for SATB and organ or piano Originally published as the fifth movement in the large-scale work The Gift of Life, this is a pleasingly optimistic anthem in Rutter's gloriously uplifting style. The words by the composer capture a thankfulness for the world's creation, along with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future to come. Rutter skilfully mirrors the varying moods of the text through harmonic shifts, melodic devices, and tempo fluctuations, and brings the music to a wonderfully calm and peaceful close.

for SATB with optional piano Inspired by the simple directness of William Chatterton Dix's vivid, pictorial text, the composer explores the breadth of the choral canvas in this expressive and artful carol. The piece has a straightforward verse-chorus structure, with gentle development of the verse material and an effective motif to close each verse, making it accessible to and rewarding for choirs of all abilities. Also available in a version for upper voices.

for SSA and piano Inspired by the simple directness of William Chatterton Dix's vivid, pictorial text, the composer explores the breadth of the choral canvas in this expressive and artful carol. The piece has a straightforward verse-chorus structure, with gentle development of the verse material and an effective motif to close each verse, making it accessible to and rewarding for choirs of all abilities. Also available in a version for mixed voices.

for SATB and continuo Bach's motets are essential pillars of the choral repertory, and the irresistibly joyful Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden is a wonderful introduction to them for choirs unfamiliar with the works. It features concise contrapuntal writing and a sophisticated harmonic language, yet the vocal lines are not excessively demanding. John Rutter's edition includes helpful performance suggestions and background information, and full scores and instrumental parts are available on hire from the publisher.

for CCBarBar and piano This celebrated Spiritual has a strong, appealing, comfortable melody suitable for boys' choirs, and is arranged skilfully here for four-part choir and piano, with Ia cappella sections and affecting modulations. Suited to more established choirs, it has plenty of opportunities for musical growth.

for SATB (with divisions) and piano or chamber orchestra Rutter's charming piece sets a secular text by the composer that emphasises the significance of music and harmony in an ephemeral world. A simple accompaniment figure in the piano provides the backdrop to alternating unison and polyphonic verses that manage to capture both nostalgia for what was and optimism for what is to come.

for SATB unaccompanied This setting of the well-known fifteenth-century text Lullay, my liking is both simple and effective. With enchanting solos and a gentle choral refrain, this tender carol will bring a moment of stillness and reflection to Christmas concerts and services.

for SATB and organ Commissioned by the 2015 Three Choirs Festival, this is Chilcott's second setting of the Evening Canticles. Bright and rhythmical, the Magnificat features syncopated chords in the organ part that punctuate the more sustained choral textures. In contrast, the Nunc dimittis is reflective, opening with a soaring soprano melody and building towards an expressive climax on the word 'glory'. Ideal for church and cathedral choirs looking for something new for their evening service.

for SSAATTBB unaccompanied Ave gloriosa mater salvatoris is a challenging and yet delicate anthem, with subtle key-signature changes, vocal divisions in up to eight parts, and alternating homophonic and polyphonic passages. The text includes excerpts from the synonymous medieval hymn and Wordsworth's poem The Virgin, making the piece suitable for a variety of sacred celebrations and particularly those of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

for SSA and piano As She Goes sets words by the composer on a reflective yet inspirational theme ('We were born to fly, but your wings come without a trial run'), against the backdrop of images from the natural world. The choral lines are simple and melodic, drawing on the sound-world of the folksong 'My Love's An Arbutus', which opens the work. Ideal for adult and youth upper-voice choirs, as well as children's choruses.

for SA and harp or piano This arrangement of the hymn tune Royal Oak is not to be confused with Rutter's famous original composition of the same title, which also sets the beloved text by C.F. Alexander. The elegant text praising God's creation, combined with Rutter's skilful handling of the hymn tune, makes this piece ideally suited for any religious service.

for SATB, optional congregation, and organ or brass choir Christ the Lord Is Risen Today is an arrangement of the Easter hymn tune 'Lyra Davidica'. Not to be confused with Rutter's own composition, Christ the Lord is risen again, published as part of the John Rutter Anniversary Edition. With an exciting introductory fanfare composed by Rutter, this uplifting anthem provides a powerful ending to any Easter service. Brass choir score and parts are available on sale.

for SATB and organ In this arrangement of the hymn tune St Clement, traditional verses alternate with those newly arranged by John Rutter. The piece is part of a wider collection of hymn arrangements, which have been recorded by the Cambridge Singers, directed by John Rutter, on the Collegium CD Sing, ye heavens (COLCD 126). Individual leaflets from the series are available on sale from Oxford University Press.

for SATB double choir unaccompanied Lightly come or lightly go is a playful setting of James Joyce's poem of the same name for SATB double choir. The second choir carries the titular words as an arching ostinato, while choir one presents the main body of the text through characterful melodies and word painting. The two choirs portray the conflicting emotions expressed in the poem demonstrated by the closing line: "Love and laughter song-confessed When the heart is heaviest".

for SATB unaccompanied Setting a well-known poem by Percy Shelley, Love's Philosophy is a sweet and tender choral song reflecting on the idea of love with reference to nature and the interdependent relationships evident in the world around us. Mellifluous choral writing and sighing 'ah' interjections convey the sometimes wistful feel of Shelley's words, and numerous repetitions of 'thou' at the end of the piece emphasize the theme of unrequited or lost love.

for SATB (with divisions) and organ This jubilant carol sets a fifteenth-century text that rejoices in the birth of the baby Jesus. Bednall's rhythmically exciting setting features frequently changing time signatures, with 7/8 passages creating a jaunty feel. There are a variety of tempi and textures: a slower, tender middle section contrasts with the lively outer sections, and an unaccompanied section for the choir is juxtaposed against glittering, rhythmic organ passages. An ideal opener for any Christmas Carol concert, the work is featured on the Choir of Truro Cathedral's CD A Year at Truro (Regent Records).

for SATB and organ or small orchestra Christmas Lullaby was commissioned in 1989 by the Bach Choir in celebration of the seventieth birthday of its conductor, Sir David Willcocks. The haunting melody of the verses and the reflective refrain of 'Ave Maria' have made this an immensely popular carol. The orchestral accompaniment is available on sale and on hire/rental. A version for upper voices is also available.

for SATTBB unaccompanied Thou, my love, art fair was written for The King's Singers and first performed by the group on St Valentine's Day 2015. Setting the William Baldwin poem, Christ to his spouse, this delightful song makes full and effective use of the voice parts and features charming harmonies and interweaving melismas. Chilcott has treated the sixteenth-century text with due care and style, creating a beautifully elegant piece of music.

for SATB and organ Setting a text by the composer, this choral hymn addresses God, the risen Christ, and the Holy Spirit in turn, with a strong sense of worship and adoration. With an appealing melody, sumptuous harmonies, and a captivating soprano descant, this is the ideal piece for Trinity Sunday.

for SSAA and piano Originally the second movement of Chilcott's choral work Five Days that Changed the World, this poignant setting of words by Charles Bennett reflects on one of the most significant events of our time. The upper-voice choral parts are melodic and interweaving, and the flowing piano part provides harmonic support for the voices throughout.