Program Notes for Choral Repertoire by Gordon Paine(pdf only)

Program Notes for Choral Repertoire presents the program notes to 58 concerts, 55 of them by the Pacific Chorale of Orange California, John Alexander, director. The author, Gordon Paine, has been the Pacific Chorale program annotator for seventeen years and has authored and/or edited a number of earthsongs publications.

John Alexander writes, “Gordon has an exceptional gift of intellect and writing style that transforms ‘facts’ into interesting stories that outstandingly prepare the listener for an immersive performance experience. Reading his program annotations before a concert is akin to sitting down on a porch swing to listen to a great storyteller weave a fantastic yarn.“ The volume closes with an essay entitled “Which Messiah?” which provides guidance for conductors in choosing what version of Handel’s Messiah to perform.

The book, which includes annotations to more than 300 choral compositions, is supplied in PDF format and is laid out like a regular print book so that it can be printed double-sided and bound. Indices by composer and title are provided, and of course, the user can search the document easily with any PDF browser.

Program Notes for Choral Repertoire is a perfect adjunct to a college choral literature course, interesting reading for any choral enthusiast, and most importantly, an invaluable aid to conductors. Purchase of the book licenses the owner:

•   To make a digital copy and a paper copy for personal use only

•   To copy and distribute notes to choir members during rehearsals prior to          performance(s) of the work(s) involved

•   To reprint notes in concert programs at no charge if admission is free, and soloists and instrumentalists are unpaid. (A reasonable fee is charged otherwise.)

•   To make reasonable adaptations such as abbreviation, reorganization, and transition changes

For all other situations, including the use of notes in CD booklets, printed music, theses, or books, please contact earthsongs.

Table of Contents

For those seeking only notes on specific major works, individual notes may be purchased in groups of three for $10.  Please contact us directly by emailing email@earthsongschoralmusic.com.