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Books > Arts & Architecture > Music > Other types of music > Vocal music > Choral music
for SATB and organ Francis Jackson's spirited setting of Psalm 150
is steeped in the English choral tradition. With contrapuntal
writing, engaging interplay between choir and organ, effective word
painting, and virtuosic organ writing, O praise God in his
sanctuary is a welcome addition to the service repertory.
for SATB and organ This radiant anthem explores the theme of light,
with luminescent harmonies, a virtuosic organ part, and soaring
vocal lines. The text is by Dr Marcus Tomalin, after Dante's
Paradiso, and Bednall's word painting is highly effective. A
compelling climax as the singers tell of the 'pure living light
shining' falls away to a powerful unaccompanied moment, before the
organ picks up a motif and develops it in a majestic interlude.
This is a highly rewarding anthem for performer and audience alike.
Pure Living Light was recorded by The Epiphoni Consort on the CD
David Bednall: Sudden Light (Delphian, DCD34189).
for SATB unaccompanied This setting of a tune from The Sacred Harp
is strong and march-like, with accented rhythms and percussive
vocal lines contributing to a rousing overall effect. It was
originally published as part of Mack Wilberg Anthems and is also
available in a version for TTBB unaccompanied.
for SATB unaccompanied This high-energy, majestic setting of
well-known words from the psalms is a welcome addition to the
service repertory. The changing metre brings the text to the fore,
and the semiquaver movement that passes between parts creates a
sense of motion and drive that is fitting for this uplifting and
joyous hymn of praise.
for SATB unaccompanied A partner antiphon to Bednall's Ave Regina
caelorum, Alma Redemptoris Mater is a tender and expressive
setting. In turn, this pair of antiphons compliments Herbert
Howells's setting of the other two Marian antiphons (Salve Regina
and Regina Caeli), making for compelling programming. Triplet
movement and changing metre create a sense of ebb and flow and
harmonic and melodic interest provoke a sense of peaceful
expectancy.
for SATB (with divisions) and piano This dramatic and majestic
anthem sets verses from Isaiah, starting with an appeal to God to
show himself and his power, followed by an admission of human sin,
finishing with an affirmation that we are all God's people. The
choral parts are largely homophonic, except for an effective
unaccompanied fugal central section, and optional high soprano
notes are included towards the end for added dramatic effect. The
piano part makes full use of the instrument's range and features
vibrant scalic and arpeggiated flourishes, tremolos, and rhythmic,
accented chords.
for SSA and piano Grow is a warm and heartfelt setting of words by
the composer that celebrate human personal growth, comparing this
to the season change from winter to spring. A rocking piano part
underpins the eminently singable vocal lines, and a scat section
draws the piece to a reflective close.
for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Ethan McGrath's setting of
this well-known fourteenth-century macaronic text is expressive and
rich, both harmonically and emotionally. The melodies have a
chant-like quality and the metrical changes create a compelling ebb
and flow. This carol is evocative of an ancient choral tradition,
while at the same time offering a fresh choral sound.
for SATB unaccompanied This lively reimagining of the traditional
hymn is a thrilling a cappella arrangement which pairs the soaring
legato melody with a rhythmic vocal accompaniment. Together, these
elements capture both the gentle hope and the profound joy
contained in the text. Also including moments of tenderness and
reflection, the piece comes to a rousing close with an energy that
engages singers and audience alike. Also available in a version for
SSA unaccompanied.
for SATB and piano or orchestra This setting of Adolphe Adam's
beloved Christmas carol employs rich choral textures and a flowing
piano accompaniment to create a rousing overall effect. Opening
gently, the intensity builds gradually towards a stirring, powerful
ending. Also in the anthology, An American Christmas.
for SSA and piano This original suite sets anonymous instructions
found in packaging to general household goods, providing amusing
and theatrical highlights as well as musical interplay and formal
episodes. The three contrasting movements are contemporary yet
accessible in style, with catchy melodies and jazz-inspired
harmonies.
for SATB and piano or organ This light-hearted arrangement of
Sussex Carol is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect encore. The
familiar tune comes with a modern twist, with a driving rock beat,
innovative harmonisations, and playful imitation. Accessible for
choir and accompanist alike, Crawford's arrangement is suitable for
all types of ensemble.
for SATB and organ This lively piece sets the first six verses of
Psalm 105 in a song of praise packed with energy and fervour. A
dazzling and spirited organ part is present throughout, featuring
spritely triplet figurations set against long, melodic lines in the
voices. Suitable for both church and concert use, this piece will
inject joyful vigour into any programme.
for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Based on Frances Anne
Kemble's poem 'An Entreaty', this enchanting piece describes the
experience of leaving a beloved time and place. Lush, expressive
harmonies and lyrical melodies create a touching musical
manifestation of Kemble's poignant words.
for SATB, flute, clarinet, and piano The snow is fled is a
beautiful setting of an English translation of one of Horace's
Odes. Chilcott employs a variety of choral textures, crunchy
harmonies, and a rippling triplet piano accompaniment to complement
the imagery of Horace's ode to nature and the cycle of the seasons.
Mellifluous countermelodies from the flute and clarinet add further
colour to the overall picture.
for SSAA and piano This serene, reflective anthem is a rich
addition to the Choral Evensong repertoire. Chilcott artfully
entwines an original setting of William Fuller's 'Evening Hymn',
most famously set by Henry Purcell, and the plainsong melody for
the Latin hymn 'Te lucis ante terminum', in J. M. Neale's English
translation. Grounded in minor tonalities, the anthem makes use of
a semi-chorus of altos and sopranos for the hymn tune, juxtaposed
with compelling and complementary melodies in the other parts,
building to a resolute final section before a peaceful 'Amen'.
for SSATB unaccompanied Love Incorruptible sets words from
Ephesians that explore the themes of love and kindness. The anthem
begins with the directive 'Let all bitterness and wrath and anger
be put away, awake!', set by the composer in a way that engenders a
mood of reflection and hopefulness. The tender central section is
built around the words 'Be kind, tender-hearted, one to another',
while the closing section presents a compelling contrast of
emphatic 'awake!' declarations in the upper voices and punchily
rhythmic repetitions of the titular words in the lower voices.
for SATBarB unaccompanied Balulalow is a Christmas miniature that
captures the intimacy and atmosphere of this well-loved
16th-century text. Through homophonic textures, word-painting, the
use of extended harmonies, and a lilting rhythm, the piece has a
subtlety that provides a challenge for established choirs while
remaining musically accessible.
for SATB unaccompanied The Waiting Sky is a four-part unaccompanied
miniature for mixed choir. The evocative text by Lucia Quinault
depicts a rural winter scene, and is skilfully set to music by
Oliver Tarney to create a lucidly reflective piece. There is a
sense in both the text and the music of waiting for the 'shining
star' and, while it would make a beautiful addition to a concert
programme at other times of the year, the setting is perfect as a
reflective carol for Advent, anticipating the wonder of the birth
of Christ.
for SATB unaccompanied Pete Churchill's thrilling arrangement of
this traditional Cornish carol has a gentle South African feel and
features 'scat' singing and chromatic shifts in harmony. The
traditional melody in 6/8 time is set against a jazz-waltz rhythm,
giving a contemporary twist to this Christmas classic.
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