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Books > Arts & Architecture > Music > Other types of music > Vocal music > Choral music
for SSA and piano The Sun and Stars Are Mine is a lyrical setting
of words by the metaphysical poet and clergyman Thomas Traherne
(1637-74). With a rippling piano accompaniment, melodious vocal
lines, and warm harmonies, Chilcott's setting captures the wonder
in the text, as Traherne reflects with awe on the transient nature
of life: 'When silent I so many thousand years, . . . how could I
lips or hands or eyes or ears perceive?'
for SATB and organ or orchestra This noble and patriotic piece is a
setting of the well-known tune 'America' (also known as the British
National Anthem). Wilberg opens effectively with solo unison men,
and the accompaniment creeps in quietly. A women's verse then
follows, before full choral homophony creates an atmosphere of
worship and optimism. Orchestral material is available on
hire/rental.
for SATB (with opt. solos) and organ or piano, or with small
orchestra or chamber group A Light in the Stable tells the
Christmas story through a blend of original settings and well-known
carols, and is suitable for both concert and church choirs. The
familiar Gospel words (which may be spoken, sung, or replaced with
other appropriate readings) are interspersed with a range of new
material, including the lively 'Glory to God'; 'Sing Lullaby', in
which Mary foreshadows the events of Jesus' life; and the
reflective 'A Light for Today', an evocation of the Nativity
tableau. The audience/congregation are encouraged to join in for
some carols, and choir and listeners will delight in the new
settings of familiar words. A range of soloists may optionally take
some of the vocal lines, and the accompaniment is equally flexible.
A wonderful companion to Bullard's Advent celebration, O Come,
Emmanuel, this work is perfect for anyone looking for a new take on
familiar Christmas words and melodies.
for tenor solo and SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied This
reflective winter carol features a prominent melody line, taken in
two verses by the tenor soloist, which is supported by a gentle
accompanying figure in the other voices. The minor tonality
reflects the sentiments of the newly written text by Charles
Bennett; while we can present temporary gifts for the child of
winter, only his arrival will bring 'our summer without end'.
for SATB and piano four-hands or orchestra This joyful take on the
festive favourite would be the perfect ending to any Christmas
concert. The choir grows from unison to eight parts, and a string
of modulations keeps the audience on their toes. The orchestration
features sleigh bells and brass interjections. Jingle, Bells
features on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's album with Alfie Boe,
Home for the Holidays.
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.
for SATB (with divisions), S. and T. solos, and 10 players
Commissioned by Merton College, Oxford, this hour-long work for
soloists, choir, and 10 players is divided into seven movements,
beginning with Palm Sunday. Jackson's setting takes material from
each of the four Gospel narratives, interspersed with Latin hymns
and English texts by poets associated with Merton College over the
centuries including Edmund Blunden and T. S. Eliot. The vocal score
includes a piano reduction for rehearsal purposes.
Music as Prayer explores the spiritual and theological character of
church music. Author Thomas H. Troeger-a theologian, preacher, poet
and flutist-traces how making and listening to music can be an act
of prayer, a way of sensing the irrepressible resilience of the
divine vitalities, in down-to-earth language that everyone can
enjoy. The book employs a wide range of perspectives: from
scientific observations about the affect of music on the brain, to
the insights of early church fathers about the place of music in
worship, to the compositions of great composers and their
reflections upon their art, to the Bible and theologians, to
organists, choir directors and instrumentalists, to hymnists and
poets. Listening to the wisdom of these varied tribes, Troeger
finds them to be a cloud of witnesses, a choir giving testimony to
how music puts the human heart in touch with the spirit in times of
sorrow and seeking, in times of joy and gratitude. The book is
addressed to listeners and performers alike, instrumentalists and
singers, clergy and seminarians, worship committees and
congregation members, scholars and teachers of liturgy and sacred
music. It helps musicians and clergy to develop a mutual
understanding of the theological and spiritual dimensions of their
collaborative work. As a whole, the book celebrates the ministry of
making music that awakens people to those gifts of the spirit that
sustain hope, promote healing, and enliven a visionary faith in the
possibility of a transformed world.
for SSATB (with divisions) unaccompanied A setting of one of the
seven Advent 'O' Antiphons, O Oriens makes use of luxurious and
exotic harmonies, creating a shimmering texture reminiscent of the
biblical Morning Star referenced in the title. The focus on human
enlightenment in winter's darkness means the piece is equally
suitable for secular celebrations of Christmas. It was commissioned
for the Choir of Merton College, Oxford, and in 2013 was
shortlisted for a British Composer Award.
for upper-voice choir, SATB choir, piano, and optional timpani
Setting a newly written text by Charles Bennett, this
fifteen-minute choral work takes singers on a journey through five
historical events: the invention of printing, the abolition of
slavery, the first powered flight, the discovery of penicillin, and
the first man in space. In each movement, music and words come
together to create a strikingly vivid and personal account of each
protagonist's experience, from the printer seeing 'each letter like
a person' to the astronaut commenting on the beauty of our planet
from space. Chilcott's music is as captivating as ever, with energy
in abundance alongside moments of clarity and stillness. This is an
ideal concert work for choirs looking to perform with an
upper-voice group, or for larger SATB choruses with divisi sopranos
and altos. The optional timpani part is printed separately at the
back of the score.
for SATB and organ or orchestra or unaccompanied This anthology of
9 mixed-voice anthems combines new material written specially for
the collection with established favourites from the Oxford
catalogue, some of which appear here for the first time with SATB
scoring. Containing both accompanied and a cappella pieces, and
with festive anthems (with keyboard or orchestral accompaniment)
alongside short, gentle blessings, Mack Wilberg Anthems contains an
attractive selection of pieces suitable for a variety of liturgical
seasons and will appeal to all mixed-voice church choirs.
for SATB and piano or organ This expressive anthem brings together
excerpts from the gospels that express God's commandment to mankind
to love one another. Underpinned by a flowing piano or organ
accompaniment, Love one another explores this profound topic with
sensitive harmonies and effective modulations. Although suitable
for performance throughout the church year, this anthem would be
particularly affecting in a Wedding or Maundy Thursday service.
for SA and piano This thoughtful arrangement of the well-known
spiritual 'Somebody's knockin' at yo' do'' was originally published
as part of the collection Spirituals for Upper Voices. The two
vocal lines are eminently singable, with melodic interest in both
parts, making the arrangement ideal for both children's and women's
choirs of all levels of experience. Containing a recognisable
knocking motif, the piano part is expressive, harmonically
interesting, and supportive.
for SATB (with optional solos) and organ or piano or small
orchestra or chamber group O Come, Emmanuel is an Advent
Celebration, suitable for both church and concert choirs. It is
based on the 7 Great 'O' Antiphons, and fragments of the well-known
plainsong hymn permeate the work. To these, Bullard has added
settings of a number of other Advent texts and hymns, including the
beautiful 'There is a rose-tree', a rousing setting of 'Chanticleer
Carol', and new arrangements of 'Gabriel's Message' and 'Joy to the
world!'. The work may be sung throughout by SATB choir, or a range
of soloists may take some of the lines. The accompaniment - for
organ or piano, or with small orchestra or chamber group - is
equally flexible. A number of the movements make highly effective
separate pieces and anthems. Written with the composer's long and
practical experience, O Come, Emmanuel is a strikingly original
work for Advent and Christmas that will enhance both liturgical
celebrations and concert programmes at this time.
for SAATTBB unaccompanied What sweeter music is an atmospheric
setting of Robert Herrick's popular Christmas text. The carol opens
with hushed, interweaving choral lines, creating a soft veil of
sound that expands texturally and dynamically into an expressive
central section. The sustained melodic interest in every part
combines to create a gorgeous work that choirs will find a true
pleasure to sing. What sweeter music will be included on a
forthcoming CD by Commotio.
for SATB and organ This is a new original setting of the well-known
Christmas text, translated from Polish by Edith Reed. With a gentle
melody, warm harmonies, and a graceful organ accompaniment, Infant
Holy will make a moving feature in any mixed-voice choir's
Christmas festivities, and is a fresh alternative to the famous
Polish carol.
for SATB and optional organ This anthem was commissioned for the
Enthronement of the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most
Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, and was first performed
during the Enthronement ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral in March
2013. It sets a text from The Rule of St Benedict, translated by
Michael Berkeley, counselling the recipient to 'receive willingly
and carry out effectively your loving Father's advice'. The vocal
lines are simple, flowing, and eminently singable, with alternating
sections of unaccompanied chant and joyous outbursts from the full
choir. The supportive organ part may be omitted if preferred.
for SATB and organ, brass and organ, or orchestra This colourful
Christmas work brings together several carols from the 1582 Piae
Cantiones collection in a modern and refreshing through-composed
medley. Using largely familiar tunes, this is a very singable
concert suite, with interest provided through use of texture, and
festive flourishes in the accompaniment. Texts are in English,
Latin, and German, with English singing translations throughout.
for SATB and organ Setting an original text by the composer, this
exuberant carol celebrates the birth of Jesus with a lively tempo
and bouncing rhythms. Featuring a spirited organ part and a variety
of choral textures, Angels tell the Christmas story is ideal for
both concert and liturgical use, and is sure to fill audiences with
Christmas joy!
for SSA unaccompanied Songbird sets an evocative text by the
composer describing songbirds that spin tunes of gold. The catchy,
colourful melody is first presented by tutti voices, and is then
woven through the vocal parts, often to scat accompaniment.
for SATB accompanied and unaccompanied Drawing together two
composers long associated with contemporary vocal music, Sun, Moon,
Sea, and Stars presents eight original and exciting pieces by Bob
Chilcott and Jussi Chydenius. Setting celebrated American and
English poetry, as well as specially-written texts by Chilcott,
this collection examines themes of nature, the elements, eternity,
and love. The timeless character of the words is explored through a
wide range of popular musical styles, including rock grooves,
reflective ballads, and exuberant encores. With a cappella and
accompanied pieces, optional bass and drum kit parts, and a variety
of SATB textures, Sun, Moon, Sea, and Stars provides an array of
compelling concert material for today's audiences. Optional bass
and drum kit parts for four of the pieces are available as free PDF
downloads from the OUP website.
for SATB unaccompanied This edition of the Salve Regina by
Portuguese composer Diogo Dias Melgas (1638-1700) is the first
published version of the work, which has previously only been
available in a library edition. Suitable for liturgical or concert
performance, this setting is in four equally active parts
throughout, each of which takes the initial plainsong motif at the
opening. The effectiveness of this moving work lies in the skilful
manipulation of simple motivic material, through the use of devices
such as parallel writing, sequences, repetition, suspensions, and
hocket. The vocal score is presented alongside detailed performance
and editorial notes, and an optional basso continuo part appears as
an appendix. Salve Regina is featured on The Sixteen's CD 'A Golden
Age of Portuguese Music', conducted by Harry Christophers
(COR16020).
for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied, with optional tambourine
This is a spirited arrangement of the popular fourteenth-century
carol for mixed voices, with an optional part for tambourine in the
final verse. The familiar melody weaves between the vocal parts,
and the piece is characterized by medieval harmonies and a rocking
thirds motif. An English singing translation is presented alongside
the original Latin, allowing choirs to perform the carol in either
language.
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