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Books > Arts & Architecture > Music > Other types of music
for SSA and piano This work for upper voices with a text by the
composer was inspired by members of the Radcliffe Ladies' Choir and
their motto 'friendship through singing'. The lilting vocal lines
are subtly underpinned by a delicate piano accompaniment, and the
opening performance direction, 'contentedly rocking', describes the
overall nature of the piece: peaceful, content, and easy-going.
for SSATB unaccompanied This simple and exquisite miniature keeps
the text, the fourth-century Latin Hymn to the Virgin Mary, at the
fore, with instructions from the composer to accent the melodic
lines according to word stress rather than position in the bar. The
musical style is a fusion of old and new, with plainchant-like
melodies and tonality set against expressively dissonant
contemporary harmonies. Tota pulchra est was recorded by The
Epiphoni Consort on the CD David Bednall: Sudden Light (Delphian,
DCD34189)
for SATB unaccompanied Aspire to God, my soul sets a macaronic text
by Canon John Dilnot, with the titular words recurring throughout
the setting as an emphatic refrain. This short anthem is optimistic
and uplifting in tone, with frequently changing time-signatures
that convey a rhythmic fluidity and the flexibility to follow the
declamation of the words.
for SATB and organ Chilcott's setting of Psalm 96 is bright,
optimistic, and celebratory. The sparkling organ part and
fluctuation between 7/8 and 4/4 metres give the opening and closing
sections a dance-like feel, while the central section is still,
soft, and reflective.
for SATB and organ or piano Chilcott's setting of St Benedict's
sixth-century prayer begins with a gentle recurring figure in the
keyboard, graduallly building to a rousing climax. The primarily
homophonic texture allows the timeless text to shine through, while
the expansive vocal writing and expressive use of harmony create a
sense of awe towards the Almighty God.
for SATB and organ Francis Jackson's spirited setting of Psalm 150
is steeped in the English choral tradition. With contrapuntal
writing, engaging interplay between choir and organ, effective word
painting, and virtuosic organ writing, O praise God in his
sanctuary is a welcome addition to the service repertory.
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 unaccompanied A group of three miniatures for
unaccompanied mixed voices, Some corner of a foreign field sets
poems by three First World War soldiers: John William Streets,
Goldfeld (about whom no more than his surname is known), and Rupert
Brooke. Bednall's settings are slow, expansive, and expressive,
giving space for the listener to reflect on the profoundly moving
texts. Brooke's 'The Soldier' brings a particularly poignant
conclusion to the set, with melismas employed for dramatic effect.
for SATB unaccompanied This high-energy, majestic setting of
well-known words from the psalms is a welcome addition to the
service repertory. The changing metre brings the text to the fore,
and the semiquaver movement that passes between parts creates a
sense of motion and drive that is fitting for this uplifting and
joyous hymn of praise.
for SSA and piano Grow is a warm and heartfelt setting of words by
the composer that celebrate human personal growth, comparing this
to the season change from winter to spring. A rocking piano part
underpins the eminently singable vocal lines, and a scat section
draws the piece to a reflective close.
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.
The archconfraternity of SS. TrinitA was one of the less well-known
institutions for musical patronage in sixteenth-century Rome. Yet
in focusing on its activities in the period 1550-1650, this book
sheds light on networks of urban patronage that were equally
important in commissioning the sacred music of the period as the
Cappella Pontificia and the Cappella Giulia at St Peter's. Not only
did SS. TrinitA provide Palestrina with his only known major
involvement in sacred music outside the Cappella Giulia after 1571
it also employed at some time or another every major composer
active in the city. Noel O'Regan discusses the importance of SS.
TrinitA in the sphere of Roman sacred music during this period and
the ways in which this music was affected by social and religious
factors in the play for power and prestige in post-tridentine Rome.
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 SSA and piano This original suite sets anonymous instructions
found in packaging to general household goods, providing amusing
and theatrical highlights as well as musical interplay and formal
episodes. The three contrasting movements are contemporary yet
accessible in style, with catchy melodies and jazz-inspired
harmonies.
for SATB and piano or organ This light-hearted arrangement of
Sussex Carol is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect encore. The
familiar tune comes with a modern twist, with a driving rock beat,
innovative harmonisations, and playful imitation. Accessible for
choir and accompanist alike, Crawford's arrangement is suitable for
all types of ensemble.
for SATB and organ This lively piece sets the first six verses of
Psalm 105 in a song of praise packed with energy and fervour. A
dazzling and spirited organ part is present throughout, featuring
spritely triplet figurations set against long, melodic lines in the
voices. Suitable for both church and concert use, this piece will
inject joyful vigour into any programme.
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.
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