Behind Bars is the indispensable reference book for composers, arrangers, teachers and students of composition, editors, and music processors. In the most thorough and painstakingly researched book to be published since the 1980s, specialist music editor Elaine Gould provides a comprehensive grounding in notational principles. Behind Bars covers everything from basic rules, conventions and themes to complex instrumental techniques, empowering the reader to prepare music with total clarity and precision. With the advent of computer technology, it has never been more important for musicians to have ready access to principles of best practice in this dynamic field, and this book will support the endeavours of software users and devotees of hand-copying alike. The author's understanding of, and passion for, her subject has resulted in a book that is not only practical but also compellingly readable. This seminal and all-encompassing guide encourages new standards of excellence and accuracy and, at a weighty 704 pages, it is supported by 1,500 music examples of published scores from Bach to Xenakis. This is a hardback book, with dust jacket.

for SSATB and cello Night Flight was written to mark the centenary of Harriet Quimby's pioneering flight across the English channel. Setting texts by Sheila Bryer on the mysterious powers of the sea, earth, and air, McDowall uses vocal clusters and haunting solo cello lines to highlight the sense of fear, awe, and majesty experienced by an individual pitted against the elements. Cecilia McDowall was awarded the 2014 British Composer Award in the Choral category for Night Flight. The solo cello part is available for sale separately.

for soprano solo and SSATB unaccompanied Setting a text spoken by Nurse Edith Cavell on the eve of her execution in 1915 and re-fashioned by the poet SeA!n Street, McDowall has created a work of haunting beauty full of gently lamenting harmonies.The sombre subject matter makes the piece equally suitable for funerals and Remembrance Day celebrations. Standing as I do before God is featured on the CD A Multitude of Voices by the choir Sospiri on Convivium Records.

Choral Scores is an anthology of music exemplifying distinctive choral repertoire by the most noteworthy composers throughout the history of Western music. A companion volume to Denis Shrock's Choral Repertoire (Oxford 2009), it presents works of salient importance to the development of choral music in Western culture, representing the music of the composers, eras, and movements discussed most prominently in that volume. Including 132 compositions by 124 different composers, each presented unabridged and in full score, and spanning the entirety of Western music history, from the medieval era through the twentieth century, and into the twenty-first, Choral Scores is the most thorough, and up-to-date collection of choral music available. Complete with an appendix offering literal translations of texts, as well as composer and genre indices, Choral Scores is an essential reference for choral scholars, teachers, and students alike.

for SATB and piano or orchestra A setting of the hymn Samanthra, this piece combines the original tune's simplicity with rich musical texture and majesty - the hallmarks of Wilberg's style. His voice as the sound features on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's CD 'Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing: American Folk Hymns & Sprituals' (SKU5014332). Orchestral material is available on hire/rental.

for SATB and organ or strings John Rutter's much-loved setting of the Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6: 24) is here included in the John Rutter Anniversary Edition, with an illuminating composer's note and useful performance hints. Also available in a version for upper voices. Conductor's scores and instrumental parts are available on sale and hire/rental.

for SATB and organ or piano or orchestra or brass This anthem combines original music by Mack Wilberg, words by David Warner, and the celebrated hymn tune 'Old One Hundredth', which emerges from heralding voices, cleverly and majestically interwoven. Hymn of Praise is on the CD 'Glory! Music of Rejoicing' (2012) recorded by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra on Temple Square. Orchestral material is available on hire/rental.

for SSAA unaccompanied Morning Light sets an optimistic text by the composer about home and finding your way. Inspired by American folksongs, the captivating melody and warm harmonies perfectly complement the uplifting theme of the text. Morning Light will be a welcome addition to the upper-voice repertoire.

for SATB choir, brass quintet, organ and percussion This engaging 15-minute cantata combines several popular carols to create a performance full of Christmas spirit. Through creative re-harmonization, rhythmic variation, and imaginative linking passages, McDowall conjures up a joyful atmosphere, delighting with familiar and surprising material in equal measure. A rousing finale weaves together several of the tunes to bring the piece to a jubilant close. Instrumental material is available on hire/rental.

for SATB and organ This short collection presents the complete set of hymns from Chilcott's stunning setting of the St John Passion. The five well-known hymn texts are set to new, original melodies, which are also intended for performance by the audience or congregation. The parts for SATB choir are simple yet beautifully crafted, with a soaring soprano descant to complete four of the hymns. Perfect for liturgical use during holy week, the set would also be ideal for concert performance.

for SSAATTBB unaccompanied Combining the evocative Emily Dickinson poem Before the ice and the familiar Latin responsory for Christmas day O magnum mysterium, this carol has beautifully rich textures and harmonies and a sensitive text setting that captures the mystery and wonder of Christmas. The final alleluias lift the carol from the minor to the major to bring the carol to a radiant and affirmatory conclusion. Before the ice features on the Naxos CD of Bob Chilcott's Christmas music, The Rose in the Middle of Winter.

for SATB, organ, and optional handbells Through luminous choral harmonies, images of a winter night, and echoes of scripture, Advent Moon evokes deep human longing as well as the promise of the coming of light. The delicate organ accompaniment and optional handbells underscore both the haunting opening and the radiant conclusion of this piece.

for SATB and organ This moving and prayerful arrangement of the well-known traditional song was written in memory of Nelson Mandela. Rutter treats the melody in simple yet varied ways, with a mixture of unison and four-part choral textures, into which the organ is gently interwoven. The piece reaches a dynamic and emotional peak in the fourth and final verse, before a quiet and reflective ending.

for SATB and organ/chamber orchestra This joyous yet reflective Christmas carol will appeal to both choir and audience. It is characterized by a soaring melody, an artful use of texture, and a gentle expressiveness, heightened by modal inflections and the organ accompaniment. The text, written by the composer, is inspired by an inscription in Durham Cathedral by the Venerable Bede: 'Christus est stella matutina'.