for SATB and organ, with optional congregation This congregational mass setting is short and accessible, with a congregational part that may be intuitively learnt. The organ plays a supportive role throughout, while the choral parts are of melodic and harmonic interest, but always keeping the discernibility of the text at the fore. The congregational part, which may be photocopied, is available at the back of the vocal score.

The Book of Judith tells the story of a fictitious Jewish woman beheading the general of a powerful army to free her people. The parabolic story was set as an example of how God will help the righteous. Judith's heroic action not only became a validating charter myth of Judaism itself but has also been appropriated by many Christian and secular groupings, and has been an inspiration for numerous literary texts and works of art. It continues to exercise its power over artists, authors and academics and is becoming a major field of research in its own right.The Sword of Judith is the first multidisciplinary collection of essays to discuss representations of Judith throughout the centuries. It transforms our understanding across a wide range of disciplines. The collection includes new archival source studies, the translation of unpublished manuscripts, the translation of texts unavailable in English, and Judith images and music.

for SATB and organ This Easter anthem sets an evocative text by J. M. C. Crum. Stately, expressive vocal lines are underpinned by a lively organ part, with crisp staccato melismas that pop out of the texture.

Though the monastic writings of St John Cassian have been enduringly popular, his reputation (not least as a theological author) has been seriously compromised. A. M. C. Casiday begins with an evaluation of conventional ideas about Cassian and, finding them seriously flawed, offers the first sustained attempt at re-reading Cassian's works for their theological significance. Specific attention is called to the Christological aspects of Cassian's monastic anthropology. Throughout, reference is made to Cassian's contemporaries - both well-known figures like Augustine of Hippo, Evagrius Ponticus, Vincent of L rins, and Nestorius, and lesser-known figures such as Prosper of Aquitaine, Valerian of Cimiez, and Paul of Tamma - in order to offer an analysis of Cassian's writings and their significance that is unencumbered by anachronism.

for SATB and organ or orchestra This radiant anthem is an arrangement of William F. Smith's hymn tune 'Lattimer', frequently paired with the popular gospel song 'This little light of mine'. Wilberg gives each section of the choir a presentation of the melody, beginning with the sopranos, before building towards a climactic finish with new harmony and texture as light spreads 'across the land'.

for SATB unaccompanied Let all mortal flesh keep silence is a reflective, homophonic setting of text from the fourth-century Orthodox Liturgy of St James. Sheehan's setting, an original rather than the customary pairing with the hymn tune 'Picardy', is steeped in the Orthodox tradition, and has pure harmonies and a beautiful stillness.

for SATB unaccompanied This gentle carol sets a well-known text, 'Balulalow', that paints an image of Mary singing a lullaby to Jesus. Bullard's gentle sways and lilting rhythms reflect the story, while soft dynamics and warm harmonies create a tender quality throughout. The third verse begins emphatically, praising the 'gift' of the New Year, before finishing on a tranquil, contemplative note.

for SATB unaccompanied with optional congregation William Blake's poem, 'A Cradle Song', is brought to life in this elegant setting by Chilcott. The gentle, recurring melody is passed from sopranos to altos, supported by 'oo's and 'ah's in the lower voices. In the last section, the congregation (or semi-chorus) joins in with 'Away in a manger', which is skilfully weaved into the vocal texture as a countermelody. This is truly a carol for everyone.

for SATB and piano Ring the bells is a joyful setting of a text by Frances Crosby that celebrates the coming of Christmas. Written in a lively compound time, the carol explores one melodic refrain through numerous keys and textures, giving each verse a different energy. The voices are supported by resonant harmonies in the piano that cheerfully mimic the 'bells' and 'harps' in the text.

for SA (with soprano solo) and piano This thought-provoking carol takes up the topical theme of the plight of refugees, drawing parallels with the stories and reception of Christ's birth. The text, by the composer, alludes to familiar lines from the Coventry Carol, rooting the piece in tradition while encouraging us to consider our present. The verses feature contrasting textures and changing metres, while a soft, reflective refrain stands steadfastly in triple metre. This carol was originally published in a version for unaccompanied mixed voices, with soprano solo.

for SSA and piano This is a high energy, foot-tap inducing setting of a well-known text. The bluesy melodies, jazzy harmonies, and swung rhythms give the piece a gospel feel and fill you with the infectious urge to boogie along to the music. Powerful voices and enthusiasm required. Also available in a version for SATB and piano. An optional bass and drum kit part is available as a free PDF download from the OUP website.

for SATB and piano or organ or trio A lilting 3/4 metre carries the listener through this familiar Christmas story, beautifully depicted in a text by the composer. Rutter employs artful word-painting throughout, and the verse-refrain structure enables the compelling melody to soon become as familiar as any traditional carol of the season. Christ our Emmanuel may be accompanied by piano or organ, or by flute, oboe, and harp. Two versions of the vocal score are available: one with piano accompaniment and one with organ accompaniment. Full scores and parts are available for purchase.

for SATB and piano or organ or trio A lilting 3/4 metre carries the listener through this familiar Christmas story, beautifully depicted in a text by the composer. Rutter employs artful word-painting throughout, and the verse-refrain structure enables the compelling melody to soon become as familiar as any traditional carol of the season. Christ our Emmanuel may be accompanied by piano or organ, or by flute, oboe, and harp. Two versions of the vocal score are available: one with piano accompaniment and one with organ accompaniment. Full scores and parts are available for purchase.

for SATB and organ George Herbert's popular poem, 'The Call', is set to music in this powerful and evocative anthem. Bednall uses subtle dynamic and rhythmic shifts to build towards a powerful climax in the third verse, before winding down to a contemplative ending. The organ part plays a dramatic role and offers atmospheric interludes throughout.

for SATB (with divisions) and organ Setting his own text, Archer's new carol is specifically dedicated to Mary. 'Ave Maria's are interspersed between flowing melodies that rock gently in 3/4 time, while the central section offers brief introspection in the tonic minor. Accompanied by a supportive organ part throughout, the voices finish with a jazzy chord progression, leaving behind a warm, Christmassy feeling.