Below are Sarah Riskind’s choral compositions for soprano/alto voices, including both accompanied (often piano and string obbligato) and unaccompanied. Some have been arranged for multiple voicings already, but other arrangements can be completed by request.
The price for pieces sold here allows you to make up to 60 copies. Additional purchases are needed for larger ensembles. If questions, email sarah.riskind@gmail.com.
Temporarily unavailable; publication in progress. Contact me at sarah.riskind@gmail.com to receive updates!
This prayerful Hanukkah canon is in the Ahavah Rabbah mode, which includes the same pitches from harmonic minor with the fifth as the tonic. Included in the 2022 edition are an assortment of new formats and arrangements: the canon in two different keys with chord symbols, Solfège teaching materials, and arrangements for SSA, TBB, and SAB that incorporate an optional improvisation section.
Purchase Psalm of the Sky at Swirly Music
A setting of Rabbi Rachel Barenblat’s modern reimagination of Psalm 23, commissioned in 2019 for TBB voices as part of CCM’s Creative Commissions Project, sponsored by the Harmony Fund. This version is for SSA voices, piano, and violin.
A whimsical but mysterious setting of a firefly poem by Danielle Coles. 
“May the Glory of God endure forever.” This joyous piece for SA and piano is accessible to young singers.
In this Robert Frost setting for SA choir, piano, and violin, a modal melody expresses the presence of beauty in a seemingly desolate environment. Premiered by an intermediate-level elementary/middle school choir, it is accessible to ensembles strengthening their part-singing skills.
Contact me at sarah.riskind@gmail.com for more information!
An energetic Klezmer-inspired piece for SSA, piano, and optional violin.
“Who is like You, O God?” This rhythmic setting for SA and piano is accessible to young singers.
Unaccompanied SSAA arrangement of the popular Sephardic melody that was most likely inspired by a Verdi aria.
Lyrical setting of Psalm 19:1-5, “The heavens declare the glory of God,” for SA and piano. Accessible to young singers.
Arrangement of a haunting Greek Sephardic ballad about a woman who does not initially recognize her husband returning from war. SSA a cappella with div., melismatic, in a mode with one microtone. Advanced. Has detailed performance notes, with links to source recordings and a Judeo-Spanish pronunciation guide.
Arrangement of a Bulgarian Sephardic wedding song in 2+2+2+3. SSAA with pitched and unpitched instruments, suggestions included in the performance notes, moderate to moderately advanced. Has detailed performance notes, with links to source recordings and a Judeo-Spanish pronunciation guide.
Arrangement of an upbeat Moroccan Sephardic copla about celebrating Purim, a Jewish holiday that usually falls in March. SATB a cappella, moderate difficulty. Has detailed performance notes, with links to source recordings and a Judeo-Spanish pronunciation guide.
A Hebrew call to prayer in three-part canon. SSA a cappella, but adaptable to any voicing.