Robert A.M. Ross composer

arrangements and orchestrations


Shenandoah (1973) T solo, TTBB a cappella

Schütz: Bringt Her dem Herren (1973) 2 Unison Choirs or Soloists, Organ. English text: To God the Father by Robert Ross (based on Psalm 29:1-2)

Hymn Fantasia: CORONATION (1976) Brass Sextet, Timpani, Congregation, Organ. Transcribed for Orchestra (2-2-2-2 2-2-0-0, ty, org, str) 1994

Scherzo: VENITE ADOREMUS (1976) Unison Chorus, 2 Oboes, 2 Trumpets, Strings

Hymn Fantasia: LYRA DAVIDICA (1977, rev. 1978, second revision 1983) Brass (0-3[3rd opt.]-2-1), Timpani (4 or 2), Congregation, Organ Third revision 1988 for Orch (2-2-2-2 2-2-0-0, ty, org, str)

Hymn Fantasia: VICTORY (1978, rev. 1987; 2nd rev. 2001) Brass Ensemble, Timpani, Congregation, Organ

Hymn Fantasia: PUER NOBIS (1978, rev. 1981) Brass Quartet, Congregation, Organ 2nd rev. for orchestra w/o organ 1998. 3rd rev. for Brass Quartet, Congregation,
Organ (1999, based on 2nd rev., 1998)

Hymn Fantasia: STUTTGART (1978) Congregation, Orch (0-2-0-0 0-2-0-0, org, str)
Transcribed for Brass Ensemble, Congregation & Organ, 1983

Hymn Fantasia: VENI, EMMANUEL (1978) Congregation, Orch (0-2-0-0 0-2-0-0, org, str)
Transcribed for Brass Ensemble, Congregation & Organ, 1983. Short version for use as
Introit or for Advent Wreath ceremonies, 2001

Arbeau: Basse Danse “Jouyssance Vous Donneray” (1979) Brass Sextet, Drum, Organ

Hymn Fantasia: DARWALL (1980, rev. 1986) Brass Quintet, Congregation, Organ

Hymn Fantasia: MACCABEUS (1980, rev. 1986) Congregation, Orch (0-2-0-0 0-2-0-0, ty, org, str)
Second revision 1988 for Orch (2-2-2-2 2-2-0-0, ty, org, str)
Third rev. 1996 for brass (0-3-2-1), ty, org

Hymn Fantasia: DIX (1980; rev. 1997) Brass Quintet, Congregation, Organ

Seven Carol Favorites (1980) Four Violins or other Treble Instruments

Hymn Fantasia: ST. KEVIN (1981) Congregation, Brass (0-3-2-1), Timpani, Organ

Hymn Fantasia: LANCASHIRE (1982) Congregation, 3 Trumpets, Organ
Revised 1986 for 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, Organ
Second Revision 1988 for orch (2-2-2-2 2-2-0-0, org, str)

Un’taneh Tokef
(1983; rev. 1999) Liturgical Sequence for Cantor (T), SATB a cappella. Compiled from various sources

S’u Sh’areem (1983) Chassidic melody, arr. for SA(T)B a cappella

Holst: In the Bleak Mid-Winter
(1983) 16 Handbells

Kaddish Shalem
(1983) Chassidic melody, arr. for Cantor (T), SATB a cappella or with Keyboard

Hymn Fantasia: PSALM 42 (1983) Brass Quintet and Drum

Hymn Fantasia: ANTIOCH (1983; rev. 1995) Brass Quintet, Congregation, Organ. (2nd Rev. 1998 for Str. & Organ; 3rd revision for exp. orchestra 2001)

Billings: Easter Anthem (1984) Brass Sextet (for use alone or with chorus)

Gaudeamus Igitur (1984) 2 part equal or mixed chorus, Brass Quintet and/or Organ (may also be used without chorus)Revised and expanded 1997 for SATB, large brass ensemble, organ & percussionCommissioned by California Institute of Technology Glee Clubs, Monica J. Hubbard, director, for the inauguration of President David Baltimore, March, 1998

Al Hanisim (1984) SAB, Brass Quintet, Keyboard, Electric Bass, Drums and optional Guitar. Text in Hebrew. Revised 1999 for SA(T)B, same instrumentation

Deutsche Magnificat (1984) Cantor (Mz or Bar), SATB and/or Organ, Congregation

Hymn Fantasia: DIADEMATA (1986) Congregation, Orch (0-2-0-0 2-2-0-0, ty, org, str)
Revised 1989 for Orch (2-2-2-2 2-2-0-0, ty, org, str)
Second revision 1989 for 2 Trumpets, tympani, organ, strings

Hymn Fantasia: ENGELBERG (1986) SATB, Congregation, Orch (0-2-0-0 2-2-0-0, ty, org, str)

Hymn Fantasia: MELITA (1986) SATB, Congregation, Organ

Hymn Fantasia: EIN FESTE BURG (1986) SATB, Brass Quintet, Organ, Congregation

Fantasia on “MAOZ TZUR” (1986) SATB, Organ, Orch (2-2d1-0-1 2-0-0-0, ty, org, str)

Mozart: Dona Nobis Pacem (Amen, Grant Us Peace, Lord) from Mass in C, K337 (1986) SAB, Keyboard and SATB, Keyboard

Handel: Lord of Mercy from Joshua (1986) SATB, Keyboard

Bach: Verleih’ uns Frieden (O Grant Us Thy Most Perfect Peace) from Cantata BWV 42 (1986) SATB, optional Keyboard

Cherubini: Gloria from Missa Solemnis #2 in D (1986) SATB, Keyboard

Zulehner (?): Gloria from “Twelfth Mass” (formerly attributed to Mozart) (1986) SAB, Keyboard; (1990) SATB, Keyboard

Billings: Easter Anthem (1987) SAB a cappella, optional Organ and/or Brass Quartet or Quintet

Hymn Anthem: WAYNE 8.6.8.6 (1987) SATB, Congregation, Organ. Tune by CCW Sparks. Text: O God Our Help in Ages Past by Isaac Watts Version for srtings, organ & congregation (without choir) 2001

Fauré: Unto Thee, Almighty Lord from Pavane, op. 50 (1987) SATB, Keyboard (“ghost commission” for Walter Ehret)

Handel: Be Ye Sure from Utrecht Jubilate (1987) SATB, Keyboard (“ghost commission” for Walter Ehret)

Bates: America the Beautiful (1987; rev. 1995) TTBB, Organ

Handel: The Heavens Declare from Joshua (1987) SATB, Keyboard and SAB, Keyboard

Tchaikovsky: Solemn Prelude from Serenade for Strings, op. 48 (1987) Organ solo

Handel: Let the Whole Earth Stand from Chandos Anthem 4a (1987) SATB, Keyboard

Mahler: Lord of Mercy from Symphony #1 (1987) SATB, Tympani (original text; written under pseudonym “J. Huntingdon Lounsbury”)

Handel: The Earth Shall Rejoice from Coronation Anthem #3 (1987) SATB, Keyboard or Orchestra (0-2-0-[1] 0-2-0-0, ty, org/hpschd, str) (under pseudonym “Martin Davidson”)

Reger: The Virgin’s Slumber Song (1987) versions for SATB, SAB, SSA and 2-part with flute and keyboard or harp. Version for above voicings with orchestra (1999): Flute solo, harp (or keyboard), strings

Hymn Fantasia: AUSTRIAN HYMN (1988) Congregation, Orchestra (2-2-2-2 2-2-0-0, org, str) Revised 1989 for 2 Trumpets, Timpani, Organ, Strings

Pachelbel: Psalm 150 based on Kanon in D (1988) SAB, Keyboard (under pseudonym “Arthur Marsden”)

Wohlberg: Yism’chu (1989) SSATB, Organ

Telemann: Amen, Lob und Ehre (1989) versions for SATB, SAB, and 2-part (under pseudonym “Martin Davidson”)

Voices of Freedom (1989) Multi-media oratorio for SATB, soloists, Keyboards, soprano and alto Saxophones (one player), and Percussion. Compiled and arranged from Central
American and South African sources, incorporating excerpts from Missa Criolla by
Ariel Ramirez and African Sanctus by David Fanshawe. Texts compiled from the
writings of Archbishop Oscar Romero, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Simon Farasani, and
the peoples of El Salvador and South Africa.

Canción de Protesta Salvadorena (1989) SATB, T solo, Piccolo, Keyboard(s). Arranged for multi-media theater piece, Voices of Freedom

Enviado Soy de Dios (Nicaraguan Prayer Song) (1989) SATB, Keyboard(s), Percussion. Arranged for multi-media theater piece, Voices of Freedom

Open the Window, Noah (spiritual) (1989) SATB, soli a cappella

Taulé: Toda la Tierra (1989) SATB a cappella

Bach: Zion Hört die Wachter Singen from Cantata BWV 140 (1989) SATB, str, continuo (under pseudonym “Martin Davidson”)

Hymn-Anthem: HERALD 11.10.11.10 (1990) SATB, Organ. Tune by Sue Mitchell-Wallace. Text: Welcome the Wild One by Brian Wren

Hymn-Anthem: KING L. M. (Now in the Name of God) (1990) SATB div, Congregation, Organ. Tune by David Hurd. Text: A Hymn for Baptism by Fred Kaan, alt. by Robert Ross

Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair (1991) SATB, S solo, Celtic harp

Hymn-Fantasia: ST. CHRISTOPHER (1992) Congregation, Strings, organ

Hymn-Fantasia: BOHEMIAN BRETHEREN (1992) Congregation, Strings, organ

Hymn-Fantasia: IN BABILONE (1993) Brass Quintet, Organ, Congregation

God’s Love Story (1993) SATB, solo woodwind, organ. (withdrawn) Based on two tunes to “Barbara Allen.” Text by Stephen D. Jones

Amazing Grace (Sacred Harp) (1995) SSAATTBB a cappella

Rhapsody on Anglo-American Ballad Tunes (1995) Chamber orchestra. Adapted from God’s Love Story (1993)

Carol-Fantasia: MIDNIGHT CLEAR
(1995) Brass Quintet, Organ, Congregation Revised 1999 for Orchestra, Organ, Congregation

Jesus Rose (Sacred Harp) (1996) SSAATTBB a cappella

Hymn-Fantasia/Medley: BEECHER and HYFRYDOL (1996) Trumpet, Organ, Congregation

A Centennial Anthem (1996) SATB, organ, opt. congregation. Adaptation of Hymn-Anthem on WAYNE 8.6.8.6 to text “O God Who Measures Human Time” by Richard D. Jones.

Carol-Fantasia: GLORIA (“Angels We Have Heard on High”) (1996) Brass Quintet, Organ, Congregation. (Rev. 1998 for Str. & Organ; 2nd revision for exp. orchestra 2001)

Arrangements for Phi Mu Alpha Centennial Songbook (1997): (All TTBB a cappella & made in 1996 unless otherwise noted):

Matthew T. Aimone: Beloved Sinfonia
H.A. Clarke: United Stand
Ralph Howard Pendleton: Light Your Pipe
William Stickles: Farewell to You, My Brothers (Text: H.A. Hill)
Clifton Williams: Men of Song (with Lawrence Burnett) TTBB, keyboard or concert band (Text: Alan E. Adams)
The Star Spangled Banner
America the Beautiful
America (1997)

Max Janowski: Sim Shalom (1997) Cantor (Tenor), SATB a cappella

Hymn-Fantasia: WINCHESTER NEW (1997) Congregation, 2 ob, hrn, bsn, strings, organ. Rev. 1998 for 2 fl, 2 ob, cl, hrn, 2 trpts., str., org.

Maoz Tzur (1997) SATB a cappella

Hazzan Hamid Dardashti: V’sham’ru (1998) Cantor, SATB a cappella

Eric Mandell: Ahavat Olam (1998) Cantor, SATB a cappella

Traditional & Nusach: Mi Chamocha/V’ne-emar (1998) Cantor, SATB a cappella

Carol-Fantasia: ST.LOUIS (“O Little Town of Bethlehem”) (1998) Orchestra: (2)-2-(1)-(1);0-2-0-0, Str., Organ, Choir, Congregation. (Rev. 1999 for Brass Quintet, Organ, Choir,
Congregation; 2nd revision for exp. orchestra 2001)

Carol-Fantasia: IN DULCI JUBILO (“Good Christian men, Rejoice”) (1998) Orchestra:
(2)-2-(1)-(1); 0-2-0-0, Str., Organ, Choir, Congregation

Carol-Fantasia: IRBY (“Once in Royal David’s City”) (1998) Orchestra:
(2)-2-(1)-(1); 0-2-0-0, Str., Organ, Choir, Congregation

Ma’ariv Service for Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur (1999) Cantor, SATB a cappella

Arrangements for Worldwide Worship (Templeton Foundation Press, 2000): (All SATB w/optional keyboard & made in 2000 unless otherwise noted):

Elder Joseph Brackett: Simple Gifts (unis/kbd)
Visayan (Filipino) Folk: O, the Beauty in a Life (unis/kbd)
Beach Spring 8.7.8.7.D.

Hazzan Hamid Dardashti: Mi She-asah Nisim (2000) 2-pt treble, Brass quartet, keyboard, bass, percussion

Carol Doran: Silence! Frenzied, Unclean Spirit (2000) SATB, organ, opt. timpani. Text by Thomas Troeger

The Angel Gabriel (Traditional Basque) (2000) SSAA, S solo, harp. English text by Sabine Baring-Gould. Version for SATB, Mz & T soli, harp (2001).

Carlon Young: Hymn-Fantasia: BEGINNINGS 9.8.9.8 (2000) String Quartet or Orchestra, Harp or Piano, Congregation

Hymn-Fantasia: PLEADING SAVIOR 8.7.8.7.D. (2000) String Quartet or Orchestra, Harp or Piano, Congregation

Hymn-Fantasia: BEACH SPRING 8.7.8.7.D. (2000) String Quartet or Orchestra, Harp or Piano, Congregation. Revised 2002 for Orchestra

Hymn-Fantasia: ELLACOMBE C.M.D. (2000) Woodwind Quintet, Harp or Keyboard,
Congregation

Hymn-Fantasia: MUNICH 7.6.7.6.D. (2000) Woodwind Quintet, Congregation

Hymn-Fantasia: FOREST GREEN 8.7.8.7.D. (2000) Orchestra, Organ, Congregation

Carol-Fantasia: SUSSEX CAROL (“On Christmas Night All Christians Sing”) (2000) Brass quintet (or sextet), Organ, Choir, Congregation

CCW Sparks: ALL SOULS 6.6.6.6.6.6. (2001) Unison/SATB/congregation/keyboard.

Traditional: Give Me Oil In My Lamp (2001) Unison/congregation, keyboard.

CCW Sparks: LITANY Irr. (2001) Unison/congregation, keyboard.

CCW Sparks: Hymn for the Feast Day of Julian of Norwich (2001) Unison/congregation, keyboard. Text by Siofra Shaman Skye.

CCW Sparks: I Cannot Dance, O Love (2001) Unison/congregation, keyboard. Text by Jean Wiebe Janzen.

MORNING SONG 8.6.8.6 (2001) Unison/SATB/congregation/keyboard.

Mary Louise Bringle: IGNEE SPIRITUS 8.8.8.6. (1998; arr. 2001) Unison/congregation, keyboard.

Hymn-Fantasia: CHRISTMAS C.M. w/Repeat (2001) Orchestra, Organ, Congregation

Hymn-Fantasia: REGENT SQUARE 8.7.8.7.8.7 (2001) Orchestra, Organ, Congregation

Traditional: KI HINEH KACHOMER (2003) Cantor, SATB a cappella

Lesley Hopwood Meyer: The Time Draws Near (2003) SSAA, fl, hp, opt handbells

Lesley Hopwood Meyer: Nunc Gaudet Maria (2003) SSAA, hp, opt. hand drum

Lesley Hopwood Meyer: Hymn on the Nativity (2003) SSAT + ATBB, a cappella

Lesley Hopwood Meyer: In the Bleak Midwinter (2003) SATB div., A solo a cappella

Lesley Hopwood Meyer: Fezziwig’s Ball (2003) SATB div. a cappella Click here to listen

Alfred Burt: Some Children See Him (2003) Junior Choir, SATB, wimd ensemble, hp

Shlomo Carlebach: Pit’chu li (2004) Cantor, SATB, organ

Anonymous: Od’cha ki anitani (2004) Cantor, SATB, organ

Israel Alter: Ana Adonai (2004) Cantor, SATB, organ

Kaddish Shalem for Hallel (2005) Cantor, SATB, organ

Hazzan Howard Glantz: L’dor vador (2005) Cantor, SATB, organ

Editions

Dickey: Benedictus (1980) SAB, Organ

Ives: As Pants the Hart (Psalm 42) (1982) T or S solo, SATB, Organ (first critical edition of this work)

Israel Kaminsky: L’Chu N’Ran’nah (for S’lichot)
(1983) Cantor (T), SATB, Organ ad lib.

Desprez: Salve Regina (1984) SATB a cappella

Schütz: Sei Gegrüßet, Maria (1985; rev. 1992) ST (or SA) soli, SSATB, 2-5 Instruments, Continuo

Bach: Cantata BWV 118 (O Jesu Christ, Meins Lebens Licht) (1986) SATB, 2 Bb Clarinets, Organ (or Wind Ensemble or Strings)

Schütz: Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland from KGK; SWV 301
(1987) SATB, Continuo

Mozart: Alleluia from Veni Sancte Spiritus, KV 47 (1988) SATB, Keyboard

F. J. Haydn/J. Michael Haydn: Gloria in Excelsis from Missa Brevis Sancti Joannes de Deo (1988) SATB, Keyboard or Chamber Orchestra (2 Trumpets, 2 Violins, Continuo)

Mozart: God Is Our Refuge (1991) SATB a cappella

Mozart: Quærite Primum (1991) SATB a cappella

Ives: Psalm 67 (1992) SSAATTBB a cappella (provisional critical edition)

att. Mozart: Cibavit Eos (1996) SATB a cappella

Desprez: Ave Maria…Virgo Serena (1997) S(S)AT(T)B a cappella. Edition combines four-voice and six-voice versions of this motet

Leo Low: Sisu V’Simchu (1997) SATB, keyboard

Victoria: Missa “O Magnum Mysterium” (1997) S(S)ATB a cappella

Francis Piggott: I Was Glad (1997) SATB, continuo

From the Bay Psalm Book, 9th Edition (1698) (realizations and arrangements, all a cappella, 1998):
Oxford (SATB, solo)
Low Dutch (Canterbury) (SSATTB, solo)
Windsor (SATB, 2 soli)
St. Davids (SSATTB, solo)
Hackney (SATB, solo)
Psalm 100/1st Meter (SSATTB, solo)

John Blow: Bring Unto the Lord
(1998) SS soli, SATB, continuo

John Blow: O Lord God of My Salvation (1998) SSAATTBB a cappella or w/continuo

Jeremiah Clarke: Thanksgiving Anthem (1998) (S)ATB soli, SATB, continuo

Giovanni Battista Pergolesi: Domine ad Adjuvandum (2000) S solo, SSATB, 2 ob, 2 hn, str, continuo (provisional critical edition)

Henrietta Morgan, arr.: Motherless Child (2000) SSAA, S solo, a cappella (editing & alternative ending)

Giovanni Battista Pergolesi: Confitebor (2002) S solo, SATB, str, continuo
(performing edition)

Giovanni Battista Pergolesi: Laudate Pueri (2002) S solo, SSATB, 2 ob, 2 trpt, 2 hn, str, continuo (provisional critical edition from autograph)

Giacomo Carissimi: Agnus Dei (2003) (from Messa a 3 voci) SAB, continuo

Daniel Read: Sherburne (2004) SSATTB a cappella

Elkanah Kelsay Dare: Wilmington (2004) SSATTBB a cappella

Light Works
(including both original works and arrangements)

Grow Till We Know (1978) Hymn for Unison (optional SATB) and Piano. Commissioned by TAB Magazine (published by the American Baptist Churches, USA) and published in
their January, 1979 issue. Lyrics by Milt Ryder.

I Need the Church (1980) Hymn for Unison, Piano. Lyrics by Milt Ryder.

Round-O! (1984) Canon 4 in 1 for any combination of voices. Text by Robert Ross, for the retirement of Dr. Jesse Zerr. Revised versions 1990 (for the retirement of Dr. B. Stimson Carrow);2001 (for the retirement of Gail B. Poch); 2004 (for the retirement of Cantor Charles Davidson)

Coleman: You There in the Back Row (1986) A or T solo, SATB div, Piano, Bass, Drum Kit

Tracy: Spirit Song (1988) SATxB* a cappella

Brubeck: Blue Rondo a la Christmas (1988) adaptaion of Blue Rondo a la Turk for SATB, combo. Lyrics by Kathy Strauss; additional lyrics by Robert Ross

The Bible Is a Story Book (1989) Hymn for Unison, Keyboard. Written during worship service on an overhead transparency using lyrics written by the Elementary Sunday School Class of Central Baptist Church, Wayne, PA

The Season for a Gift (1989) Hymn for Unison, Keyboard. Lyrics by Stephen D. Jones.

Ellington: Hit Me With a Hot Note (1989) SATxB* a cappella. Lyrics by Don George.

Carmichael: Heart and Soul (and then some. . .) (1989) SATxB* a cappella. Lyrics by Frank Loesser.

Akst: Am I Blue? (1989) SATB a cappella. Lyrics by Grant Clarke. Arr. with Joel Hess; Joe Piccoli & CCW Sparks.

Richard Rodgers: Sing For Your Supper (1994) SATB a cappella

Harold Arlen: Get Happy (1995) SATB div, Keyboard, opt. combo

Frank Loesser: Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition (1996) SATB, piano

Brooks & Warren: That’s Amore! (1998) TTBB a cappella (Barbershop)

Gordon & Warren: Chattanooga Choo-choo (1998) TTBB a cappella

*Note: SATxB denotes a four-part arrangement having a bass line ranging through several octaves and requiring flexibility a la Bobby McFerrin; hence, "extended bass" or "xB."