for SATB and piano or strings The Marriage of True Minds is an emotive setting of Shakespeare's Sonnet 116, a favourite text for weddings. Chilcott presents two distinct musical characters: the music for the first quatrain is warm, passionate, and optimistic, featuring changing metres and rich harmonies, while the music for the second and third quatrains is contemplative yet resolute, featuring running triplets in the accompaniment. The closing couplet is a fusion of both characters, leading to a heartfelt, touching finale. An accompaniment for strings is available on hire/rental.

for SATB and organ or small orchestra Recognising the frequency with which this buoyant Cornish carols is performed with organ accompaniment, the composer has taken the opportunity of this anniversary edition to make an organ reduction of the orchestral material. With its combination of pagan and Christian imagery and references to the Crucifixion and Resurrection, this carol is well suited to performance at Passiontide and Easter, as well as at Christmas.

for SATB and piano or small orchestra Set of parts for John Rutter's lively and joyful arrangement of this popular Christmas-themed African-American spiritual. Compatible with the JRAE vocal score and the O holy night collection. This set includes the following string parts: 4 x vln I, 4 x vln II, 3 x vla, 2 x vc, 1 x db.

for SSA or SSS and organ or strings Originally published in a version for mixed voices, this much-loved Rutter carol has been adapted by the composer for performance by upper-voice choirs. Full scores and Sets of Parts, specially composed for the upper-voice version, are available on sale and on hire/rental. The Set of Parts contains the following string parts: 4 x vln I, 4 x vln II, 3 x vla, 2 x vc, 1 x db.

for mixed choir (double choir for movement 3) with orchestra or chamber ensemble The Gift of Life is a six-movement choral celebration of the living earth and its creation. Setting a variety of sacred texts, including new words by the composer, the work includes the mystical 'Hymn to the Creator of Light', for double choir, as its central canticle. The surrounding movements offer a kaleidoscope of moods, from the spirited 'O all ye works of the Lord' to the majestic 'O Lord, how manifold are thy works' and culminating in the inspirational 'Believe in life'. The accompaniment is available in two versions: full orchestra or chamber ensemble. Orchestral material is available on hire/rental.

for SATB and piano This captivating carol with words by Kevin Crossley-Holland features satisfyingly rich harmonies and a rippling piano accompaniment that draws inspiration from the water imagery of the text. In the mould of God be in my head (from the 1514 Sarum Primer), the words implore the Christ-child to dwell within us, and Chilcott's setting perfectly complements the text with its beguiling vocal lines and affirmatory feel.

Shall I compare thee? is a collection of ten exquisite settings for mixed voices, specially commissioned to celebrate the four hundredth anniversary of William Shakespeare's death. The volume pays tribute to Britain's greatest writer, presenting a selection of his finest texts set to music by some of today's most accomplished choral composers.

for SSAA unaccompanied This heartfelt setting of words by the composer begins with a pianissimo drone over which the sopranos introduce the expressive melody. With lush harmonies, moments of dynamic intensity, and an overriding sense of awe, it would make an ideal centrepiece for a Christmas or Epiphany concert or service. A version for SATB is also available.

for SSATB (with divisions) unaccompanied In Christus est stella, Will Todd sets words by the Venerable Bede, which are also found inscribed above Bede's tomb in the Galilee Chapel of Durham Cathedral. Featuring the original Latin text intertwined with an English translation, the piece is homophonic and by turns ecstatic and calmly contemplative. It is particularly suitable for All Saints, All Souls, and Remembrance Day, as well as for funerals. Christus est stella was originally published in the collection Cantica Nova.

for SATB and percussion (two players) This powerfully evocative and uplifting work celebrates the pursuit, and eventual discovery, of water. Brimming with freshness and vitality, The Miracle of the Spring encompasses an array of moods and styles that perfectly convey the essence of Charles Bennett's text, from the relentless rhythmic motifs depicting the parched landscape to the flowing aleatoric fragments suggesting the gushing of the spring. The simple percussion parts for glockenspiel, mark tree, and log drums add texture and drive to the a cappella voices and may be performed by two choir members or separate percussionists. Imbued with rich harmonies, infectious rhythms, and unforgettable melodies, this piece will leave both choir and audience feeling inspired.

for SSA and piano This jubilant and uplifting carol is sure to become a Christmas classic. The memorable melodies have a fittingly dance-like quality, and the bell-like piano part adds festive sparkle, while providing a resolute rhythmic grounding. Coupling the familiar Christmas words with lesser-known verses of the traditional carol depicting Jesus in the wilderness and the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ, this piece is suitable for concerts and services throughout the year.

for SSA or SSS and organ or strings Originally published in a version for mixed voices, this much-loved Rutter carol has been adapted by the composer for performance by upper-voice choirs. Full scores and sets of parts, specially composed for the upper-voice version, are available on sale and on hire/rental.

for mezzo-soprano and baritone soloists, SATB chorus, and piano, orchestra, or brass ensemble The story of Good King Wenceslas on the Feast of Stephen is presented here as a vivid musical narrative, with solo parts for the characters of Wenceslas (baritone) and Page (mezzo-soprano). Chilcott sets new words by Charles Bennett to a colourful array of styles to recount their snow-bound story. The choir sets the scene before Wenceslas and Page meet in 'Who can that be?', and the story-telling continues in several contrasting movements, including a touching solo ballad from Page entitled 'Thank you' and the strong yet reflective closing movement, 'On St Stephen's Night'. The full five verses of the well-known carol are skilfully interwoven throughout the work in different parts, with the final verse being sung by the audience or a semi-chorus, and the movements are punctuated by an instrumental interlude and triumphant fanfare. An orchestral accompaniment is available on hire/rental.

for SATB and organ A stunning atmosphere is instantly created in this short piece by an almost ethereal organ part, featuring flourishes on flute stops, later supported by a drone-like pedal line. The choral lines are slow-moving and homophonic, allowing the text to come to the fore. These words are traditionally used on Trinity Sunday, but their general message is suitable for use throughout the year, making Owens's setting a useful and practical addition to any church choir's repertory.

for SATB and piano Commissioned for the 2015 National Conference of the American Choral Directors Association, Wide Open Spaces reflects on the journeys and adventures to be found in the wide open spaces within ourselves and in the world around us. The uplifting melody is passed from the upper voices to the lower voices before the piece opens out into an expansive texture with rich harmonies. Quartel introduces a playful episode of scat singing before a resolute final chorus brings this evocative piece to a peaceful and serene close.

for SATB unaccompanied This paean to the divine creation of the world sets part of the Benedicite text from the US Book of Common Prayer. The four unaccompanied voice parts are used to great effect, with phrases often beginning in a strong unison before opening out into rich and colourful harmonies. Helvey highlights the words through the use of homophonic textures and changing time signatures to follow the natural stresses of the text.

Today's choral directors are faced with the dilemma of how to teach music literacy within the demands of a school system increasingly focused on testing outcomes and high-level performances. Many teachers feel they simply do not have the classroom time for adequate sight singing and ear training instruction, and those who do set aside the time for it face a dearth of engaging teaching materials. Solfege and Sonority is a guide for teaching music literacy in a choral rehearsal, with a focus on the needs of teachers who work with young singers. The book lays out teaching sequences for melodic and rhythmic concepts, lesson plans, and concise strategies for introducing key techniques. The graduated progression of topics starts from teaching basic concepts, such as "do-re-mi," and ends with more complex subjects, such as minor modes and the sight reading of more advanced music. The individual lessons themselves are short (no more than 4-6 minutes) and comprehensive, encouraging singers to develop a literacy of rhythm and melody together. By developing 18 easy-to-use lessons for teachers and conductors and tying the lessons to the teacher's current repertoire, longtime choral director and teacher David Xiques has created a practical and viable solution to the challenges of many conductors. The book features a comprehensive companion website that includes videos of exercises, worksheets, and teaching materials.

for soprano solo, SATB, and optional organ This is a peaceful setting of the Latin hymn text, translated by J. M. Neale. Partially based on the plainsong melody Conditur alme siderum, the music features sonorous harmonies, subtle time changes, and fluid choral homophony, with a beautiful soprano solo that floats over the other voices. The work may be performed unaccompanied or with organ doubling the voices (excluding the solo line). It is suitable for both general use and Christmas.