Work
Songs of Home
for SSAATB choir with organ or piano
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About
Songs of Home was commissioned by the Palmerston North Choral Society to celebrate the Society’s centenary. The title has interpreted ‘home’ in a general sense rather than relating to Choral Society’s home base of Palmerston North. Topics selected here might relate to any community in New Zealand, particularly those with a rural component.
The work comprises five choruses with all but the first involving a baritone soloist.
"Our Home", sets the scene by listing the indigenous trees and the birds that may have once been found in certain regions of New Zealand. Reference it made to joyful sound of the birdsong giving life to the world.
"The A&P Show" where rural and urban communities gathered to view the latest innovations in technology while the younger members of the community enjoyed the sideshows. One of the highlights was the judging of the livestock.
"Call to Arms." This chorus remembers community members lost in wars.
"Saturday Night Dance," was at one time, the social event of the week.
"In Praise of Song" celebrates the gift of song.
Commissioned note
Commissioned by the Palmerston North Choral Society
Text note
Text by Graham Parsons