Edwin R. Fissinger

Edwin R. Fissinger (June 15, 1920, Chicago, Illinois – October 16, 1990, Fargo, North Dakota) was an American composer, conductor, scholar, and charter member of the ACDA.

Early years

Edwin Russell Fissinger was the fifth of nine children born to Paul and Isabel Fissinger in Chicago, Illinois.[1]

He grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and attended Rockford High School where he was a star athlete of the track team and ran the fasted 440 in the school's history.[2] It was also in Rockford where Fissinger received his early musical training.[1]

In the fall of 1938, Fissinger entered Marquette University, Milwaukee on a track scholarship. During his freshman year he became engrossed in popular music to such an extent that he opted not to return to college the following year in order to concentrate on music.[1]

In 1939 he reorganized “Eddie Fissinger’s Orchestra” for which he served as pianist and arranger, writing original compositions and arrangements for the group. Fissinger also sang and played the piano for his local radio program at WROK in Rockford, “The Voice of Ed Fissinger.” In 1940, he joined the Charlie Agnew Orchestra. For the next two years he traveled as a singer, pianist, and arranger.[1]

In 1941 he enlisted in the Air Force. Married singer Patty Morgan February 27, 1943. In 1944, after a brief tour with the Seventh Air Force in the Central Pacific, Fissinger became the first World War II veteran to enter the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. There he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He specialized in composition and studied under eminent composer, Leo Sowerby. (See: List of music students by teacher: R to S#Leo Sowerby.) He earned his doctorate from the University of Illinois in 1965, where, in addition to studies in music literature and conducting, he studied musicology with Dragan Plamenac.[1] His thesis title: "Selected Choral Works of Antonio Caldara."[3]

Career

Fissinger’s career began at the American Conservatory of Music where he was director of the choir and instructor from 1947 to 1954. He then was a graduate assistant in music theory at the University of Illinois from 1954 to 1957. From 1957 until coming to North Dakota State University in 1967 he was chairman of the music department and director of the choir and madrigal singers at the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle.[4]

At North Dakota State University, Fissinger was chairman of the music department and served as the director of the Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers. In 1970, under his guidance, music department earned accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music. Fissinger was also instrumental in the construction of the $6 million Music Education Center, dedicated in 1982.[4]

Not only was Fissinger nationally recognized as a composer, he was a respected editor of choral music as well. From 1958 to 1962 he was consulting editor for Summry-Birchard Publishing Co. Beginning in 1967, he was editor of the Parkway Choral Series of contemporary choral music for World Library Publications.[4]

In 1973, 1977, and 1983 the NDSU Concert Choir, under his direction, was selected to perform at the opening session of the National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association.[4]

In 1977 Fissinger received the NDSU Blue Key Doctor of Service award.[4]

He retired in 1985 and continued composing until his death in Fargo on October 16, 1990.[4]

Compositional style

Fissinger’s compositional focus was on choral music, the medium in which he was actively involved as a conductor from 1947 to 1985. Full-time professional choirs are all but nonexistent in the United States, and seasonal ones are few in number, the primary performing medium for serious choral music is the college or university choir. Fissinger’s contribution of quality literature to this medium is substantial. Fissinger’s music is primarily a cappella with limited accompanimental forces. It exhibits an individuality, a signature that is readily recognizable by those who are familiar with his works. His music attracts the attention of serious choral musicians and is performed by numerous All-State Choirs and at regional and national ACDA conventions.[1]

Selected choral works

The following choral works are divided into two categories, sacred and secular, and Christmas, and are in alphabetical order. All are SATB and a cappella unless otherwise noted.[1][4]

Sacred and secular

America The Beautiful, arr., 1979 Jenson Publications

Arise, Shine, For Thy Light Is Come, 1981 Jenson Publications, 1991 Walton Music, “Commissioned by the North Dakota Music Teachers Association”

At the Cry of the First Bird, 1989 Walton Music, “For Dr. JoAnn Brorson to mark her appointment as director of the Concert Choir at North Dakota State University” ”

Ave Regina Caelorum, 1958 Summy-Birchard, 1979 Jenson Publications, 2001 Transferred Colla Voce Music, Inc., “For Ella and Gordon”

The Battle Hymn Of The Republic, arr., 1979 Jenson Publications, 1991 Plymouth Music Co., Inc.

By The Waters Of Babylon, Solo: soprano, speaker, 1977 Walton Music Corporation, “Commissioned by the Minot, N.D. Chamber Chorale, Hardy Lieberg, Director. Performed by The 1978 NDSU Concert Choir Directed by Edwin R.Fissinger. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP-Mkf6Xshk”

Clap Your Hands, 1980 Jenson Publications, 1990 Plymouth Music Co., Inc., Transferred Colla Voce Music, Inc.

Consecrate the Place and Day, 1983 Jenson Publications, 1993 Walton Music, “Written for the dedication of the Music Education Center at North Dakota State University”

Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel, arr., Solo: mezzo-soprano, 1978 Jenson Publications, 1989 Plymouth Music Co., Inc., 2001 Transferred Colla Voce Music, Inc.

Images of the Past, arr.,
1. Some Folks, piano
2. Go ‘Way From My Window, piano,
3. Nelly Bly,
4. Black Is The Color Of My True Love’s Hair,
5. Skip To My Lou, piano, 1985 Jenson Publications, 1994 Walton Music

In Paradisum, 1988, 1990 Plymouth Music Co., Inc. “For Dr. Ed Thompson and the University of Utah Concert Choir” ”

Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho, arr., Solos: soprano, alto, 1979 Jenson Publications, 2004 Colla Voce Music, Inc.

Lovliest of Trees, Oboe or flute, 1990 Plymouth Music Co., Inc. , “For Kenneth Sherwood” ”

Lux Aeterna, SSAATTBB, Solos: soprano, baritone, 1983 Jenson Publications, 1989 Walton Music, “Dedicated to the memory of Phil and Dodie Mark. Performed by the 1983 NDSU Concert Choir directed by Edwin R. Fissinger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oswRXk3qjq0”

Make Haste, O God, 1987 Walton Music, “Commissioned by the First Presbyterian Church, Norman, Oklahoma, Dr. Russell Mathis, Choirmaster”

The Morning Trumpet, arr., Solo: baritone, 1983 Jenson Publications, 1992 Plymouth Music Co., Inc., 2001 Transferred Colla Voce Music, Inc.

No Man is an Island, John Donne, 1989 Walton Music, “To the memory of our dear friend, Norman Luboff”

O Be Joyful In The Lord, 1986 Walton Music, “Commissioned by the Rockford, Illinois All-City Choir”

On Flowers and Love, I. To Daffodils,
On Flowers and Love, II. Sweet-n-Twenty,
On Flowers and Love, III. Tell Me, Where is the Fancy Bread?,
On Flowers and Love, IV. Music, When Soft Voices Die,
On Flowers and Love, V. The Rosebud,
On Flowers and Love, VI. Love is A Sickness, arr., 1987 Walton Music

Prairie Scenes: A Choral Cycle, I. The Prairies,
Prairie Scenes: A Choral Cycle, II. Passing of Winter,
Prairie Scenes: A Choral Cycle, III. The Call of Spring,
Prairie Scenes: A Choral Cycle, IV. Dakota Dawn, Soprano solo,
Prairie Scenes: A Choral Cycle, V. The Wind in the Wheat,
Prairie Scenes: A Choral Cycle, VI. The Wild Prairie Rose,
Prairie Scenes: A Choral Cycle, VII. A Winter Night,
Prairie Scenes: A Choral Cycle, VIII. Prairie Winds, 1990 Plymouth Music Co., Inc., 2002 Transferred Colla Voce Music, Inc., “Commissioned by and dedicated to the Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus and their director, William Franke”

Psalm 113 (Praise The Lord), 1987 Walton Music Corporation, “Commissioned by the Arkansas State High School Choir”

Psalm 134 (Behold Now, Praise The Lord), 1956 Summy, “For my friend and teacher, Leo Sowerby”

Say To Them That Are Of A Fearful Heart, 1988 Walton Music Corporation, “Commissioned by the First United Methodist Church of Houston, Texas”

Set Me As A Seal, Solo: soprano, 1982 Jenson Publications, 1990 Walton Music

Sing, O Ye Heavens, arr., 1986 Walton Music

Some Folks, arr., Solos: soprano, tenor, piano, 1985 Jenson Publications (Images of the Past)

Something Has Spoken To Me In The Night, 1980 Jenson Publications, Walton Music, “For the North Dakota State University Concert Choir in appreciation of their unusual dedication”

The Tabernacle Of God Is With Men, (Revised in 1981), TTBB, 1982 Jenson Publications, 1992 Plymouth Music Co., Inc., “For David Austin”

The Splendor Falls on Castle Walls, 1990 Plymouth Music Co., Inc.

Three Pieces On Texts Of Isaiah,
1. How Beautiful Upon The Mountains,
2. Sing, O Ye Heavens,
3. Incline Your Ear, And Come Unto Me, 1987 Walton Music, “To the memory of Tie”

Three Portraits by Stephen Foster, arr.,
1. Laura Lee,
2. Oh! Susanna,
3. Gentle Annie, Solo: tenor, Piano, 1978 Jenson Publications, 1992 Walton Music

Three Sacred Pieces,
1. Joyfully Let Praises Ring,
2. Of The Father’s Love Begotten,
3. Adoro Te Devote, SATB (#2 & #3 use 3 part women, 3 part men), (#1 uses triangle, hand drum, and tambourine), 1982 Jenson Publications

To Everything There Is A Season, Solos: soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, speaker, 1979 Jenson Publications, 1991 Walton Music, “Commissioned by the Voices of Mel Olson, Omaha, Nebraska”

Two Latin Motets, I. Ave Maria, II. Pater Noster, Solo: #l-soprano (intonation), 1986 Walton Music, “To the memory of my brothers, Paul and Dick”

Wade In The Water, arr., Solos: soprano, baritone, 1984 Jenson Publications, 1993 Walton Music

What Wondrous Love, arr., 1981 Jenson Publications, 1994 Plymouth Music Co., Inc., “To the memory of Noel Gagstetter”

When Johnny Comes Marching Home, arr., brass and percussion, 1958 Summy-Birchard, “For Edwin M. and Laura”

Witness, arr., Solo: baritone, 1973 World Library Publications, 1989 Plymouth Music Co., Inc., 2001 Transferred Colla Voce Music, Inc.

Christmas

Come To The Stable, arr., Walton Music, 1986

For Now Is The Time Of Christe’mas, 1980 Jenson Publications, “For Ralph Woodward and the Brigham Young University, A Cappella Choir”

Four Christmas Vignettes,
1. Christmas Festival,
2. Recipe,
3. Madonna and Child,
4. Christmas Greeting, SATB, 1982 Jenson Publications, 1994 Walton Music 1994

The Gifts, arr., 1983 Jenson Publications

He Is Born On This Holy Night (II Est Ne), arr., (Revised slightly in 1980), 1981 Jenson Publications, 2006 Pavane Publishing

Here We Come A-Caroling, arr.,
1. Here We Come A-Caroling,
2. Christ Was Born On Christmas Day,
3. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,
4. The Coventry Carol,
5. Good Christian Men, Rejoice,
6. We Three Kings,
7. Deck The Hall,
8. When Comes This Rush Of Wings,
9. Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella,
10. What Child Is This, 1965 World Library Publications

The Holly And The Ivy, arr., Solo: soprano, A cappella, 1978 Jenson Publications, 1992 Walton Music

How Far is it to Bethlehem, arr., 1989 Aberdeen Music, Inc.

I Saw Three Ships, arr., 1978 Jenson Publications, 1993 Plymouth Music Co., Inc.

Love Came Down At Christmas, 1979 Jenson Publications, 1989 Walton Music, “For my wife”

"The Madrigal Concert: Choral Music for the Madrigal Dinner, Renaissance Feast and Madrigal Concert", (ed. & comp., E.R. Fissinger) Jenson Publications, 1981.

Make We Joy, (3 part women, 2 part men), Handbells, tambourine, drum, Walton Music Corporation, 1978, “For the North Dakota State University Madrigal Singers”

On Christmas Night, arr., 1986 Walton Music

Past Three A Clock, arr., Solo: soprano, 1981 Jenson Publications, 1993 Walton Music, “Commissioned by the Midland-Odessa Symphony Chorale, Dr. Stan Engebretson, Director”

Patapan, arr., Finger cymbals, hand drum, 1980 Jenson Publications, 1993 Plymouth Music Co. Inc.

The Rarest Gift (Noel Nouvelet), arr., Triangle or finger cymbal, tambourine, 1978 Jenson Publications, 1991 Plymouth Music Co., Inc., 2001 Transferred Colla Voce Music, Inc.

Silent Night, arr., 1985 Jenson Publications, Hal Leonard

This Endris Night, arr., 1979 Jenson Publications, 1993 Plymouth Music Inc.

Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, arr., Solos: soprano, baritone, triangle (or antique cymbals), tambourine and hand drum, 1974 World Library Publications, “For Kenneth Sherwood and the Red River High School Choir, Grand Forks, North Dakota”

Wassail Song, arr., 1978 Jenson Publications, 1989 Walton Music

Welcome Yule, Solos: soprano, tenor, 1980 Jenson Publications, 2004 Colla Voce Music, Inc., “For Robert Godwin”

What Cheer?, 1981 Jenson Publications

What Is This Fragrance (Quelle est cette odeur agreable?), arr., Solo: soprano, 1980 Jenson Publications, 1994 Plymouth Music Co. Inc. “For Phil Mark”

When Christ Was Born Of Mary Free, Percussion (hand drum, antique cymbals, tambourine), 1967 World Library Publications

Edwin Fissinger Choral Composition Competition

NDSU Challey School of Music honors the legacy and traditions of noted choral composer and long-time NDSU choral conductor Edwin Fissinger with its annual choral composition competition. The Edwin Fissinger Choral Composition prizes are awarded to the first and second place winners.[5]

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Extant Discography

Compositions and Arrangements of Edwin R. Fissinger Sacred and secular

America the Beautiful Performed by the 1979 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin Fissinger Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfpCFaw98OM

By The Waters Of Babylon , Performed by The 1978 NDSU Concert Choir Directed by Edwin R.Fissinger. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP-Mkf6Xshk”

Consecrate the Place and Day, Performed by the 1983 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin R. Fissinger- Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSx4_PqVM4I

Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel, Performed by the 1978 NDSU Concert Choir- Patrice Vossen soloist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU8tVldlCbU

Dover Beach Performed by the Vocal Arts Ensemble of Sweden or Pro Music Chamber Choir https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6cD6wbQHkk

In Paradisum, ”Performed by the 2008 NDSU Concert Choir -Jo Ann Miller-Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FIeE3Uj_dE Performed by Orfeón San Juan Bautista https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij8Vc06hSGw

Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho, Performed by the 1979 NDSU Concert Choir-Tim Fingarson,Gregory Lorenz and Becky Jones-soloists https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viVMo3GuUrk

Let it be Forgotten. Performed by the 1976 NDSU Concert Choir Edwin R. Fissinger- Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4XlFFgmk1Q

The Linnet Performed by the 1979 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin Fissinger Director- Dara R.H. Mann-flute https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIlPR63kunA

Lux Aeterna, Performed by the 1983 NDSU Concert Choir directed by Edwin R. Fissinger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oswRXk3qjq0”

The Morning Trumpet, Performed by the 1983 NDSU Concert Choir, Joseph Staples soloist, Edwin R. Fissinger, Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlDT1ZQcPXQ

O Be Joyful In The Lord, Performed by Molto Cantabile , Lucerne, Switzerland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vhh472YO-g

On a Morning of Mist Performed by the 1971 NDSU Concert Choir-Directed by Edwin Fissinger Vickie Johnson-soloist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5i2-m0MXB8

Set Me As A Seal, Performed by the 1982 NDSU Concert Choir, Edwin R. Fissinger Director soprano- Vickie Theige, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz_tKYn_xOg

Something has Spoken to me in the Night Performed by the 1979 NDSU Concert Choir Directed by Edwin Fissinger. Barry Lien-Narrator, Mary Kay Pearson-Soprano https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uzvb304zsQ

Three Portraits by Stephen Foster, arr.,Performed by the 1976 NDSU Concert Choir Edwin R Fissinger Director 1. Laura Lee, Solo: tenor, Joseph Testa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSgV2zSrOqQ 2. Oh! Susanna, James McClaurin-tenor soloist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbPwVP8A7To 3. Gentle Annie, Solo: tenor, Joseph Testa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQpXbk4m5NA

Three Sacred Pieces, Performed by the 1982 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin R. Fissinger, Director 1. Joyfully Let Praises Ring, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcImpFuMToc 2. Of The Father’s Love Begotten, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXLz3Os_re4 3. Adoro Te Devote, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSf7XqK-DBA

To Everything There Is A Season, Performed by the 1977 NDSU Concert Choir Edwin R. Fissinger-Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XbntFlH5WE

Witness Performed by the 1971 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin R.Fissinger-director. James Dean –soloist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAQyMQ0NpJA

Christmas

For Now Is The Time Of Christe’mas, Performed by the 1979 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin R. Fissinger-Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR6AqXfqRz8

Four Christmas Vignettes, 1. Christmas Festival, 2. Recipe, Performed by the 1982 NDSU Concert Choir https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOnCZkl5c4M 3. Madonna and Child, Performed by the 1982 NDSU Concert Choir https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nic4-flFzDs 4. Christmas Greeting, Performed by the 1982 NDSU Concert Choir https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W77yRknjtMc

The Gifts, Performed by the 1981 NDSU Concert Choir, Edwin R. Fissinger- Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7hJRrYVArc

Christ Was Born On Christmas Day, Performed by the 1978 NDSU Concert Choir Edwin R. Fissinger –Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQxvAM1kcTA

The Holly And The Ivy, Performed by the 1978 NDSU Concert Choir Edwin R. Fissinger Director, Shelley Hamre soloist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wgx0CRgaUs

The Holly Carol Performed by the 1978 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin R Fissinger director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN7uDGHt48s

I Saw Three Ships, Performed by the 1978 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin R. Fissinger –Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozAwn8R7-vk

Love Came Down At Christmas, ” Performed by the 1979 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin R. Fissinger –Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snaBoXlJwaE

We Wish You A Merry Christmas Performed by the 1978 NDSU Concert Choir Edwin R. Fissinger–Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCKfrtSBSNk

Wexford Carol, Performed by the 1979 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin R. Fissinger –Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3bUCGIWvMg

Make We Joy, Performed by the 1978 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin R. Fissinger-Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP--BPOmgVU

O Shepherds Go Quickly, Performed by the 1978 NDSU Concert Choir Edwin R. Fissinger –Director. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq-5de-X3sg

Past Three A Clock, Performed by the 1981 NDSU Concert Choir- Shelley Hamre soloist Edwin R Fissinger Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30MrHyiqrDQ

The Rarest Gift (Noel Nouvelet), Performed by the 1978 NDSU Concert Choir- Edwin R. Fissinger-Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1OUK25PzhM

This Endris Night, arr., Performed by the 1978 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin R. Fissinger-Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zICciJE9Qs

Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Performed by the 1971 NDSU Madrigal Singers Suzanna Reich-Soprano,C.O. Wilson-Tenor Edwin R Fissinger-Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrOBZpNU9bs

Wassail Song, Performed by the 1979 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin R. Fissinger-Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb_ONi-1cuc

Welcome Yule, Performed by the 1979 NDSU Concert Choir-Mary Kay Pearson-soprano ,David Henderson-tenor Edwin R. Fissinger-Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lbOaH5y6sU

What Cheer?, Performed by the 1979 NDSU Madrigal Singers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMjOYp3go58

What Is This Fragrance (Quelle est cette odeur agreable?), Performed by the 1979 NDSU Concert Choir-Edwin R. Fissinger–Director https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8H1ESGYvo4

Other Recordings of the North Dakota State University Concert Choir -Directed by Edwin R. Fissinger

http://www.woodwardwoodworks.com/NDSUConcertChoirRecordings.html

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Logan, P.B. (1987). The Choral Music of Edwin R. Fissinger (Illinois, North Dakota). Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2142/70853.
  2. ↑ Ramey, D. (April 29, 1937). Fissinger Sets Stadium Mark; Runs in 51.9. Rockford Register-Republic, p. 18.
  3. ↑ Fissinger, E.R. (1965). Selected Sacred Works of Antonio Caldara. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2142/61174.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Edwin Fissinger Papers, MS 226. Institute for Regional Studies, North Dakota State University, Fargo.
  5. ↑ Edwin Fissinger Choral Competition Prizes. Retrieved May 11, 2015 from http://www.ndsu.edu/performingarts/music/fissinger/index.html.
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