for SATB unaccompanied In Grown about by fragrant bushes, Skempton sets a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson using gentle, lilting melodies. The theme of loss is sensitively conveyed in a tonal language that is made more expressive through the use of chromaticism. The voices move homophonically throughout and changing time signatures aid the movement of the piece.

for solo piano Featuring sparse textures, quirky endings, and intuitive phrasing, these 24 Preludes and Fugues, in all the keys, bear the hallmarks of Skempton's Minimalist style. This set is well-suited for performance but also for pianists wishing to practise polyphonic textures and single-hand exercises.

for SATB unaccompanied Poems of Love and War sets a sequence of nine poems from 'Viking Poetry of Love and War' by Judith Jesch. The war poems are formal and celebratory, making vivid use of figures of speech known as 'kennings', while the love poems are more direct, and sometimes playful. Skempton's imaginative settings bring these striking texts to life, artfully using changing metres to evoke the sound of spoken word.

Suitable for SATB unaccompanied, this setting of the Song of Songs expresses the emotional essence of the text.

for SATB unaccompanied Skempton's setting of the Preces and Responses is simple, well-crafted, and harmonically rewarding, and is perfect for choirs seeking new material for the liturgy.

Fifty-five short pieces, the earliest of which dates from 1967, the most recent from 1993. Taken as a whole, this selection of pieces (chosen by the composer) provides a rich overview of the keyboard music of one of Britain's most original and fascinating composers.

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.

Offers an intimate view of a contemporary composer's creative world and how others may interpret it. Howard Skempton has contributed to British musical life for more than half a century, as composer, performer and commentator. His music is characterised by simplicity yet sophistication and is appreciated by lay and specialist listeners in equal measure. Skempton studied in London with Cornelius Cardew in the late 1960s, co-founding the Scratch Orchestra, and has written over 600 pieces since then, informed by and informing compositional trends. His outputincludes pieces for solo piano, accordion, cello, and guitar, chamber ensemble, orchestra, and voice. His music is performed by leading artists and recorded by, amongst others, Sony and NMC. This book offers an intimateview of a composer's creative world and how others may interpret it. It is not a conventional "life and works" though it contains a timeline, authorised work list and discography for orientation. It is written for anyone interested in contemporary music and (auto)biography, whether performer, listener, specialist, or student. The first four chapters comprise transcripts of conversations between Skempton and Esther Cavett followed by reflections from different commentators (respectively Matthew Head, Heather Wiebe, Arnold Whittall and Pwyll Ap Sion). Skempton and Cavett discuss his musical origins, the wide array of musical and extra-musical influences on his music, his early adult life in London, his compositional development and processes, and how he teaches composition. The reflections are rich and wide-ranging, providing biographical, cultural and aesthetic insights and including close readings of keyscores. The penultimate chapter draws upon voices of Skempton's performers (Peter Hill, Thalia Myers, John Tilbury and James Weeks). To close, Cavett reflects on how Skempton told his story and the process of describing a creative life in music. The book includes manuscripts of six previously unpublished compositions and images of Skempton and his collaborators. ESTHER CAVETT is Senior Research Fellow at King's College, London. MATTHEWHEAD is Professor of Music at King's College, London. CONTRIBUTORS: Esther Cavett, Rosie Clements, Luke Deane, Matthew Head, Peter Hill, Thalia Myers, Howard Skempton, Pwyll Ap Sion, John Tilbury, James Weeks, HeatherWiebe, Arnold Whittall.

for equal voices in 4 parts
This unaccompanied carol is scored for four equal parts and comprises a sequence of three rounds. Rhythmic and engaging, this carol demonstrates the distinctive clarity of Skempton's musical language. It will particularly appeal to good chamber choirs.

for SATB unaccompanied The optional opening section, for which there is a graphic score, is spoken to texts by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and other esteemed poets and authors. The four sung movements which follow are conventionally notated and set to further texts by Longfellow, and they amply demonstrate the hallmarks of Skempton's extraordinarily skilful choral writing. Subtle word painting and masterful use of harmony reinforce the rich imagery conveyed in the texts, weaving together a work of considerable beauty and power. Immensely satisfying to sing, this piece is ideal for concert use.

for SATB (with divisions) unaccompanied Skempton sets this famous love poem by Yeats with characteristic directness and warmth and using rich and scrumptious sonorities. Magical shifts of harmony punctuate the otherwise simple tonal language. An uplifting and satisfying piece ideal for concert use.

Suitable for SATB unaccompanied, this work presents a setting of the popular medieval Advent carol.

for SATB and organ In this gently uplifting setting of the opening verses of Psalm 25, a psalm of faithfulness and trust, Skempton employs seamless homophony to create a sound-world that encourages the listener to reflect on the psalm's proclamations. With beautifully blended vocal parts, resonant harmonies, and a supportive organ line, To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul will appeal to any choir looking for a poignant addition to their repertory.