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Song

for 2 or 4 part choir. Anthony Ritchie Opus 54a

A simple and moving setting of Baxter's religious poem, dividing into two parts in the second half. Many versions for different choral combinations are available.

Song is a setting of a poem by James K. Baxter, one of New Zealand's foremost poets. It tells the story of Jesus of Nazareth and the values of truth, love and mercy he espoused. The gentle regular pulse in the piano suggests the character of Jesus walking into the city.

Song was commissioned by Maureen Smith for the ordination of 7 Catholic priests at Holy Cross Chapel, in Mosgiel, New Zealand. It was originally scored for male voices in unison accompanied by organ. It has been arranged under this opus for

It has also been arranged for solo voice and piano in versions for Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Tenor and Bass (all under opus 54c).

It became popular particularly in the version for mezzo soprano and piano, and in 2008 was recorded by Anna Leese on the CD New Zealand Poets in Song: Songs by Anthony Ritchie (see http://www.anthonyritchie.co.nz/recordings.html ).

It has been widely performed in multiple versions, both solo and choral.

Listen to performance

Watch Bianca Andrew sing Song

Buy the right to download a pdf online using one of these options:

2 part female choir with piano
Opus 54a1
2 part male choir (baritone, bass)
in bass clef, with piano Opus 54a2
2 part male choir (tenor, bass)
with piano Opus 54a3
Purchase the right to make/use copies for your choir:
Purchase the right to make/use copies for your choir:
Purchase the right to make/use copies for your choir:

SATB choir with piano Opus 54a4 SATB choir with piano, violin, 'cello
and flute Opus 54a5
Purchase the right to make/use copies for your choir:
Purchase the right to make/use copies for your choir:

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