Rodney Trudgeon's Concert Notes is a collection of essays on famous classical, orchestral compositions. The pieces in this collection have appeared in concert programmes that have accompanied performances by the Cape Town and Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestras.

Rodney Trudgeon is a well-known radio host and presenter on Fine Music Radio. He is an expert on the range of musical genres that broadly fall under the category "classical music". The text that comprises Rodney Trudgeon's Concert Notes is structured alphabetically according to composer and gives a broad overview of the development of classical music, starting with the Baroque period and ending with modern, atonal music. Each piece is dedicated to a particular musical composition, describing its highlights, its history, and what makes it unique.

Broadly, the pieces are grouped together according to the following three broad categories: ouvertures, concertos, and symphonies, mimicking the structure of concert programmes. Each entry also includes a short biography of its composer. Trudgeon's style is easy to read and accessible to all readers: from those who listen to classical music regularly to those who are unfamiliar with it. Overall, this collection is a useful and informative musical guide, making a case for listening to orchestral music.

for SATB and organ or small orchestra Christmas Lullaby was commissioned in 1989 by the Bach Choir in celebration of the seventieth birthday of its conductor, Sir David Willcocks. The haunting melody of the verses and the reflective refrain of 'Ave Maria' have made this an immensely popular carol. The orchestral accompaniment is available on sale and on hire/rental. A version for upper voices is also available.

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 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.

for SATB and organ or orchestra This gentle yet uplifting carol was commissioned for the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, and was first performed during the 2012 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Rutter's gift for melody is in evidence throughout the work, with a sense of hushed awe leading to moments of glorious optimism. The text, written by the composer, is inspired by the fifteenth-century Corpus Christi Carol.

for SATB unaccompanied In this lively 6/8 setting, Assersohn explores a macaronic 15th-century text ('A Patre Unigenitus/Through a maiden is come'), with its exclamations of 'Eya!' reinforcing festive celebration. Featuring modal harmonies and energetic rhythms, this carol promises to be a fresh, uplifting, and accessible addition to any Christmas programme.

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!

This volume comprises twenty-eight of the finest oratorio choruses, complete short choral works, and movements from masses or requiems from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries. Drawing repertoire from Britain and mainland Europe, the volume features renowned choruses and familiar cornerstones of the repertoire, as well as some choral discoveries, all in new, carefully researched, and practical editions. Playable piano reductions for rehearsal use are included in the main volume, with a separate volume of purpose-made three-stave organ accompaniments, and newly typeset orchestral material available on rental. Intended for choral societies and cathedral, church, and concert choirs, this is a unique collection of choral classics for mixed voices and orchestra, and an invaluable practical addition to any choir's library.

for SATB unaccompanied A mystical, atmospheric carol for Epiphany, The Wise Men and the Star sets a text by contemporary writer Lucia Quinault that depicts the journey of the wise men as they follow the star. Tarney's appealing musical language creates a sense of expectancy, and there are beautiful moments of stillness and quiet that enable the listener to reflect on the wonder of the events of the season.

for SATB unaccompanied John Rutter's tender and poignant arrangement of W. J. Kirkpatrick's much-loved carol sees the familiar melody taken first by the sopranos and then by the male voices, underpinned by a rich cushion of humming from the other sections of the choir, before the voices join together for the final verse in glorious harmony.

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 SSAA, solo cello, djembe, and piano This evocative anthem, from the larger work Snow Angel, is a piece of two halves. Opening with a haunting cello line, the first section ('God Will Give Orders') is mystical and ethereal, until a vibrant figure from the djembe lifts the music into the second section ('Sweet Child'), which is uplifting and bold in character, with a distinctly African feel and an effective a cappella ending.

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 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.

The Midnight of your Birth is a charming collection of five carols by Bob Chilcott for upper voices and piano. Equally suited to women's choirs and youth choirs, the carols range from unison ('The Blackbird with One White Feather') to three parts, with one ('The Angel did Fly') featuring a mezzo-soprano solo. The texts, all by long-term collaborator Charles Bennett, weave an imagery of birds and the natural world with the Christmas narrative. Chilcott's music is the perfect match, combining characteristically singable melodies with pleasing harmonic colours, buoyant syncopation, and tender reflection. Containing five fresh and accessible carols, this book is the ideal addition to any upper-voice choir's library.

for SATB and piano or orchestra Setting two verses of the Irish traditional carol, Wilberg's version opens simply with unaccompanied unison men, before the piano creeps in gently. Upper voices take over and an imitative section leads to a more dramatic, thicker-textured section. The carol melody's slightly haunting, modal qualities are complemented by colourful harmonic touches, and a final statement of the melody in the piano brings the piece to a calm close. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square have recorded this piece with orchestral accompaniment on the CD Hallelujah! (SKU 5157246).

for SATB (with divisions) and piano or small orchestra Originally published in Carols for Choirs 2, Rutter's arrangement of this well-known carol is energetic and joyful. The memorable and buoyant melody is supported and driven by lively piano accompaniment, making it well-suited for Christmas concerts and services. Orchestral material is available on hire.

for SSAA and hand drum Sing, my Child sets a joyful text celebrating the beauty found all around us in everyday life. Characterized by tight harmonies and a dynamic percussion line, the buoyant 7/8 metre of the opening drives the piece forward. Lush harmonies colour the hymn-like B section as the text evolves into a call for strength despite the troubles that may come. Also available in a version for SATB and hand drum.

for SATB (with divisions) and piano or chamber orchestra Rutter's charming piece sets a secular text by the composer that emphasises the significance of music and harmony in an ephemeral world. A simple accompaniment figure in the piano provides the backdrop to alternating unison and polyphonic verses that manage to capture both nostalgia for what was and optimism for what is to come.