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by members of the Solstice Ensemble, noting that the my own graduates are doing work with that group now,
full Solstice Ensemble was used at times. Can you tell which is meaningful to me.
us more about the ensemble and why it is so promi- Another reason it is useful to include instruments is
nently featured on the album? that the responsibility for motoric and harmonic ele-
ments of the music can be removed from the choir. Ac-
Earley: At Choral Scholars of University College Dub- companiment aids singers with intonation, which can
lin, we have a history of collaboration with profession- help keep a recording session dancing along, which is
al groups on previous releases with Signum Classics. great! In an unaccompanied piece, the harmonic and
Solstice Ensemble is a professional group comprising motoric responsibility is solely on the shoulders of the
instrumentalists and singers. And, you know, some of singers, but when working with the combined colors

Track Title Poem Composer Nationality Voicings Instrumentation

10 Sleep now, oh sleep now XXXIV Natasa Paulberg Australia SSAATBarB as, bc, fag, hn, hp,
(sometimes v, vc, cb
SATB)

11 Dear heart, why will you use me so? XXIX Dale Trumbore USA SSATTBarB bc
(often SATBarB)

12 Silently, she’s combining XXIV Desmond Earley Ireland SS soli (duet), as, bc, fag, hn, hp, v,
SATB coro vc, cb +harp

13 In the dark pinewood XX Elaine Agew Ireland SSAAATTBarB hn
(*A splits into
three parts)

14 Because your voice was at my side XVIII Kevin Whyms Ireland A solo, hp, cb +guitar
SATTBarB coro

15 Now, oh now, in this brown land XXXIII Laura Shells Ireland SSAATTBarB as, bc, fag, hn, hp, v,
vc, cb +guitar

16 My love is in a light attire VII Ēriks Ešenvalds Latvia SATBarB vc

17 Lean out the window, Goldenhair V Joceyln Hagen USA SSATB v, vc, cb

18 My dove, my beautiful one XIV Seán Doherty Ireland SSAATTBB clar, fag, hn, hp, v,
vc, cb

CHORAL JOURNAL May 2026 Volume 66 Number 8 11