This book is a pioneering attempt to explore the fascinating and hardly known realm of reciting poetry in medieval and Renaissance Italy. The study of more than 50 treatises on both music and poetry, as well as other literary sources and documents from the period between 1300 and 1600, highlights above all the practice of parlar cantando («speaking through singing - the term found in De li contrasti, a fourteenth-century treatise on poetry) as rooted in the art of reciting verses. Situating the practice of parlar cantando in the context of late medieval poetic delivery, the author sheds new light on the origin and history of late Renaissance opera style, which their inventors called stile recitativo, rappresentativo or, exactly, parlar cantando. The deepest roots of the Italian tradition of parlar cantando are thus revealed, and the cultural background of the birth of opera is reinterpreted and revisited from the much broader perspective of what appears to be the most important Italian mode of music making between the age of Dante and Petrarch and the beginning of Italian opera around 1600.

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 SA and piano This is a beautiful setting of an anonymous medieval text that follows a broken-hearted lover into the woods. Fluctuating between major and minor keys, Chilcott's melody is full of nostalgia and grows intensely towards the middle of the piece. The parts are supported by a warm and flowing piano accompaniment. 'All for Love of One' was originally published in the collection Five Songs for Upper Voices.

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 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 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 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 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 upper voices with piano accompaniment or unaccompanied A compelling collection exploring different times of the day and the four seasons, Times and Seasons presents a fruitful collaboration between Bob Chilcott and poet Delphine Chalmers. Four of the pieces are unaccompanied, while the remainder have characterful and supportive piano accompaniments; the voices sing in unison or two parts, making this collection eminently accessible. Suitable for performance as a suite or as stand-alone pieces, these charming songs will be a welcome addition to the repertoire of any children's or upper-voice choir.

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 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.

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.

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!

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 and piano with optional bass and drum kit In this jazzy setting of William Blake's Introduction to his Songs of Innoncence, Chilcott's extended harmonies and syncopated melodies bring new energy to the text, challenging the expectation of the listener. The voices are supported by a stylistic piano part, which may be played as written or serve as a guide, and the optional bass and drum kit part is printed at the back of the score. Also available in a version for SSA, piano, and optional bass and drum kit in Jazz Songs of Innocence.

for SSAA and piano This is a beautiful piece setting an evocative text by Anne Bronte that explores natural imagery on a blustery day and the feelings they inspire. Supported by the piano acccompaniment, Quartel's soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and syncopated rhythms illustrate the power of the wind, while its unpredictable nature is hinted by the hemiolas and cross-rhythms throughout the texture. This is suitable for festival and concert performance.

for SATB unaccompanied Originally published in Sun, Moon, Sea, and Stars, 'Deep in the night' sets a poem by Sara Teasdale that likens a heart seeking its love to a swallow's cry. Chydenius's rich harmonies, syncopated melodies, and modal inflections paint an image of the starry night, while the underpinning bass ostinato provides rhythmic drive.

for SATB and piano or organ or orchestra This sprightly setting of a sixteenth-century English text tells the tale of a jolly shepherd named Wat. With an upbeat triple metre and a joyful swing feel, this carol has imaginative, contrasting textures, a memorable refrain, and a rousing finish. Two versions of the vocal score are available: one with piano accompaniment and one with organ accompaniment. Full scores and parts are available for purchase or hire.

for SATB and piano or harp Higgins's arrangement of Away in a manger is beautiful and delicate. The first verse is taken by unison upper voices; the second is a cappella, with a soloist (or small group) on the melody accompanied by sustained 'ooh's; and the last verse features fresh, homophonic harmonies. The piano/harp accompaniment twinkles gently around the voices, contributing towards the magical character of the arrangement.