I. Choral Settings of Longfellow Poetry

Choral settings must incorporate the poetry, prose or translated texts of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow exclusively. Submissions using texts by other authors or poets will be disqualified. The submission may be a cappella or accompanied with piano. Optionally, a cappella and piano accompanied submissions may also contain an obbligato bassoon part to be performed by Longfellow Chorus director Charles Kaufmann, a professional bassoonist. See his bio page for sound examples of his playing.

The Longfellow Chorus, of Portland, Maine, is a 50-member non-profit chorus, with the mission of inspiring new vocal and choral settings of the poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807-1882. The Longfellow Chorus is a community chorus that maintains a high standard of performance. The SATB chorus may be divided into as many as eight parts, SSAATTBB. Ranges: SI bb - b2; SII a - f#2; AI g - f2; AII f - e2; TI Bb - bb1; TII Bb - f#1; Bar Gb - f1; B Db - e1.

All settings must reflect an understanding of the life and work of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and help convey the meaning of the chosen text. Entries may represent any compositional style. Successful entries will show insight and imagination, be accessible to the average listener and geared toward the skill level of a community chorus comprised of adult amateur singers with excellent singing abilities. Additionally, but not exclusively, entries that incorporate culturally and ethnically diverse musical styles and traditions are encouraged. This year, choral submissions employing an element of humor/irony will be especially valued, although this will not preclude the success of any serious submission. Winning settings will be premiered at the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 203rd Birthday Choral Concert, February 26 and February 27, 2011, at The First Parish in Portland, UUA, Portland, Maine, Longfellow's boyhood church.

Choral settings (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem, prose or translation exclusively) must be no longer than 6 minutes.

PRIZES

First Prize: $300, plus premiere performance February 26 and 27, 2010, and archival audio recording.
Second Prize: $50, plus premiere performance February 26 and 27, 2011, and archival audio recording.
Third Prize(s): $20, plus possible premiere performance February 26 and 27, 2011, and possible archival audio recording.

FOR MORE DETAILS:
http://www.longfellowchorus.com/Chorus_11.html

II. Solo Alto/piano/obbligato bassoon Longfellow Text Settings

Solo Song, Alto, settings must incorporate the poetry, prose or translated texts of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow exclusively. Submissions using texts by other authors or poets will be disqualified. The submission may be a cappella or accompanied with piano. Submissions must be accompanied by piano and, optionally, may also contain an obbligato bassoon part to be performed by Longfellow Chorus director Charles Kaufmann, a professional bassoonist. See his bio page for sound examples of his playing.

All settings must reflect an understanding of the life and work of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and help convey the meaning of the chosen text. Entries may represent any compositional style. Successful entries will show insight and imagination and be accessible to the average listener. Additionally, but not exclusively, entries that incorporate culturally and ethnically diverse musical styles and traditions are encouraged. This year, alto song submissions employing an element of humor will be especially valued, although this will not preclude the success of any serious submission. Winning settings will be premiered at the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 203rd Birthday Choral Concert, February 26 and February 27, 2011, at The First Parish in Portland, UUA, Portland, Maine, Longfellow's boyhood church.

Solo Song Alto settings (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem, prose or translation exclusively) must be no longer than 6 minutes.

PRIZES

First Prize: $300, plus premiere performance February 26 and 27, 2011, and archival audio recording.
Second Prize: $50, plus premiere performance February 27 and 28, 2010, and archival audio recording.
Third Prize(s): $20, plus possible premiere performance February 26 and 27, 2011, and possible archival audio recording.

FOR MORE DETAILS:
http://www.longfellowchorus.com/Alto_Song_11.html