Approx. 1'42" duration.

CQ9608    Gott ist die Liebe (God is Love), $1.65   View Sample
Variations on an old German hymn by August Rische. German and English text included. SATB a cappella with divisi in the women's voices. Duration, ca. 3'35". From the choral suite, To Find Love.

CQ2014    The Lonely Crow, TTBB, $1.65.   View Sample

CQ2411    The Lonely Crow, SABar, $1.65.   View Sample

CQ2016    The Lonely Crow, SSAA, $1.65.   View Sample
A whimsical setting of an old American Southwest folksong (text), in Spanish and English, for 4-part men's or women's choir, or three-part mixed choir, a cappella. 8 pp. Duration, about 3'0". Listen to a live concert .mp3 recording of the SSAA version by Ladyesong, directed by Mary Elizabeth Enmann.

CQ9609    Love Will Come Back To You, $1.95   View Sample
Original words and music based on the saying by St. John of the Cross (1542-1605): "Where there is no love, put love, and you will find love." SATB a cappella, with duet (soprano and mezzo-soprano, or tenor and baritone, or other combination as desired). Approx. duration 4'10". From the choral suite, To Find Love.

CQ2416  Music Lasts For Ever*, for SSAATTBB a cappella. $1.65, 5 pp., duration 3'0".    View sample | Listen to midi file.
Polyglot text combines Psalm 90 (English), Aztec poetry (Spanish), Latin and 17th c. German text. 'All things pass away but music endures for eternity.'  Listen to a live performance by the Los Robles Master Chorale 2006 Tour Choir, sung in St. Michael's Swedish Lutheran Church (Rootsi-Mihkli Kirik), Tallinn, Estonia, conducted by the composer (3 MB download).

CQ9101    Noel Processional, SATB, choral score $1.35 [reduced price]   View Sample
Uses brass, organ, handbells, and percussion, designed for a processional in which the singers greet the audience for the Christmas program. Duration adjusts to the time required to get the choir in place.

CQ2023    Quiet Waters, SATB, 95¢.   View Sample

CQ2004    Quiet Waters, TTBB, 95¢.   View Sample
A fresh paraphrase and setting of the 23rd Psalm for a cappella choir. 3 pp. Approx. 1'30" duration.

CQ9810   Rachel Mourn, Rachel Sing! $1.95.
SATB unaccompanied. Original text based on Matthew 2:1. Requires divisi for sopranos. Duration approx. 3'30"     View Sample

CQ9501    The Restoration Carol, SATB a cappella, $1.95   View Sample
A brand-new setting of a forgotten English carol commemorating the restoration of Christmas in England after the Puritan Commonwealable, CQ9501E, $1.95. SABar arr., CQ9502, $1.35. Duration 2'35".

CQ2201    Revelation of Glory, SATB, 7 pp., $1.65.   View Sample | Listen to midi file.

CQ2202    Revelation of Glory, SSA, 7 pp., $1.65.    View Sample
Original text and music for a cappella choir. Approx. 3'20" duration. SSA has optional keyboard accompaniment.

CQ9401    A Song for all Seasons, 95¢   View Sample
For SATB Choir, unaccompanied, or with keyboard. Combines Christmas and Hanukkah as seasons of "peace on earth" along with a brief setting of "We hold these truths to be self evident . . . " from the Declaration of Independence. Written especially for December concerts in a secular or ecumenical setting. Easy to medium difficulty.

CQ2814    Sursum Corda, $1.15   View Sample
A Call to Worship for SATB Choir and Organ based on the 3rd century liturgical response: "Lift up your hearts. / We lift them Lord, to Thee." 2 pp. Low level of difficulty. High level of effectiveness. Listen to midi rendition.

CQ9707    There is a Love, $1.65 [reduced price].
Setting of original text by Lucy Hollingsworth to the English folk melody, O Waly, Waly: SATB and piano. Duration approx. 3'30"  View Sample

CQ9607    Ubi Caritas*, $1.65    View English edition sample | View Portuguese edition sample
A new setting of the traditional Latin text from the Antiphon for Maundy Thursday. SATB a cappella with divisi. A fresh English translation of the Latin text is interspersed so that the full meaning is communicated: "There where love and charity abounds, God there abides." From the choral suite, To Find Love. Also available in Latin with German sub-text, CQ9607-G, Latin with French sub-text, CQ9607-F, Latin with Spanish sub-text, CQ9607-S, and Latin with Portuguese sub-text. CQ2627. Duration 3'20".

CQ2115    Ubi Caritas , TTBB, 5 pp., $1.65.   View Sample
Male voice choir version of our best-selling sacred motet. Latin and English text. Duration, 3'20". Edition with French sub-text: CQ2115F.

CQ2915   Upon Kind and True Love, SATB a cappella, 8 pp. $1.75   View Sample
Sets the poem by Cavalier poet Aurelian Townshend (fl.1601-1643). For general use, but very suitable for a wedding. Duration ca. 2 mins. Difficulty level 2-3. Listen to midi file.

CQ9503    Victorian Cradle Song, SATB a cappella, $1.95   View Sample
Not your usual lullaby. Soprano solo optional. A pleasing reworking of a century-old Christmas song unknown in the USA. Medium difficulty.

For music by Wilbur Skeels from other publishers, click here.

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