Christ Above All: SATB: Vocal Score

Arranged for SSSAAATTTBBB the lyrics are from an anonymous writer of the fourteenth century and have been adapted by the composer.The composer says: 'Woefully arrayed is a supreme choral setting by William Cornysh Junior who died in 1523 of a text usually regarded as of anonymous composition though there have been some attributions to John Skelton. It is a thoughtful powerful meditation on Christ on the Cross and though Cornysh’s setting has remarkable intensity and contrapuntal artistry I felt a strong wish to add my own response to this fine text. The different versions of it have different verses that used by Cornysh has three verses (plus therefrain) while there are others with four or even five (one attributed to Skelton has five). I have chosen to restrict myself to the three used by Cornysh using my own adaptation of the modernised words which yet incorporates some archaisms a deliberate choice for reasons of rhythm and verbal sound. This setting was commissioned by the Three Choirs Festival 2009 for Stile Antico to whom it is dedicated.''Difficult to perform but not difficult to listen to this 2009 Three Choirs Festival commission was first performed by Stile Antico who have since toured it. It is a heartfelt response to the fourteenth-century text passionate and anguished Christ is on the cross ‘woefully arrayed’. Although written for a secular choir it is a piece that could be sung by many cathedral and collegiate choirs: there is considerable doubling between the sixteen lines and a keyboard reduction to help the initial sorting out. Above all it is dramatic and would communicate directly to audiences if given a chance to hear it.'       - James L Montgomer RSCM review

Powerful! This is a sensational arrangement by Mark Hayes of a popular praise song. The richly supportive Keyboard accompaniment and stellar optional orchestration combine with solid choral writing to create a glorious affirmation of the Lamb who sits upon the throne. For Christ the King Eastertide Lent Palm/Passion Sunday and general occasions. Scripture suggestions: Psalm 78 Ephesians 4: 4-6 Philippians 2: 5-11 Hebrews 2: 5-9.

Kyrie-Gloria-Messe-Johann Christoph Altnickol's Missa in D for SATB.The Missa in d composed around 1750 is one of the few surviving compositions of Altnickol. He was the student and later son-in-law of Johann Sebastian Bach. The wealth of forms and at the same time the clarity of this composition show the influence of his teacher but above all it shows the expression of an individual style of church music. With its contrapuntal mastery and musical depth this Kyrie-Gloria Mass presented here in a first edition represents a high point in this widely disseminated genre.

A second set of innovative jazz arrangements of three carols originally created for a service of Jazz Carols at St Martin in the Fields London by Will Todd. Rich harmonies serve to bring new expression to familiar Christmas material written for SATB Voices and Piano with scope for optional congregational/audience singing. They can be performed using the supplied Piano part or embellished using the chord symbols above. Double bass may also be used in addition to Piano again following the supplied chord symbols. We three kings is also available in an arrangement for mixed voices and jazz ensemble (jazz trio and optional brass quintet) compatible with this vocal score.

Fifty Carols for Christmas and Advent-Carols For Choirs 2 includes 50 varied carols for every occasion including newly-arranged classics as well as original compositions written specially for this compilation.

The Oxford Book of Flexible Carols is perfect resource for choirs of all types and sizes. Each piece is presented with flexible scoring options clearly explained throughout enabling performance by various combinations of singers. With carols for Advent Christmas New Year and Epiphany and a fabulous range accessible quality material this is a must-have collection for all choirs at Christmas.

from A Time for Alleluia-Uses: Good Friday Holy Week Scripture: Isaiah 53:3 - John 1:11 - Matthew 26:21-22 - John 3:16-17 - Galatians 2:20 A moving choral lamentation for the crucified Christ is presented in this anthem for Good Friday. From the shadows of Golgotha this poignant paean weeps with emotion through expressive music and cries of Kyrie Eleison. The anthem is dependent on two soloists that soar above the dramatic choral. The classic chorale Ah Holy Jesus is a sensitive ending to the piece.

Jan Sanborn is known for her superb writing skill – alluring melodies colorful harmonies classic forms excellent accompaniments and artful settings. She has surprised us all with this Christmas winner because itmaintains all the attributes listed above but is grandly simple. A wonderful closer almost any Christmas situation both sacred and secular will complement its program with this beautiful number. Available: SATB divisi 2-Part.