The Music of Joanna Schwarz
arranged for choirs by Larry Nickel
"Vancouver composer, Dr. Larry Nickel, brings a wealth of choral experience
to create moments of inspired beauty.
This music is highly accessible to community and youth choirs." - Joanna
click on the titles below to hear the music, read the lyrics and view the score
MOUNTAIN, SEA AND SKY
Where “the river sings to the dawn” and “eagles shake the sleep from their wings,”
Mountain, Sea and Sky captures the poetry of the land. Along Howe Sound to Squamish
and Brackendale; from Shannon Falls to the Chief and Mt. Garibaldi, the landscape
weaves its way throughout the song.
WAV File
When it comes down to the basics, we all laugh. . .we all cry; we share in sorrows and
celebrate new birth. Like so many experiences, “love needs no language to be understood.”
This uplifting song celebrates our commonalities.
Thoughts of a garden, a mystery and new life in the spring combine to create a sense of the sacred.
The chorus of Miracle at Play is a joyful affirmation that “somewhere deep inside a rhythm flows”.
The words to this song - written by Joanna’s Aunt, Mavis Todd - have a beauty all their
own. Combined with the evocative melody that captures the wonder of the season.
LIGHT THE FLAME
If we live the dream and feel the passion, we can touch the world.
In a journey that takes us to the heart, Light the Flame is about
becoming the people we were meant to be.
WE ARE THE CHANGE
This song came about as I reflected on the many changes in my own community of Squamish, BC --
which in the Coast Salish language means, “Mother of the Wind”.
In time, the lyrics took me on a wider journey that embraced change around the world -- particularly in the United States.
I came across Senator Obama’s speech which he gave on “Super Tuesday” (February 5, 2008) in which he stated, “We are the change that we seek.”
A little more searching took me to the source -- Mahatma Gandhi -- who said, “We are the change we seek in the world.”
Listen to the CBC Radio Broadcast about Joanna's music
please contact Joanna directly, regarding the use of this choral music
Phone: 604.898.5503
email Joanna Schwarz
visit Joanna's website