for SATB and piano Ring the bells is a joyful setting of a text by Frances Crosby that celebrates the coming of Christmas. Written in a lively compound time, the carol explores one melodic refrain through numerous keys and textures, giving each verse a different energy. The voices are supported by resonant harmonies in the piano that cheerfully mimic the 'bells' and 'harps' in the text.

for SATB unaccompanied with optional congregation William Blake's poem, 'A Cradle Song', is brought to life in this elegant setting by Chilcott. The gentle, recurring melody is passed from sopranos to altos, supported by 'oo's and 'ah's in the lower voices. In the last section, the congregation (or semi-chorus) joins in with 'Away in a manger', which is skilfully weaved into the vocal texture as a countermelody. This is truly a carol for everyone.

for SA (with soprano solo) and piano This thought-provoking carol takes up the topical theme of the plight of refugees, drawing parallels with the stories and reception of Christ's birth. The text, by the composer, alludes to familiar lines from the Coventry Carol, rooting the piece in tradition while encouraging us to consider our present. The verses feature contrasting textures and changing metres, while a soft, reflective refrain stands steadfastly in triple metre. This carol was originally published in a version for unaccompanied mixed voices, with soprano solo.

for upper voices, SATB, and piano In this beautifully expressive setting, Bob Chilcott has adapted the Prayer of Saint Francis, with its focus on peace and unity. A semi-chorus, which may be taken from within the choir or sung by an additional upper-voice or children's choir, weaves Beethoven's iconic 'Ode to Joy' melody into the texture to create a powerful presentation of the unifying power of song.

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 and guitar or piano This anthem sets a powerful poem by John Henry Newman that reflects on the spirituality of solitude. An imaginative interplay between voices and instrumental accompaniment is prevalent throughout, with effective contrasts between tranquillo and animato sections and delicate ostinato patterns. An alternative accompaniment for guitar (the composer's original instrumentation) is available for purchase. The anthem is also available in a version for SSA and piano or harp.

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.

for soprano solo and SATB unaccompanied In this innovative arrangement Stanley M. Hoffman takes Henry Purcell's most popular solo aria, the 'Lament' from his opera Dido and Aeneas, and reimagines it as a work for unaccompanied soprano solo and SATB choir, thus making a staple of the solo song repertoire available for choral performance. The chromatic passage that opens the piece is sung wordlessly by the bass section, and Hoffman's setting features imaginative interplay between chorus and soloist, sharing the well-known lyrics between them, and sensitive dynamic contrasts.

for SATB and organ George Herbert's popular poem, 'The Call', is set to music in this powerful and evocative anthem. Bednall uses subtle dynamic and rhythmic shifts to build towards a powerful climax in the third verse, before winding down to a contemplative ending. The organ part plays a dramatic role and offers atmospheric interludes throughout.

for SATB unaccompanied Poems of Love and War sets a sequence of nine poems from 'Viking Poetry of Love and War' by Judith Jesch. The war poems are formal and celebratory, making vivid use of figures of speech known as 'kennings', while the love poems are more direct, and sometimes playful. Skempton's imaginative settings bring these striking texts to life, artfully using changing metres to evoke the sound of spoken word.

for tenor solo and SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Setting a beautiful text by Charles Bennett, this is a gentle, optimistic piece that remembers those lost to conflict and looks encouragingly towards peace. The tenor solo is supported by vocal accompaniment with oscillating harmonies and warm melodic figures. In the final section, the sopranos take over the melody before the soloist brings the piece to a finish with dreams of 'a blue sky'.

for TTBB and piano Slow Down has a relaxed swing feel, with imaginative lyrics by the composer that encourage us to take time out of our busy lives. The vocal lines explore a swung quaver style, along with scat syllables and jazzy harmonies, all underpinned by a supportive yet characterful piano part. Also available for cambiata voices and piano in the Emerging Voices series.

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 unaccompanied With a text by Thomas Campion, View me, Lord is a tender prayer characterized by its sensitive text-setting. Each verse features a change in voicing, rhythm, and harmony, while the ever-changing metre provides a feeling of fluidity. The tension built throughout the work is finally resolved in the last chord, bringing this contemplative anthem to a peaceful close.

Following the success of the two Popular Voiceworks volumes, Popular Voiceworks at Christmas presents a fantastic collection of seasonal songs and carols in a highly practical format. Singers can explore a huge range of styles and find exciting new material by the authors, as well as arrangements of traditional carols such as 'Away in a manger' and 'In the bleak midwinter' and popular songs such as 'Jingle Bell Rock' and 'Get Together'. Stylish demos are available on a companion website and backing tracks for performance or rehearsal are included on the accompanying CD. A fabulous festive resource!

for SSAA and piano This is a beautiful piece setting an evocative text by Anne Bronte that explores natural imagery on a blustery day and the feelings they inspire. Supported by the piano acccompaniment, Quartel's soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and syncopated rhythms illustrate the power of the wind, while its unpredictable nature is hinted by the hemiolas and cross-rhythms throughout the texture. This is suitable for festival and concert performance.

for SATB unaccompanied In this bittersweet pastoral setting Bednall's flowing melody lines are paired with the tender words of the contemplative First World War poet, Siegfried Sasson. The 5/4 metre lends a wistful whimsical feel to the music, allowing the piece to flow freely, whilst retaining the playful syncopation so familiar in folk music. The poem itself is a rare step outside Sassoon's typical First World War themes. Rather, Idyll describes a summer garden where he wishes to meet somebody, who, it seems, has passed away. A beautifully creative work offering heartache and warmth in equal measure.

for SSATBarB unaccompanied Setting words by the composer, Swept Away is a beautiful and haunting piece with pop-inspired rhythms and harmonies. The scat syllables of the insistent lower parts are combined with a flowing melody in the soprano line to create a powerful work exploring the journey of the singers and the ability of the wind to carry them to their destination.