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Books > Arts & Architecture > Music > Other types of music
for SSA and piano This is a vibrant setting of a poem by George
Parsons Lathrop that describes how music underpins all earthly
life. An active piano part provides an energetic undercurrent to
compelling vocal lines, with the voices beginning in unison before
opening out into two and then three parts. Music of Life is the
perfect selection for choirs looking to celebrate the
life-affirming power of music. Also available in a version for
SABar and piano.
for SSAA and piano Our Roots is an upbeat setting of evocative
words by Delphine Chalmers on the themes of unity and commonality.
An effective syncopated, single-note motif in the piano underpins
the piece, rooting the tonality and providing a firm ostinato
around which the music blossoms. Chilcott's word-painting - in
places such as the drawing together of the four-part choral texture
into unison on the words 'yours and mine the same' and the use of
the piano's upper and lower registers as the text looks to roots
and sky - creates a great sense of unity between music and lyrics.
Powerful key changes and a strong rhythmic drive create an
affirmatory setting that is sure to uplift both singer and
listener.
SA and piano The Compass uses evocative imagery and metaphor to
describe how feelings of being lost and adrift can be assuaged by
journeying towards self-acceptance and positive change. A
characterful four-note motif punctuates the piano part, which
provides a steady rhythmic cushion for the stylistically syncopated
and catchy melodic lines. This soul-searching piece is brought to a
close by an empowering final chorus that celebrates moving forwards
on a different path away from difficult times towards somewhere
hopeful and new.
In this revision of the book first published in 1941, the music
examples have all been revised. The period covered is that from
Edward VI to Edward VII, or from the introduction of the Prayer
Book to the late Victorian and Edwardian composers.
for SATB (with divisions) and small orchestra This is a beautiful,
sensitive arrangement of the African-American spiritual and folk
hymn Oh, watch the stars. The text reflects on the beauty of
creation, and alternative verses by David Warner celebrating
Christ's birth have been included for performance during the
Christmas season. Wilberg artfully retains the understated feel and
simplicity of the original spiritual while demonstrating hallmarks
of his unique style, such as rich harmonies, contrasting keys and
textures, and effective obbligato instrumental fills.
for SSATB unaccompanied In this sensitive choral arrangement of
'Nimrod' from Elgar's Enigma Variations, Michael Higgins sets the
Eucharistic hymn 'O salutaris Hostia', written by St Thomas Aquinas
for the Feast of Corpus Christi. The familiar melody passes
seamlessly between the voice parts, and Elgar's lush, rich
soundworld is perfectly emulated by the choral textures Higgins has
fashioned.
for TTBB unaccompanied. TaReKiTa is a refreshing concert piece that
effortlessly fuses the Hindustani (North Indian) and Western
classical music styles. The composer's scats are combined with a
fast triple metre, vocal slides, and captivating melodies built on
the Jog raga. A pronunciation guide is included in the leaflet, and
a video guide by the composer is available through a companion
website. A version for unaccompanied mixed voices and SSAA
unacompanied voices is also available.
for TTBB and piano This setting of a song from Act II of
Shakespeare's As You Like It was originally published as part of
Rutter's cycle When Icicles Hang. Here, it has been specially
adapted for TTBB choir by the composer, allowing tenors and basses
to enjoy this artful, atmospheric setting of a famous Shakesperean
extract.
for TB and piano. I remember sets a text reflecting on the wonder
of the natural world and the people who shape our lives. The
stirring melody calls to mind the folksong tradition, and is
underpinned by a gently flowing piano accompaniment. The middle
section brings a contrast of tonality, with the basses accompanying
the tenors' melodic line, before the beguiling melody of the
opening returns to bring the setting to a poignant close. Also
available in versions for SA and piano, SABar and piano and unison
upper voices & piano.
for TTBarBB unaccompanied Skilfully set to tender words by the poet
e e cummings, 'I carry your heart', this piece was commissioned by
the acclaimed close-harmony group, The King's Men, and was recorded
on their album Love from King's. Also available for SSATBB.
for TTBB and piano This sensitive arrangement of a well-known
Yiddish folksong introduces singers to the harmonic characteristics
of Yiddish music. Clapping and body percussion is employed to great
effect, and a pronunciation guide and English translation are
included, along with a fascinating contextual note.
for TTB and piano Suitable for concert use, this simple, delightful
setting of a Yeats poem embraces nature's beauty and the secret joy
of solitude. Soaring melodies, rich harmonic language, and a piano
part that is both driving and supportive create a piece that is
evocative and poignant. Also available in versions for SSA and
piano and SABar and piano.
for TTBB unaccompanied or with optional handbells (or percussion,
or organ) Sarah Quartel brings a fresh take on a familiar
fifteenth-century text in this enchanting carol. 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'. Also
available in a version for upper voices or SATB.
for TTBB unaccompanied This profoundly beautiful setting by John
Rutter of one of the earliest English prayers, from the Sarum
Primer of 1514, has been specially adapted by the composer for
tenors and basses.
for TTBB 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 and SATB unaccompanied.
for TB and piano. This secular work for upper voices sensitively
sets Langston Hughes's poem of the same name. A lilting melodic
line, eloquent part-writing, and an effective piano part combine to
create a piece that will appeal to both youth and adult choirs.
Also available in versions for unison voices and piano, SA and
piano, SABar and piano, and solo voice (high/low).
for SATBarB unaccompanied This beautiful arrangement of the
17th-century lullaby features subtle jazz inflections and artful
imitation. The text seeks to create a calm and comforting
atmosphere for sleep, which Parry emulates through setting gently
rocking melodic lines over a rich cushion of harmonies.
for SATB and organ Archer's setting of this popular Easter hymn by
G. R. Woodward is sparkling with energy, combining the exuberant
seventeenth-century Dutch melody with short organ interjections. An
exciting addition to the repertoire for Easter services.
for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied One of McGlade's longer
settings, As the hart begins simply, before expanding into a more
complex central section with fluctuating time signatures and
shifting tonalities. Ideal for advanced mixed-voice choirs in a
sacred or concert setting, it is a fitting alternative to Herbert
Howells's famous setting of Psalm 42.
for SATB and organ This energetic setting of words by St Ambrose of
Milan is a real showstopper. With pop-influences and a sparkling
organ part, Young effortlessly fuses modern and traditional sound
worlds, while changes in key and metre build up to an invigorating
finish. Perfect for accomplished choirs looking for something
different.
for CCBar and piano This sensitive, authentic arrangement of a
well-known Yiddish folksong introduces singers to the harmonic
characteristics of Yiddish music. Clapping and body percussion is
employed to great effect, and a pronunciation guide and English
translation are included, along with a fascinating contextual note.
for SATB (with divisions) and organ. Maurice Ravel's popular Pavane
pour une infante defunte is here arranged for mixed voices and
organ, allowing choirs to perform this beautiful staple of the
orchestral repertoire for the first time. Rupert Gough's
arrangement sets the words of the 'Requiem aeternam' to the
existing melody, and features a characterful and active organ part
that underpins the sustained vocal lines. The piece has been
recorded by The Choir of Royal Holloway on the album Messe da
pacem.
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