Choral Composition: A Handbook for Composers, Arrangers, Conductors, and Singers - Hardcover

by Robert Stephan Hines (Author)

This comprehensive handbook details the fundamentals and forms of choral composition and expands upon the coverage and number of topics in Archibald T. Davison's 1945 classic text Choral Composition. Historical trends in choral composition are traced with a special emphasis on the profusion of changes that occurred throughout the twentieth century, particularly since 1950. Early chapters focus on characteristics of voice, notation, text, devices, part writing, a cappella and instrumental accompaniments, and choral forms. Hines goes on to analyze the utilization of soloists and choruses with instrumental chamber ensembles, orchestra, and the role of the chorus in opera, operetta, musicals, and music theater. A final chapter addresses practical concerns: music publication and how the artist can function effectively in that world.

Author Biography

ROBERT STEPHAN HINES has authored or co-authored five books on twentieth-century choral and orchestral music, Singers' Liturgical Latin, and freshman and sophomore ear training. He has held teaching or administrative posts at Southern Illinois University, Wichita State University. and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In Hawaii, he served as choral director, department chairman and a decade as dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.