for SATB and piano In A Song of Blue, Chilcott explores the power of music through the metaphor of nature. This piece opens with a simple ostinato in the piano accompaniment that is glittering, yet melancholic. The upper voices begin by singing in unison, reflecting the peace and stillness of the words, before expanding into larger, more complex textures and yearnful harmonies.

for SABar and piano A simple and beautiful setting describing the wonder of a world seen through the eyes of a deaf child. In the refrain, singers are encouraged to sign the words they are singing, resulting in profoundly moving but unsentimental music. Originally published in a version for upper voices.

for SABar and organ or piano With words by the composer, this warm, expressive anthem calls to Christ, the light of the world, to bring justice, hope, and joy to our lives. The simple, memorable melody is supported by a gently flowing organ part, with straightforward but effective harmonies from Altos and Baritones in verse two. Offprinted from The Oxford Book of Easy Flexible Anthems.

for SSAATTBB and oboe John Rutter creates a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere in this new arrangement of the traditional German carol, Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen. The piece opens with a lyrical melody from the solo oboe, over a wash of gentle, hummed vocal harmonies. Rutter continues the carol by underpinning the vocal melodies with 'ah's and hummed parts, and keeping the dynamics soft, to retain its tranquility.

for SABar and piano This is a vibrant setting of a poem by George Parsons Lathrop that describes how music underpins all earthly life. An active piano part provides an energetic undercurrent to compelling vocal lines, with the voices beginning in unison before opening out into two and then three parts. Music of Life is the perfect selection for choirs looking to celebrate the life-affirming power of music. Also available in a version for SSA and piano.

for SATB (with divisions) and two soloists unaccompanied In this beautiful setting, Latvian composer Laura Jekabsone presents a modern, popular take on the familiar carol text by Henry John Gauntlett. The piece is led by two soloists (one upper voice, one lower voice), who the choir underpin with a rich harmonic cushion of a cappella-style scats. The melodies are instantly memorable, and the choir's move from an accompanying role to presenting the final chorus gives a powerful lift and emphatic conclusion to this effective Christmas work.

for SATB unaccompanied Setting original words by the artist Marc Bratcher, this tender and evocative carol for unaccompanied SATB choir is suitable for performance at Christmas or Epiphany. The work opens with a gently flowing soprano solo, displaying Rutter's characteristic gift for melody, before the thematic material is developed by the full choir, with some divisi.

for SATB unaccompanied The three movements of A Winter Breviary are entitled: 'We look for you', 'The year's midnight', and 'The unexpected early hour'. The movements are each based on an Indian classical Raag: Raag Hamsadhwani, Raag Malkauns, and Raag Ahir Bhairav, respectively. The texts, by poet Rebecca Gayle Howell, are linked to the Christian services of Evensong, Matins, and Lauds, and are eco-carols written from the perspective of a different point in time-evening, midnight, and daybreak-using nature to explore a different part of the Christmas story. The first two movements have a serene and pensive atmosphere that contrasts with the third movement, which uses an energetic compound time signature and bell-like melodic shapes.

for SATB and organ Simon Biazeck has artfully arranged Dyson's Evening Service in C minor for mixed voices, transposing the work up a tone to better suit the SATB vocal ranges. The arrangement is engaging and eminently singable, allowing this staple of the repertoire to reach new choirs and audiences.

for SSA and piano The time draws near is instantly recognisable as Chilcott. The text, by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, describes the feeling of anticipation before the birth of Christ. Chilcott has set these words using a pure and effective melody in the verses, complimented by jubilant refrains of 'Gloria in excelsis Deo'.

for SATB and piano On this Silent Night perfectly conveys the magic and excitement of winter, conjuring images of warmth by the fireside while the weather outside closes in and giving a subtle nod to Franz Gruber's Silent night. The vivid imagery of the secular text is enhanced through gleaming harmonies and glittering quaver movement in the piano accompaniment. Hemiolas give the piece a dance-like quality, while a contrasting middle section uses darker sonorities and textures to reflect the storm outside.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Characteristically sung on Christmas Day, this Catholic chant depicts mystery and wonder at the birth of Jesus, as witnessed by the animals. The second half of the text relates to words spoken by Elizabeth, welcoming Mary into her home. In McDowall's setting, deep, sonorous chords open and close the piece, which has a sustained tempo that gives space for the melismatic vocal lines and rich harmonies to take full effect. O magnum mysterium is the first of McDowall's set of three 'O' text settings conceived as Trinity Triptych.

for SSATB unaccompanied The O nata lux text is taken from a 10th-century anonymous hymn that uses the concept of light to symbolise hope, a particularly pertinent theme for Advent. Throughout this setting the sopranos intertwine their high, melodic lines above interjections from the lower voices, creating an atmosphere of ethereal luminosity. O nata lux is the second of McDowall's set of three 'O' text settings conceived as Trinity Triptych.

for SATB and organ Light Triumphant Breaks combines the text of the Sarum introit from the second Sunday of Advent and a translated anonymous Greek text using dancing dotted rhythms and intricate articulation. A free use of metre and contrapuntal movement make this a lively and jubilant piece that would be enjoyed by church and cathedral choirs alike.

for SSATB unaccompanied. This atmospheric setting of the celebrated poem 'April Rain Song' by (the Harlem Renaissance writer) Langston Hughes captures the sense of comfort and security while listening to rainfall. The ebb and flow, careful phrasing, and rich harmony make this an ideal ensemble piece.

for SATBB unaccompanied By The Way, I Love You is a fun a cappella number that sets words by Garth Bardsley in a big band style. Swing and rhythmic groove is vital to the performance, with the catchy melody held first by the sopranos before passing between the voices, always over a bed of lively scat singing. There is great interplay between the voice parts, with playful interjections from the accompanying voices as the melody part recounts everything that they love about the special person they are singing about.

for SSAA and piano Our Roots is an upbeat setting of evocative words by Delphine Chalmers on the themes of unity and commonality. An effective syncopated, single-note motif in the piano underpins the piece, rooting the tonality and providing a firm ostinato around which the music blossoms. Chilcott's word-painting - in places such as the drawing together of the four-part choral texture into unison on the words 'yours and mine the same' and the use of the piano's upper and lower registers as the text looks to roots and sky - creates a great sense of unity between music and lyrics. Powerful key changes and a strong rhythmic drive create an affirmatory setting that is sure to uplift both singer and listener.

for SATB unaccompanied Setting inspiring words by James Weldon Johnson, this work is both poignant and stirring, encouraging singers and listeners to reflect on the challenges of present times and to move forward with courage and strength towards a brighter future. The choral writing beautifully reflects the powerful text, leading us towards a climactic reminder that 'Tho' thick the battle and tho' fierce the fight, There is power in making for the right'. My heart be brave is an ideal choice for choirs looking to address issues of social justice in their programming. Also available in a version for TTBB unaccompanied.

for SATB (with divisions) and piano Marked 'light and flowing', Quartel's setting of Sara Teasdale's poem 'Peace' features slow, sustained vocal writing over a piano part with continual moving quavers. The harmonic palette is rich and warm, and soaring soprano lines conjure Teasdale's vivid celestial imagery.

for SATB chorus and organ, or orchestra This uplifting and highly effective arrangement of the popular Stanford hymn-tune ENGLEBERG, to words by Fred Pratt Green, was commissioned by the Broadway Baptist Church (Fort Worth) in Texas, and later recorded for broadcast by The Tabernacle Choir. The piece is suitable for regular worship services but most often at special praise services, choral liturgies, and musical feasts, and for recognizing the work of church musicians.

for SSA and piano, with optional melody instrument With lyrics by the composer, Come Alive explores the scientific notion that energy never dies, but instead transforms into or transfers to something new. The text calls us to renew our connection to nature in order to reawaken our senses and reconnect with a lost loved one. This energetic piece features an appealing combination of textures, from unison melody to four-part counterpoint (with a solo/small-group line), and builds to a full, emphatic climax at the close. The optional instrumental part may be played by any suitable melody instrument in C, including glockenspiel, xylophone, flute, and violin.

SA and piano The Compass uses evocative imagery and metaphor to describe how feelings of being lost and adrift can be assuaged by journeying towards self-acceptance and positive change. A characterful four-note motif punctuates the piano part, which provides a steady rhythmic cushion for the stylistically syncopated and catchy melodic lines. This soul-searching piece is brought to a close by an empowering final chorus that celebrates moving forwards on a different path away from difficult times towards somewhere hopeful and new.

for SSA and piano In this captivating piece Mahler explores feelings of doubt and insecurity, employing the compelling metaphor of the tide and asking searching questions in a quest for existential meaning. Bewitching piano cascades and rolling broken chords accompany addictive melodies, with strong three-part harmonies in the chorus providing a supportive anchor to the more soloistic verses.