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Books > Arts & Architecture > Music > Musical scores, lyrics & libretti
This deeply expressive arioso, which opens Handel's Ode for the
Birthday of Queen Anne (1713), was performed at the wedding of
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor, on
19 May 2018. Originally scored in D major for counter-tenor, with
trumpet and strings, the work is here arranged by John Rutter for
performance by soprano and organ (or strings and organ continuo),
with or without solo trumpet, in the slightly lower key of C major.
This package contains (1) the orchestral score in C major, and (2)
the instrumental parts (solo trumpet, 1st and 2nd violins, viola,
cello, bass, organ continuo) in two versions, in C major and D flat
major. The D flat version of the parts is to enable performance
with modern strings but natural trumpet, the trumpet playing in
Handel's original key of D major but at baroque pitch (A = 415).
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) 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 (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 unaccompanied This lively reimagining of the traditional
hymn is a thrilling a cappella arrangement which pairs the soaring
legato melody with a rhythmic vocal accompaniment. Together, these
elements capture both the gentle hope and the profound joy
contained in the text. Also including moments of tenderness and
reflection, the piece comes to a rousing close with an energy that
engages singers and audience alike. Also available in a version for
SSA unaccompanied.
for SATB and piano or orchestra This setting of Adolphe Adam's
beloved Christmas carol employs rich choral textures and a flowing
piano accompaniment to create a rousing overall effect. Opening
gently, the intensity builds gradually towards a stirring, powerful
ending. Also in the anthology, An American Christmas.
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 SATB unaccompanied The Waiting Sky is a four-part unaccompanied
miniature for mixed choir. The evocative text by Lucia Quinault
depicts a rural winter scene, and is skilfully set to music by
Oliver Tarney to create a lucidly reflective piece. There is a
sense in both the text and the music of waiting for the 'shining
star' and, while it would make a beautiful addition to a concert
programme at other times of the year, the setting is perfect as a
reflective carol for Advent, anticipating the wonder of the birth
of Christ.
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 SATB and organ or piano This simple and attractive carol sets a
little-known text by the Rev. Canon John Gray (1866-1934). With an
accompaniment for either organ and piano and optional soprano
solos, this piece is accessible to a wide range of choirs and would
be an excellent addition to either a Christmas concert or service.
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 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 (with divisions) unaccompanied Annunciation is an
expressive and expansive Advent carol based on words from John
Donne's Holy Sonnets. McDowall creates a captivating atmosphere as
the voices explore a soundworld that is mystical, reflective, and
bright. The sensitive part-writing and accessible vocal lines will
enable choirs of all types to profess the carol's message of
'salvation to all'.
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