(This is a very selective collection of recordings and soundscapes of field recordings spanning decades.  If not otherwise indicated, scores and CDs can be obtained by contacting Carol Ann Weaver or Canadian Music Centre or one of the publishing outlets noted below.)

Soundscapes of recent Field Recordings:

Kalahari Soundscape 2023, recorded in Kalahari, South Africa Kalahari, South Africa, based on field recordings I made there from November 5 – December 13, 2023, the soundscape reflects the flow of a Kalahari day. Counterpoint was surely invented by barking geckos (heard at the end) which proliferate throughout Kalahari!

South Africa Soundscape 2023, made in Kruger National Park, S. Af, from Oct. 7-21, 2023, with added recordings from 2018 and 2019.

Ravens in Algonquin 2022, made in Algonquin Park. At first it sounded like a distant dog, then a raven flew in, called, and was joined by its partner. They had love duets as they ate. Then they left. Recorded at Mizzy Lake, Algonquin January 27 – 31, 2022.

October Algonquin 2020 is my soundscape of Algonquin recordings made from Oct. 12-20, 2020, includes water, ravens, loons, fire sounds, and wolves which enter at 1:32. They sing as a pack, and then suddenly stop! I didn’t cut them off. This is my first (and only) time to be able to record wolves after hundreds of visits to Algonquin interior.

Woodfrogs and Spring Peepers 2020. Woodfrogs arrive early in Waterloo County, Ontario, Canada, followed by Spring Peepers, as heard in a small, natural pond in one of the area’s most pristine forested areas, recorded April 3, 2020, in Schneiders’ Woods.

Recent Vocal, Choral, Chamber, Orchestral Music:

Desert Gloria 2024, choral, a cappella, world-premiered and performed here by Menno Singers, Brandon Leis, conductor, Ben Bolt-Martin, cello, March 9, 2024 (text below). I composed Desert Gloria in Kalahari Desert, South Africa from November-December, 2023, finishing it in Waterloo, Canada early 2024. The Kalahari was unusually hot, arid & stressful for all animals and plants, with no rain while we were there. The Auob and Nossob Rivers were dry. Underground water sustained some of the trees, and water holes sustained some of the animals. Desert Gloria reveals pain, struggle, courage, and beauty of the inhabitants, while singing glory to all who survive and all who wait, thirst, and hope.

Singing to the Children of Ukraine, April, 2022 is composed for all who are surviving and heroically resisting the horrific invasion, and for all who have tragically passed away. The song is dedicated to Nataliia Kurhan whose efforts and hope are making a huge difference to her fellow Ukrainians. Performed by Rockway Women’s Choir, Jenny Enns, solo vocalist, CAWeaver, piano, June 12, 2022.

Way to Warsaw 2020 from Poland Parables (music, Weaver, text, Connie Braun) with Mary-Catherine Pazzano, vocals, Carol Ann Weaver, piano, gently, nostalgically leads us into memories of Connie’s mother and her family’s dangerous flight from Poland during World War II. Poland Parables chronicles experiences of Mennonites and their neighbours in Poland and Ukraine, as Poland is invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany and then by Soviet Union.

Desert Alleluia – anthem – 2018. While in Kalahari, S. Af. for 40 days and 40 nights in 2018 we again noted how essential water is for survival! “Desert Alleluia” ran through my head, from which “Come to the Water” emerged, as we drove by the dry Auob riverbed with its crucial water holes with gemsbok drinking. Sung by Rockway Choir, Apr. 28, 2019, Kitchener, Ontario.

from SONGS FOR MY MOTHER, 2017, 2018 vocals, piano

music by Carol Ann Weaver, text from my mother, Miriam L. Weaver’s journal writings from Lost Creek, Kentucky in the ’40s.  Feedsack describes primitive life, Hard Shell Baptists graphically portrayed with ethnomusicologist skill,  To the End, sparse words before her untimely death.  Marge Maust, mezzo, CAWeaver, piano, world premiere, June 24, 2017, EMU, Harrisonburg, VA for Feedsack and To the End, Mary-Catherine Pazzano (on Songs for My Mother CD, 2018) for Hardshell Baptists.  Photos: mother & shed at Lost Creek, African sunset.  Reviews by Valerie Hill and Dave Rogalsky.

CHORAL, CHAMBER

GENEROUS LAND, 2017, SATB a cappella

music/text, Carol Ann Weaver, published, Cypress Choral Music, described by Larry Nickel: “with compelling melodies, counterpoint and infectious rhythms Carol celebrates the wonderful land we are privileged to live in. This composition is suitable for high school and community choirs with user-friendly vocal registers and intuitive voice leading. Yet, University and Chamber Choirs will also enjoy the challenge.” Performed by Cypress Ensemble. Score viewed and purchased HERE.

from EARTH PEACE, 2016, string quartet pieces, choral pieces

composed in South Africa, addresses global conflict, pain, joy, as people learn from the natural world.  Factory Arts Quartet–Andrew Chung, Julie Baumgartel vln, Jody Davenport, vla, Ben Bolt-Martin cello, world premiere, June 7, 2016, UWaterloo.  Gloria – Renaissance Singers, Gordon Burnett, cond, Sept. 21, 2016, Grebel UW, & Laudamus – University Singers, Gerard Yun, cond, premiere.

ORCHESTRAL

KALAHARI CALLS, 2011, for orchestra

evokes natural sounds of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa, from Barking Geckos to Cape Turtle Doves and other birds, to a mother wildebeest who just lost her calf to cheetah. Composed in 2011, South Africa, premiered by KwaZulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, Durban, SA, and performed here by Waterloo Chamber Players Orchestra, Ben Bolt-Martin, conductor, June 6, 2014, U Waterloo, ON.

CHORAL, JAZZ/BLUES

DANCING DANCING RIVER, 1988, choral, &  jazz/blues

music and text by Carol Ann Weaver, is her most frequently performed composition.  Choral SATB a cappella with – Mennonite Secondary Choirs, Lee Willingham conductor, Centre in Square, Kitchener, ON, Apr. 10, 2010. Listen.  Score available via Kelman Hall HERE.

For jazz band on DANCING RIVERS CD, 2001, recorded in Durban, SA, 2000 with South African jazz artists Natalie Rungan, voc; Mageshen Naidoo, gt; Bongani Sokhela bass; & CAWeaver, pno; plus Rebecca Campbell, voc & Jean Martin, dr. (Toronto).

CHAMBER MUSIC:

THE LEAVING, 2014, soprano saxophone, piano

Mary Petrich, sop saxophone; CAWeaver, pno, Wed, Jan. 29, 2014, Grebel, UWaterloo, for my nephew, Nicholas Elliott-Friesen of Guelph, Ontario (1991-2012).

CATHARINE DANCE, 1997, piano trio – vln, cello, piano

was commissioned and premiered by The Gallery Players, Rodham Hall, St. Catharines, ON, Sept. 21, 1997. This feisty, sparkling piece is a bold tribute to Catharine Askin Robertson Hamilton for whom the city of St, Catharines is named. She adored wine!

RITES OF AFRICA, 1994, flute, cello, piano

commissioned by Ardeleana Trio, incorporates various African gestures, as heard (and seen) with Liesel Deppe, flute; Miriam Stewart-Kroeker, cello; Diana Dumlavwalla, pno, KW Chamber Music Room, Waterloo, ON, Nov. 9, 2014. See/listen HERE.

CHORAL MUSIC:

SHALL WE, 1997, SATB a cappella

music and text by Carol Ann Weaver, commissioned by Cincinnati Arts Festival, performed here by Laurier Singers, Lee Willingham, conductor, Kitchener Rotunda, Sept. 27, 2008.  Watch/listen HERE.

WINGS OF A DOVE, 2001, SSAA a cappella

music/text by Carol Ann Weaver – DaCapo Choir, Leonard Enns, conductor, Seagrams Theatre, Waterloo, ON, March 5, 2005.  Photo: Dorothy Jean Weaver, Sinai Desert.

TOWER OF BABEL, 1972, SATB a cappella

music by Carol Ann Weaver, text based on Hebraic legend of tower of Babel. EMU Touring Choir, Larry Landis, conductor, 1972.  Photo: Dorothy Jean Weaver, Mt. Sinai.

VOCAL MUSIC FROM CDs:

from PARAGUAY PRIMEVAL CD, 2010, vocals, piano, drums, cello, flute

composed after visiting Asunción and Mennonite colonies in Chaco, Paraguay, Chaco Spring bursts into life (text, Agnes Balzer), Well Water describes drought (text Lenchen Klassen Esau), Uncle Hans goes to bottom of well (text, Marlene Derksen). Rebecca Campbell, voc; CAW, piano; Emma Elkinson, flute; Ben bolt-Martin, cello; Kyle Skillman, dr.

from EVERY 3 CHILDREN CD

EVERY THREE CHILDREN, 2006, vocals, piano, percussion, choir

music and text by Carol Ann Weaver, is a song of courage for African children surviving AIDS; in parts of Africa, 1 in every 3 children is affected. Rebecca Campbell, voc; CAW, piano; Mageshen Naidoo, gt; Ben Bolt-Martin, cello; Mark Duggan, percussion; Grebel Chapel Choir, Leonard Enns, conductor.

A CAPPELLA ZULU, 2006, vocals, piano, percussion, African guitar

music and text by Carol Ann Weaver, 2006, South African marabi jazz-influenced, piece inspired by Zulu Isicathamiya a cappella Choral Festivals in Durban, SA. Rebecca Campbell, voc; Mark Duggan, dr; CAW, piano; Mageshen Naidoo, gt.

LOBSANG, 2006, vocals, piano, cello, SATB choir

music and text by Carol Ann Weaver, this praise song/lament was composed the very day these 5 girls were gunned down at their school house in Nickel Mines, Lancaster, PA. Rebecca Campbell, voc; CAW piano; Ben Bolt-Martin, cello; Grebel Chapel Choir, Leonard Enns, conductor.

HOW CAN WE KNOW, 2001, vocals, piano, choir

music and text by Carol Ann Weaver, composed on 9/11, 2001, this music asks “how,” seeking guidance. Rebecca Campbell, voc; CAW, piano; Grebel Chapel Choir, Leonard Enns, conductor.  Photo, Dorothy Jean Weaver.

from THISTLE & JEWEL CD, 2006 – vocals, piano

music by Carol Ann Weaver, Orbit text by Jeff Gundy, Anything World text by Kiera Schneider (age 9), Coming Home text by CAW.  Rebecca Campbell, voc; CAW, piano.

from DANCING RIVERS CD, 2001 – African vocals, piano, Afro-jazz band

music by Carol Ann Weaver, recorded in Durban, SA, 2000 with South African jazz artists Natalie Rungan & Thandiwe Mazibuko, voc; Mageshen Naidoo, gt; Bongani Sokhela bass; & CAWeaver, pno; plus Rebecca Campbell, voc & Jean Martin, dr. (Toronto) – see above for Dancing Dancing River song.  Calabash Woman, text arranged by CAW from African oral literature, Thandiwe Mazibuko, voc; Lebohang Methebeng, dr, plus others above.  Waiting Birth, text by CAW, Natalie Rungan, voc; Margrit Deppe-Mutsaerts, oboe; Jeff Robinson, alto sax; CAW, piano.

from DAUGHTER OF OLAPA CD, 1996 – vocals, piano, art songs, chamber music, African themed song cycle

Music by Carol Ann Weaver, with chamber pieces, including Rites of Africa (above), the song cycle, OUT OF THE QUIET (poetry by Di Brandt) 1995, with Song of the Lost, Margaret Elligsen Hull, sop; CAW, piano, and DAUGHTER OF OLAPA 1993 (text by CAW, arranged from Kenyan oral literature) including Massai Woman’s Prayer, the original Calabash Woman, and Wanjiru,with Nancy DeLong, mezzo & Ardeleana Ensemble: Laurie Glencross, fl; Brenda Muller, cello; Ann Edwards, pno; Tilly Prudom, cl; Anne Lindsay, vln.