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Books > Music > Musical scores, lyrics & libretti
for SATB and organ Francis Jackson's spirited setting of Psalm 150
is steeped in the English choral tradition. With contrapuntal
writing, engaging interplay between choir and organ, effective word
painting, and virtuosic organ writing, O praise God in his
sanctuary is a welcome addition to the service repertory.
for SATB and piano This celebration of friendship is rich in
expressive melodies and poignant harmonies, underpinned by
sensitive piano writing. The text, by Delphine Chalmers, is
inspired by French Renaissance essayist Michel de Montaigne's
writings on friendship, from which the well known quotation 'If I
am pressed to say why I loved him, I feel it can only be explained
by replying: 'Because it was he; because it was me.'' originates.
Eminently accessible, this piece is perfect for concert programmes
celebrating friendship and community.
This companion volume provides organists with new, dedicated
three-stave accompaniments to twenty-four of the twenty-eight
choruses in the main Sacred Choruses volume. In every case, these
organ transcriptions, made by John Rutter, are based directly on
the original orchestral versions and will facilitate church
performances without orchestra.
for SATB unaccompanied This setting of a tune from The Sacred Harp
is strong and march-like, with accented rhythms and percussive
vocal lines contributing to a rousing overall effect. It was
originally published as part of Mack Wilberg Anthems and is also
available in a version for TTBB unaccompanied.
for SATB (with divisions) and piano This dramatic and majestic
anthem sets verses from Isaiah, starting with an appeal to God to
show himself and his power, followed by an admission of human sin,
finishing with an affirmation that we are all God's people. The
choral parts are largely homophonic, except for an effective
unaccompanied fugal central section, and optional high soprano
notes are included towards the end for added dramatic effect. The
piano part makes full use of the instrument's range and features
vibrant scalic and arpeggiated flourishes, tremolos, and rhythmic,
accented chords.
for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Ethan McGrath's setting of
this well-known fourteenth-century macaronic text is expressive and
rich, both harmonically and emotionally. The melodies have a
chant-like quality and the metrical changes create a compelling ebb
and flow. This carol is evocative of an ancient choral tradition,
while at the same time offering a fresh choral sound.
for SATB unaccompanied The Scholar is a sensitive setting of Robert
Southey's poem that explores a man's kinship with the dead. With
Bednall's characteristic metrical fluidity and effective word
setting, this piece will provide a moment of quiet reflection in a
concert programme.
SSAA unaccompanied I will be with you sets a reflective text by the
composer with a message of enduring solace. Lush harmonies, with
predominantly homophonic passagework, coupled with flowing and
cascading lines in every voice part make for a tranquil musical
experience. Also available in a version for unaccompanied SATB
choir.
for SATB unaccompanied I will be with you sets a reflective text by
the composer with a message of enduring solace. Lush harmonies,
with predominantly homophonic passagework, coupled with flowing and
cascading lines in every voice part make for a tranquil musical
experience. Also available in a version for SSAA unaccompanied
choir.
for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Based on Frances Anne
Kemble's poem 'An Entreaty', this enchanting piece describes the
experience of leaving a beloved time and place. Lush, expressive
harmonies and lyrical melodies create a touching musical
manifestation of Kemble's poignant words.
for SATB, flute, clarinet, and piano The snow is fled is a
beautiful setting of an English translation of one of Horace's
Odes. Chilcott employs a variety of choral textures, crunchy
harmonies, and a rippling triplet piano accompaniment to complement
the imagery of Horace's ode to nature and the cycle of the seasons.
Mellifluous countermelodies from the flute and clarinet add further
colour to the overall picture.
for SSATB unaccompanied Love Incorruptible sets words from
Ephesians that explore the themes of love and kindness. The anthem
begins with the directive 'Let all bitterness and wrath and anger
be put away, awake!', set by the composer in a way that engenders a
mood of reflection and hopefulness. The tender central section is
built around the words 'Be kind, tender-hearted, one to another',
while the closing section presents a compelling contrast of
emphatic 'awake!' declarations in the upper voices and punchily
rhythmic repetitions of the titular words in the lower voices.
for SATBarB unaccompanied Balulalow is a Christmas miniature that
captures the intimacy and atmosphere of this well-loved
16th-century text. Through homophonic textures, word-painting, the
use of extended harmonies, and a lilting rhythm, the piece has a
subtlety that provides a challenge for established choirs while
remaining musically accessible.
for SSATB unaccompanied An atmospheric and expressive setting of
Caliban's dream from Shakespeare's The Tempest, this piece
transports the listener to a mysterious, dream-like place. McDowall
effectively employs melismas and ornaments to create a sense of the
other-worldly, and her rich, immersive harmonies perfectly
characterise the reverie Shakespeare's protagonist describes.
Vaughan Williams's famous romance for solo violin and orchestra is
given new life in this beautiful arrangement, which features the
original solo line as part of a string sextet. Perfect as a
rehearsal tool in preparation for a larger-scale orchestral
concert, the arrangement is also ideal for performance in a chamber
recital.
for SATB and organ This radiant anthem explores the theme of light,
with luminescent harmonies, a virtuosic organ part, and soaring
vocal lines. The text is by Dr Marcus Tomalin, after Dante's
Paradiso, and Bednall's word painting is highly effective. A
compelling climax as the singers tell of the 'pure living light
shining' falls away to a powerful unaccompanied moment, before the
organ picks up a motif and develops it in a majestic interlude.
This is a highly rewarding anthem for performer and audience alike.
Pure Living Light was recorded by The Epiphoni Consort on the CD
David Bednall: Sudden Light (Delphian, DCD34189).
for SATB double choir unaccompanied Written for the Choir of St
Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, The Presence sets lines from
Psalms 18, 27, 36, 112, and 119. It was inspired by A. E.
Borthwick's painting of the same title, which hangs in St Mary's,
and the texts chosen are mainly concerned with light. The
performance directions used - 'luminous', 'resonant', 'dark',
'ethereal' - express the setting's intense atmosphere and almost
visual sense of space and lustre. While suitable for services and
concerts throughout the year, The Presence is especially
appropriate for performance during Advent.
for SATB and organ or piano This charming carol tells of the joy
and wonder of the star of Bethlehem and features Chilcott's
hallmark tuneful melodies and carefully chosen harmonic colours.
Epiphany takes for its text a translation of two verses by French
hymn-writer Charles Coffin, augmented by a newly written verse by
Chilcott's long-time collaborator Charles Bennett. The result is a
carol which is both narrative and reflective, with a perfect mix of
traditional and modern.
for SATB and organ This welcome original setting of the much-loved
15th-century Coventry carol text features a compelling interplay
between choir and organ and a contrast of full and a cappella
textures. Archer fully exploits the text's dramatic potential and
has created a pleasing and useful addition to the carol repertory.
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