SKU: CA.927600

ISBN 9790007296117. French. Text: Gautier, Theophile.

A prevailing melancholy mood is characteristic of Theophile Gautier's (1811-1872) poetry; a melancholy mood which inspired composers such as Hector Berlioz and Gabriel Faure to compose settings. Tristesse (Sadness) is taken from the 1838 collection La Comedie de la Mort (The Comedy of Death). With over 50 poems this is regarded as Gautier's major Romantic work. Although the narrator in the poem is conscious of the joy and zest for life of spring coming into bloom around him, he cannot share this: Helas! j'ai dans le coeur une tristesse affreuse. (Alas, in my heart I bear a terrible grief.). Faure's setting portrays this effect less as a dramatic sigh than a melancholic unworldliness with peaceful piano accompaniment in the minor key. This art song was originally composed not for chamber choir, but for solo voice and piano. Denis Rouger has carefully adapted it to suit the requirements and expressive possibilities offered by a larger ensemble, without losing any of the qualities of the original in the process. Each part in the choir has a melodic line drawn from the harmonic and rhythmic framework. In the process, the variety and refinement of the choral language combines with an enormous flexibility in form and expression, as French melodies or German art song demand from a soloist and pianist.The songs have been recorded by the figure humaine chamber choir on the CD ... Wo die Zitronen bluhn (Carus 83.514).

SKU: OU.9780193361713

ISBN 9780193361713. 12 x 8 inches.

For SSATB unaccompanied Commemorating the martyrdom of St Catharine, this reflective piece sets the Antiphon at First Vespers, Feast of All Saints alongside a thought-provoking contemporary poem by Colin Tan, full of vivid imagery. Melodic lines reminiscent of plainchant enhance the contemplative mood.

About Oxford New Horizons

New Horizons showcases the wealth of exciting, innovative, and occasionally challenging choral music being written today. It encompasses the whole gamut of small-scale choral genres, both secular and sacred, and includes pieces for upper-voice and mixed choirs. With titles by some of the most accomplished choral composers active in Great Britain and abroad, the series introduces new repertoire and fresh talent to a broad spectrum of choirs. New Horizons features composers with growing reputations for quality composition reflecting a strong individual voice. The series is continually expanding and should be the first place to look for attractive and performable contemporary choral music.

SKU: OU.9780193392472

ISBN 9780193392472. 12 x 8 inches.

For SSATB unaccompanied This stunning setting of Revelation 22:12-13, 17, describes Christ's generous offering of grace to 'whoever is willing'. The piece begins with a lively opening but quickly shifts into a gentler mood, giving way to Jackson's rich harmonic language and inventive choral textures.

SKU: CA.5013330

ISBN 9790007079772. Key: B major. Language: Latin/German.

SKU: BT.HU-4217-250

French.

SKU: CA.924800

ISBN 9790007246594. Key: D major. Language: French. Text: Hugo, Victor.