SE06 EP06 - 3 Warmups, 3 Motets, and 3 Polyphonic Masses Every Choir Should Learn - Choral Institute Preview - with Prof. Christopher Berry
Apr 11, 2024
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Adjunct Prof. Christopher Berry shares 3 warm-ups, motets, and polyphonic masses every choir should learn. They discuss vocal pedagogy, essential repertoire, and the mystical influence of Jean-La's music. Explore the enriching experiences at the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music's Choral Institute.
Incorporate diverse warm-ups focusing on breathing and ear training to enhance performance quality.
Expand choir repertoire with recommended motets and polyphonic masses to stimulate musical growth.
Deep dives
Importance of Warmups for Choirs
Choir warmups play a crucial role in preparing singers for performances. The podcast highlights the significance of incorporating warmups that focus on breathing, resonance, and ear training. Through examples like breath control exercises and vocal alignment checks, directors ensure singers are vocally and physically prepared. By emphasizing these fundamental warmup techniques, choirs can enhance their performance quality and overall musical experience.
Exploring Motets and Masses for Choir Repertoire
The episode delves into the selection of motets and masses to enrich choir repertoire. Recommendations include motets like 'Anima Christi' by Sherryong and 'Tantum Ergo' by Severac, offering diverse musical challenges and meditative elements. For masses, the podcast suggests works such as Mozart's Coronation Mass and Faure's Requiem as approachable yet rewarding choices for choirs of varying experience levels. These selections aim to enhance musical growth, vocal skills, and liturgical performances.
Consideration of Polyphonic Mass Ordinaries
Polyphonic mass ordinaries offer distinctive challenges and rewards for choirs. The podcast highlights 'Via Dolora Misa Lora Pasta' from the Renaissance period as a rewarding choice for its rhythmic complexity and harmonic interest. Additionally, recommendations like Mozart's Coronation Mass and Faure's Requiem emphasize the accessibility and rich musical experience these works offer to choirs. These polyphonic masses serve as foundational pieces for choir growth and musical exploration.
What are 3 great warm-ups you'll be able to fit into your busy parish choir rehearsal schedule? What are 3 motets that most choirs don't do, but that are definitely worth learning? What are 3 polyphonic Mass Ordinaries my choir should learn? Prof. Christopher Berry, an adjunct professor of the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music answers these questions, and we chat about the answers in a preview of the Catholic Institute of Sacred Music's Choral Institute.