for SATB and organ or string orchestra This peaceful arrangement of James R. Murray's melody explores a different choral texture in each of its verses, from optional solo to SATB a cappella. The final verse includes a gentle descant, which soars serenely above the other voices. An accompaniment for string orchestra is available on hire/rental. This work first appeared in Carols for Choirs 5.

for SATB and organ or chamber ensemble This joyful new setting of the traditional English words combines dancing cross-rhythms, exuberant melodic writing, and a sparkling organ part. Guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of audiences and choirs alike! Orchestral material is available on hire/rental. This work first appeared in Carols for Choirs 5.

The Oxford Book of Descants is a definitive collection of 102 descants to well-known hymns, carols, and worship songs. It features descants by a wide range of composers, including contemporary names such as David Willcocks, John Rutter, Malcolm Archer, and Paul Leddington Wright, as well as celebrated twentieth-century church composers such as Alan Gray, Edward Bairstow, Sydney Nicholson, and John Wilson. Published in both full music and melody editions, this is a fully practical collection, with selected descants presented in different keys and with alternative words to match most popular hymnals. The full music edition provides an organ part for each descant while the melody edition contains the descants alone, without their accompanying tunes. With a superb range of descants, ably written and sympathetic to the style and harmony of the original tune, this is an excellent resource that will be welcomed by all choirs and church musicians and will enhance hymn singing at church services.

for SATB and organ or chamber orchestra This is a rich and expressive setting of William Chatterton Dix's famous words. Opening with an elegant melody line for sopranos or tenors, it flowers into full SATB choral textures, both accompanied and a cappella. Containing a delicate soprano solo, lush choral writing, and a tender recurring melody, What child is this? will make an enchanting feature in any Christmas service or concert. An accompaniment for chamber orchestra (fl, cl, str) is available on hire/rental.

for SATB accompanied and unaccompanied This anthology of eleven carols celebrates the festive music of John Gardner (1917-2011). It contains some of his most well-known settings alongside new repertoire, including a previously unpublished Epiphany carol, 'Entry of the Three Kings'. From the reflective 'A Christmas Hymn' to his joyful setting of 'The holly and the ivy', John Gardner Carols presents a variety of styles and moods that will delight choirs and audiences alike. A number of pieces give alternative performance instructions to allow upper-voice choirs to enjoy this superb collection. A number of the carols are included on the EM Records CD 'John Gardner: Cantata for Christmas, Organ Concerto, Christmas Carols' (EMR CD009) with the City of London Choir, conducted by Hilary Davan Wetton and Chris Gardner.

for SATB unaccompanied This heartfelt setting of words by the composer begins with a pianissimo drone over which the sopranos introduce the expressive melody. With lush harmonies, moments of dynamic intensity, and an overriding sense of awe, it would make an ideal centrepiece for a Christmas or Epiphany concert or service. A version for SSAA is also available.

for SATB soloists, SATB chorus, and string ensemble Composed during the early 1700s, Emanuele d'Astorga's nine-movement Stabat Mater was to become one of the most frequently performed choral works of the eighteenth century. Tinged with melancholy, it features ornate solos, duets, and trios interspersed between beautiful imitative moments for full chorus. Robert King has consulted eighteenth-century sources for this edition, which includes an organ reduction for rehearsal purposes. The orchestral score and parts are available on hire/rental.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Originally published in the New Horizons collection Cantica Nova, this expansive Advent motet creates a unique sound world through unusual harmonic inflections, striking spatial effects, unmeasured notation, and haunting soprano and tenor solos. Featured on CDs by Ex Cathedra (Christmas Music by Candlelight) and The Sixteen (O Guiding Night), O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel is quickly becoming a popular choice for choirs looking to develop their contemporary repertoire.

for SSAA, piano, and optional bass and drum kit The Nidaros Jazz Mass draws on a variety of jazz styles to present a fun and innovative setting of the Latin Missa brevis. With a gentle Kyrie, funky Gloria, ballad-like Sanctus, laid-back Benedictus, and passionate Agnus Dei, this work breathes new life into familiar words, perfectly combining the contemporary with the ancient. The stylistic piano part can be played as written or serve as a guide, and an optional bass and drum kit part is available separately for jazz trio accompaniment. Ideal for all upper-voice choirs, the Nidaros Jazz Mass will make a groovy and soulful addition to any concert programme. This work was commissioned by the Nidaros Cathedral Girls' Choir of Trondheim, Norway.

Timothy Dudley-Smith is one of the foremost hymn-writers of the Anglican Church, with work represented in over 250 hymnals throughout the English-speaking world. Beyond our Dreaming is his eighth collection, and includes 36 hymn texts written between 2008 and 2011, and spanning seasons and services throughout the church's year. With textual notes and suggestions of suitable hymn tunes, the collection will be of interest to all who seek to invigorate hymn-singing and church worship in the Anglican Church.

for SATB unaccompanied This serene and reflective setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis was commissioned to mark the 300th anniversary of the death of Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells. With expansive harmonies and arching melodic lines, this accessible setting will appeal to any cathedral, chapel, or church choir looking for fresh service material.

for SSAATTBB unaccompanied This beautiful anthem was a winner of the London A Cappella Festival Composition Competition 2012. A sensitive setting of a text by Thomas Campion, it features word-painting, a rich use of harmony, fluid melodic lines, and expansive textures. Combining the old and the new, View me, Lord is suitable for services throughout the church year.

for SATB (with divisions) and keyboard or orchestra This majestic arrangement breathes new life into the patriotic hymn known to all American congregations. The text, written to commemorate the centenary of the US Declaration of Independence, makes the hymn particularly suitable for 4 July, but it would work equally well for other celebratory occasions. Wilberg has retained some of George Warren's original harmonies, while also adding his own distinctive stamp. The orchestral version has been recorded by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square on the CD Spirit of America (SKU 4600686). An accompaniment for orchestra is available on hire/rental.

for upper voices and organ This radiant anthem was commissioned as part of the celebrations to mark Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee. It was first performed at the Service of Thanksgiving on 5 June 2012 at St Paul's Cathedral by choristers from the Chapel Royal, St Paul's, and an expressly auditioned 'Diamond Choir' of young singers from around the UK. Setting a text adapted from Proverbs 8 by Michael Hampel, Precentor of St Paul's Cathedral, that implores the listener to place their trust in a faithful God, Todd employs arching melodies and beautifully simple harmonies that are underpinned by a gentle organ accompaniment. With its peaceful simplicity and sparkling tranquillity, The Call of Wisdom would make an affecting addition to any service or concert. There is also a version for SATB.

for SATB and organ This is John Rutter's first setting of the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis texts. The Magnificat features rippling organ syncopations, contrasting textures, and an emphatic Gloria. The Nunc dimittis is tender yet uplifting, beginning with a reflective, lyrical section for tenors and basses or a solo voice. This beautifully written setting is a welcome addition to the Evensong repertoire.

for SATB and organ This stirring Christmas song, setting a text by Kevin Crossley-Holland, combines bouncing rhythms, expressive Chilcott harmonies, and vibrant word-painting to depict the gifts brought to Christ's stable. Unison sections are contrasted with imitative writing, and an undulating piano part creates a sense of drive. An ideal addition to Christmas services and concerts for more experienced choirs.

for upper voices and organ This radiant anthem was commissioned as part of the celebrations to mark Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee. It was first performed at the Service of Thanksgiving on 5 June 2012 at St Paul's Cathedral by choristers from the Chapel Royal, St Paul's, and an expressly auditioned 'Diamond Choir' of young singers from around the UK. Setting a text adapted from Proverbs 8 by Michael Hampel, Precentor of St Paul's Cathedral, that implores the listener to place their trust in a faithful God, Todd employs arching melodies and beautifully simple harmonies that are underpinned by a gentle organ accompaniment. With its peaceful simplicity and sparkling tranquillity, The Call of Wisdom would make an affecting addition to any service or concert. There is also a version for SATB.

for SATB and organ This uplifting anthem combines two well-known texts that are commonly read at weddings: 1 Corinthians 13:13 ('And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.') and Song of Solomon 8:6-7 ('For love is strong as death. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it.'). The music perfectly mirrors the message of the texts, with flowing solo organ passages and melodic vocal lines building to full homophonic textures at the climax. Portraying a theme that is both personal and eternal, Faith, hope, and love remain is suitable for use not only as part of a wedding ceremony but also for general services and concerts.

For SATB unaccompanied This is an innovative and moving setting of Robert Herrick's popular Christmas text. The carol opens with an uplifting unison melody, and each verse introduces new vocal textures and increasingly expressive harmonies. Filled with dance-like rhythms and tender four-part choral writing, it will make a memorable addition to any Christmas celebration.

"Voices of the Magi" explores the popular Catholic musical ensembles of southeastern Brazil known as "folias de reis" (companies of kings). Composed predominantly of low-income workers, the folias reenact the journey of the Wise Men to Bethlehem and back to the Orient, as they roam from house to house, singing to bless the families they visit in exchange for food and money. These gifts, in turn, are used to prepare a festival on Kings' Day, January 6, to which all who contributed are invited.
Focusing on urban folias, Suzel Ana Reily shows how participants use the ritual journeys and musical performances of the folias to create sacred spheres distinct from, yet intimately related to, their everyday world. Reily calls this practice "enchantment" and argues that it allows the folia communities to temporarily realize the social ideals of mutual reciprocity and equality embodied in their religious beliefs. The contrast between the ritual experiences and daily lives of these impoverished workers reinforces the religious convictions of these devotees of the Magi. Reily explains and analyzes all the aspects of these folias, bringing to life the enchanted journeys that are central to Brazilian Catholic culture.

for SATB choir and organ or piano, with optional soloists, congregation, and strings (string orchestra, string quintet, or string quartet) Wondrous Cross is a reflective work suitable for church or concert choirs at Passiontide. Bullard skilfully weaves the traditional Seven Last Words of Christ with linking biblical passages, 3 well-known hymns, and settings of 4 well-known sacred texts, including 'Drop, drop, slow tears' and 'Ave verum corpus' (both of which may be sung as independent motets) to create a moving and at times dramatic work. The short solos are perfectly suited to members of the choir, and strings (quartet, quintet, or ensemble) may optionally join the organ or piano in the accompaniment. If performed liturgically, the work may be interspersed with prayers and readings. The result is a flexible and striking work that re-presents this timeless story for a modern audience. String parts and full scores are available to hire from the Music Hire Library.

for SATB (with divisions) and piano or organ or strings A delightful Christmas miniature, Waltz Carol is infused with Gallic charm and an air of festive wonder. Words by the composer, recounting the angel's prophecy to Mary and the subsequent birth of Jesus, are set to tenderly lilting melodies, with a Satie-inspired accompaniment and colourful harmonic touches. An enchanting addition to any service or concert during the Christmas season. An accompaniment for strings is available on hire/rental.

for SATB and organ or orchestra This beautiful setting of verses from the psalms was commissioned by Westminster Abbey for the wedding of HRH Prince William of Wales and Catherine Middleton. It was first performed on 29 April 2011 by the combined choirs of Westminster Abbey and the Chapel Royal, in the presence of the royal family, and was broadcast live to millions across the globe. With elegant melodic lines and warm harmonies, This is the day is perfectly suited to performance at a wedding or special occasion, and would make a joyous addition to any concert or service.

for SA (with divisions) and piano, with optional bass This is a gentle, blues setting of 'A Cradle Song' from William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience. Rich harmonies, blues chords, and syncopation combine with the classic Chilcott sound to create a charming addition to the upper-voice repertory. The optional bass part is printed in the vocal score and also available from OUP's website as a free PDF. The pianist may improvise around the printed piano part. An optional drum part may also be added, following the rhythm and metre of the written bass part.