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 It contains some of his most well-known settings alongside new repertoire, including a previously unpublished Epiphany carol, 'Entry of the Three Kings'.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 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 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.

This wonderful collection brings together seven well-loved carols, all newly arranged by Mack Wilberg for low voice and piano. Featuring a range of Christmas texts, including 'Bring a torch, Jeannette, Isabella', 'Deck the hall', and 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', it also offers two carols with alternative, original foreign-language options (French and Catalan). With a delightful variety of musical styles and moods, this volume is perfect for recitals, services, and concerts at Christmas time. Also available in a volume for high voice.

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 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.

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 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.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied This tender arrangement of the well-loved Irish folk melody Londonderry Air sets an uplifting poem by Howard Walter: a stirring combination of music and text that was also used at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997. Opening with the melody sung by tutti sopranos, the texture gradually builds to a climatic double choir section as the text celebrates the journey to God's heavenly kingdom. I would be true has been recorded by the Cambridge Singers on the CD This is the Day.

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 SATB unaccompanied This is a tender setting of the popular Christmas text by the Wedderburn brothers. Stirring climaxes are contrasted with interweaving melodic lines and expressive soprano solos to convey a sense of joy and wonder at Jesus's birth. Filled with lilting rhythms and warming dynamic swells, this lullaby will make a captivating addition to any Christmas celebration.

for SATB (with soprano solo), trumpet in B flat (or soprano saxophone or clarinet in B flat), and piano or harp The shepherds sing is a sweet and tranquil setting of a Christmas text by George Herbert. With an atmospheric accompaniment created by rippling arpeggio lines in the piano/harp and a simple instrumental countermelody, it begins with a beautiful soprano solo before opening out into gentle choral harmonies. The shepherds sing is featured on the Wroclaw Philharmonic Choir's CD of Bob Chilcott's music.

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.

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 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 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 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.

On the basis of a careful analysis of Olivier Messiaen's work, this book argues for a renewal of our thinking about religious music. Addressing his notion of a "hyper-religious" music of sounds and colors, it aims to show that Messiaen has broken new ground. His reinvention of religious music makes us again aware of the fact that religious music, if taken in its proper radical sense, belongs to the foremost of musical adventures. The work of Olivier Messiaen is well known for its inclusion of religious themes and gestures. These alone, however, do not seem enough to account for the religious status of the work. Arguing for a "breakthrough toward the beyond" on the basis of the synaesthetic experience of music, Messiaen invites a confrontation with contemporary theologians and post-secular thinkers. How to account for a religious breakthrough that is produced by a work of art? Starting from an analysis of his 1960s oratorio La Transfiguration de Notre-Seigneur Jesus-Christ, this book arranges a moderated dialogue between Messiaen and the music theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar, the phenomenology of revelation of Jean-Luc Marion, the rethinking of religion and technics in Jacques Derrida and Bernard Stiegler, and the Augustinian ruminations of Soren Kierkegaard and Jean-Francois Lyotard. Ultimately, this confrontation underscores the challenging yet deeply affirmative nature of Messiaen's music.

for SATB and organ or brass ensemble This triumphant anthem for mixed voices and organ sets a well-known Easter text by Edmund Spenser. Building from a calm, reflective soprano melody to a grandiose fortissimo climax for full choir underpinned by rich organ harmonies, this anthem will be a stirring addition to all Eastertide celebrations. An accompaniment for brass ensemble, timpani, and organ is available on hire/rental.

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 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.

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.