[Choral Piece] High Difficulty! A selection of works that are hard to sing

See?Sakushi: Itou Keiji/Sakki: Matsushita Kou

Kō Matsushita Conducting: “See?” (Shinshu University Mixed Chorus)

Woven from the poetry of Keiji Ito and the music of Ko Matsushita, this work was created for the “Let’s Sing NIPPON Project,” which supports those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Its lyrics gently celebrate the bond between nature and humanity and the small joys of everyday life, warmly embracing the listener’s heart.

Commissioned by Kawai Publishing in 2011, the piece is scored for mixed chorus (SATB) and piano, with a moderate vocal range and an accompaniment designed to be accessible for pianists.

It is frequently performed in a variety of settings, such as school choir competitions and charity concerts in support of disaster-stricken areas.

By singing together as one, performers can feel the connections between people—making this a heartwarming song that brings everyone closer.

Blue EagleSakushi: Sarashina Genzo, Sakkyoku: Hasebe Masatoshi

[Choral Piece] The Blue Heron / Mixed Chorus in Four Parts [With Lyrics]

“Blue Eagle” is also well-loved as a staple piece for chorus competitions.

Its hallmark is a relaxed first half that shifts in the latter half to a fast, intense tempo.

Because of this modulation, it’s considered quite difficult.

Another key point is that the lyrics invite various interpretations.

Depending on how you interpret what happens to the blue eagle that appears in the lyrics, the emotions you put into the performance will change.

Be sure to discuss it with your team and unify your artistic direction.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

I can hear silence.Matsumoto Nozomi

Hearing Silence [Conductor Cam] Conductor: Naoto Aizawa / 89th (2022) NHK National School Music Competition, High School Division — Set Piece

A gem of a choral piece by Nozomi Matsumoto that listens to the voice of the heart in the midst of silence.

Its delicate harmonies and richly expressive melody beautifully convey feelings beyond words.

Chosen as the set piece for the High School Division of the 89th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, it deeply moved many students.

The work is available in several versions, including mixed chorus (SATB) and three-part women’s chorus.

Sung together at important occasions such as choral competitions or graduation ceremonies, it is sure to create a moving stage that resonates in the hearts of listeners.

GiftShiho Ochi · Koichi Tsutaya

Gifts [Iwate University Chorus]

A song distinguished by its warm, comforting melody and a powerful message that boosts self-esteem.

While gently addressing the anxieties and loneliness unique to adolescence, it conveys the importance of discovering one’s true self.

Released in September 2019, it was also selected as the set piece for the Middle School Division of the 85th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

The music video portrays middle school students in a realistic light, resonating with many viewers.

If everyone unites their hearts and sings it together at choir competitions, graduation ceremonies, or other class- or grade-wide choral occasions, it is sure to become a wonderful memory.

Song of First Intentsakushi: Kijima Hajime, sakkyoku: Nobunaga Taketomi

Song of First Resolve, from “Song of First Resolve” for mixed chorus and piano

Hajime Kijima’s “Song of First Intent,” which sharply confronts society’s contradictions and supports the younger generation, is captivating.

This collection, composed from five poems, features only exquisitely beautiful pieces themed around familiar, everyday matters.

Among them, the title track “Song of First Intent” is infused with Kijima’s characteristic dynamism, making its subtle nuances quite challenging to sing.

In particular, there’s a section in the middle where the music swells all at once; how skillfully one can deliver that climax will likely be the key to the performance.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yuuki

Report a problem

premonitionSakushi: Kataoka Akira, Sakkyoku: Okuma Takako

Ayauta Junior High School Chorus Contest, 2017: Class 3-2 “Premonition”

Premonition was selected as the set piece for the junior high school division of the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition held in 2002.

It was modeled after the agronomist Masahide Toyama, who continued tree-planting in areas affected by desertification, and the lyrics were reportedly inspired by the image of planting trees in the desert.

The lyrics contain many words expressing dreams and hope, making it a perfect song for middle and high school students with a bright future ahead.

The tempo changes and there are key changes, so the difficulty is a bit high, but it’s a piece worth tackling!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem

HikariSakushi: Seto Saori / Sakkyoku: Matsushita Kou

[Choral Piece] Hikari (Light) / Mixed Three-Part Chorus [With Lyrics]

Hikari captivates with a grand worldview that feels like watching a scene from a musical.

It was created using a poem selected as an outstanding work for the 70th anniversary of the NHK National School Music Competition.

Both the lyrics and the melody depict light gradually emerging from total darkness.

Two major points are how to portray this sense of transition and how to develop a solid understanding of 6/8 time in order to sing the meter and rhythms accurately.

With that foundation, try singing while fully immersing yourself in the world of the piece!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem