Barbara's Shopping

This delightful secular canon captures a moment of domestic planning, with lyrics itemising a shopping list for a meal. The words evoke a familiar scene of culinary preparation, from fresh produce like broccoli and beets to treats such as chocolate bars. Set for three equal voices in English, John Hetland’s piece is a charming example of the canonic form, allowing the composer to explore musical imitation and interlocking lines. The joyful, straightforward nature of the text lends itself perfectly to this engaging and accessible compositional technique, making it a fun and practical addition to a choir’s repertoire.