The Secular Music of Paul A. Aitken
TOP SELLER (over 50,000 copies sold to date)
Flanders Fields
(Winner of the ACDA Raymond W Brock Student Composition Competition)
SATB choir, a cappella
Also available for TTBB and SSAA voices
This gorgeous a cappella setting of John McCrae's text has been revoiced for six-part treble voices, and rereleased for the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Sustained cluster chords and expressive choral writing contribute to the ethereal quality of this poignant work by choral conductor and composer, Paul A. Aitken. Inspiring!
Please visit our page that provides the story behind the song. Simply click on "Flanders Fields" in the top right hand of the screen or click HERE to go there directly.
Other secular favorites
SATB & piano; violin
A musical setting of the poetry of Gilbert Keith Chesterson (1874-1936) in this dramatic and exciting work for choir, piano, and violin. Commissioned by the Idaho Choral Commissioning Consortium, this composition already has a state-wide following and needs to be on your next program. The colorful text is just as firmly-footed in a secular setting as it is in a sacred one and has been performed throughout the year.
SATB & piano
Commissioned by Seth McMullen for Sonous' performance at the NWACDA regional conference in 2016. The classic poem by William Butler Yeats comes to life with Paul's sensitive and joyful setting.
SSAA, a cappella
Also available for SATB and TTBB
Fresca Rosa Novella (Fresh New Rose) captures the freshness and the excitement of Springtime in this colorful and refreshing new madrigal.
SATB & Piano, Violin & Cello
This setting of a poem by Nancy Bird Turner is certain to stir the soul. Aitken counter-balances the Turner text with a picturesque setting of the three other words, "Dona Nobis Pacem," making this piece perfect for secular and sacred settings alike.
SATB, a cappella
Perhaps best known for his setting of "In Flanders Fields," Paul's graceful melody unites with McCrae's beautiful poetry in this exquisite reflection of time gone by. A top-notch concert and contest
SSA & piano
SATB & Piano
Imagine hauling timber out of the bush back in the 1930's.a The steam donkey was often used to do the heavy lifting - loading trains.a This is a classic Canadian folksong and Paul has brought it to life with this spirited arrangement.
SATB a cappella
Winner of the Chronos Vocal Ensemble's 2018 composition competition, the evocatively-written composition paints a thrilling picture from the fun and engaging French text. Don't miss the fantastic recording created by Chronos VE!