Octavo of the Month (November 2005)
Mike Walag, ICDA High School R&S Chair
Meeting is Over
American folk song, arr. James E. Clemens
Mark Foster MF4009
SATB, a cappella
Moderate Difficulty, 2:50
This American folk song is reminiscent of the shaped-note singing songs of colonial America. It has a straightforward style with open fourth/fifth harmonic structure accompanying a lively, rhythmic melody that gets in your brain and stays there.
The modal unison melody alternates between the soprano/alto and tenor/bass parts throughout. The accompanying parts become more involved rhythmically (adding syncopation) and harmonically as the piece progresses.
I think the rhythmic vitality of this piece will appeal to students and would be suitable for concert or contest.