for SATB (with divisions), S. and T. solos, and 10 players Commissioned by Merton College, Oxford, this hour-long work for soloists, choir, and 10 players is divided into seven movements, beginning with Palm Sunday. Jackson's setting takes material from each of the four Gospel narratives, interspersed with Latin hymns and English texts by poets associated with Merton College over the centuries including Edmund Blunden and T. S. Eliot. The vocal score includes a piano reduction for rehearsal purposes.

for soloists, SATB, and organ Written for the Choir of Wells Cathedral, of which Matthew Owens is Organist and Master of the Choristers, this setting of the St Matthew Passion is ideally suited to liturgical performance during Holy Week. The principal role of the Evangelist is taken by a baritone soloist, who narrates the story of Christ's trial and Crucifixion in unaccompanied chant. The other, smaller, solo roles of Judas (tenor), Pilate (tenor), Jesus (bass), and Pilate's wife (alto) continue in the same vein, with four-part choral interspersions from the crowds, soldiers, and priests providing a contrast in texture. The hymn 'When I survey the wondrous cross', set to the Rockingham hymn tune, appears twice throughout the work, and the congregation are encouraged to join in on both occasions. The simple organ part supports the voices for the hymn, and may also optionally double the choir during the narrative.

for children's choir and piano Written for Children's International Voices, this delightfully uplifting piece will appeal to children's choirs everywhere. A highly singable melody alternates between unison and two parts, and the words, written by the composer, are full of excited optimism for the future. Rutter skilfully combines a flowing character with a strong rhythmic pulse, and the piano accompaniment provides harmonic support throughout.

In Singing the Glory Down, William Lynwood Montell contributes to a fuller understanding of twentieth-century American culture by examining the complex relationships between gospel music and the culture of the nineteen-county study area in which this music has flourished for a hundred years. He has recorded the memories and feelings of those who were young while the movement gathered steam and who remember it at its high point, and stories about those who have passed over that river about which they loved to sing. In the early 1900s, a singing school or gospel convention was a major social event that enticed people to walk for miles to learn to sing or to hear someone who already had. The shape-note teachers of those days conducted days or even weeks of nightly practice, which culminated in a performance that confirmed the teacher's skill. Quartet music originated in these settings. Today, some area quartets still sound much like those early groups; others teach themselves to sing by imitating their favorite professional gospel ensembles.They travel every weekend in buses emblazoned with the names of their groups, with tapes and albums to sell. Through all the changes, the four-part southern harmony of Kentucky gospel music has remained the same. In the words of these performers, through letters, diaries, and interviews, Montell details the attitudes and joys of those involved most deeply in the gospel music scene. He also brings the reader into their personal relationships, their professional jealousies, and their struggles to keep alive the music they love.

for solo soprano and SSATB Written for the wedding of the composer's niece in 2012, this piece affectionately sets a poem of the same title by Robert Burns. It was first performed by Chantage in London's Church of Scotland, St Columba's, conducted by James Davey. With something intrinsically Scottish about it, this tender setting of the well-loved poem, although written specifically for a wedding, would suit almost any occasion.

for TTBB and piano or orchestra Written for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, this new arrangement of the well-known spiritual is presented in two versions: one for mixed chorus and the other for men's voices. Each version opens gently with an effective unaccompanied unison section, and the accompaniment and further choral parts are gradually added. In classic Wilberg style, the piece builds up verse by verse with expanding textures, via two upward modulations, towards a grand and triumphant climax, leaving no doubt about the joy expressed in the text. The male-voice version of He's got the whole world in his hands features on the CD 'Men of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir', with the Orchestra at Temple Square, conducted by Mack Wilberg (SKU 5053126). Orchestral material is available on hire/rental.

for SAA and piano The quirky style of The Look perfectly complements the nature of Sara Teasdale's poem, which reminisces on past romances. The melody is catchy and colourful, with a stylistic ornament that gives the piece a carefree feel, and there are effective contrasts of tonality and texture. The voices are accompanied by a jazzy, characterful piano part with driving syncopations.

for TTBB and piano or organ or small orchestra Originally published in versions for SA and SATB voices, this classic Rutter anthem has now been adapted by the composer for performance by male-voice choirs. The flowing choral melodies perfectly complement the positive message of the well-known thanksgiving text by F. S. Pierpoint, and the gentle, arpeggiated keyboard part provides a supportive harmonic accompaniment.

for SAA and piano Exhibiting Chydenius's unique style, this contemplative ballad sets a wistful text by American lyrical poet Sara Teasdale. The close harmonies, persuasive melodies, and appealing syncopations in the voices are underpinned by a stylistic piano part with a rhythmic chord pattern that creates a sense of build and drive. The Kiss is ideal for upper-voice choirs looking for an evocative concert piece.

for SAATB unaccompanied A piece made famous by the award-winning a cappella group Vocado, Coffee Time is an upbeat dedication to the down time we all crave, for sharing thoughts, silence, and that aroma! Founded on classic a cappella style and sense of fun, the piece boasts an infectious melody and bossa nova rhythm, with sumptuous key changes, scat rhythms, and contrasting sections. The piece is perfect for vocal groups or small- to medium-size choirs, and has the makings of a great encore or competition piece.

for SATB and continuo Bach's motets are essential pillars of the choral repertory, and the irresistibly joyful Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden is a wonderful introduction to them for choirs unfamiliar with the works. It features concise contrapuntal writing and a sophisticated harmonic language, yet the vocal lines are not excessively demanding. John Rutter's edition includes helpful performance suggestions and background information, and full scores and instrumental parts are available on hire from the publisher.

for SATB or upper voices, and orchestra or wind band The Future of Fire is a brief but powerful work. The vibrant scoring creates a feeling of explosive energy from beginning to end with intense bursts from a battery of percussion. The melodic material is taken from a popular and touching love song from Shannxi province in north-western China, which is coupled with rhythmic motives in both the orchestra/wind band and chorus. Folk melodies from this region use intervals of a minor seventh these angular leaps are suited to the dynamic spirit of this work. The chorus sings a vocalise based on repeated syllables that are found in Chinese folk songs, as well as many folk songs from around the world.

for SATB and organ or orchestra This gentle yet uplifting carol was commissioned for the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, and was first performed during the 2012 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Rutter's gift for melody is in evidence throughout the work, with a sense of hushed awe leading to moments of glorious optimism. The text, written by the composer, is inspired by the fifteenth-century Corpus Christi Carol.

for SATB and organ or chamber orchestra This offering from Mack Wilberg is a joyful yet graceful arrangement of the well-known hymn tune by Conrad Kocher. Featuring a lyrical accompaniment and variations in choral textures, this piece is ideal for Harvest or Thanksgiving celebrations, but can also be used all year round. An orchestral accompaniment is available on hire/rental.

for SSATB unaccompanied This expressive Wedding anthem sets an extract from William Blake's Auguries of Innocence. With chromatic inflections and gently arching vocal lines, the music perfectly reflects the text's emphasis on the relationship between pleasure and sorrow. Joy and Woe are woven fine will make a striking addition to the repertory of more experienced choirs looking to try something new.

for SSA, piano, and optional bass and drum kit This vibrant collection presents five jazzy settings of poems from William Blake's Songs of Innocence. Chilcott challenges the expectation of the listener by setting each classic text in a different jazz-inspired style-from the laid-back swing of 'The Echoing Green' and ballad-like setting of 'The Lamb' to a lilting jazz waltz, 'The Little Boy Lost/The Little Boy Found'. The voices are underpinned by a stylistic piano part, which may be played as written or serve as a guide, and a part for bass and drum kit is available separately for jazz trio accompaniment. Ideal for performance individually or as a suite, these innovative songs will make a colourful addition to any concert programme.

For SATB (divisi) with 2 soprano solos

for cambiata (opt. div.), baritone, and piano Brooke's arrangement of this traditional sea shanty is invigorating and atmospheric. Changing voices will enjoy the theme of trains and ships in the text, as well as the boisterous call-and-response texture, which is well-supported by the piano. The verses break into a reflective a cappella section before giving way to a rousing finish!

for SATB unaccompanied Let nothing trouble you is a striking and atmospheric setting of a prayer by the Spanish mystic, St Teresa of Avila. This work is both comforting and meditative, reflecting the mood of the text, and the music adds a beautifully haunting quality, through the use of a murmuring two-note motif, widely arching melodies, and reflective imitation. Commissioned by The Genesis Foundation for Harry Christophers and The Sixteen, this piece has been recorded by them on the disc 'O Guiding Night' (COR16090).

for SSATB & piano or string orchestra The Shipping Forecast is in 3 movements: 'Donegal', 'They that go down to the sea in ships', and 'Naming'. The first and last movement are settings of poems by the poet, broadcaster, and academic, Sean Street. In 'Donegal' snatches of the shipping forecast (spoken) are woven into the atmospheric texture of the poem. The second movement is a setting of the Psalm 107: 23-26 | 28-29: 'They that go down to the sea in ships'. The setting has the feel of a Celtic lullaby, moving from a simple statement to a centre of turmoil then back to overlapping phrases, melting into tranquillity at the end. In the final movement, 'Naming', the text becomes 'a meditation on the fortunes of the sea as reflected in other names, gathered from coastal maps of Newfoundland'. Energetic, in perpetual motion and rhythmic, 'Naming' drives the whole work to an upbeat finish.