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.

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 SSA and piano Higgins's setting of this popular folk song is simple and wistful, particularly well-suited for children's and youth choirs. With delicate quaver flourishes, the piano accompaniment flows gently alongside the vocal lines, creating suspensions that reflect the mysterious demands of the narrator. Originally published in The Oxford Book of Flexible Choral Songs for three-part choir.

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 SSA and piano or harp 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 harp is available for purchase. The anthem is also available in a version for SATB and guitar or piano.

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 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 TBarB and piano Originally published as part of the upper-voice collection As you sing and now re-arranged for TB voices, this is a thrilling and high-energy piece setting a text by Jennifer Thorp. Young uses body-percussion, sound effects, repeating themes, and strong rhythms to capture the characteristics of a river, creating a fun and dynamic piece suitable for concert performance.

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 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 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.

for SATB and organ or orchestra This bright and exultant arrangement of Michael Praetorius's melody 'Puer nobis nascitur' is presented with two text options: 'O splendor of God's glory bright' for general worship and 'That Easter day with joy was bright' for use at Easter. Sparkling organ interludes, characterised by flutes and piccolos in the orchestral accompaniment, punctuate the lilting melody, which is given contrasting treatment in each of the verses, from presentation in unison to rich four-part harmony.

for SSA and piano Setting a moving text inspired by Chief Seattle, Quartel appeals for better stewardship of the planet through gentle flowing lines and expansive textures. The melodies are accessible throughout and well supported by the piano accompaniment, while the swells and falls in dynamics offer a sense of organicity. 'This we know' was originally published as part of the Songbird collection As you sing.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied With a text by the composer, 'My Love has Died for Me' is taken from Passion Music, a concert and liturgical work that epitomizes Todd's love of blending jazz and choral music. Recurring melodies, changing metres, and extended harmonies combine to explore the theme of loss in this powerful and expressive lament.

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!