The SATB Unaccompanied Music Catalog of Composer Michael John Trotta –
Explore a cappella choral music that celebrates the pure power of the human voice. These unaccompanied works focus on rich textures, close harmonies, and expressive phrasing. Perfect for advanced high school ensembles, chamber choirs, and professional groups, this collection includes both sacred and secular pieces designed to showcase your choir’s blend and vocal artistry.
Exsultate Justi - SATB, unaccompanied choir
There Is No Rose - SATB, unaccompanied choir
Veni Sancte Spiritus
Cantate Domino canticum novum; cantate Domino omnis terra. Cantate Domino, et benedicite nomini ejus; annuntiate de die in diem salutare ejus.
Jubilate Deo omnis terra. Servite Domino in laetitia.
Ave Verum Corpus Ave verum corpus, natum de Maria Virgine, vere passum, immolatum in cruce pro homine cuius latus perforatum fluxit aqua et sanguine: esto nobis praegustatum in mortis examine. O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie, O Iesu, fili Mariae. Miserere mei. Amen
O nata lux de lumine, Jesu redemptor saeculi, Dignare clemens supplicum Laudes precesque sumere.
Surge Illuminare Surge, illuminare, Jerusalem, quia venit lumen tuum, et gloria Domini super te orta est. Quia ecce tenebrae operient terram et caligo populos. Super te autem orietur Dominus et gloria eius in te videbitur. Arise, shine O Jerusalem;
Nunc Dimittis - This expressive meditation is a cappella writing at its finest. This elegant work is an English setting of the prayer "O Lord, lettest thy servant depart in peace." Thoughtfully-prepared suspensions and close harmonies that stay on the staff make this piece easy to learn and enjoyable to sing. (ca. 3.5 minutes)
Magnificat. A joyful and sonorous a cappella work, this English setting of "My soul doth magnify the Lord" is a wonderful way to show off the sound of your choir.
A new, a cappella setting, the uplifting warmth of the Magnificat contrasts with the meditative reflectiveness of the Nunc Dimittis into a captivating English setting filled with expressiveness. Thoughtfully composed voiceleading with optional descant notes make this an appricable setting for Evensong, a special concert, or general use. Duration ca. 7min.
Musica Dei Donum Optimi - SATB, unaccompanied choir
O Sacrum Convivium - SATB, unaccompanied choir
Timor et Tremor
Adoro Te Devote -
O Salutaris Hostia - O salutaris Hostia, Quae caeli pandis ostium: Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur, fer auxilium. Uni trinoque Domino Sit sempiterna gloria, Qui vitam sine termino Nobis donet in patria.
Shimmering text and poignant imagery combine in this moving setting of Wordsworth's poem. Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting; The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star, Hath had elsewhere its setting And cometh from afar; Not in entire forgetfulness, And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come From God, who is our home: Heaven lies about us in our infancy!
Nowell Sing We - This majestic and triumphant new work for Christmas heralds the coming of the King of Peace into a troubled world. Quoting “Nowell Sing We” from the Trinity Carol Roll, the piece is a wonderful concert processional or closer. It can be performed in English, or in English with Latin interpolations. The duration is seven minutes. The “service version” – shortened in length with reduced forces (approx. 4 min) - is available separately.
Prayer of St. Patrick Unassuming rhythmic simplicity sets the stage for this expressive setting of a text which brings comfort and hope. The optional descant soars and is an ideal way to add additional shimmer with solo voice or obbligato instrument.
Lux Aeterna - This stunning a cappella work is carefully crafted to bring it well within reach for many choirs. A wonderfully lush and sonorous tonal palette is sprinkled with moments of prepared dissonance and close harmonies. The middle section quotes the “Requiem” chant tune. A perfect contrasting pairing with Trotta’s rhythmic and popular “Dies Irae.” Excerpted from Requiem, the major work for choir and orchestra, currently in progress.
Come to Aid Your Servant - This humble prayer is simply and beautifully set for a cappella choir. The vocal lines remain completely on the staff, making the vocal ranges approachable for most choirs. Excerpted from Trotta’s major work Te Deum, it may be performed in Latin or English.
O Blest Creator of the Light - This elegant hymn is filled with expressive suspensions and close harmonies that your choir will love. Clean lines and stepwise voice leading make it quick to learn with plenty of time to work on the dynamics and phrasing.
Dies Irae thrillingingly contrasts driving rhythms with beautiful legato singing, while still remaining accessible. A perfect way to showcase your choir.
Ubi Caritas features simple part singing, conservative ranges, and straightforward rhythms to create a tapestry of sound for the solo chant line which may be sung by a soloist, performed by solo organ stop, or a C instrument. Suitable for liturgical use during Holy Week, general use, or in a concert setting. “Where there is charity and love, God is there.”
You Are My Refuge - Virtual Choir - This stunningly expressive 3-minute a cappella work was commissioned for high school choir programs forced to cancel concerts due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Inspiring and reflective, the rich harmonies capture a sense of both poignancy and hope.