Choral Music
The following works are drawn from a substantial catalog of choral music by Frederick Frahm. For a list of additional works, please contact the composer. Click on see pages to read sample scores. To order your own copy of any title, click on the order music link. You will be directed to Musica Neo for an instant download, or to a retailer website for published editions. To hear the music, click on hear the music and your browser will be directed to the composer's YouTube Channel where you can search for the title you want to hear.
Two Celan Motets (SSATBB, a cappella)
Paul Celan (1920-1970) was a poet and translator who becomame one of the major German-language poets of the post-World War II era. The poems for the two motets are selected from Die Niemandsrose (1963). Both motets are set in the original German, here translated by Michael Hamburger:
Die Niemandsrose
No one moulds us again out of earth and clay,
no one conjures our dust.
No one...
Sie Gruben
There was earth inside them, and
They dug...
Remember, O Sword (SSATBB)
A setting of a poem by H. D. found in the collection 'The Walls Do Not Fall' (1912). This choral work was originally included in the composer's requiem for chorus and chamber orchestra "Grant Us Untoubled Rest'. A version of the score exists in which the choral parts are doubled by instruments. The text as adapted by the composer is as follows:
In principio erat verbum (In the beginning was the Word.)
Remember, O Sword
We fight for life,
we fight for breath...
Art Thou Weary? (SAB & piano)
A setting for SAB chorus and piano of a text by John Mason Neale (1818-1866) after St. Stephen of Mar Saba. While the text has been associated with a Joseph Barnby tune in many 19th and 20th century Christian hymnals, a new tune was created for this setting. The music has a 19th century period character reminiscent of Beethoven or Schumann. A version for chamber orchestra with oboe solo is available upon request.
Art thou weary, art thou languid,
Art thou sore distrest?
“Come to me”—saith One—“and coming,
Be at rest!”...
Dark Light (SATB & organ)
A large anthem based on a text by American poet Kate Walsh. Composed in 2009 and commissioned by the poet, this music is an expansive psalm (not unlike Psalm 104) which celebrates the splendid natural imagery well known to residents of the American Pacific Northwest. The choral writing features bold divisi at times, and the organ part is striking and distinctive creating a full expression of the poet's ecstatic hymn to nature.
Praise God, O Sun and Moon,
Praise him sky and stars of night...
Epistle Motets (SAB, a cappella)
Three motets for SAB chorus, a cappella, based on texts from the writings of St. Paul. These are challenging but rewarding pieces for the advanced choir. Ensembles familiar with the choral writing of Hugo Distler will find a kindred spirit in these motets. Quartal harmony, mixed meter, ostinati, and a breadth of dynamic expression abound.
Christus Factus Est
Phil. 2:5-11
Reformation Motet
Rom. 3:11-14, 23, 24
In Adam We Are All Made One
Rom. 5:12, 6:23
Who is Wise Among You (SATB, a cappella)
A brief setting of compelling text from the letter of James. The music is dedicated to Linda Badran, who conducted the premiere in Bellingham, WA in 2003. The text speaks to humility, wisdom, and grace, and presents an admonition towards the living of a godly life.
A General Communion (SATB & organ)
An anthem based on a text by English poet Alice Meynell which is intended for a eucharistic celebration. The choral writing is very much in the English 'cathedral' style, and the organ part is distinctive and beyond a mere accompaniment. This music was premiered in Seattle, WA by the Plymouth Choir under the baton of Dr. Douglas Cleveland on May 6, 2012.