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.

Purcell's Dido and Aeneas stands as the greatest operatic achievement of seventeenth-century England, and yet, despite its global renown, it remains cloaked in mystery. The date and place of its first performance cannot be fixed with precision, and the absolute accuracy of the surviving scores, which date from almost 100 years after the work was written, cannot be assumed. In this thirtieth-anniversary new edition of her book, Ellen Harris closely examines the many theories that have been proposed for the opera's origin and chronology, considering the opera both as political allegory and as a positive exemplar for young women. Her study explores the work's historical position in the Restoration theater, revealing its roots in seventeenth-century English theatrical and musical traditions, and carefully evaluates the surviving sources for the various readings they offer-of line designations in the text (who sings what), the vocal ranges of the soloists, the use of dance and chorus, and overall layout. It goes on to provide substantive analysis of Purcell's musical declamation and use of ground bass. In tracing the performance history of Dido and Aeneas, Harris presents an in-depth examination of the adaptations made by the Academy of Ancient Music at the end of the eighteenth century based on the surviving manuscripts. She then follows the growing interest in the creation of an "authentic" version in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries through published editions and performance reviews, and considers the opera as an important factor in the so-called English Musical Renaissance. To a significant degree, the continuing fascination with Purcell's Dido and Aeneas rests on its apparent mutability, and Harris shows this has been inherent in the opera effectively from its origin.

for children's choir (SS) and piano These charming settings of riddles by Bob Chilcott's long-term collaborator Charles Bennett were originally published as part of the environmental cantata The Angry Planet. Simple, yet highly effective, each has a subject taken from nature. Here rescored for two-part children's choir (SS) and piano, they may be performed individually or as a set.

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 (with divisions) and organ This arrangement features Robert Bridges' translation of J. Neander's 17th-century German text set to Herbert Howells' hymn tune 'Michael'. John Rutter adds a descant and reharmonizes the 4th and 5th verses to create a rousing ending to this much-loved classic.

for SSAA 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.

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 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 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 soprano solo, SATB, with organ and unaccompanied This short collection presents the complete set of meditations from Chilcott's stunning St John Passion. Setting English poems from the 13th to the early 17th centuries, the meditations provide a very personal reflection on the dramatic story of the passion - at times anguished, adoring, and humbling. The beautiful soprano solo soars over the SATB voices and organ accompaniment in 'Christ, my Beloved' and 'Jesus, my Leman', while the unaccompanied choir take centre stage for 'Miserere, my Maker' and 'Away vain world'.

Junior Voiceworks at Christmas is a wonderful collection of seasonal songs for children. Building on the success of his Junior Voiceworks 1 and 2, Kevin Stannard has collected 40 inspirational pieces for the Christmas season, ranging from rounds to raps, and from folk pieces to well-known carols in sparkling new arrangements. With excellent practical advice and rehearsal notes, and an accompanying CD, this volume meets the needs of all schools and choral groups for this special time of year.

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.

Piano Sketches Duets 1 is a fantastic collection of new pieces for exploring the art of duet playing. Suitable for students working at the 'easy' technical level, the book features a range of appealing and accessible styles, from the Baroque-inspired 'Glorious Pastime' to the playful 'Crazy Clown' and pop ballad 'Just for You'. 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.

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 SATB double choir and organ or orchestra or brass ensemble This renowned anthem was written for the coronation of Edward VII in 1902, and has been performed at all subsequent British coronations. This edition presents the 1911 version prepared by the composer for the coronation of George V, with the 'Vivats' as written for that occasion and an alternative editorial text by John Rutter that enables the anthem to be performed in its complete form on any suitable occasion. Rutter's fascinating editorial preface provides interesting contextual notes and informative performance considerations. Orchestral scores and instrumental parts for full and reduced orchestrations and for a version for brass, organ, and optional timpani are available on rental.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied This spellbinding setting of words from Act 1, Scene 1, of Hamlet depicts a bird of dawning singing all night long in celebration of the Saviour's birth, with Shakespeare's characteristically evocative imagery heightened by Chilcott's artful word-setting. The harmonies are rich and the atmosphere hushed and expectant, with asoaring soprano solo line, which may be taken by a soloist from within the choir, evoking the birdsong.