for SATB and piano/orchestra Wilberg's arrangement of Robert Lowry's text and melody is a beautifully reflective take on the well-known hymn. Simple vocal lines are enhanced by a gently flowing accompaniment, rich in suspensions and harmonic interest. This part can be played on the piano, or by the unusual combination of flutes, cors anglais, harp, and strings.

for SATB unaccompanied (with divisions) Three Prayers, with a Vision of Light sets early Christian texts by St Augustine of Hippo, Baldwin of Forde, and St Mary Magdalene de Pazzi alongside words by Estonian poet Doris Kareva. Each movement offers a change of mood, from the reflective 'Conversi ad Dominum' to the more urgent and pleading 'Aufer a me, Domine' and serene 'Veni, Sancte Spiritus', with 'He who lives in light' offering an expressive and contrasting central movement.

for SATB unaccompanied This anthem for unaccompanied choir juxtaposes the words of the Antiphon for the Washing of Feet on Maundy Thursday with 'The red rose whispers of passion' by the poet John Boyle O'Reilly. Jackson combines lyrical polyphonic phrases for upper and lower voices with atmospheric passages for full choir, frequently accompanied by repeated half-whispered text in free time.

for soprano solo and SSATB unaccompanied Cecilia, Busy Like a Bee is a reflective and reverential setting of a text adapted from the Divine Office for St Cecilia's Day. The influence of plainchant is particularly apparent in the soprano solo, and McDowall intersperses effective imitative passages amidst homophonic writing with rich harmonies.

for SATB and organ Setting the George Herbert poem 'Whitsunday' from the 1633 collection The Temple, this lilting, gentle anthem is particularly useful for Whit Sunday services. Syncopations and duplets provide rhythmic interest, with memorable melodies, sumptuous harmonies, and contrasting textures making this a rewarding anthem for performer and listener alike.

for SATB or unison voices and organ This joyous, celebratory introit sets well-known words from Psalm 95 and features appealing recitative-like melodies, striking harmonies, and fluctuating metre. The flexible scoring facilitates performance by SATB choir, unison voices, or high voices, and the organ part provides a supportive yet compelling accompaniment. O come, let us sing has been recorded by Wells Cathedral Choir, conducted by Matthew Owens, on the CD 'Flame Celestial' (REGCD320).

for SSAA, solo cello, djembe, and piano This evocative anthem, from the larger work Snow Angel, is a piece of two halves. Opening with a haunting cello line, the first section ('God Will Give Orders') is mystical and ethereal, until a vibrant figure from the djembe lifts the music into the second section ('Sweet Child'), which is uplifting and bold in character, with a distinctly African feel and an effective a cappella ending.

for SATB, trumpet in C, and organ This substantial anthem was composed in 2015 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta and to mark Salisbury Cathedral's stewardship of the charter since 1215. Rutter succeeds in weaving together passages from the books of Isaiah, Zechariah, and Amos with music that is both ceremonial and mysteriously intense to create a dignified and powerful work.

for SATB, trumpet, and organ/orchestra The second of two Rutter anthems celebrating the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, Give the king thy judgments, O God is a ceremonial work that draws upon the Book of Psalms alongside text written by the composer to create a suitably festive piece. Although the prevailing mood is jubilant, the closing pages provide a prayerful moment as Orlando Gibbon's gentle hymn tune Song 1 is interpolated to great effect. This anthem is featured on Rutter's highly-acclaimed CD The Gift of Life. A trumpet in C part is included in the vocal score, and a B flat trumpet part is available separately.

for SATB and organ or orchestra John Rutter's original setting of this popular Easter hymn is resplendent and celebratory, with frequent metre changes that give a fresh feel to these historic words. Also available in Anthems for Choirs 4 and Ash Wednesday to Easter for Choirs, with a version for SSA and organ available in Anthems for Choirs 3. Orchestral scores and parts are available on hire/rental: 2fl, 2ob, 2cl, 2bsn, 2hn, 2tpt, timp, perc, hp, str.

for SATB (with divisions) and organ Set to Ursula Vaughan Williams's celebrated paean to the patron saint of music, this work is by turns joyous and reflective. Rich harmonies, shifting tonalities, and expressive melodies combine to evoke the changing moods explored within the text. The poignant Andante section midway through the piece, sung by a solo soprano, is a pivotal moment; it gives way to increasingly jubilant and powerful writing that brings the work to an ecstatic conclusion.

for SSA and organ This concise Latin mass setting is entirely suitable for liturgical use, but the sharply delineated characters of the different movements make it also an appealing concert work. The organ part is supportive, but full of interest and not merely accompanimental. Particularly memorable are the jaunty Gloria, with its constantly shifting time-signatures, and the haunting Agnus Dei.

for SSA(A)TB unaccompanied This attractive motet was written for performance alongside Brahms's Requiem, following the precedent of Handel's famous setting of the same text being sung at the premiere of the Brahms in 1868. The gracefully sculpted music clothes the text with touching melodies, expressive harmonies and varied sonorities.

With a host of accessible, quality new settings, and with pieces based on all the major hymn tunes, these volumes are a must for every church organist's library.

The Malay Nobat: A History of Power, Acculturation, and Sovereignty explores the history and meaning of the nobat, a court ensemble that performs in courts in Malaysia and Brunei with roots in the Islamicate world since Abbassid times. Raja Iskandar Bin Raja Halid examines the nobat spread throughout the Muslim empire and its emergence as a symbol of power and sovereignty. The book offers a new perspective of the Islamic history of Southeast Asia through detailed study of early Malay literature and accounts of western travelers. The author argues that the nobat was an important symbol of Muslim power that went through a series of encounters and accommodation. The author analyzes the effect of the nobat's appropriation by colonial powers and of its induction as part of an invented tradition in the process of nation-building a modern Malay state. The author ultimately shows how existing nobat ensembles in Malaysia and Brunei are the last living legacy of the Mulism world.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied This serene communion motet sets the last two verses of the Pangue Lingua and oscillates between 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures. The melodic lines are expressive and at times melismatic and the divisi in all parts creates a rich texture.

In this special seasonal edition, bestselling author Robert J. Morgan shares the incredible stories behind traditional holiday hymns of faith, including Christmas, Easter, and more. Is there a festive season of the year that is complete without one of your favorite hymns? Not only do hymns connect you to great memories, but they also reveal the faith of those who lived throughout history. As Robert Morgan explored the stories behind some of the best-loved hymns, he found fascinating accounts of tribulations, triumphs, struggles, and hope-ordinary people who connected with God in amazing ways, sharing their experiences through song. Included inside this special edition are: 150 devotional-style stories with the words and music to each hymn Includes hymns for holidays including Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and more Jagged edged paper, giving it a classic feel Includes a complete hymn index by title, first line, and songwriter Perfect for use as a daily devotional, teaching illustration, or for song leaders and music ministers Discover the inspiration behind your favorite hymns. Find new favorites as you relate to the people whose walk of faith led them to write these classic songs of praise. Share these stories with your family, friends, and church, and find more depth and meaning as you worship God through song.

for SATB (with divisions) and organ This jubilant carol sets a fifteenth-century text that rejoices in the birth of the baby Jesus. Bednall's rhythmically exciting setting features frequently changing time signatures, with 7/8 passages creating a jaunty feel. There are a variety of tempi and textures: a slower, tender middle section contrasts with the lively outer sections, and an unaccompanied section for the choir is juxtaposed against glittering, rhythmic organ passages. An ideal opener for any Christmas Carol concert, the work is featured on the Choir of Truro Cathedral's CD A Year at Truro (Regent Records).