for SSSAA unaccompanied. The opening of this motet displays Massaino's skill in the art of word-painting with soaring lines that play on the word 'arise' (Surge). Punctuated with occasional homophonic writing, the beautiful melodic lines find clever use of imitation across all voices. The secunda pars increases the quick imitation of the vocal lines, mirroring the excitement of the text 'the time of pruning has come' (Tempus putationis advenit). This, coupled with the introduction of shorter note values, creates a joyful celebration of the text from the Song of Songs. Offprinted from The Oxford Book of Upper-Voice Polyphony.

for SSAA double choir unaccompanied. In this compelling motet for the Feast of the Holy Trinity, Handl artfully embodies symbolism of the Trinity within the motet's structure. The three verses surrounded by a refrain of 'O beata Trinitas' may have been deliberately chosen to represent the Trinity, as it is the only example where Handl includes a true refrain. Offprinted from The Oxford Book of Upper-Voice Polyphony.

for SSAA unaccompanied. This Marian text for Eastertide, Regina caeli, was set four times by Morales. This setting for four voices was first published in the Spanish composer's 1543 collection and notated in high clefs. The simple-tone plainchant hymn is strongly referenced in each of the vocal lines, with Alto 1 dedicated as a cantus firmus for the majority of the piece. Offprinted from The Oxford Book of Upper-Voice Polyphony.

for SSA unaccompanied Clemens composed two settings of the Marian text Ego flos campi, one scored for mixed choir of seven voices and this other, more intimate, setting for three voices. Here the voices weave beautiful counterpoint with attractive independent melodies.

for SSSAA unaccompanied. Recent scholarship postulates that this anonymous motet for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was in fact written by Leonora d'Este, daughter of Duke Alfonso I and Lucrezia Borgia, and abbess of the Corpus Domini Convent in Ferrara. The music and style of d'Este's compositions are skilful in the art of polyphonic writing and the beautiful Sicut lilium inter spinas, written for five voices, is a fine example of this style. Offprinted from The Oxford Book of Upper-Voice Polyphony.

The Oxford Book of Upper-Voice Polyphony is a collection of carefully curated and edited Renaissance works. Scholarly yet practical, this volume is an invaluable addition to the library of any choir looking to explore this rich genre in liturgical or concert settings.

for SATB choir unaccompanied With a text by John Henry Newman, Lead, kindly Light is a short, moving piece perfectly suited for our current times. Step-like movement in the melody reflects the speaker seeking light in the darkness, slow but steady in their way out of the 'encircling gloom'.

for SABar and piano, with opt. bass and drum kit This is a funky arrangement of Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' with an English text by Henry van Dyke. Milloy jazzes up the well-known melody by arranging it in 12/8 time and adding syncopation, while supporting it with a groovy piano accompaniment and optional bass part (available at the back of the leaflet). Originally published in Pop Voiceworks 2.

for SABar and piano or organ Ideal for a carol service or concert, this piece follows the three Kings on their journey to the birth of Jesus and is characterised by its alternation of major and minor modes. Also available in a version for SATB and piano or organ.

for SSA and organ or piano 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 SSA choir. The accompaniment should ideally be played on the organ, but may be performed on the piano if organ is not available. Also available in a version for mixed voices.

for SABar and piano Higgins's arrangement of the popular German carol is given a modern twist with fresh harmonies, but still captures the gentleness and tranquility found in more traditional settings. Supported by sustained 'oo's and 'ah's throughout, the well-known melody is underpinned by a delicate piano accompaniment, with an optional unaccompanied middle section.

for SATB unaccompanied This setting of Phineas Fletcher's text is gentle and flowing, with a lilting, descending motif to characterise the 'slow tears'. Archer offers nuanced dynamics and imitative entries in this simple but expressive piece, suitable for Lent and Passiontide.

for SATB unaccompanied This is a declamatory setting of a popular Easter text by Gerard Manley Hopkins in an upbeat 7/8 metre. Featuring compelling interplay between choral sections, a slower reflective passage, and a rousing conclusion, this anthem will bring a fresh sound to Easter services and concerts.

for SATB and piano four-hands or chamber orchestra This effervescent setting of two texts by David Warner - one for Christmas, one for general worship - was included on the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square's release, 'Tree of Life'. Over a shimmering, festive accompaniment for piano four-hands or chamber orchestra, the melody is passed between voice parts, and the dynamic contrasts and detailed articulation enable singers to present an engaging characterization.

for medium solo voice and organ This mass setting, with texts in both Latin and English (Book of Common Prayer), is typical of the composer's style: musically sophisticated, with motivic solo lines and a great deal of chromaticism and continual time changes. Vocal range: C4-Gb5 (opt. A5).

for high solo voice and organ This mass setting, with texts in both Latin and English (Book of Common Prayer), is typical of the composer's style: musically sophisticated, with motivic solo lines and a great deal of chromaticism and continual time changes. Vocal range: Eb4-A5 (opt. C6).

The sweetness of music is something that has puzzled Christian theologians for centuries. In this study, Luther's theology of music is approached from the point of view of pleasure. It examines the significance of joy, beauty and pleasure in relationship with music and Luther's theology. The notion of music as the supreme gift of God requires also a discussion about the idea of 'gift'. Music opens up new perspectives into Luther's thinking. Luther has seldom been reckoned among aesthetic theologians. Nevertheless, Luther has a peculiar view on beauty, understanding faith as a kind of aesthetic contemplation.

for SATB and organ A celebratory carol in a lilting 12/8 metre, Christmas Welcome sets a joyful fifteenth-century text written by the English priest and poet John the Blind Audelay. Whitbourn employs textural contrasts and call-and-response style pairings of voices to great effect, and the soloistic organ writing allows plenty of opportunity for organists to explore the full range of their instrument.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied This is a beautiful and dynamic setting of well-known words from the Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon). With a soaring soprano melody, McGlade's fluid vocal lines drive harmonic twists within an immediately accessible sound-world. Perfect for concert performance.

for SATB and organ or piano This Easter carol is based on J. M. Neale's translation of the Latin Piae Cantiones and occupies a captivatingly exotic soundworld. Sheehan's setting is in strophic form, with a texture that builds from verse to verse and with varying harmonizations, culminating in a dramatic cadence.

for SSATB unaccompanied Written to commemorate the centenary of the foundation of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Brightest Star sets a powerful text by Sean Street. The poem describes the call for assistance made by the occupied Channel Islands in 1944 and the response of the Red Cross ship, the Vega, which came to their aid, drawing parallels between this story and the light and hope of the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany. The bleak wartime conditions are portrayed by dissonant harmony and downward sliding phrases, and extracts from the Bailiff of Jersey's letter of appeal, sung by the lower voices, draw attention to the gravity of the situation. In contrast, the upper voices bring an ethereal quality to the texture, with closing phrases that are suggestive of the traditional French carol Les anges dans nos campagnes ('Angels, from the realms of glory').