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Books > Arts & Architecture > Music > Musical scores, lyrics & libretti
for SATB and piano or orchestra Tree of Life is an expansive
setting of an evocative text by David Warner that depicts the
sacred archetype of the life-giving tree through the cycle of all
four seasons. The lyrics, coupled with simple, memorable melodies,
speak of spiritual planting and growth, nourishment, and an
abundant harvest; each observation is punctuated by an 'Alleluia'
as an expression of praise and gratitude. Wilberg's imaginative
orchestration creates an abundant soundworld, with arching woodwind
phrases, sweeping strings, and a cacophony of handbells that lifts
the closing alleluias skywards in celebration. This is the title
track on the Tabernacle Choir's 2018 CD release.
for SATB and piano Tarney's setting of this traditional Scottish
text offers catchy melodies and folk-inspired harmonies, driven by
a rhythmic piano accompaniment. The ballad is framed by a
repeating, haunting, and ethereal a cappella phrase that hints at
the unearthly nature of the subject. Also available for cambiata
voices in the Emerging Voices series.
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 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 SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied With a text by the
composer, 'My Love has Died for Me' is taken from Passion Music, a
concert and liturgical work that epitomizes Todd's love of blending
jazz and choral music. Recurring melodies, changing metres, and
extended harmonies combine to explore the theme of loss in this
powerful and expressive lament.
for SSAATTBB unaccompanied When spring comes walking is a warm and
optimistic setting of an evocative poem by Charles Bennett that
explores themes of rebirth, nature, and celebration. Chilcott
embraces the return of spring with gentle sustained melodies, rich
harmonies, and a quote from the traditional carol 'O come, O come,
Emmanuel'. This piece is suitable for both advent and Easter.
for SSAA unaccompanied or with optional handbells (or percussion,
or organ) Sarah Quartel brings a fresh take on a familiar
fifteenth-century text in this carol for upper voices. The dialogue
between Mary and the infant Jesus is woven to a beguiling folk-like
melody, in 6/8 metre, through each of the voice parts, with each
verse ending in the lilting refrain 'Lully, by by, lullay'. The
carol may be sung unaccompanied, though for added sparkle there is
an optional part for handbells (or percussion or organ).
for unison voices, with optional second part, and piano This is the
key is a dramatic, narrative piece, perfect for children's and
youth choirs. It can be sung in unison throughout, or the score
contains options for two parts, sometimes singing alternating
phrases and at other times singing together in two-part harmony.
Sections in different tempos and keys create a variety of moods,
and the continuous piano part features running quavers, a rhythmic
bass line, and shimmering spread chords.
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 SATB (with divisions) and piano or orchestra Thornett's setting
of this Epiphany text, also known as 'Brightest and best', makes
effective use of arching melodies and a variety of choral textures.
The piece builds to a dramatic final verse with a soprano/tenor
descant, before a gentle ending. The accompaniment features bell
effects and quotations of Gruber's famous 'Silent night' melody.
For choirs who are low on male numbers, there are options for
omitting tenor and bass divisi parts.
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.
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 Originally published in Sun, Moon, Sea, and
Stars, 'Deep in the night' sets a poem by Sara Teasdale that likens
a heart seeking its love to a swallow's cry. Chydenius's rich
harmonies, syncopated melodies, and modal inflections paint an
image of the starry night, while the underpinning bass ostinato
provides rhythmic drive.
for SATB and piano or harp Higgins's arrangement of Away in a
manger is beautiful and delicate. The first verse is taken by
unison upper voices; the second is a cappella, with a soloist (or
small group) on the melody accompanied by sustained 'ooh's; and the
last verse features fresh, homophonic harmonies. The piano/harp
accompaniment twinkles gently around the voices, contributing
towards the magical character of the arrangement.
for SATB and piano with optional bass and drum kit In this jazzy
setting of William Blake's Introduction to his Songs of Innoncence,
Chilcott's extended harmonies and syncopated melodies bring new
energy to the text, challenging the expectation of the listener.
The voices are supported by a stylistic piano part, which may be
played as written or serve as a guide, and the optional bass and
drum kit part is printed at the back of the score. Also available
in a version for SSA, piano, and optional bass and drum kit in Jazz
Songs of Innocence.
for violin and mixed choir This innovative and imaginative choral
arrangement of The Lark Ascending has the original solo violin part
accompanied by mixed choir. It sensitively sets George Meredith's
poem (on which the original orchestration is based) and combines
this with wordless vocal lines and vocal solos, preserving the
texture and timeless effect of the original. Commissioned and
premiered by the Swedish Chamber Choir, the work has also been
recorded by the choir under the direction of Simon Phipps.
for solo tenor and SSATB unaccompanied Following on from the
publication of Jackson's settings of the seven 'O' antiphons under
the title Seven Advent Antiphons, O Virgo virginum is a setting of
the Latin text recognised as the eighth 'O' antiphon and performed
as such in many Christian traditions. Jackson's imaginative setting
features a melismatic line for tenor soloist and aleatoric writing.
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