Camille Saint-Saens is a memorable figure not only for his successes as a composer of choral and orchestral works, and the eternally popular opera Samson et Dalila, but also because he was a keen observer of the musical culture in which he lived. A composer of vast intelligence and erudition, Saint-Saens was at the same time one of the foremost writers on music in his day. From Wagner, Liszt and Debussy to Milhaud and Stravinsky, Saint-Saens was at the center of the elite musical and cultural fin de siecle and early 20th Century world. He championed Schumann and Wagner in France at a period when these composers were regarded as dangerous subversives whose music should be kept well away from the impressionable student. Yet Saint-Saens himself had no aspirations to being a revolutionary, and his appreciation of Wagner the composer was tempered by his reservations over Wagner the philosopher and dramatist, suspicious as he was of what he called the Germanic preoccupation with going beyond reality. Whether defending Meyerbeer against charges of facility or Berlioz against those who questioned his harmonic grasp, Saint-Saens was always his own man: in both cases, he claimed, it was not the absence of faults but the presence of virtues that distinguishes the good composer. Saint-Saens's writings provide a well-argued counter-discourse to the strong modernist music critics who rallied around Debussy and Ravel during the fin de siecle. And above all, they demonstrate a brilliantly sharp and active brain, expressing itself through prose of a Classical purity and balance, enlivened throughout with flashes of wit and, at times, of sheer malice. In this generously annotated volume, renowned scholar, seasoned translator and radio broadcaster Roger Nichols brings some of the composer's most striking and evocative writings brilliantly to life in English translation, many for the first time. Nichols has carefully chosen these selections for their intrinsic interest as historical documents to create a well-balanced and engaging view of the man, the music, and the age.

for upper voices with piano accompaniment or unaccompanied A compelling collection exploring different times of the day and the four seasons, Times and Seasons presents a fruitful collaboration between Bob Chilcott and poet Delphine Chalmers. Four of the pieces are unaccompanied, while the remainder have characterful and supportive piano accompaniments; the voices sing in unison or two parts, making this collection eminently accessible. Suitable for performance as a suite or as stand-alone pieces, these charming songs will be a welcome addition to the repertoire of any children's or upper-voice choir.

for SATB (with divisions) and organ or chamber ensemble This is an uplifting and celebratory setting of the Latin Missa brevis. The choir may be accompanied by organ, chamber ensemble, or a selection of ensemble instruments in combination with organ, opening up several compelling performance options. Four French carol melodies are woven into the music, and performance with glockenspiel and trumpet bring these particularly to the fore. The chosen carol melodies are often associated with hymns from other Church seasons, making the work suitable for performance throughout the year.

for SSA or SATB, piano, and optional guitar, bass, and drum kit Samba Mass is a joyous and colourful setting of the Latin Missa brevis. The stylistic piano part in the vocal score can be played as written or serve as a guide, and this optional guitar, bass, and drum kit part, with chord symbols, facilitates band accompaniment. Performers will enjoy exploring the interplay between voices and the rich, warm colours of the samba and bossa nova styles.

for SSA, piano, and optional guitar, bass, and drum kit Samba Mass is a joyous and colourful setting of the Latin Missa brevis. The work is framed by the gentle bossa nova style of the warm Kyrie and relaxed Agnus Dei, which is prefaced by a funky Benedictus. The compelling rhythms of samba come to the fore in the second movement, a vivacious Gloria, which is followed by a beautiful Sanctus that offsets a steady flow of quavers with rhythmic syncopations. The stylistic piano part can be played as written or serve as a guide, and an optional guitar, bass, and drum kit part is available separately for band accompaniment. Performers will enjoy exploring the interplay between voices and the rich, warm colours of the samba and bossa nova styles.

London Town was commissioned and written to be performed by the combined forces of unison children's choir and SATB mixed voices, with piano. The vividly communicative six-movement work, which is accompanied throughout, is full of musical contrasts from the jaunty 'London Zoo' to the solemn 'Lines written in the Tower of London'. The work celebrates London through its six songs and contains texts by Rudyard Kipling, Walter Raleigh, and William Wordsworth alongside new material by Delphine Chalmers and the composer. It has sections for adult voices alone and sections for children's voices alone alongside passages for the two forces to combine as a full choir.

for SSAA and organ, and optional brass ensemble and timpani Commissioned by Benenden School, Make We Merry is an eight-movement piece which sets texts from the 15th to 19th centuries to a variety of choral textures with a highly characterful accompaniment. A vast array of sentiments is depicted, from quiet expectance and gentle wonder to boisterous jubilation, and the different movements provide a wonderfully paced journey through these moods. The final movement brings back motifs from the opening and grows to a thrillingly climactic ending to this exciting Christmas concert work.

for soprano and baritone soloists, SATB chorus, and orchestra This significant seven-movement work from Cecilia McDowall presents an imaginative pairing of extracts from The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci with texts from the Latin Missa pro defunctis. Da Vinci's reflective and penetrating insights into the nature of mortality and all that it encompasses cast new light on the familiar Requiem texts, and McDowall employs her orchestral forces to create a rich, atmospheric backdrop to the profound narrative presented by the chorus and soprano and baritone soloists. Dark, sonorous writing precedes an energetic 'Sanctus', and the closing bars of the luminous 'Lux aeterna' create a powerful allusion to da Vinci's concept of 'The Perspective of Disappearance'.

This volume comprises twenty-eight of the finest oratorio choruses, complete short choral works, and movements from masses or requiems from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries. Drawing repertoire from Britain and mainland Europe, the volume features renowned choruses and familiar cornerstones of the repertoire, as well as some choral discoveries, all in new, carefully researched, and practical editions. Playable piano reductions for rehearsal use are included in the main volume, with a separate volume of purpose-made three-stave organ accompaniments, and newly typeset orchestral material available on rental. Intended for choral societies and cathedral, church, and concert choirs, this is a unique collection of choral classics for mixed voices and orchestra, and an invaluable practical addition to any choir's library.

for upper voices, SATB, and piano (with snare and tenor drums and solo cello) or chamber orchestra This profound setting of poems by Wilfred Owen explores the idea of the sun as a redemptive force. The sense of human connection and vivid imagery of the natural world imbued in Owen's poetry is perfectly conveyed in Chilcott's music, which is rich in highly effective word painting and melodies as visceral as the poetry itself. The first movement, 'Song of Songs', sets the tone for the work, balancing a sense of reverence and solemnity with hopefulness and optimism, and a poignant and moving setting of Futility is a powerful focal point. Chilcott supplements the choral texture to great effect, with snare and tenor drum creating a mood of expectancy in 'Spring Offensive' and a middle movement for tenor and cello soloists that inhabits a stark musical landscape that blossoms harmonically as the soldier tells of the 'fellowships' and 'beauty' they have found.

Passion Music continues the fusion of jazz and choral music so successfully blended in Will Todd's Mass in Blue. The structure highlights different points in the Passion story, beginning with a new setting of 'Greater love has no man' and including an evocative Stabat Mater, a movement focusing on the seven last words of Christ, and a setting of 'Were you there when they crucified my Lord?'. While some sections are reflective, Todd also makes full use of his understanding of energetic jazz and gospel. The vocal soloist is given plenty of expressive freedom, singing both with the choir and independently to achieve the characteristic jazz-soul style. The seven-piece jazz accompaniment, which is presented in the vocal score as a piano reduction for rehearsal only, completes the ensemble. The full score and set of parts for the jazz accompaniment are available on sale and hire. A complete backing track and individual rehearsal tracks for the vocal parts are also available to download.

for sopranos, altos, and unison men, with piano or organ accompaniment Anthems for SA & Men is the perfect collection for church choirs looking for high-quality, accessible material in three parts. Ideal for performance during Holy Communion, and suitable for use across the Church year, the nine pieces by favourite Oxford composers have been re-scored specially for this collection, with a particular focus on producing practical, singable parts for unison men's voices. The approachable accompaniments, for organ or piano, support the vocal lines throughout.

for upper voices with piano accompaniment and unaccompanied A celebration of Oxford's popular Songbird series, this collection of nine original works for upper voices in two, three, and four parts meets the need for fresh concert repertoire for youth and women's choirs. Featuring well-known composers such as Kerry Andrew, Cecilia McDowall, and Sarah Quartel, the collection includes a variety of styles and moods and a selection of pieces that are all melodically appealing and immediately approachable, with a contemporary twist. Texts from across the years touch on a range of themes, from the empowering to the quirky, with a particular emphasis on the natural world. Performance notes from compilers Neil Ferris and Joanna Tomlinson provide invaluable tips for rehearsal and performance, making this a complete and practical collection for contemporary upper-voice choirs.

The Singer's Guide to German Diction is the essential foundation for a complete course in German diction for singers, vocal coaches, choral conductors, and anyone wishing to learn to learn the proper pronunciation of High German. Written by Valentin Lanzrein and Richard Cross, who each have years of experience on stage, in the voice studio, and in the diction classroom, it provides an all-encompassing and versatile reference for the rules of German diction and their exceptions. Featuring an easily navigable format that uses tables and charts to support a visual understanding of the text, this guide allows the reader to find information on diction rules and quick help with the formation of each sound. It also places an emphasis on exceptions to the rules, which are crucial in learning the proper pronunciation of any language. Exceptions are not only provided with the diction rules, but are also gathered in a specific section for ease of reference. A glossary of difficult words, names, and exceptions is provided in the appendix, along with a section on Latin pronounced in the German manner. Extensive pronunciation exercises, as well as IPA transcription worksheets and short examples from the vocal literature, are used for practical application of the diction rules, and feature musical exercises drawn from art song, opera, and oratorio. The book's companion website supplements these musical exercises with high-quality audio clips recorded by leading professional singers, providing an invaluable resource for independent study. A comprehensive companion for teachers, students, and singers alike, The Singer's Guide to German Diction brings German diction to life through its well-structured system of practice and reference materials.

for sopranos, altos, and unison men with piano or organ or orchestra This collection includes nine of John Rutter's most popular Christmas carols, re-scored by the composer into three parts: for sopranos, altos, and unison men. From 'Star Carol' to 'All bells in paradise', these festive favourites continue to delight choirs and audiences across the world.

SATB chorus and orchestra Pulsating rhythms underpin this energetic arrangement of a traditional spiritual. The voice parts progress from a forthright rendition of the famous tune at the beginning to bold and exciting harmonies by the end. The arrangement would provide a high-spirited and rousing climax for any Christmas concert.

for SATB and piano or organ Psalmi Penitentiales comprises three settings of sections from the Penitential Psalms, interspersed with four arrangements of the well-known Ubi caritas plainchant. Often recited during Lent, the three psalms that Bullard has chosen give expression to feelings of penitence and remorse. The setting, for mixed four-part choir with organ or piano accompaniment, responds to the drama and changes of mood within the Latin text with expressive melodic lines and richly varied harmonies. The psalms may also be performed separately, giving the work added flexibility in performance. Psalmi Penitentiales is an excellent companion to Bullard's Wondrous Cross, ideal for choirs seeking a substantial choral work for Lent and Passiontide.

Parry's Songs of Farewell were composed over the final decade of his life. The elegiac tone of the Songs may also reflect a sense of loss caused by the First World War - in which some of Parry's most promising students at the Royal College of Music lost their lives - and a decline in national confidence, expressed in a different manner in Parry's famous Jerusalem of 1916. The motets are among Parry's most eloquent and concise works, and deservedly form part of the rich canon of British choral music. This edition, by Associate Professor Robert Quinney, Director of the Choir of New College, Oxford, is the first to offer a critical assessment of the autograph manuscripts, held in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. It offers a significant earlier version of a section of the fourth motet, rescored passages from the fifth, helpful notes on performance, and supporting online materials. A comprehensive and practical edition, it also provides a clear and elegant presentation of the text.

The Confident Choir is an exploration of conditions affecting the confidence levels in singers of all levels to create an accessible synthesis of the psychological models and offer practical confidence-building strategies for conductors, teachers, community musicians, and workshop leaders. Michael Bonshor combines his experience as a singing teacher and choral director with a series of in-depth interviews that give an intimate depiction of the challenges faced by the contemporary choral singer. These insights provide the basis for a range of suggested techniques to bolster confidence and reduce anxiety in the group-singing context. This book is primarily designed as a guide for leaders of amateur group singing activities and is relevant to choirs of all sizes and genres. The content will appeal to singers, teachers, and choir leaders; students and scholars in the fields of choral research, community music, music psychology, and adult education; and educators training the musical leaders of the future.

The Confident Choir is an exploration of conditions affecting the confidence levels in singers of all levels to create an accessible synthesis of the psychological models and offer practical confidence-building strategies for conductors, teachers, community musicians, and workshop leaders. Michael Bonshor combines his experience as a singing teacher and choral director with a series of in-depth interviews that give an intimate depiction of the challenges faced by the contemporary choral singer. These insights provide the basis for a range of suggested techniques to bolster confidence and reduce anxiety in the group-singing context. This book is primarily designed as a guide for leaders of amateur group singing activities and is relevant to choirs of all sizes and genres. The content will appeal to singers, teachers, and choir leaders; students and scholars in the fields of choral research, community music, music psychology, and adult education; and educators training the musical leaders of the future.

for SATB (with divisions) and organ This joyous, upbeat anthem sets a compelling poem by contemporary poet Sean Street in response to a text by sixteenth-century Bishop of Norwich John Parkhurst on the subject of 'alma mater'. The text encourages us to appreciate the past, our education, and where it can lead, reflecting on the profound ties we can form to a time or a place. The bright, driving organ part, with solo interjections, is juxtaposed with sustained vocal writing with rich, lush harmonies.

The Midnight of your Birth is a charming collection of five carols by Bob Chilcott for upper voices and piano. Equally suited to women's choirs and youth choirs, the carols range from unison ('The Blackbird with One White Feather') to three parts, with one ('The Angel did Fly') featuring a mezzo-soprano solo. The texts, all by long-term collaborator Charles Bennett, weave an imagery of birds and the natural world with the Christmas narrative. Chilcott's music is the perfect match, combining characteristically singable melodies with pleasing harmonic colours, buoyant syncopation, and tender reflection. Containing five fresh and accessible carols, this book is the ideal addition to any upper-voice choir's library.

for SA and Men, accompanied and unaccompanied This collection of nine of John Rutter's finest and most popular anthems, scored for SA Men, has been carefully compiled to be both accessible to a wide range of choirs and appropriate to the needs of today's liturgy. With the inclusion of so many 'classics' covering a variety of texts and styles, this anthology is ideal for working church choirs requiring flexible options.