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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 SSA and piano or orchestra This tender piece was composed in memory of the victims of Fukushima in 2011. It is both reflective and heartfelt, with a simple, appealing melody, rich harmonies, and a flowing accompaniment. It is a dual language publication, allowing for performance in both Japanese and English. Orchestral material is available on hire/rental.

for SATB and organ or large orchestra Adapted from a version originally written for baritone Bryn Terfel, this choral setting of Wilberg's arrangement presents the popular Welsh hymn (Cwm Rhondda) with two English translation options, reflecting text preferences of different denominations. The accompaniment and harmonies provide a new flavour, and a reflective opening gradually gives way to a powerful sense of reverence. Guide me, O thou great Jehovah features on the Deutsche Grammophon album Homeward Bound, in an arrangement for baritone (Bryn Terfel) and choir.

for SSAA and piano Here in my Heart is an uplifting and optimistic setting of an original text by the composer that explores the power of the natural world to fill the heart with song. The evocative melody perfectly complements the theme of the text and uses duplets and syncopated rhythms to create a lilting sense of ebb and flow. The rippling piano part and increasingly rich textures build to bring the piece to an emotive close.

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.

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 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 divisions) unaccompanied Setting a specially written text by Charles Bennett, this gentle lullaby reflects on the role of the animals and angels in the nativity, compelling us to follow their lead and create our own Christmas scene wherever we are. Chilcott's choral writing is characteristically warm and lush, with some divisi, and the singable melodies are shared between the parts. Song of the Crib features on the Naxos CD of Bob Chilcott's Christmas music, The Rose in the Middle of Winter.

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 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'.