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Commitment to Musical Excellence: The 75 Year History of the Gustavus Choir
Author: David Holdhusen
Date Of Publication: Feb 2011
Isbn13: 978-1-4438-2670-9
Isbn: 1-4438-2670-7
The Gustavus Choir has long stood as the premiere choral ensemble on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, USA. It is a tradition-rich group that binds its members across generations. Whether it be singing “Praise to the Lord,” or touring across the country, the choir has developed a lasting place on the choral landscape. Throughout its history, one common element has been a constant for the Gustavus Choir; the ensemble’s commitment to musical excellence.

For seventy-five years, the members of The Gustavus Choir have lifted their voices in beauty and praise from the small campus on top of the hill. This internationally recognized choral ensemble has provided a heritage of choral music that is deeply rooted in the a cappella tradition. Commitment to Musical Excellence: A 75 Year History of The Gustavus Choir documents the development of The Gustavus Choir from the college’s earliest choral activities through the 75th anniversary celebration, noting the influence of F. Melius Christiansen and the Lutheran Choral School. The legacy of each of the choir’s six conductors is chronicled, including an in-depth look into their musical backgrounds and the indelible mark each has left on the choir. The book charts the development of the choir’s touring tradition, providing lists of literature performed and tour itineraries. It also explores the philosophy and mission of The Gustavus Choir, delving into the role of the ensemble within the Gustavus music department, the college, and the global community.

David Holdhusen is the Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at The University of South Dakota. Dr Holdhusen is active as a guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician throughout the United States. He has had research published in numerous scholarly journals and has served in leadership positions for several professional organizations. Choirs under his direction have been invited to perform at state and regional festivals and conventions and have won first place and grand champion awards in music festivals throughout the United States.

“The author has done a splendid job of thoroughly tracing the history of the Gustavus Choir and extensively documenting the salient aspects of its growth and development that identifies it as one of the premier Lutheran College choirs. The listing of literature by itself makes it a valuable resource for high school, college and university choral educators.”

—Dr Karle Erickson, Former Conductor of the Gustavus Choir

“Commitment to Musical Excellence is a welcome addition to other scholarly endeavors that have examined in detail the influence that the conductors and the college choirs rooted in the Lutheran tradition have exerted in the realm of the choral art. The research is extensive and thorough, meticulously tracing the evolution of the ensemble from its initial formation in 1930 to the present day. The book includes interesting and pertinent viewpoints on the philosophies and methods of the various conductors that have led the Gustavus Choir, gleaned from numerous interviews of past and present Gustavus music professors, college administrators and tour managers, and a wealth of archived documents. For the student of choral education and methodology, it provides keen insight into the various approaches espoused by these conductors. An exhaustive list of the repertoire that the choir has performed provides added perspective to the choir’s development as an artistic entity, and inherently provides insight to the musical interests of the various conductors and the overall evolution of choral performance by Lutheran College touring choirs.”

—Dr Gregory Aune, Associate Professor of Music, Gustavus Adolphus College, Conductor, Gustavus Choir

“David Holdhusen’s Commitment to Musical Excellence tells the poignant story of the a cappella choir at Gustavas Adolphus College by providing vivid details related to the contributions and personalities of each of the conductors, as well as administrators and students. Commitment to Musical Excellence is an important source for the musician who desires to understand the evolution of the university choir movement in the United States.”

—Dr Kevin Fenton, Professor of Music and Director of the University Singers at Florida State University

Price Uk Gbp: 39.99
Price Us Usd: 59.99

Sample pdf (including Table of Contents)

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