STEPHEN SMITH
Stephen Smith (b. 1966) grew up in rural Nova Scotia, where he sang and played the piano from an early age. After initial studies in his home province in both piano and organ, he attended the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. While there, he participated in national and international competitions and won numerous awards and distinctions. Since 1990, Stephen has lived in Vancouver, obtaining his doctoral degree in piano performance from the University of British Columbia and contributing to the musical life of the city as a performer, teacher, composer, choral conductor, and adjudicator. His choral arrangements and compositions have been performed and recorded by choirs from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Seoul, South Korea.
Ae Fond Kiss
arr. Stephen Smith
SATB a cappella – CP 1749 – duration 3:05
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;
Ae fareweel, and then forever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I’ll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I’ll wage thee.
poetry by Robert Burns
A la claire fontaine
arr. Stephen Smith
SATB a cappella – CP 1449 – duration 2:00 
This arrangement recasts the beloved French-Canadian folksong with fresh harmonies and jazzy rhythms. Recorded by musica intima on their CD “clear.”
Chi Mi Na Morbheanna
arr. Stephen Smith
TTBB a cappella – CP 1012 – duration 4:05
SATB a cappella – CP 1209
This beloved Gaelic song of longing for home is simply but richly scored for four-part mens voices and supplied with a thorough pronunciation guide.
Consider the Lilies
by Stephen Smith
SSAA a cappella – CP 1312 – duration 5:50
Consider the lilies of the field; they toil not, neither do they spin.
Yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Matthew 6:25-36)
These words of comfort and assurance are set beautifully for an accomplished women’s choir, which is why it’s a part of The Elektra Women’s Choir Series.
Guitarra
Written for the Vancouver Mens Chorus, this piece captures a sultry Spanish atmosphere using vocables, ostinatos, irregular meters, and semitone dissonance. From a soft beginning, tension and excitement build to a climactic chord cluster with tenors on a high B from which they drift down gradually as the piece dies away.
If My Love Leaves Me
SSAA with piano – CP 1748 – duration 5:50
poetry by Robert Burns
Land of the Silver Birch
arr. Stephen Smith
SATB a cappella – CP 1310 – duration 3:05
Yes, this is the chant you used to sing around the campfire! Stephen Smith has created a whimsical yet beautiful arrangement which incorporates canons, ostinatos, and even a few musical quotations, and which has a featured role for a quartet of soloists.
Pity Me Not
by Stephen Smith
SSAA with piano – CP 1585 – duration 4:45
Commissioned by Elektra Women’s Choir from their pianist, Stephen Smith, on the occasion of his 50th birthday, “Pity Me Not” was in a way both the choir’s gift to him and his to them! With a gorgeous text by Edna St. Vincent Millay wedded to romantically wide-ranging vocal lines and a lush piano accompaniment, this piece will be a gift to your choir, your pianist, and your audiences as well!
Skye Boat Song
arr. Stephen Smith
SATB with piano – CP 1174 – duration 3:15
TTBB with piano – CP 1175
A sweet and simple, yet satisfying, arrangement of the beloved Scottish song which recounts Bonnie Prince Charlie’s legendary escape to the Isle of Skye in 1746.
Song for the Mira
by Allister McGillivray arr. Stephen Smith
SATB a cappella – CP 1645 – duration 3:20
One of Canada’s most enduring and endearing folk songs, Song for the Mira has been covered over 300 times. Anne Murray says it’s one of her favourites. So composer Smith applied all of his skills and passion to this one.
To People Who Have Gardens
arr. Diane Loomer – (sorry, no suitable recording available at this time)
$2.75 Add to cart
We Rise Again
arr. Stephen Smith
TTBB with piano – CP 1136 duration – 4:00
SSAA with piano – CP 1143
SATB with piano – CP 1141
Leon Dubinsky’s well known coal miners song was made popular by the Rankins, and this arrangement by Stephen Smith has been sung throughout Canada and the US by the men’s choir, Chor Leoni. (click listen) A great crowd pleaser, this accessible version tugs at the heart strings of all who see children as our hope for the future.
Ye Banks and Braes
arr. Stephen Smith
SATB a cappella – CP 1054 – duration: 1:45
The basses carry the melody in this arrangement of a classic Scottish folk song. Intuitive voice leading and sweet-spot vocal registers will make this easy to learn and open to lovely phrasing.
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CONTACT
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General Inquiries:
cypresschoralmusic@gmail.com
Dr. Larry Nickel (Editor):
larrynickel@mac.com