Choral Composition

Book excerpt: 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.