A History of Western Choral Music explores the various genres, key composers, and influential works essential to the development of the western choral tradition. Author Chester L. Alwes divides this exploration into two volumes which move from Medieval music and the Renaissance era up to the 21st century. Volume I surveys the choral music of composers including Josquin, Palestrina, Purcell, Handel, and J.S. Bach while detailing the stylistic, textual, and extramusical considerations unique to the topics covered. Consideration of Renaissance music includes both sacred and secular works, specifically addressing the growth of sacred music, the rise of secular music, and the proliferation of sacred polyphony from Josquin to Palestrina. Discussion of the Baroque era is organized by geographic location, exploring the spread of Baroque style from Italy to German, France, and England. Volume I concludes by examining the aesthetic underpinnings of the early Classical and Romantic eras. Framing discussion within the political, religious, cultural, philosophical, aesthetic, and technological contexts of each era, A History of Western Choral Music offers readers specialized insight into major composers and works while providing a cohesive understanding of choral music's place in Western history.

for SATB (with divisions) and soprano saxophone Setting the original Latin text of the hymn better known as 'Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding', Jackson creates an Advent piece of beautiful stillness. The largely homophonic choral parts, with a soloist supplying a gentle contrapuntal line, are contrasted with light and graceful interjections from the saxophone. The result is a quietly moving piece ideally suited for a reflective moment during an Advent service.

In recent decades, cognitive neuroscience research has increased our understanding of how the brain learns, retains, and recalls information. At the same time, social psychologists have developed insights into group dynamics, exploring what motivates individuals in a group to give their full effort, or conversely, what might instead inspire them to become free loaders. Art and Science in the Choral Rehearsal explores the idea that choral conductors who better understand how the brain learns, and how individuals within groups function, can lead more efficient, productive, and enjoyable rehearsals. Armed with this knowledge, conductors can create rehearsal techniques which take advantage of certain fundamental brain and social psychology principles. Through such approaches, singers will become increasingly engaged physically and mentally in the rehearsal process. Art and Science in the Choral Rehearsal draws from a range of scientific studies to suggest and encourage effective, evidence-based techniques, and can help serve to reset and inspire new approaches toward teaching. Each chapter outlines exercises and creative ideas for conductors and music teachers, including the importance of embedding problem solving into rehearsal, the use of multiple entry points for newly acquired information, techniques to encourage an emotional connection to the music, and ways to incorporate writing exercises into rehearsal. Additional topics include brain-compatible teaching strategies to complement thorough score study, the science behind motivation, the role imagination plays in teaching, the psychology of rehearsal, and conducting tips and advice. All of these brain-friendly strategies serve to encourage singers' active participation in rehearsals, with the goal of motivating beautiful, inspired, and memorable performances.

for SATB and chamber ensemble Inspired by Geertgen's painting Nativity at Night, Candlelight Carol centres around the love of a mother on that first night in the stable. The orchestral material is compatible with both the SATBB and SSAA versions.

for SATB and organ or piano or orchestra or brass This anthem combines original music by Mack Wilberg, words by David Warner, and the celebrated hymn tune 'Old One Hundredth', which emerges from heralding voices, cleverly and majestically interwoven. Hymn of Praise is on the CD 'Glory! Music of Rejoicing' (2012) recorded by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra on Temple Square. Orchestral material is available on hire/rental.

for SATB and organ or large orchestra This arrangement of the well-loved hymn stays true to the jubilation and reverence of Easter. Wesley's words and the eighteenth-century melody shine through in a sensitive reharmonization, and a recurring instrumental passage smoothly connects the verses. Reflecting common hymn-singing practice, the first verse is in unison, the second in four-part harmony, and the third returns to unison with a soprano descant, before closing with a suitably exultant 'Alleluia' and 'Amen'. Christ the Lord is risen today appears on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square's latest CD, He is Risen, which reached No. 1 in both the 'Classical Albums' and 'Traditional Classical Albums' US charts within two weeks of its release in April 2014.

for SATB unaccompanied This paean to the divine creation of the world sets part of the Benedicite text from the US Book of Common Prayer. The four unaccompanied voice parts are used to great effect, with phrases often beginning in a strong unison before opening out into rich and colourful harmonies. Helvey highlights the words through the use of homophonic textures and changing time signatures to follow the natural stresses of the text.

for SA and piano or orchestra This charming piece brings to life a magical world that exists in everyone's mind - a land of make-believe, where there are dragons, giants, and castles in the air. The composer's wonderfully imaginative words will appeal to all young and young-at-heart singers, and the approachable melody and limited divisi make the work ideal for performance by children's choir.

for SSA and organ Composed in 1977, this triumphant setting of words from Psalms 136 and 67 is now published for the first time following the rediscovery of the lost manuscript. Rutter's early style is reminiscent of Britten, making a feature of parallel harmonies and scalic runs to impressive effect- ideal to revitalise the evensong repertoire of upper-voice choirs.

for SATB and organ or strings John Rutter's much-loved setting of the Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6: 24) is here included in the John Rutter Anniversary Edition, with an illuminating composer's note and useful performance hints. Also available in a version for upper voices. Conductor's scores and instrumental parts are available on sale and hire/rental.

for SSATB and cello Night Flight was written to mark the centenary of Harriet Quimby's pioneering flight across the English channel. Setting texts by Sheila Bryer on the mysterious powers of the sea, earth, and air, McDowall uses vocal clusters and haunting solo cello lines to highlight the sense of fear, awe, and majesty experienced by an individual pitted against the elements. Cecilia McDowall was awarded the 2014 British Composer Award in the Choral category for Night Flight. The solo cello part is available for sale separately.

Choral Scores is an anthology of music exemplifying distinctive choral repertoire by the most noteworthy composers throughout the history of Western music. A companion volume to Denis Shrock's Choral Repertoire (Oxford 2009), it presents works of salient importance to the development of choral music in Western culture, representing the music of the composers, eras, and movements discussed most prominently in that volume. Including 132 compositions by 124 different composers, each presented unabridged and in full score, and spanning the entirety of Western music history, from the medieval era through the twentieth century, and into the twenty-first, Choral Scores is the most thorough, and up-to-date collection of choral music available. Complete with an appendix offering literal translations of texts, as well as composer and genre indices, Choral Scores is an essential reference for choral scholars, teachers, and students alike.

for SSATB and organ The hymn Come, Holy Ghost lies at the heart of Celestial Fire. Here, McDowall has woven the exquisite poetry of Denise Levertov into this expressive and uplifting piece. At times quietly meditative, Celestial Fire unfolds to a most joyous, affirmative conclusion. Celestial Fire was commissioned as part of a trilogy suitable for significant occasions during the church calendar year by Oakham School; the two other Oakham anthems for organ and mixed chorus are Light Eternal and Candlemas.

for SATB and organ This short collection presents the complete set of hymns from Chilcott's stunning setting of the St John Passion. The five well-known hymn texts are set to new, original melodies, which are also intended for performance by the audience or congregation. The parts for SATB choir are simple yet beautifully crafted, with a soaring soprano descant to complete four of the hymns. Perfect for liturgical use during holy week, the set would also be ideal for concert performance.

for SATB and piano or orchestra A setting of the hymn Samanthra, this piece combines the original tune's simplicity with rich musical texture and majesty - the hallmarks of Wilberg's style. His voice as the sound features on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's CD 'Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing: American Folk Hymns & Sprituals' (SKU5014332). Orchestral material is available on hire/rental.

for SATB unaccompanied Part of the John Rutter Anniversary Edition, this is a profoundly beautiful setting of one of the earliest English prayers, from the Sarum Primer of 1514.