PROFONDO - THE MARK SIRETT SERIES

by Gross and Keele, arr. Mark Sirett

TTBB with piano    –    CP 1378  – duration 4:35
SATB with piano    –    CP 1328
SSA with piano    –    CP 1326
Sarah Slean sang this song in the film “Passchendaele”.  Paul Gross, from Calgary-Alberta, wrote, co-produced and starred in the film which focuses on the experiences of a Canadian soldier at the Third Battle of Ypres. Mark has transformed the song into a wonderful choral composition which would be well suited to Remembrance Day events or any concert concerning War and Peace.

Instrumental parts – (optional and not available through retailers) – $20 (full set sent via PDF files): 
full score plus; oboe, flute, violin and double bass

arr. Mark Sirett

TTBB  with piano – CP 1934  – duration 3:05  
SA  with piano – CP 1446
SSAA  with piano – CP 1938
This song may have appeared as early as 1604, when the first French settlement was established in Quebec. A clear fountain, a rose, and heart-break. Children sing this folk-song and adults relate to the deeper meanings.
instrumental parts: free upon request

by Bruce Cockburn,  arr. Larry Nickel

TBB with piano    –    CP 1286  – duration 2:45  
SATB with piano    –    CP 1273
SSA with piano    –    CP 1348
Bruce Cockburn is one of Canada’s most beloved folk musicians. Rolling Stone magazine once called him Bob Dylan of the north. Larry Nickel has loved this song since the 1970‘s.

by Stan Rogers, arr. Ron Smail

TTBB    –    CP 1253   – duration 3:50  
SATB    –    CP 1226 
Stan Rogers, Canada’s folk music hero, speaks to all of us through his words and music. This is a rollicking sea shanty. Not many songs have swearing (moderate) but this one really works! You might be swearing too if you lost both your legs!

arr. Mark Sirett

SATB a cappella with violin and spoons  –  CP 1912   – duration 2:05  
SSA a cappella with violin and spoons  –  CP 1921
TBB a cappella with violin and spoons  –  CP 1920

A toe-tapping step-dance will undoubtedly get your choristers and audience in the Christmas spirit–a time for laughter and joy with family and friends over holiday food and drink.

Who cares if we work tomorrow?
Now’s the time to spread good cheer!
Pass the punch around the table!
Christmas comes but once a year!

arr. Mark Sirett

TTBB with piano    –    CP 1889   – duration 4:05   
SATB with piano    –    CP 1164
SSA with piano    –    CP 1382
The Cliffs of Dooneen is a popular and haunting Irish folk song that extols the rugged beauty of the Atlantic coast. The final verse expresses longing for the homeland–a sentiment shared by many Irish immigrants during the nineteenth century when they were forced to leave for North America because of the Great Famine. This arrangement was written for Sister Rita Clare and the Cape Breton Chorale for the Celtic Colours Festival in 2008.  The SSA version is dedicated to Ann McIntyre, Conductor of the Edmonton Children’s Choir.

by Mark Sirett

TTBB  with piano – KH 021   – duration 3:55
SATB    with piano – KH 022
SSA    with piano – KH 023

This was commissioned by Lyrical Lines and performed by 400 students at the Waterloo District High School Festival.  The exquisite words by William Butler Yeats express the desire to offer to your love the most precious gift of all–your dreams.  The tender, lyrical choral writing is supported by expressive piano accompaniment; this work has been performed by All-State choirs in the USA.

I would spread the cloths under your feet: But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
William Butler Yeats

by Gordon Lightfoot, arr. Mark Sirett

TTBB with piano    –    CP 1790  – duration 3:20   
SATB with piano    –    CP 1787
Many singers and audience members will remember this delightful folk song by Lightfoot.  “Wheels of love go ’round!” Dr. Sirett has created an approachable type of “round” with his skillful writing. Great fun!

by Mark Payne

TTBB a cappella – CP 2288 – duration 3:00

arr. Trevor McLain

TTBB a cappella – CP 2392 – duration 2:15

About this piece, Trevor writes:

by Larry Nickel

SATB    with piano – CP 1781
TTBB    with piano – CP 1785 – duration 4:10
Wilfred Owen’s poem was born in the muddy trenches. This movement from Requiem for Peace has been performed at Remembrance Day/Memorial Day concerts. It works well together Long Black Arm.

by Robbie Smith, arr. Larry Nickel

SATB with piano – CP 1996 – duration 4:35.
TBB with piano – CP 2004
SSA available upon request
I yearned to feel the ocean’s roll,
I was always the seafaring kind.
But too many storms have taken their toll, 
and all that remains on my mind –
Is dry land, dry land – 
It’s been seven fortnights since we raised the sail.
All hands, dry land – 
We’ve slipped from the grip of a force seven gale to dry land.

arr. Mark Sirett

TTBB with piano    –    CP 1876  – duration 3:30   
SATB with piano    –    CP 1357
SSA with piano    –    CP 1597
The pain of separation and leaving loved ones across the sea is expressed in this traditional Scottish folk song. It has been covered by many artists, including Judy Collins, and is a song that will endear audiences.

by Mark Payne

TTBB a cappella – CP 2292 – duration 2:30

by Mark Sirett

SATB with piano – CP 2379   – duration 2:35
SA with piano – CP 2380
SSA with piano – CP 2381
TTBB with piano – CP 2382

A single verse from the famous poem “For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon has become synonymous with acts of remembrance throughout the world  It has become known as the ‘Ode of Remembrance’ and often recited at Remembrance Day, Veterans’ Day, ANZAC and Memorial Day commemorations . This setting, in both English and French, is appropriate for Remembrance Day in Canada.  For English only, appropriate for other counties of the Commonwealth and the USA, the first verse should be repeated to letter B, with m. 39 to the end as a Coda.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them. 

by Russell Wallace

SATB a cappella   –   CP 1247   – 3:15   
TBB a cappella   –   CP 1519
Simple yet powerful, authentic and moving: these words describe Russell’s wonderful celebration chant.

by Don Macdonald

SATB a cappella – duration 5:00
TTBB a cappella
SSAA a cappella

Our night awakens with a flame 
and it’s luminous, luminous.
The shadows trace a perfect frame.
Luminous, luminous.

And while the northern winds conspire,
we’re held by the trees 
and lulled by the fire.
We sleep and dream ‘neath astral seas
then wake to shimmering fields of aurora. 

by Tobin Stokes

SATB a cappella – CP 1172   – duration 2:55  
TTBB a cappella – CP 1181
A storm is coming so batten down the hatches! – tie up those boats and run for cover!
This is a rousing song – guaranteed to be a fun sing and a people pleaser.

by Jan Garrett, arr. Larry Nickel

TTBB with piano    –    CP 1211  – duration 3:20
SATB with piano    –    CP 1182
SAB with piano    –    CP 1192
SSA with piano    –    CP 1193
“It had been a particularly hot dry year in 2002, and wild fires were raging across much of the western US. The political scene felt equally troubling and out-of-control to me. It was as if the whole world was on fire. In the midst of all this unrest, I began to have dreams of rain.” Jan Garrett. Choral composer, Larry Nickel, was captured by the beautiful simplicity of Jan’s song and set it for choir with approachable rich harmonies.

by Gordon Lightfoot, arr. Mark Sirett

SATB    with piano – CP 2101 – duration 4:20
TTBB    with piano – CP 2102
options: Guitar, Bass and Violin parts
This classic song has been covered by many artists from Bob Dylan and “Peter, Paul and Mary” to Elvis.

In the early morning rain with a dollar in my hand
With an aching in my heart and my pockets full of sand
I’m a long way from home, Lord, I miss my loved ones so
In the early morning rain with no place to go

by Bruce Sled

TTBB a cappella        –    CP 1056  – duration 2:10
SATB a cappella        –    CP 1048
This piece has been an instant success for everyone who’s tried it. Using nonsense words, it is rhythmic and upbeat, and uses cyclical repetition in the parts creating an incredibly catchy groove! A must-see.

by Matthew Emery

TTBB with piano  –   CP 1570   – duration 4:20
SATB with piano  –   CP 1569
The beautiful and life affirming poem by Marjorie Pickthall is given a classy and poignant setting in the inimitable Emery style.

arr. Benjamin Bolden

SATB a cappella – CP 1698 – duration 4:30
TTBB a cappella – CP 2057

In Baffin’s Bay where the whale fish blow
The fate of Franklin no man may know

by Robbie Smith, arr. Mark Sirett

TBB  with piano – CP 1976 – duration 4:50
SATB  with piano – CP 1971
SSA  with piano – CP 1978

A perfect selection for Remembrance and Memorial Day commemorations, this deeply moving song by Robbie Smith calls us to become peacemakers, to be compassionate and caring, and to bring love and joy to others.

Maybe war will teach us something – teach us how to live in peace
Maybe tears will turn to gladness – and maybe famine will lead to feast
Maybe hatred will turn to kindness once it sees what it’s become
Maybe lies will turn to the truth once the sadness they’ve caused is done

by Robert C. Rival

TTBB a cappella – CP 2365 – duration 6:25

In 1874, Charles M. Scammon, captain of the U.S. Revenue Marine, published Marine Mammals of the North-Western Coast of North America, a thick tome documenting his experience as a whaler on the American west coast

Whaling has since come to be regarded, rightfully, as cruel and unsavoury. Yet Scammon’s curiosity was such that he made many valuable observations of scientific value, his contributions recognized by marine biologists today. In the chapter on the Pacific white-sided dolphin (which frequents the B.C. coast), Scammon describes a stunning encounter on the open sea between his ship and a large group of dolphins.

The captain’s words speak simply and eloquently, tracing an attractive musical arc, like a wave that surges excitedly, then recedes.

Composed in 2020, Midnight Sea was a finalist in Vancouver’s Chor Leoni’s C/4 Canadian Choral Composition Competition (2020).

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  Mark Sirett

TTBB with piano    –    CP 1333  – duration 3:10
SATB with piano    –    CP 1294
SSA with piano    –    CP 1332
Emily Dickinson explores the question of faith is this poignant poem and Mark gives her poetry a perfect gentle setting. (a personal favourite of Dr. Larry Nickel)

by David Francey; arr. Mark Sirett

TTB with piano – CP 2084 – duration 2:25
SATB with piano – CP 2082 
SSA with piano – CP 2083
This bright and charming song is by Scots-Canadian, David Francey, one of Canada’s favourite Celtic artists.  After the long Canadian winter, the song delights in the coming of spring, heralded by distinctive call of the red-winged blackbird.

He’ll be in there singing his heart out,
He’ll be telling me stories too,
Of where he went to winter last year,
Of how he’s going back there too.
 
Thought I heard a red winged blackbird,
Red winged blackbird down my road,
Thought I heard a red winged blackbird,
Red winged blackbird down my road.

arr. Terry Hurrell

TTBB – with piano – CP 1905 – duration 3:45

Men’s choirs will enjoy this medley of an energetic Scottish war song (Scots Wha Hae, with raucous bagpipe imitation and a wide range of dynamics, followed by a quiet lilting taste of the Skye Boat Song.  Interest at the end is maintained by a meeting of the clans, using partner songs: Will Ye No Come Back Again? and Scotland the Brave, each sung by different parts of the choir, as two clans come together from neighbouring glens.  The coda is a pianissimo invitation to visit Scotland again.

by Robbie Smith, arranged by Mark Sirett

TTBB a cappella – CP 2007    – duration 2:45
SATB a cappella – CP 2006 
Ahoy!  We set sail in this rollicking, high-energy sea shanty by Robbie Smith. All hands on deck! Get your hands and feet ready for some body percussion to add in the excitement.

Come all ye wise or simple men – skippers & mates & deckhands
To man the cargo ships again – skippers & mates & deckhands
We place no stock in rank nor name – skippers & mates & deckhands
To the rollin’ seas you’re all the same – skippers & mates & deckhands

by Matthew Emery

TTBB  a cappella  –  CP 1415 – duration 3:20
SATB  a cappella  –  CP 1416 
Matthew chooses this texts carefully – in this case, a lovely poem by James Joyce. Comfort and rest – sleep.

by  Susan Crowe and Raylene Rankin, arranged by Mark Sirett

TTBB with piano and violin or flute    –    CP 1890  – duration 3:05   
SSA with piano and violin or flute    –    CP 1607
SATB with piano and violin or flute    –    CP 1610
This heartfelt winter song was written by favourite East coast folk duo, Raylene Rankin and Susan Crowe. It is a touching and accessible selection for holiday concerts and would also work well for concerts on the theme of nature, the environment and Earth Day.

violin part available upon request (no charge)
Little sparrow, still you fly
Still you gaze into the sky
Are you longing, do you yearn
For a tall tree to return?

by Don Macdonald

SATB (with divisi) – CP 1169 – 3:40
SSAA – CP 1318
TTBB – CP 1707
Tabula Rasa  – This Latin phrase translates as “Blank Slate” in English.  The composer had a specific image in mind when composing this music. A quiet moment between a mother and child when the mother sees, as she has never seen, the potential of the precious life she holds in her arms. A silent acknowledgement of her child and every child as a “blank slate” with seemingly limitless potential.

This emotionally uplifting work relies on gentle dissonances that ebb and flow with the Spanish text. It has been performed by youth choirs as well as professional ensembles and would make a great choice for festival competition.

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.

by David Francey, arranged by Mark Sirett

SSA a cappella – CP 2082  – duration 1:50
TBB a cappella – CP 2083

David Francey, a Scottish-born Canadian, has become known as “one of Canada’s most revered folk poets and singers” (Toronto Star). Born in Ayrshire, Scotland he moved to Canada when he was twelve, working as a carpenter, in rail yards and the Yukon bush, all the while writing poetry and setting his words to melody.  In his 40s he turned to the stage to sing his songs in public. His first album Torn Screen Door came out in 1999 and was an instant hit in Canada. Since then, he has released eleven albums, and has won three Juno Awards.

arr.  Mark Sirett

SATB    with piano – KH 108   – duration 4:55   
SSAA    with piano – KH 109
TTBB    with piano – KH 119
This poignant folk song tells the story of a young rebel who has been banished abroad, and of his longing to return to his beloved homeland.  It has been frequently performed for Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa and celebrations of Canadian music.  A thrilling arrangement of one of Canada’s finest folk songs.

by Leon Dubinsky
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.

by Mishaal Surti

TTBB a cappella    –    CP 1299   – duration 2:05
SATB a cappella    –    CP 1346
This heartfelt piece of remembrance shares a message of hope and inspiration. With text by Canadian poet Justin Zadorsky, When Dawn Shines is a moving addition to any Men’s Chorus festival or concert program.

“When the sun shines, my spirit will renew its gladness.”

by Robbie Smith, arr. Erica Phare-Bergh

SATB with piano and instruments  –  CP 1961   – duration 4:05
SSAA with piano and instruments  –  CP 1975
TBB – available upon request
This is one of Robbie Smith’s most beautiful songs – in a minor key – and Erica has given it a stunning choral arrangement with sweet-spot vocal registers and interesting lines for each singer. The ideal instrumental accompaniment should include violin and recorder. However, this song would work well with almost any combination of C instruments. We also have a solo option for flute, violin, oboe or recorder.

Wind awakens winter in me
And leaves my spirit bleak and barren
Yearning for fond moments to be 
And the spring in all its fragrant finery

Skies are dressed in dull shades of gray
And the farmland fields lie sleeping fallow
A lone bird call takes me away
To future promise far away from today