Most histories of nineteenth-century music portray 'the people' merely as an audience, a passive spectator to the music performed around it. Yet, in this reappraisal of choral singing and public culture, Minor shows how a burgeoning German bourgeoisie sang of its own collective aspirations, mediated through the voice of celebrity composers. As both performer and idealized community, the chorus embodied the possibilities and limitations of a participatory, national identity. Starting with the many public festivals at which the chorus was a featured participant, Minor's account of the music written for these occasions breaks new ground not only by taking seriously these often-neglected works, but also by showing how the contested ideals of German nationhood suffused the music itself. In situating both music and festive culture within the milieu of German bourgeois liberals, this study uncovers new connections between music and politics during a century that sought to redefine both spheres.

A History of Western Choral Music explores the various genres, key composers, and influential works essential to the development of the western choral tradition. Author Chester L. Alwes divides this exploration into two volumes which move from Medieval music and the Renaissance era up to the 21st century. Volume I surveys the choral music of composers including Josquin, Palestrina, Purcell, Handel, and J.S. Bach while detailing the stylistic, textual, and extramusical considerations unique to the topics covered. Consideration of Renaissance music includes both sacred and secular works, specifically addressing the growth of sacred music, the rise of secular music, and the proliferation of sacred polyphony from Josquin to Palestrina. Discussion of the Baroque era is organized by geographic location, exploring the spread of Baroque style from Italy to German, France, and England. Volume I concludes by examining the aesthetic underpinnings of the early Classical and Romantic eras. Framing discussion within the political, religious, cultural, philosophical, aesthetic, and technological contexts of each era, A History of Western Choral Music offers readers specialized insight into major composers and works while providing a cohesive understanding of choral music's place in Western history.

for SATB unaccompanied Right from the first bar, this upbeat, refreshing arrangement of the African-American spiritual will catch the attention of the performer and audience. Culminating in six-part harmony with dramatic pauses, this memorable work makes for the perfect encore.

for SATB and organ This setting of Psalm 139 by Chilcott is warm and mesmerizing. The chant-like texture and shifting tonalities impart the sensation of being entranced in prayer. The words offer respite, as one is safe in the omnipresence of God. Tranquil yet powerful, this work captures a sense of the total stillness after a storm. The sustained chords in the organ swell and fall, binding and supporting the choir's phrases while adding to the magical atmosphere of the anthem.

This majestic, approachable piece was arranged for the funeral of US President Gerald Ford and is also commonly known in the US as The Navy Hymn. Useful throughout the church's year, the text speaks of God's unending love, support, and protection for all those in peril. Cycling through three distantly related keys, the setting has exciting and seamless transitions and each verse feels fresh. The end is presented in unison with a final 'Amen', reflecting the unity of all those touched by God's unconditional love.

Camerata: A Guide to Organizing and Directing Small Choruses distinguishes itself from all other works on choral conducting by starting at the very beginning the conception and purpose of an ensemble and continuing through all other aspects of rehearsing and organizing a chorus to performance and reception. Wenk offers basic information on getting started, recruiting singers, planning programs, rehearsing music, publicizing concerts, sharing responsibilities, financing the operation, knowing the law, and finally getting better. He also offers detailed suggestions for creating an executive group to manage the choir as well ideas for repertoire and programming. In addition to a step-by-step guide, Camerata provides a wealth of supplementary material including a prospectus, a statement of goals and means, programs, organizational documents, a singer s guide, documents for organizing a folksong competition, a list of websites for publishers and choral federations, and an annotated bibliography of works on choral conducting. Wenk also includes more than twenty original Christmas carols and carol arrangements for performance by your small chorus. This work will be a valuable resource for anyone interested in starting a new choral organization or improving an existing ensemble. Although the book focuses on chamber choirs, Wenk s practical suggestions, based on more than forty years of experience as a choral conductor, can be easily applied to any choral organization."

Brooke Foss Westcott (1825 1901) was a British theologian who held the position of Bishop of Durham from 1890 until his death. First published in 1912, as the second edition of an 1879 original, this volume presents the complete text of the Book of Psalms arranged by Westcott 'so as to ensure an intelligent musical rendering of each clause of the separate verses'. The text was revised and edited for its second edition by the British organist and composer of hymns Arthur Henry Mann (1850 1929). This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the Psalms, choral music and Church history."

for SATB and piano Commissioned for the 2015 National Conference of the American Choral Directors Association, Wide Open Spaces reflects on the journeys and adventures to be found in the wide open spaces within ourselves and in the world around us. The uplifting melody is passed from the upper voices to the lower voices before the piece opens out into an expansive texture with rich harmonies. Quartel introduces a playful episode of scat singing before a resolute final chorus brings this evocative piece to a peaceful and serene close.

Sound Advice is a valuable resource for college students, beginning teachers, and experienced conductors of children's choirs. It covers the vast array of skills needed by today's conductor and will benefit all choir directors who want their choirs to reach a higher level of artistry. This book will be useful on many levels: for the college student studying the child voice and elementary teaching methods; for the teacher beginning to direct choirs in schools, synagogues, churches and communities; for experienced children's choir directors who wish to know more about orchestral repertoire for treble voices, conducting an orchestra, and preparing a children's choir to sing a major work with a professional orchestra. The underlying educational philosophy is sound; the author sees development of musicianship through singing as the primary goal of a children's choir program. This philosophy differs dramatically from the traditional concept of the conductor as all-knowing and the singers as receptacles. An outstanding aspect of the book is how the author leads the reader to an understanding of how to teach musicianship. Developing literacy in the choral setting is a mysterious, amorphous process to many conductors, but the author clearly outlines this important process with practical suggestions, well-documented examples, and a clear reading style which will reach readers on many levels. The comprehensive repertoire, skill-building sheets, and programs for all types of children's choirs will provide teachers with immediate and highly valuable resources.

Providing a detailed analysis of Bach's Passions, this 2010 book represents an important contribution to the debate about the culture of 'classical music', its origins, priorities and survival. The angles from which each chapter proceeds differ from those of a traditional music guide, by examining the Passions in the light of the mindsets of modernity, and their interplay with earlier models of thought and belief. While the historical details of Bach's composition, performance and theological context remain crucial, the foremost concern of this study is to relate these works to a historical context that may, in some threads at least, still be relevant today. The central claim of the book is that the interplay of traditional imperatives and those of early modernity renders Bach's Passions particularly fascinating as artefacts that both reflect and constitute some of the priorities and conditions of the western world.

for SA (plus lead voice) and percussion Following the success of Songs of Africa (for mixed voices), Fred Onovwerosuoke presents six authentic arrangements of African songs scored for upper voices and percussion. Published in two small collections - this set for SA and the second for SSA - the songs originate from a variety of locations, including Zimbabwe, Botswana, Nigeria, and the Republic of Benin. With texts to celebrate an assortment of themes, such as harvest, Christmas, play/leisure, and marriage, these arrangements are sure to delight all choirs looking for something a bit different. An English translation and a pronunciation guide are provided for each publication.

Providing a detailed analysis of Bach's Passions, this 2010 book represents an important contribution to the debate about the culture of 'classical music', its origins, priorities and survival. The angles from which each chapter proceeds differ from those of a traditional music guide, by examining the Passions in the light of the mindsets of modernity, and their interplay with earlier models of thought and belief. While the historical details of Bach's composition, performance and theological context remain crucial, the foremost concern of this study is to relate these works to a historical context that may, in some threads at least, still be relevant today. The central claim of the book is that the interplay of traditional imperatives and those of early modernity renders Bach's Passions particularly fascinating as artefacts that both reflect and constitute some of the priorities and conditions of the western world.

Relive the best hits from the Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and GRAMMY Award-winning musical Hamilton in this 9-minute choral medley for SA/Men. With opportunities for soloists and small groups, this is a perfect showcase piece for your choir and a lively and fun addition to any concert programme. This medley includes the songs Alexander Hamilton, My Shot, The Schuyler Sisters, The Room Where It Happens, Helpless and Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down). This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the series is arranged for 3 part choirs (soprano, alto and a combined male-voice part) providing flexibility for any choir. Complete with straight-forward piano accompaniments supporting the vocal lines, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion - so get exploring and get singing!

for SATB and piano or orchestra Whether performed with piano or with an orchestral accompaniment, this music will surely provide a fresh and memorable experience at Christmas. The music is set in ABA format with light and bouncy A sections that surround a lush, slower, lyrical section. This work is appropriate in church services as well as holiday concerts. Orchestral accompaniments are available on rental. A version for upper voices is available separately (978-0-19-380495-1).

for SATB and organ Taken from Rutter's edition of Faure's Requiem, this famous Introit and Kyrie features both the original French words and an optional English text, translated and adapted for singing by John Rutter himself. The piece's brevity and touching poignancy makes it a suitable addition to funerals and All Souls Day services. John Rutter's complete edition of Faure's Requiem is available from Oxford University Press, with scores and parts available on sale and on hire.

for mezzo-soprano and baritone soli, SATB, and full orchestra In a style influenced by Vaughan Williams and Finzi, this work evokes a reflective and sometimes other-worldly atmosphere. The seven movements may be sung as individual pieces. The text is in Latin for some movements and English in others. Orchestral material and vocal scores are available on hire/rental.

for SATB and piano or orchestra David Warner has provided an original text for the Christmas season, for which Wilberg has created a catchy melody. The music cycles through several keys as a sense of hope, spirit, and imagination is developed and suspended throughout. This would be a wonderful opening to a concert or could be used in church services throughout the Christmas season.

Jane Dolby fell in love with a fisherman - the most dangerous peacetime occupation that exists - leading her to find a place in a traditional British world that many have forgotten. Jane was not expecting to fall in love, but she did with Colin, a local fisherman in her hometown. Then one day she faces the loss every fisherman's wife fears: the disappearance of her husband when his boat overturns at sea. Three days later, the boat is finally dredged up, without Colin. At the same time as Jane struggles with her grief, she must fight to keep a roof over her family's heads. With the help and kindness of friends and strangers, the fishing world rallies around one of their own and in time, Jane forms a plan to give something back to the community that has helped her. Jane brings together 40 women from fishing communities up and down the country to release a charity single, founding The Fishwives Choir, and gives a voice to women previously unheard. SONG OF THE SEA is the true story of one woman's love and loss, and after years in which grief stole her ability to sing, she finds her own voice again.

for unison (junior) and SATB (senior) choirs and keyboard The unison line, or junior choir, does have some small simple divisi. Overall, this is an accessible piece that is both rich and moving.

for SATB and organ, brass and organ, or orchestra This colourful Christmas work brings together several carols from the 1582 Piae Cantiones collection in a modern and refreshing through-composed medley. Using largely familiar tunes, this is a very singable concert suite, with interest provided through use of texture, and festive flourishes in the accompaniment. Texts are in English, Latin, and German, with English singing translations throughout.

for upper voices, SATB, and piano or orchestra The Seeds of Stars is a resplendent setting of a philosophical text by Charles Bennett. The rippling piano part provides a shimmering accompaniment to radiant and expressive vocal lines, and Chilcott effectively contrasts upper- and mixed-voice sections with stirring passages for all voices. Reflecting the vivid imagery of the text, the upper voices soar above the choir during climatic moments, but also bring the piece to its gentle, profound close. An orchestral accompaniment is available on hire/rental.