GERDA BLOK-WILSON

Home 9 Composers 9 Gerda Blok-Wilson

Gerda Blok-Wilson is a composer, conductor and music educator who enjoys “musiking” with imaginative and creative singers. Her motto is “If you can talk, you can sing!” Gerda has written several musicals and many choral compositions for developing and intermediate level choirs to encourage the growth of emerging choral skills. In recent years, she has had international success with advanced choral repertoire and welcomes commissions from children’s and adult choirs.  Her works have been premiered and recorded by choral groups including Britain’s Gesualdo Six, Scotland’s Voces Inauditae, Halifax’s Choirs for Change, New York’s Composer’s Choir, Vancouver’s Chor Leoni Men’s Choir, BC Boys Choir, St Patrick Regional High School Choirs, Vancouver Cansing Choirs (Vancouver) and Prince George’s Bel Canto, Northern Voices and Cantata Singers.

Visit Gerda’s website

I Had No Time For Hate

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 

“We are honoured to be bringing Gerda’s beautiful piece to life!  Victoria Linden Singers
 
The speaker in the poem contemplates the brevity of life and the certainty of death and urges us not to waste our precious time and energy on hatred, but instead to focus on cultivating love, even in small acts.  I am so grateful for the performances so far including the beautiful premiere by the Vancouver Chamber Choir (Kari Turunen), September 2021.

Lullay, My Liking

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.

O Little Rose, O Dark Rose

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).

Today Under Darkened Skies

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.