for SATB unaccompanied This setting of Phineas Fletcher's text is gentle and flowing, with a lilting, descending motif to characterise the 'slow tears'. Archer offers nuanced dynamics and imitative entries in this simple but expressive piece, suitable for Lent and Passiontide.

for SATB (with divisions) and organ or orchestra This affecting setting of the well-known poem from George Herbert's The Temple features rich harmonies and sweeping melodies to create a work of depth and poignancy. The piece begins with an instrumental introduction, before the melody is taken up first by upper voices, then full chorus.

for SATB and piano Written for the BBC Last night of the Proms, this sensitive setting of the well-known Irish folk song does justice to the beauty of the original melody. Chilcott's harmonic subtleties add to the poignancy of the lyrics, expressing and elevating the sentiments of loss and longing.

for soprano solo or upper voices, and organ or piano or orchestra Setting a well-loved medieval text, this effective piece paints the story of Jesus through lyrical melodies and beautiful harmonic surprises. The vocal lines offer both powerful intensity and skilful dialogue, and are supported by a pulsing keyboard part. This version is flexibly scored for soprano solo or upper voices (two-part or unison). Also available in a version for SATB and organ/piano.

for SSAA, piano, and cello This bright, sparkling celebration of nature is inspired by the snowy and icy winters of the composer's native Canada. The text, by Lucy Maud Montgomery, is brought to life through vibrant melodies, a rippling piano part, and a rich, poignant line for solo cello. This piece was originally published in a version for SATB, solo cello, and piano as part of the five-movement work A Winter Day.

for SATB and organ or piano or orchestra Setting a well-loved medieval text, this effective piece paints the story of Jesus through lyrical melodies and beautiful harmonic surprises. The vocal lines offer both powerful intensity and skilful dialogue, and are supported by a pulsing keyboard part. Also available in a version for soprano or upper voices (unison or two-part), and organ or piano.

for SSSA unaccompanied. Palestrina's setting of the Marian motet Alma Redemptoris Mater seamlessly interweaves each of the four independent voices based on the solemn tone of the corresponding chant. Offprinted from The Oxford Book of Upper-Voice Polyphony.

for SSAA double choir unaccompanied. In this compelling motet for the Feast of the Holy Trinity, Handl artfully embodies symbolism of the Trinity within the motet's structure. The three verses surrounded by a refrain of 'O beata Trinitas' may have been deliberately chosen to represent the Trinity, as it is the only example where Handl includes a true refrain. Offprinted from The Oxford Book of Upper-Voice Polyphony.

for SSA unaccompanied. This motet in two parts is devotional in character, with each section opening with homophonic writing before elaborating on close imitative polyphonic lines. The motet demonstrates a mature writing style that would be expected of a composer years beyond the age of the young Monteverdi. The text is based on the first two stanzas of a prayer attributed to Pope Gregory I that contemplates the Passion of Our Lord. Offprinted from The Oxford Book of Upper-Voice Polyphony.

for SSA unaccompanied Clemens composed two settings of the Marian text Ego flos campi, one scored for mixed choir of seven voices and this other, more intimate, setting for three voices. Here the voices weave beautiful counterpoint with attractive independent melodies.

for SSSAA unaccompanied. Recent scholarship postulates that this anonymous motet for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was in fact written by Leonora d'Este, daughter of Duke Alfonso I and Lucrezia Borgia, and abbess of the Corpus Domini Convent in Ferrara. The music and style of d'Este's compositions are skilful in the art of polyphonic writing and the beautiful Sicut lilium inter spinas, written for five voices, is a fine example of this style. Offprinted from The Oxford Book of Upper-Voice Polyphony.

for SSAA unaccompanied. Consisting of two sections, this large-scale Christmas motet opens with a rich homophonic texture that is synonymous with Victoria's compositions. This is followed by imitation in the vocal lines before a triple-metre section of resounding 'alleluia's. The secunda pars begins with new melodic lines that are beautifully explored before a reprise of the music from the prima pars. Offprinted from The Oxford Book of Upper-Voice Polyphony.

for SATB (with divisions) and piano or orchestra This is a beautiful, sensitive arrangement of the African-American spiritual and folk hymn Oh, watch the stars. The text reflects on the beauty of creation, and alternative verses by David Warner celebrating Christ's birth have been included for performance during the Christmas season. Wilberg artfully retains the understated feel and simplicity of the original spiritual while demonstrating hallmarks of his unique style, such as rich harmonies, contrasting keys and textures, and effective obbligato instrumental fills.

for SATB and organ or piano A Prayer of St Columba is an expressive and emotive anthem with appealing, arching melodies underpinned by a sparkling organ part. Also available in a version for SAB and organ or piano in The Oxford Book of Easy Flexible Anthems.

for SATB unaccompanied This beautiful setting of a medieval English text is simple yet effective, written in Assersohn's clear and approachable style. With tender 'lullay, lullow's, lilting phrases, and gentle modal inflections, this hushed lullaby paints a serene picture of the baby Jesus at rest.

for SSA and piano Singing Children is an upbeat, optimistic piece featuring scat-like vocalizations, extended unison passages, syncopations, and intuitive harmonies. The composer has adapted a song from the Elizabethan play 'Locrine', attributed to Charles Tilney, with lyrics that profess the singers' overwhelming, joyous love of singing.

for SATB, body percussion, & spoons Gallant's take on this Acadian folksong is lively and engaging, featuring the quintessential elements of the tradition: podorythmie (seated foot-tapping), diddlage (mouth music), and the spoons. With playful vocal slides and energetic rhythmic motifs, this arrangement offers a modern twist on this well-loved melody from the French-Canadian oral tradition. An English (non-singing) translation is included in the leaflet, while a studio recording, pronunciation guides, and an instructional video on playing techniques are accessible through the companion website. Also available in a version for SSAA, body percussion, and spoons.

for SSAATTBB (with S. and A. solos) unaccompanied This lavish arrangement of the second movement of Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto for wordless a cappella voices was written for Harry Christophers and The Sixteen. Chilcott artfully reimagines a pianistic texture for choir, making full use of the potential of the human voice.

for SSATB (with divisions) and organ Setting an invigorating Easter text from the Song of Songs, this episodic anthem is full of expressive passages and lyrical melodies. The canonical soprano parts are echoed in the lower voices, contributing towards the rich texture, all the while underpinned by an independent, sparkling organ part.

for SATB and piano or orchestra This arrangement for choir and piano of a traditional American spiritual conjures a deep fervency, belying its simple appearance. The opening instruction is 'With hushed awe', and that encapsulates perfectly the gentle radiance of the tender lyrics and the music's highly singable lines.

for SATB and piano or orchestra Pulsating rhythms in the piano part underpin this energetic arrangement of a traditional spiritual. The voice parts progress from a forthright rendition of the famous tune at the beginning to bold and exciting harmonies by the end. The arrangement would provide a high-spirited and rousing climax for any Christmas concert.

for SATB and piano (with opt bass and drums) Optional parts for bass and drum set enliven this joyous arrangement for choir and piano of a traditional spiritual. Propelled by a light swing tempo, the mood grows more and more euphoric with each succeeding stanza of text, and the uplifting music surges towards an opulent conclusion.

The Oxford Book of Upper-Voice Polyphony is a collection of carefully curated and edited Renaissance works. Scholarly yet practical, this volume is an invaluable addition to the library of any choir looking to explore this rich genre in liturgical or concert settings.

for SABar and piano Commissioned by the Treble Makers Women's Choir to celebrate both their 10th anniversary and the 150th anniversary of Canada, this secular work for upper voices sensitively sets Langston Hughes's poem of the same name. A lilting melodic line, eloquent part-writing, and an effective piano part combine to create a piece that will appeal to both youth and adult upper-voice choirs. Also available in a version for SA and piano.