With his hallmark wit and humor, choral conductor and poet Robert Bode brings readers on a journey through twelve great choral works, offering anecdotes, valuable insights, and interpretive advice for each. Along the way, Bode chronicles his own learning journey and shares candidly about his mistakes, his triumphs, and his love for the repertoire that has played a significant role in his life and illustrious career. This wisdom-filled volume will forever change your understanding and interpretation of these twelve choral gems—a must-read for all choral conductors and musicians. Contents: - Josquin: Ave Maria - Palestrina: Ave Redemptoris Mater - Monteverdi: O Mirtillo - Mozart: Ave verum corpus - Brahms: O schöne Nacht! - Brucker: Os Justi - Rachmaninoff: Bogoroditse Devo - Finzi: My Spirit Sang All Day - Poulenc: Hodie Christus natus est - Spencer: At the Round Earth's Imagin'd Corners - Duruflé: Ubi Caritas - Lauridsen: Sure on This Shining Night