for SATB (with SAT semi-chorus) and cello Quartel has chosen a powerful combination of texts by Hildegard von Bingen and Mother Teresa for this emotive choral work. The main choir is accompanied by a small ensemble singing the word 'love' with rippling ostinati that reflect the title of the work. The solo cello line contributes lyrical melodic lines, moving into triplet rhythms and broken chords as the piece progresses to its emotive climax.

for CCBar and piano Ian Crawford breathes new life into this traditional American tune by employing a bluegrass-inspired style, jaunty syncopations, and an upbeat tempo. The light but supportive piano accompaniment uses punchy clustered chords, and the melody is shared between the voice parts. This flexible arrangement is accommodating and idiomatically written for changing male voices.

for SABar and piano This sensitive, authentic arrangement of a well-known Yiddish folksong introduces singers to the harmonic characteristics of Yiddish music. Clapping and body percussion is employed to great effect, and a pronunciation guide and English translation are included, along with a brief contextual note.

for SATB and piano or orchestra Based on William J. Kirkpatrick's 'Cradle Song', A Christmas Meditation was originally written as underscoring for a reading of the Biblical account of the Nativity (Luke 2:1, 3-14). In the tradition of incidental music, this wordless piece may be used in a variety of ways, including as a processional, as a transition between other works, or as background for spoken words and images.

for upper voices (SSAA) and SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied This is an innovative, striking setting of the Magnificat text that is well suited to both liturgical and concert performance. The work celebrates the strength, character, and intelligence of teenage girls, as well as offering a different presentation of Mary, focusing on her courage and determination. The upper-voice choir is asked to sing in the style of Bulgarian choral folk music, using a visceral sound that contrasts with the mixed-voice choir. Olson's setting is an exquisite study in sound and texture, with a distinctive soundworld and a positive message.

for soloists and SATB unaccompanied Inspired by Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil, Vespers is a 12-movement English-language work in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Suited to concert and liturgical settings, it draws from a variety of Orthodox chant traditions, with Sheehan's use of asymmetric metres enhancing the textual expression of the chosen prayers, psalms, and hymns. The work is infused with a deep religious sentiment, and the artful use of chiasmus places the ancient hymn 'Phos Hilaron' ('O gladsome Light') at its centre, defining its supreme message of light and hope. Virtuosic solos are underpinned by rich choral textures or offset by characterful interjections, with movements for chorus alone equal in impact. In a work that considers the past, present, and future of Orthodox liturgical music in America, Sheehan creates a distinctly American idiom rooted in the centuries-old Eastern Orthodox musical tradition, displaying a unique voice that is cohesively ancient and modern.

for SSA and piano In this passionate four-movement work, composer Bob Chilcott and lyricist Delphine Chalmers explore themes of inclusivity, identity, and unity. The middle movements, 'Harmony' and 'Rhythm', have strong grooves and rhythmic drive, while the outer movements, 'Unison' and 'Resolution', are steadfast and uplifting. Songs my Heart has Taught Me brings singers and audience together in a celebration of all that unites us. This work was originally published in a version for mixed voices, commissioned by the American Choral Directors Association as the 2021 Raymond W. Brock Memorial Commission.

TTBB unaccompanied Setting inspiring words by James Weldon Johnson, this work is both poignant and stirring, encouraging singers and listeners to reflect on the challenges of present times and to move forward with courage and strength towards a brighter future. The choral writing beautifully reflects the powerful text, leading us towards a climactic reminder that 'Tho' thick the battle and tho' fierce the fight, There is power in making for the right'. My heart be brave is an ideal choice for choirs looking to address issues of social justice in their programming. Also available in a version for SATB unaccompanied.

for SATB unaccompanied Setting inspiring words by James Weldon Johnson, this work is both poignant and stirring, encouraging singers and listeners to reflect on the challenges of present times and to move forward with courage and strength towards a brighter future. The choral writing beautifully reflects the powerful text, leading us towards a climactic reminder that 'Tho' thick the battle and tho' fierce the fight, There is power in making for the right'. My heart be brave is an ideal choice for choirs looking to address issues of social justice in their programming. Also available in a version for TTBB unaccompanied.

for SABar and organ or piano With words by the composer, this warm, expressive anthem calls to Christ, the light of the world, to bring justice, hope, and joy to our lives. The simple, memorable melody is supported by a gently flowing organ part, with straightforward but effective harmonies from Altos and Baritones in verse two. Offprinted from The Oxford Book of Easy Flexible Anthems.

for SSAATTBB and oboe John Rutter creates a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere in this new arrangement of the traditional German carol, Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen. The piece opens with a lyrical melody from the solo oboe, over a wash of gentle, hummed vocal harmonies. Rutter continues the carol by underpinning the vocal melodies with 'ah's and hummed parts, and keeping the dynamics soft, to retain its tranquility.

for SATB and organ This energetic setting of words by St Ambrose of Milan is a real showstopper. With pop-influences and a sparkling organ part, Young effortlessly fuses modern and traditional sound worlds, while changes in key and metre build up to an invigorating finish. Perfect for accomplished choirs looking for something different.

Choral Sight Reading provides a practical and organic approach to teaching choral singing and sight-reading. The text is grounded in current research from the fields of choral pedagogy, music theory, music perception and cognition. Topics include framing a choral curriculum based on the Kodaly concept; launching the academic year for beginning, intermediate, and advanced choirs; building partwork skills; sight-reading; progressive music theory sequences for middle to college level choirs; teaching strategies; choral rehearsal plans as well as samples of how to teach specific repertoire from medieval to contemporary choral composers. This volume includes basic and advanced music theory concepts to develop fluent sight-reading skills for reading standard choral repertoire, providing examples for the process outlined in Chapters 6-8 of Volume 1 (Choral Artistry). This guide provides choral directors with a choral curriculum and choral rehearsal models that place performance, audiation, partwork, music theory, and sight-signing skills at the heart of the choral experience, through a 'sound thinking' approach to teaching that results in greater efficiency in creating independent choral singers with a well-rounded repertoire.

for SABar and piano This is a vibrant setting of a poem by George Parsons Lathrop that describes how music underpins all earthly life. An active piano part provides an energetic undercurrent to compelling vocal lines, with the voices beginning in unison before opening out into two and then three parts. Music of Life is the perfect selection for choirs looking to celebrate the life-affirming power of music. Also available in a version for SSA and piano.

for SATB (with divisions) and two soloists unaccompanied In this beautiful setting, Latvian composer Laura Jekabsone presents a modern, popular take on the familiar carol text by Henry John Gauntlett. The piece is led by two soloists (one upper voice, one lower voice), who the choir underpin with a rich harmonic cushion of a cappella-style scats. The melodies are instantly memorable, and the choir's move from an accompanying role to presenting the final chorus gives a powerful lift and emphatic conclusion to this effective Christmas work.

for SSATB unaccompanied The O nata lux text is taken from a 10th-century anonymous hymn that uses the concept of light to symbolise hope, a particularly pertinent theme for Advent. Throughout this setting the sopranos intertwine their high, melodic lines above interjections from the lower voices, creating an atmosphere of ethereal luminosity. O nata lux is the second of McDowall's set of three 'O' text settings conceived as Trinity Triptych.

for treble solo and SATB unaccompanied This atmospheric carol sets the well-known 'O magnum mysterium' text in the version famously used by Victoria, with its tender, devotional additions. Set in four parts, the work unfolds simply, from stillness and silence, in awe and contemplation. The choral writing is effectively punctuated with a high solo voice singing phrases that call to mind fragments of the plainsong chant on the same text, appointed as a Responsary for Christmas Day.

for SATB and organ Light Triumphant Breaks combines the text of the Sarum introit from the second Sunday of Advent and a translated anonymous Greek text using dancing dotted rhythms and intricate articulation. A free use of metre and contrapuntal movement make this a lively and jubilant piece that would be enjoyed by church and cathedral choirs alike.

for SATB double choir unaccompanied Chilcott sets this beautiful new text by Charles Bennett in a lush style. The vivid imagery is brought to life through the composer's warm harmonic palette. The Pear Tree Carol is a contemplative celebration of new life and nature. It would be equally suited to a winter concert or Christmas carol service.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied One of McGlade's longer settings, As the hart begins simply, before expanding into a more complex central section with fluctuating time signatures and shifting tonalities. Ideal for advanced mixed-voice choirs in a sacred or concert setting, it is a fitting alternative to Herbert Howells's famous setting of Psalm 42.

for SSATB unaccompanied In this sensitive choral arrangement of 'Nimrod' from Elgar's Enigma Variations, Michael Higgins sets the Eucharistic hymn 'O salutaris Hostia', written by St Thomas Aquinas for the Feast of Corpus Christi. The familiar melody passes seamlessly between the voice parts, and Elgar's lush, rich soundworld is perfectly emulated by the choral textures Higgins has fashioned.

for TTBB and piano This setting of a song from Act II of Shakespeare's As You Like It was originally published as part of Rutter's cycle When Icicles Hang. Here, it has been specially adapted for TTBB choir by the composer, allowing tenors and basses to enjoy this artful, atmospheric setting of a famous Shakesperean extract.

for TTBB unaccompanied This profoundly beautiful setting by John Rutter of one of the earliest English prayers, from the Sarum Primer of 1514, has been specially adapted by the composer for tenors and basses.

for TB and piano. This secular work for upper voices sensitively sets Langston Hughes's poem of the same name. A lilting melodic line, eloquent part-writing, and an effective piano part combine to create a piece that will appeal to both youth and adult choirs. Also available in versions for unison voices and piano, SA and piano, SABar and piano, and solo voice (high/low).

for SATB unaccompanied Setting original words by the artist Marc Bratcher, this tender and evocative carol for unaccompanied SATB choir is suitable for performance at Christmas or Epiphany. The work opens with a gently flowing soprano solo, displaying Rutter's characteristic gift for melody, before the thematic material is developed by the full choir, with some divisi.