GERDA BLOK-WILSON

by Gerda Blok-Wilson

SATB a cappella – CP 2345 – duration 4:20

“A Dried Up River” is about the realities of climate change and was inspired by a poem by Alice Oswold. The piece uses accessible melodies interwoven with elements such as body percussion, text painting, wind sounds, and rhythmic patterns. 

Through workshopping and feedback from the Vancouver Chamber Choir and Kari Turunen at Interplay, November 2023 and the demo recording by the Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir the piece evolved into an accessible composition for SATB a cappella that not only mirrors local landscapes but also speaks to the broader ecological challenges facing our planet.

by Gerda Blok-Wilson
poet: Emily Dickinson

SATB a cappella (with divisi) – CP 2227 – duration 4:45

“Good Lord, I love this piece! This lush, moving setting of Emily Dickinson’s poignant poem is a wonderful introduction to Gerda’s compositional talents.” Conductor, Brian Stevens 

by Gerda Blok-Wilson

SATB with piano – CP 2399 – duration 2:55

Set to Marjorie Pickthall’s evocative poem “Little Child of Long Ago” (originally “A Child’s Song of Christmas”), Gerda Blok-Wilson’s new choral work for SATB mixed choir with piano captures the tender imagery of the nativity. The newly created Latin chorus, “O nata lux de lumine” (O Light born of light), adds a lovely contrast and is beautiful to sing. Its accessible and heartfelt nature makes it perfect for community or high school choirs. Ideal for Christmas, nativity-themed, or reflective winter concerts. Beautifully recorded by the Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir.
My counterpane is soft as silk, 
My blankets white as creamy milk.  
The hay was soft to the Child, I know  
The little Child of long ago.

by Gerda Blok-Wilson

SATB a cappella (with divisi) – CP 2113 – duration 3:10
SSAA a cappella  CP 2215
TTBB a cappella  CP 2216

This is a gorgeous composition on a timeless text.  It could be a special jewel in your Christmas program. Long contrapuntal lines, intuitive voice leading, sumptuous moments with lush chords.  Your choir will love it.

by Gerda Blok-Wilson

TTBB a cappella – CP 1848 – duration 3:55
SATB a cappella – CP 1849 – duration 3:55

I chose “O Little Rose, O Dark Rose” for both its sweet and dark elements. Robert’s poem uses garden imagery to paint a story about a conventional person seduced by the appearance of the free spirited and non-committal “Carmenesque” person. 
The composition was recorded by Britain’s Gesualdo Six for their CD (“FADING”). 

 “We are really pleased to have stumbled across an absolute gem” (Gesualdo Six) and “an achingly beautiful setting of ‘O Little Rose, O Dark Rose.” (Stefan Hintersteininger – Canadian Music Centre).

by Gerda Blok-Wilson

SATB a cappella – CP 2399 – duration 3:45

The poem, “My Heart is Like a Singing Bird” exudes happiness and joy in an almost “over the top” way, offering a refreshing contrast to a world filled with conflict. Rossetti uses vivid images like a songbird, a fruit-laden apple tree, and a rainbow to express deep love. The piece was workshopped and read by the Vancouver Chamber Choir in their 2022 Interplay program. The beautiful recording is by the Rocky Mountain Chamber Choir. I aimed to make the music light, breezy, and approachable for intermediate to advanced choirs. A lovely piece for any concert program with a theme about love, nature, joy, hope and light.

by Gerda Blok-Wilson

SATB a cappella – CP 2272 – duration 4:20
SSAA a cappella – CP 2278
TTBB a cappella – CP 2277

The text was written in November 2022 by Dr. Jeanette Gallant. The poetry features the extraordinary power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit.
Using the vivid imagery of the poem, I’ve tried to weave themes of struggle and hope, inviting the listener to contemplate the timeless dance between darkness and light. The opening melody provides continuity throughout.