Our Spring 2025 Repertoire
Rise, My Soul
Rise, My Soul is a traditional folk hymn arranged by Susan LaBarr and the text is written by Robert Seagrave. As you explore more into this music, you can hear our wonderful singers divided into four parts, assembling into melodic lines and blend in with each other to create a rich and harmonious sound.
Laudate Pueri ("Praise ye the Lord')
Laudate Pueri is a motet written by Felix Medolssohn from Psalm 113: 1-2 and sung in Latin by the students. Here's a brief translation:
"Praise the Lord, children, praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of God be praised, both now and forevermore."
Lamma Bada Yatathanna ("As she swayed")
Lamma Bada Yatathanna is a beautiful Egyptian song written by Mohamed Abdel Rahim Al-Masloub and arranged by Abu-Khader. This piece is accompanied by David Robbins on the riqq, a traditional Middle Eastern frame drum with cymbals. Here's a brief translation of the song:
Lyrics: ​
As she swayed, O night, O my eyes, My love, the beautiful one, seduces me, O night, O my eyes, I am enraptured by a glimpse, O night, O my eyes, My beloved's beauty is tender branch caught by a breeze, O night, O my eyes, O my destiny, O my perplexity, who can comfort me in my misery, in my lamenting and suffering for love, but the queen of all beauties.
Floating Moon Over Water
Floating Moon Over Water is a choral composition by the Taiwanese composer Wei-Pin Chen (arranged by Eric Liu) that masterfully intertwines Western tonality with traditional Taiwanese musical elements. The piece evokes the serene image of the moon's reflection upon the water, while also conveying a poignant, romantic narrative. This song is featured by our pianist, David Robbins. Here's a brief translation of the song:
Lyrics: ​
Floating Moon on the Water;
Sparkling was the moon shadow that night of our farewell;
The moonlight was tenderly reflected in your eyes.
I tried to scoop the floating moon into my hands-
but the only thing captured was a chill to my heart,
Like the phantom of our love when we met-
so true, and yet unable to be held.
Floating moon on the water;
blurred in the moon shadow.
The moon and the stars have gone to darkness,
and the floating moon on the water has gone away.
After the Rain
After the Rain is a choral composition by Sarah Quartel and the text is derived from "Words to a Grandchild" by Chief Dan George. This uplifting piece serves as a reminder that, even in challenging times, beauty persists and difficult days would not last forever. This song is featured by our pianist, David Robbins.
O Magnum Mysterium
O Magnum Mysterium is a Latin chant from the Matins of Christmas, celebrating the Nativity of Jesus Christ. The text reflects on the profound mystery of the Incarnation, highlighting the humble circumstances of Christ's birth and the awe experienced by those who witnessed it. Here's the translated text:
Lyrics: ​
O great mystery,
and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the newborn Lord,
lying in a manger!
Blessed is the virgin whose womb
was worthy to bear
the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Alleluia!
Thus Spake the Mother
Thus Spake the Mother is a song written by Melissa Dunphy and commissioned by the W&M Barksdale Treble Chorus with support from the W&M Society of 1918. The text is derived from "Snowbirds" by Sri Ananda (1881-1945).
Izar Ederrek ("Beautiful Star")
Izar Ederrek is a song written by a Basque composer Josu Elberdin. Basque is an indigenous ethinic group living in the border between France and Spain. The song is about a bright star surrounded by eight angels. Here's the translated text:
Lyrics:
The beautiful star that shines alone in the high heavens,
she is not alone, she has friends that God gives her.
She has seven angels, the eighth is sick.
They brought seven Indian doctors from Madrid.
The beautiful star that shines alone in the high heavens,
she is not alone, she has friends that God gives her.
One doctor says about the angel: This is the heartbreak her soul.
Wade in the Water
Wade in the Water is a powerful African American Spiritual arranged by Mark Hayes. The song originated during the era of slavery and carries deep historical and symbolic meanings. We have three soloists in this song-Jada Bonds, Heather Acuña, and Sophia Curlee- and accompanied David Robbins on the piano.
Shady Grove
Shady Grove is a traditional Appalachian folk song arranged by Tom Shelton in the musical heritage from Eastern Kentucky. This song is accompanied by our violinist, Maia MacMahon, and pianist, David Robbins.
Grown Wild
Grown Wild is a song written by Melissa Dunphy in 2021. The text is derived from the poem "Grown Wild" by Melissa Apperson. This song is accompanied by our violinist, Maia MacMahon, and pianist, David Robbins.
William and Mary Alma Mater
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