A History of Western Choral Music explores the various genres, key composers, and influential works essential to the development of the western choral tradition. Author Chester L. Alwes divides this exploration into two volumes which move from Medieval music and the Renaissance era up to the 21st century. Volume II begins at the transition from the Classical era to the Romantic, with an examination of the major genres common to both periods. Exploring the oratorio, part song, and dramatic music, it also offers a thorough discussion of the choral symphony from Beethoven to Mahler, through to the present day. It then delves into the choral music of the twentieth century through discussions of the major compositional approaches and philosophies that proliferated over the course of the century, from impressionism to serialism, neo-classicism to modernism, minimalism, and the avant-garde. It also considers the emerging tendency towards nationalistic composition amongst composers such as Bartok and Stravinsky, and discusses in great detail the contemporary music of the United States, and Great Britain. Framing discussion within the political, religious, cultural, philosophical, aesthetic, and technological contexts of each era, A History of Western Choral Music offers readers specialized insight into major composers and works while providing a cohesive understanding of choral music's place in Western history.

for SATB, piano, and optional saxophone, bass, and drum kit Ophelia, Caliban, and Miranda puts a jazzy twist on three Shakespearean characters. With newly written texts by Charles Bennett, each of the three movements focuses in on Ophelia from Hamlet and Caliban and Miranda from The Tempest. In the funky opener, 'River Bride', the upper voices take the part of Ophelia, while the tenors and basses play a lover figure. Caliban's song, 'Ariel taught me how to play', is a reflective ballad in which the slave tells Miranda, who has escaped his advances, about the spirit helper Ariel teaching him to play the saxophone. The final movement, 'All good things come to an end', is a sassy yet tender number, where Miranda bids farewell to her beloved husband Ferdinand, declaring: 'I've gone back to the island to remember who I am'. The piano part may be played as written or serve as a guide, and a part for saxophone, bass, and drum kit is available separately for jazz quartet accompaniment.

for SSSAA unaccompanied Sanctum is a captivating setting of four movements of the Requiem text, inspired by the landscape of the west coast of Canada. Each movement depicts an aspect of Vancouver Island (the water, mountains, wind, and sky), exploring landscape as a place of healing and sanctuary. The combined effect is some of Quartel's most atmospheric and dramatic writing to date.

for SATB (with divisions) and piano7L This charming French carol (with E.C. Nunn's English translation) tells of the milkmaids Jeanette and Isabella, who run to tell the shepherds to come and see the baby Jesus in the stable. The 3/8 time signature and interplay between the vocal lines give it a lilting and engaging character. Scores and parts for the orchestral accompaniment are available on sale and on hire/rental.

for SATB and piano Written in memory of John Scott, the celebrated organist and choirmaster, who died in 2015, The Real of Heart is a beautifully tender and reflective piece. The anonymous text reminds us to remember things in their best form, 'untarnished and supreme', and Chilcott's music is the perfect match. Arc-shaped melodies and a variety of choral textures are complemented by gently flowing arpeggio figures in the piano, with a central triplet section providing contrast.

for SATB with divisions, unaccompanied This setting of texts from Cymbeline and The Merchant of Venice, and Sonnet 98, is characterised by inventive textures and vibrant word-setting. The harmonic language is for the most part diatonic, but never plain, and there are some pungent dissonances, as the contrasts between and within the texts are laid bare in music of evocative power.

for SATB and small orchestra Full score for this classic Rutter anthem, which is also available in John Rutter Anthems and in a version for upper voices.

for SATB and piano/small orchestra Christmas Lullaby was commissioned in 1989 by the Bach Choir in celebration of the seventieth birthday of its conductor, Sir David Willcocks. The haunting melody of the verses and the reflective refrain of 'Ave Maria' have made this an immensely popular carol.

for SATB unaccompanied In this unaccompanied setting of a text by contemporary poet Thomas A. Clark, Jackson skilfully evokes the magical atmosphere of the onset of nightfall. This is a striking and complex piece, with highly imaginative word setting.

for CCBar and piano This arrangement meets the demand for timeless popular songs, designed to appeal to teachers and students alike. For three-part choir, it contains that memorable tune, Joel's clever lyrics, riffs associated with the original, and an exciting piano part that supports the singers and provides short interludes.

for SATB unaccompanied Described by Elgar as an elegy for unaccompanied chorus, this mournful, reverent, and dignified setting was composed for a service commemorating Queen Victoria on the anniversary of her death. The text is by Cardinal John Henry Newman, whose poem The Dream of Gerontius was set by Elgar in one of his most enduringly popular works.

for SATB (with divisions) and piano This arrangement of Gruber's timeless carol is warm and gentle. The first two verses are accompanied by gentle arpeggiated figures, leading to a third and final verse which is given profound depth through its largely unaccompanied scoring. The carol was recorded by the Cambridge Singers, directed by John Rutter, on the The John Rutter Christmas Album (Collegium Records CSCD510). Conductor's scores and instrumental parts are available from the publisher, as is Rutter's alternative unaccompanied arrangement.

for SATB and optional congregation with two keyboards, timpani, and percussion, or full orchestra or concert band Setting this classic American patriotic song, which dates back to the Civil War, Rutter makes prominent use of trumpets and percussion to create a rousing arrangement. The setting is equally effective when accompanied by the two keyboard parts of the reduced vocal score, which may be performed by two pianos, piano and organ, piano and synthesiser, or two synthesisers. Orchestral and band parts are available on hire.

for SATB unaccompanied This joyful setting of an old Irish air, arranged by Sir Charles Villiers Stanford and edited by John Rutter, features a text by Thomas Moore on life's fleeting pleasures. It alternates between cheerful louder sections and mischievous quieter passages, before a charmingly hushed ending. A recording can be found on the Collegium CD There is sweet music (CSCD 505) by the Cambridge Singers, conducted by John Rutter.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied This festive arrangement of a traditional German carol features an English text, translated and adapted by John Rutter himself. The first two verses are sung by soloists (or alternatively by a semi-chorus over a background of choral hums) before all singers come together in the final verse and then fade into solemn stillness.

for SATB, congregation, and organ In this version of the popular English hymn, Rutter adorns the well-known melody with an opening fanfare and soaring descant line over the final verse. It is intended that the congregation join in the singing. Full scores and sets of parts for the brass ensemble accompaniment are available on hire from Oxford University Press.

for SA and harp or piano This arrangement of the hymn tune Royal Oak is not to be confused with Rutter's famous original composition of the same title, which also sets the beloved text by C.F. Alexander. The elegant text praising God's creation, combined with Rutter's skilful handling of the hymn tune, makes this piece ideally suited for any religious service.