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Books > Arts & Architecture > Music > Other types of music > Vocal music > Choral music
for SSA and piano In this poignant ballad Toby Young has set an
adaptation of Emily Dickinson's poem My Letter to the World to
heartfelt melodies with a pop-style piano accompaniment. The song
reflects on the pain of being separated from loved ones during the
COVID-19 pandemic and the power that music has to unite us. A
version for SATB and piano (ISBN 978-0-19-356693-4) is also
available.
for TTBB and piano This sensitive arrangement of a well-known
Yiddish folksong introduces singers to the harmonic characteristics
of Yiddish music. Clapping and body percussion is employed to great
effect, and a pronunciation guide and English translation are
included, along with a fascinating contextual note.
for upper voices, SATB, and piano, or 2 pianos and percussion (4
players) A work filled with ambition, Circlesong is a musical
portrayal of the human life cycle as captured in the indigenous
poetry of North America. Based on poetry from the Chinook,
Comanche, Dakota, Eskimo, Iroquois, Kwakiutl, Navajo, Ojibwa,
Pueblo, Seminole, Sioux, and Yaqui traditions, the thirteen
movements, in seven parts, mark the different stages of life, from
birth and childhood to adulthood, middle age and death. With
energetic percussion accompaniment, climactic moments for tutti
choir, tender unaccompanied passages and solo song, Circlesong is a
work of impressive drama, variety, and depth. The current vocal
score provides the single piano version, for performance but also
for rehearsal generally. A separate part for upper voices is
available on sale, and the instrumental parts for the two
pianos/percussion version are available on hire.
for SATB and organ A celebratory carol in a lilting 12/8 metre,
Christmas Welcome sets a joyful fifteenth-century text written by
the English priest and poet John the Blind Audelay. Whitbourn
employs textural contrasts and call-and-response style pairings of
voices to great effect, and the soloistic organ writing allows
plenty of opportunity for organists to explore the full range of
their instrument.
for SSAA, solo violin, and piano Everyday Wonders: The Girl from
Aleppo, here re-scored for upper voices, tells the extraordinary
story of Nujeen Mustafa, a Kurdish teenager with cerebral palsy
forced by war to flee her home and embark on an arduous journey to
Europe with her sister. In this five-movement cantata Nujeen's
story - recounted in her biography 'The Girl from Aleppo'
(co-authored by Christina Lamb) - is retold by Kevin
Crossley-Holland and richly scored by Cecilia McDowall. A wealth of
musical effects are employed to capture the narrative, including
chorales, rhythmic spoken sections, body percussion, and a solo
violin part infused with Middle Eastern flavours. The prevailing
mood of Nujeen's story is embodied by the final line of a chorale
that bookends this unique concert work: 'singing the song of life
itself.'
This beautiful setting of a text by Ralph Waldo Emerson celebrates
the universal presence of song, which can be found in places of
beauty but also darkness. With memorable melodies and a flowing
supportive accompaniment, this piece will leave a warm feeling in
both the singers and listeners alike. Originally published in The
Oxford Book of Flexible Choral Songs for flexible voices and also
available separately in a version for two part and piano.
This beautiful setting of a text by Ralph Waldo Emerson celebrates
the universal presence of song, which can be found in places of
beauty but also darkness. With memorable melodies and a flowing
supportive accompaniment, this piece will leave a warm feeling in
both the singers and listeners alike. Originally published in The
Oxford Book of Flexible Choral Songs for flexible voices and also
available separately in a version for SATB and piano.
for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied This is a beautiful and
dynamic setting of well-known words from the Song of Songs (or Song
of Solomon). With a soaring soprano melody, McGlade's fluid vocal
lines drive harmonic twists within an immediately accessible
sound-world. Perfect for concert performance.
for SATB (with divisions) and piano Higgins's arrangements of three
North-American traditional songs are sophisticated and beautiful,
supported by well-crafted piano accompaniments. The first, 'Bright
morning stars', is illuminated by a shimmering piano part with
opportunities for a soloist or small group. Energy and bounce is
abundant throughout the second, 'Little wheel a-turnin'', where the
melody is passed around the voices and coloured with interesting
harmonies. The last piece, 'He's gone away', is a parting song
between two lovers with flowing melodies and accompaniment, and
ends on a note of anticipation.
for SATB and organ or piano This Easter carol is based on J. M.
Neale's translation of the Latin Piae Cantiones and occupies a
captivatingly exotic soundworld. Sheehan's setting is in strophic
form, with a texture that builds from verse to verse and with
varying harmonizations, culminating in a dramatic cadence.
for SSATB unaccompanied Written to commemorate the centenary of the
foundation of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies, Brightest Star sets a powerful text by Sean
Street. The poem describes the call for assistance made by the
occupied Channel Islands in 1944 and the response of the Red Cross
ship, the Vega, which came to their aid, drawing parallels between
this story and the light and hope of the seasons of Christmas and
Epiphany. The bleak wartime conditions are portrayed by dissonant
harmony and downward sliding phrases, and extracts from the Bailiff
of Jersey's letter of appeal, sung by the lower voices, draw
attention to the gravity of the situation. In contrast, the upper
voices bring an ethereal quality to the texture, with closing
phrases that are suggestive of the traditional French carol Les
anges dans nos campagnes ('Angels, from the realms of glory').
for SATB and organ, with optional congregation This congregational
mass setting is short and accessible, with a congregational part
that may be intuitively learnt. The organ plays a supportive role
throughout, while the choral parts are of melodic and harmonic
interest, but always keeping the discernibility of the text at the
fore. The congregational part, which may be photocopied, is
available at the back of the vocal score.
for SATB and organ This Easter anthem sets an evocative text by J.
M. C. Crum. Stately, expressive vocal lines are underpinned by a
lively organ part, with crisp staccato melismas that pop out of the
texture.
for SATB and organ or orchestra This radiant anthem is an
arrangement of William F. Smith's hymn tune 'Lattimer', frequently
paired with the popular gospel song 'This little light of mine'.
Wilberg gives each section of the choir a presentation of the
melody, beginning with the sopranos, before building towards a
climactic finish with new harmony and texture as light spreads
'across the land'.
for SATB (with divisions) and piano Brimming with groove and
energy, this is a terrific arrangement of the popular spiritual.
Chilcott's syncopated melodies and jazzy harmonies are well
supported by the piano accompaniment, which features a walking
bass. Perfect for adding a bit of spark to any concert programme.
Originally published in Spirituals for Choirs.
A welcome collection of piano transcriptions made by the composer
himself, featuring eight of his best-loved choral pieces spanning
the last 40 years. Designed for pianists at early intermediate
level, the collection provides skilful and approachable
arrangements of classics such as 'The Lord bless you and keep you',
'All things bright and beautiful', and 'For the beauty of the
earth', as well as recent gems like 'A flower remembered', all for
performance use or enjoyment at home. Clearly presented and laid
out, the transcriptions also include the texts (lyrics) within the
piano score, for reference or potential sing-alongs. This is a
versatile collection for the many admirers of one of today's
greatest choral composers. The pieces in this collection have been
recorded by Wayne Marshall on Decca Records.
for SATB (with divisions) and piano This is a high energy, foot-tap
inducing setting of a well-known text. The bluesy melodies, jazzy
harmonies, and swung rhythms give the piece a gospel feel and fill
you with the infectious urge to boogie along to the music. Powerful
voices and enthusiasm required. An optional bass and drum kit part
is available as a free PDF download from the OUP website. Also
available in a version for SSA and piano.
for SATB unaccompanied This is an energetic setting of a text by
Jennifer Thorp that celebrates and encourages festivities during
Christmas time. With a fast tempo, Young's lively melodies are full
of syncopated rhythms and supported by colourful harmonies in the
accompanying voices. A rhythmic ostinato throughout reinforces an
alternative Christmas message from the poet: 'oh come and dance'!
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