for alto solo, SATB (with divisions), and guitar Following a collaboration with Katie Melua on her 2016 album 'In Winter', on which she worked with the Gori Women's Choir from her native Georgia), Bob Chilcott has created ans evocative and stirring arrangement of Rachmaninov's celebrated fifth movement of the Vespers (or 'All-Night Vigil'), which may be performed in Russian or in English.

This delicate, spring-like poem, by poet Kevin Crossley-Holland, is an affectionate salutation to a newborn babe. The poet tells that the parents couldn't decide on a name for their baby, and that instead of imposing an inappropriate name on her, they will welcome her into the garden of the world and wait for her to 'declare' herself. After a hushed introduction of whispered welcomes, the voices burst into a dance-like song in celebration of the new arrival's homecoming.

for unison upper voices, solo violin, and organ or piano Bednall's beautiful setting of this much-loved prayer is warm, simple, and immediate. The vocal line is expertly lyrical and the accompaniment suitably supporting, with a serene line for solo violin that soars above the texture. Ave Maria was recorded by Benenden Chapel Choir, conducted by Edward Whiting, Jennifer Pike (violin), and David Bednall (organ) on the CD 'Stabat Mater' (Regent, REGCD481).

for SATB and organ/piano with optional congregation Paul Drayton's setting of three stanzas from Laurence Binyon's poem 'For the Fallen' is poignant, dignified, and atmospheric. A serene and expressive refrain for unison voices (which the congregation may join in if desired) is interposed between evocatively turbulent passages for SATB choir. The accompaniment should ideally be played on the organ, but may be performed on the piano if organ is not available.

for SATB, violin, and piano A Prophecy of Dawn is an artfully crafted setting of a beautifully descriptive poem by Matthew Meiklejohn, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in the Second Boer War. The piece is rich in contrasting material, some of which recapitulates, and many of the text's images are apparent in the music, for example lively birdsong in the violin and a radiant shift into a major key at the poet's first mention of dawn. The violin part contributes much to the setting, and is permitted moments of virtuosity amidst the energetic piano writing and expansive choral textures.

for SATB unaccompanied Following a collaboration with Katie Melua on her 2016 album 'In Winter', Bob Chilcott has made a choral arrangement of this traditional Ukrainian carol, first introduced to the English-speaking world as 'Carol of the Bells', with lyrics that link it to Christmas. Here the original is presented in Ukrainian and English, with haunting and atmospheric folk motifs distributed between the parts.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied This piece sets a poem by Amy Lowell, vividly conveying the effect of the wind through a moving tapestry of eighth notes/quavers intertwined between the different voices. The melody floats over this breeze-like ostinato, sometimes effervescent, sometimes reposed. The piece concludes much like it begins, with a sense of calm and restfulness towards the nocturnal journey.

for SATB unaccompanied with 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. Commissioned for a mass choir of over 700 singers, this piece is well-suited for combined choir projects or as a rousing and meaningful close to a concert.

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 and piano A favorite text and tune of singers and listeners alike, this festival hymn is given new life in this lively and upbeat 7/8 setting. The central section is legato and chorale-like, making for a beautiful contrast, before a slow build with 'Alleluias' returns us to a reprise of the original flavour, creating an exciting and powerful ending.

for SATTBB unaccompanied This lively and joyous arrangement of the folksong 'Montagnarde' from the Haute-Auvergne region of France makes playful use of the call of the cuckoo in a catchy refrain. 'Montagnarde' is featured on the Tenebrae CD Sun, Moon, Sea, and Stars (Signum, SIGCD903).

for SATTBB unaccompanied Chilcott's arrangement of 'Viens par le pre', a folksong from the Haute-Auvergne region of France that presents a heartfelt expression of love, is tender and expressive, with rich, warm harmonies. 'Viens par le pre' is featured on the Tenebrae CD Sun, Moon, Sea, and Stars (Signum, SIGCD903).

Piano Sketches Duets 2 is a fantastic collection of new pieces for exploring the art of duet playing. Suitable for students working at the 'easy' or 'intermediate' technical level, the book features a range of appealing and accessible styles, from the evocative 'Autumn in Paris' to the spirited 'Tarantella' and Bach-pastiche 'Rumba for Johann'. As well as being great fun to play, these pieces offer pianists an adventure in texture, melody, and harmony, and will help to develop good ensemble playing.

Alfred Music Publishing is proud to present officially licensed, collectible sheet music and songbooks from the soundtrack of Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft, the world's most popular massive multiplayer online role-playing video game. "Invincible," regarded by many to be among the most beautiful pieces of music from World of Warcraft, is presented as a piano/vocal reduction that captures the song's majesty for pianists and singers alike.

for SSATB unaccompanied Commissioned by Ralph Woodward and the Fairhaven Singers in memory of Dora Kemp, one of the choir's sopranos, God is Light sets lines from Psalm 139, 1 Thessalonians, and 1 John. It moves from an unsettled tonality at the beginning, through anguished false relations and wistful expressivity, to find triumphant resolution in a blazing A major at the end. Like all of McDowall's music, it is well crafted and singable. God is Light was first performed on 12 November 2016 in Queens' College Chapel, Cambridge, by the Fairheaven Singers and Perse Prep Senior Choir (director Paul Harris), conducted by Ralph Woodward.

for SATB and piano four-hands or orchestra This short, energetic piece sets words by contemporary hymn-writer Mary Louise Bringle. The text is full of positivity and hope, and Wilberg's use of a 7/8 time signature keeps the verses propelling forward joyously, while undulating quavers shape the refrains. Several key changes are supported by a continuously rhythmic accompaniment in the form of piano duet or large orchestra, and an instrumental interlude precedes the third and final verse.

for upper voices, SATB, and harp My Perfect Stranger is a captivating setting of Kevin Crossley-Holland's retelling of the Christmas story. Following an expectant prologue, the central movement is rich in characterization as soloists from within the choir take on the roles of key players in the narrative, with the upper voices adopting the role of the guiding star, as well as enriching the texture at important moments in the story. Beginning with the harp ostinato of the prologue, the epilogue asks the listener to reflect on the story we have heard, challenging us to consider the part we might have played and asking 'what have you to say and sing?'. The work's vibrant part for harp makes for a compelling alternative to the more conventional keyboard accompaniment.