GERDA BLOK-WILSON’S award winning SSAA “Ave Verum Corpus” composition was premiered May 2022 by Katja Kalmar (Conductor) and Gumpoldskirchner Spatzen Youth Choir, in Baden Austria. The piece is published by PH Publishers: https://www.ph-publishers.com/product_info.php?products_id=774

#GerdaBlokWilson #choir #SSAA #Canada #GumpoldskirchnerSpatzenyouthchoir #PHPublisher #meetthecomposer #uppervoice

Ave Verum - Baden Austria Winning Composition

Poet, Emily Dickinson has a strong message of love that is particularly poignant for our times. A small amount of love is better than a large amount of "Hate" or "enmity." In this piece, I've tried to emphasize her "Because". There's no reason for HATE and it is so all consuming to dwell on "enmity" in our short life time.  Likewise, Dickinson stresses "But since", the "little toils of Love" are enough and she chooses this over hate. Cypress Choral Music: https://cypresschoral.com/composers/gerda-blok-wilson/ 
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcWqM1ELSvI

I Had No Time To Hate Vancouver Chamber Choir

The Northern Sky Awakens was written for the musical play, WHICH GEORGE IS WHICH. Script by Gordon Long and music by Gerda Blok-Wilson. The song is also on the Prince George Bel Canto Choir CD called OPEN THE STARS TO ME. Original music by Gerda Blok-Wilson

Northern Voices

The Northern Sky Awakens

https://youtu.be/vdFMo3QbomQ A new music composition by Gerda Blok-Wilson of the inspirational poem by George Herbert. Commissioned and premiered by the St Patrick's Regional High School Chamber Choir, conducted by Dr Tony Araujo and accompanied by Jeon Mok. The song is full of hope  and has a powerful spiritual “call” to come to truth, joy and love. These are prominent themes we should all strive through our life. 

Set to a haunting minor mode with energetic, rhythmic music, and  body
percussion, this piece could be performed as a “stand alone” (a cappella) or 
with piano accompaniment.   

The Sheet Music can be purchased through Sheet Music Plus: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/... and Sheet Music Direct: https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/se/I...

1 Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life:
such a way as gives us breath;
such a truth as ends all strife;
such a life as killeth death. 

2 Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength:
such a light as shows a feast;
such a feast as mends in length;
such a strength as makes a guest. 

3 Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart:
such a joy as none can move:
such a love as none can part;
such a heart as joys in love. 

George Herbert (1593-1632)

Come, My Way

THE FIRS – AIRS & HAMMERS
Edmund Connolly, baritone and Maxine Thévenot, pianist perform “The Firs” at their concert “Let Beauty Awake.” The music was written by composer Gerda Blok-Wilson and the poem is by Emily Pauline Johnson.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rULlYVnTF-4

The poem captures the poets sensuous response to nature. 

The Firs
There is a lonely minor chord that sings 
Faintly and far along the forest ways, 
When the firs finger faintly on the strings 
Of that rare violin the night wind plays, 
Just as it whispered once to you and me 
Beneath the English pines beyond the sea.

E. Pauline Johnson (1861-1913) or Tekhionwake (stage name) was the daughter of a Mohawk Chief father and an English Quaker mother. She was the first indigenous poet to have her work published in Canada, and was one of the few female writers at the time who could make an independent living from what she wrote and performed. Her poetry was mostly written to be performed in her shows. She traveled extensively including to England (her mother's roots) and became one of Canada's most famous performers and writers. Pauline Johnson spent the last years of her life in Vancouver.   

The music is available for digital download at Sheet Music Plus: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/...

The Firs

"We Sing" was developed by Gerda Blok-Wilson with the Okanagan Children's Choir and their conductor Frances Chiasson over a period of 4 weeks with one hour sessions.  The project was based on the theme "choir team". Along with vocal and musical learning, the session included choir members creating and exploring graphic scores with a word  that describes the theme. Creating and exploring rhythmic and melodic compositions.   The opening and ending graphic score sounds (above) can be used or newly developed  by singers. The conductor can also designate sounds for warmup, etc.   Likewise, the 8 beat melodic phrases (built on m r d l, tone set) bar 33-40 can be re-created.  This section can be repeated if there are more than 4 singers. "Catchy" phrases can be repeated.  Designing these sections is quite open.    The "Jubilate" canon can be done in 2-pt by singing S1 and S2 and  omitting S3 part.   A video with the song and the compositional journey can be accessed at:   https://youtu.be/wwG-ycCWQl4. Contact Gerda: gerdablokwilson.ca

We Sing

The traditional 15th Century text, LULLAY, MY LIKING is woven into a new hauntingly beautiful piece with expressive textures as it unfolds. The gentle lyrics have such a positive message. A great SATB selection for good community choirs and professional groups at seasonal winter concerts. Available at Cypress Choral Music: https://cypresschoral.com/composers/gerda-blok-wilson/lullay-my-liking/. gerdablokwilson.ca 

The composition was recorded by the Elora Singers (2021), Mark Vuorinen, conductor: https://www.elorasingers.ca/radiant-dawn-cd/

“Vancouver-based Gerda Blok-Wilson’s Lullay My Liking is a refreshingly new setting of the very old favorite.” David Vernier ClassicsToday.com

https://gerdablokwilson.ca/

The Elora Singers

Lullay My Liking

This is a comical 2-part setting of the A. A. Milne poem, HAPPINESS. It uses unison and easy two part singing with piano accompaniment, and an ideal voice range for young singers to make a quality choral piece for teaching and performing. This is a part of Gerda Blok-Wilson's developing choir repertoire. Digital downloads are available through SHEET MUSIC PLUS and SHEET MUSIC DIRECT.

Happiness

SNOW SONG, an original winter song by Gerda Blok-Wilson on a poem by Frank Dempster Sherman is an exciting, rhythmic celebration of winter!
The poetry combines with the music to create a realistic and energetic piece for mixed voice choirs during the Winter Season. A great addition to the seasonal library. 

For digital copies:
Sheet Music Plus: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/...
Sheet Music Direct: https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-U...
For more information: gerdablokwilson.ca

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-21bpl2lE8

Snow Song

Traditional song from the United States. Arranged by Gerda Blok-Wilson. For SA choir. Developing young choirs. Folk Music.

Bird's Courting Song

The Vancouver Chamber Choir premiered the piece September 22, 2023. You can hear their beautiful live performance.

I discovered "Today, Under Darkened Skies, I Watched the Water Breathe" in Dr. Jeanette Gallant's November 2022 Facebook post. 
The poem's deep reflection on beauty, resilience, hope, and our bond with nature struck me, especially upon learning it was inspired by her battle with cancer. It's a testament to how art can heal and inspire, especially through nature's lens.

I tried to weave the poem's structure, imagery of nature's rhythms, and emphasis on finding beauty amidst darkness into the music.

For the SATB, SSAA, TTBB scores, contact Cypress Music Publishers: https://cypresschoral.com/

Today, Under Darkened Skies

May the Road Rise to Meet You composed by Gerda Blok-Wilson for SSAB choir, a cappella. Sacred.  Intermediate.  Original Composition. 

May the Road Rise to Meet You is a well-known traditional Irish blessing beautifully set for developing choirs.  The song is ideal as a concert closer, end-of-the-year event, graduation.


May The Road Rise To Meet You

Ah, Si Mon Moine Voulait Danser, lively traditional song from Québéc arr Gerda Blok-Wilson for SAB. Recorded by PG Jazz (Bel Canto Youth Choir). Soon to be published by Tux People's Music. 

View more developing choir pieces at www.gerdablokwilson.ca
The title is a play on words: "moine" means both a "spinning top" and a "monk." To encourage him to dance, the monk is offered - in fun - now a hood or cap, now a rosary:

Ah Si Mon Moine

"A Dried Up River" was inspired by Alice Dunt's poem. The beginning describes a struggling river - murmuring until it is finally a dried up river with "no fish to the sea". YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3qP9bWC0A0

I began “A Dried Up River” during Covid in 2021 and it was inspired by Alice Oswald's  poignant poem 'Dunt: a poem for a dried up river’   (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/90863/dunt-a-poem-for-a-dried-up-river). '  

This summer, with the scorching, desert-like conditions in Western Canada,  severely impacting our water sources such as ponds, lakes, and rivers and  exacerbating the dire forest fire situations, I revisited the piece.  Alice Oswald's poem revolves around a fragile Roman water nymph figurine,  crafted from bone, portraying erosion, damage, and exhaustion. 

The symbolic  attempts to beckon a river, traditionally a symbol of life, growth, and movement  back to life.  In my composition, I aimed to create a transformative journey, starting from a state of being 'nearly dried up' to the tragic state of being 'dried up'. Mirroring the heartbreaking reality of once-thriving rivers (for example the Mackenzie River –Northwest Territories:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYKuV4tEW2o&t=34s ) reduced to feeble remnants,  profoundly affecting life and nature.  I welcome any improvisational sounds from the choir  with a particular focus on the expressive dynamics, tone, and texture interwoven throughout the lyrics, percussive sounds, music, and imagery.  

I hope works like this can find a meaningful place within choral programs so they can serve as a ways to shed light on critical environmental and social issues.

A Dried Up River - Gerda Blok-Wilson

Gerda Blok-Wilson’s new composition of Emily Dickinson’s “There Came a Wind Like a Bugle” is a lively setting for SA voices with piano accompaniment.

It portrays the arrival of a powerful wind and tells of its effects on the surroundings and impending disaster it brings. The piece has an ominous, almost supernatural sense that is driving to the end.

Although the choral or duet piece would work at any time of year, it could set the tone for a Halloween concert, adding an eerie atmosphere and sense of mystery. 

Thank you to the Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir for the beautiful demo recording: https://www.rockymountainchamberchoir.com/ 

Visit: www.gerdablokwilson.ca for a comprehensive selection of UPPER, LOWER and MIXED VOICE Repertoire
Great festival selection!

Sheet Music Plus: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/there-came-a-wind-like-a-bugle-22713643.html

Sheet Music Direct: https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/1493984/Product.aspx

YouTube: https://youtu.be/7elBk2jDogk
Suggested themes: 
Nature’s power
Fear of the unknown
Impermanence and change
Resilience
The Inevitability of Fate.

#ChoralMusic #EmilyDickinson #ChoralComposer #ChoirLife #PoetryInMusic #ChoralMagic #ChoralCanada #UpperVoices #Piano #FestivalSelection #GerdaBlok #rmccvc

Social Media information
Youtube: Cansing Choral
Instagram: gerdachoralcomposer
FaceBook: Gerda Blok-Wilson
Twitter: @BlokWilson
Threads: gerdachoralcomposer

There Came A Wind Like A Bugle - Gerda Blok-Wilson

I stumbled across this lively Norwegian traditional gem, that feels like a choral square dance, many years ago as a Kodály music specialist! 

I’ve had so much fun with this piece over the years with my choirs and it’s been used for contest pieces, mass choir pieces and generally a fun addition to any developing choir program. I’m so happy that Tux People’s Music has published it, featuring arrangements for unison, SA, and changing voices! 

For more information: https://www.tuxpeoplesmusic.com/store/p2629/Oleana_%28Upper_Voices_Edition%29.html

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68DotFcJs8Q 

My youth choir (Prince George Bel Canto Choir) singing it!

Oleana - Bel Canto Choir Prince George

This Gaelic song of longing for home is scored for SAB or SSA Choir. Arrangement by Gerda Blok-Wilson. The song is performed by the Bel Canto Youth Choir Prince George, Canada. Available at: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/cod-liver-oil-digital-sheet-music/19986187

Open the Stars

O Chi Mi Na Morbheanna

Arranged by Gerda Blok-Wilson for SATB Choir - a cappella. This melody is mostly known as "The Carrion Crow"
and was first discovered about 300 years ago. The change
from carrion to kangaroo is a comical example of
how traditional songs are handed down from singer
to singer. The melody is in the Dorian mode. "Lasses"
refers to molasses not girls. The following nonsense syllables
"kimineero" (kee-mee-neer-o) and "ki-mo" (kee-mo).
Otherwise, they sound as written.

A Kangaroo Sat On an Oak

A new composition for SATB a cappella by Gerda Blok-Wilson. Poem by Bliss Carman (1861 -1929). The awakening of the earth after a long winter. Youtube Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC-T7SqOhGw Sheet Music Plus: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/flute-of-spring-digital-sheet-music/22119852 and Sheet Music Direct:https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/882341/Product.aspx

The Flute Of Spring

Gerda earned a Bachelor of Music (UBC), Professional Teaching Certificate (UBC), Kodály Teaching certificate (VAM), Master of Education (U of Calgary)-Kodály music. 

She is founding director of the 110 member Vancouver CanSing Choirs (Youth/Adult), conductor for SelfDesign home schooling choir, Artist-in-Residence for St Patrick’s Chamber Choir and provides support for grade 8-12 choir.    

 Recently, Gerda offered choral development for Simon Fraser, Lord Tennyson Choirs, original musical theatre at General Wolfe, and conducting development for the BC Kodály Association-Douglas College.

 Gerda’s career has included performance tours in England, New York, across Canada, commissioned choral pieces by Raminsh, Telfer and Bosma and performance honours at Carnegie Hall (Missa Brevis by Raminsh), Ottawa (Unisong Festival), Musicfest Canada (Calgary/Vancouver/Ottawa), Performing Arts BC and National Festivals.  She has conducted the BC Music Educator’s Honour Elementary Choir and her choirs have been   demonstration choirs at festivals including Musicfest Canada and BC Performing Arts Festival.

Gerda was conductor for the award-winning Bel Canto Choirs (Prince George), PG Jazz, Cantata Singers, PGSSHigh School choir.  She served as Music Resource Teacher for SD#57 and taught summer music education courses at UNBC.  She has 4 mini-musicals published by THEMES AND VARIATIONS and continues to arrange and compose music for choirs. 

Gerda Blok-Wilson

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