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 TTBB and piano This sensitive 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 fascinating contextual note.

for CCBar 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 fascinating contextual note.

for SATB unaccompanied This beautiful setting of a medieval English text is simple yet effective, written in Assersohn's clear and approachable style. With tender 'lullay, lullow's, lilting phrases, and gentle modal inflections, this hushed lullaby paints a serene picture of the baby Jesus at rest.

for SATB and piano Slow Down has a relaxed swing feel, with imaginative lyrics by the composer that encourage us to take time out of our busy lives. The vocal lines explore a swung quaver style, along with scat syllables and jazzy harmonies, all underpinned by a supportive yet characterful piano part. Also available for cambiata voices and piano in the Emerging Voices series, and for TTBB and piano.

for SATB unaccompanied This setting of a traditional Gaelic prayer is poignant and heartfelt, with sustained lines and a full, rich choral sound. Gentle shifts in harmony between various combinations of voices and the use of unexpected chromatic chords imitate the slow movement of the clouds, rain, and mist, and reveal something once hidden.

for TTBB and piano Slow Down has a relaxed swing feel, with imaginative lyrics by the composer that encourage us to take time out of our busy lives. The vocal lines explore a swung quaver style, along with scat syllables and jazzy harmonies, all underpinned by a supportive yet characterful piano part. Also available for cambiata voices and piano in the Emerging Voices series.

for SATB unaccompanied In this lively 6/8 setting, Assersohn explores a macaronic 15th-century text ('A Patre Unigenitus/Through a maiden is come'), with its exclamations of 'Eya!' reinforcing festive celebration. Featuring modal harmonies and energetic rhythms, this carol promises to be a fresh, uplifting, and accessible addition to any Christmas programme.

A cantata in fifteen movements by Ian Assersohn. For two soloists, SATB choir with optional upper voice and lower voice children's choirs, and small orchestra. The piece lasts about 70 minutes. Commissioned by Leatherhead Choral Society and Epsom Male Voice Choir to mark the centenary of the Battle Of The Somme and first performed in November 2016.

The Song of Songs is a new setting of one of the Old Testament's most glittering treasures and the world's most beautiful and mysterious love poem. Set as a dialogue between a young woman and her elusive lover, the work is scored for soprano and tenor soli, SATB chorus and a small instrumental ensemble. It may also be performed in a reduced scoring for piano or keyboard and percussion. The music is accessible and appealing and the chorus parts, although challenging enough to engage the interest of experienced singers, are well within the reach of any enthusiastic choir. There are 20 short movements and the work lasts approximately 40 minutes in performance.

Packed with information to help you get more out of your choir time, First Time Bars is an invaluable handbook for every choral singer.