Simón Bolívar a giant figure in the history of Latin America dedicated a special place in his upbringing to Hipólita a humble slave who was Bolívar's wet nurse and mother figure. Venezuelan poet laureate Andrés Eloy Blanco captures a confrontational scene between Hipólita and Bolívar's mother. Venezuelan conductor and composer Maibel Troia translates the intensity of the moment in a highly rhythmic and dramatic composition that combines accented repeating melodies with chromatic harmonies building towards a climatic finale. Gentry Publications is pleased to present one of the jewels of the 20th century Venezuelan choral repertoire.

Par POWELL ROSEPHANYE. Four art songs from the pen of Rosephanye Powell bring honor and tribute to African American music and educators. The title, Then, Here and Now, refers to the spiritual's use during slavery (thn) and its relevance today (here and now). Titles include: Opressed (Go Down, Moses), Healing (Balm in Gilead), Dying (I Wanna Die Easy), and Protest (Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho)./ Répertoire / Voix Basse

Dr. Cristian Grases of USC is a native of Argentina. He is the editor of a new series with Gentry called The Choral Music of Latin America and the Caribbean and it is proving to be a delightful collection of Latin gems. This piece begins with tension and disharmony but breaks into soothing chords lush and full of consolation. The Latin text honors the noble wood of the cross on which Christ was crucified.

Doug Andrews has brilliantly brought new life to an old favorite. While not difficult to learn the vocal lines and harmonies bring new interest to this classic.

Stacey Gibbs has become one of the most commissioned composers of our age because his arrangements of spirituals bring the house down. His setting of this familiar spiritual falls right into line - so fun to sing and rewarding to hear. Great for high school college and community choirs. Medium.

Jack Halloran's unique arranging style brings a special quality to this stirring American patriotic classic.

You have never heard how hot this Christmas Carol can sound until you have heard Doug Andrews' new arrangement. A jazz choir would sound great but Doug has drafted it so any choir can succeed and have a great time.

Commissioned by the American Guild of Organists for their 2012 convention here is the first major work from the pen of Rosephanye Powell. With text from the Book of Jeremiah the four movements follow the prophet's feelings of abandonment and redemption by God. Powell combines this ancient text with music that draws simultaneously from the African American musical heritage as well as the classical music traditions.

Stacey Gibbs captures the soul of each Spiritual he arranges. The essense of the song is unchanged yet something new and fresh appears. It is the spiritual we know and love yet it glistens like never before. This 8-part setting continues that tradition and is an excellent choice for college or community choirs. Medium in difficulty.

One of the best-known English madrigals this selection was composed by John Farmer (c1570-c1605). The music so well echoes the story that it has become a classic of its time. This edition by Dr. William Belan follows therecommendations in his new book (Handbook for English Madrigals JG0720) which includes providing the music in contemporary notation and also in individual parts as originally sung.

2014 marks the 200th anniversary of the writing of Francis Scott Key's piece that became our National Anthem. Tim Sharp Executive Director of ACDA saw an opportunity for choirs all across America to stand together in harmony and celebration. His arrangement is based on the improvisation performed by Rachmaninoff an American citizen and can be sung a cappella or accompanied (see NMK1001/HL00125145) from National Music Publishers.

Robert Young's romantic chorale-madrigal style has gathered a following all its own. Using the words of Robert Herrick (1591-1674) Dr. Young has painted a lovely musical poem that is as much a love song as a prayer.