Music played an enormous role in the works of William Shakespeare, while his own sonnets, poems and soliloquies have provided continuing inspiration for many composers through the years. The Novello Shakespeare Choral Collection, inspired by the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death in 2016, is an exciting anthology of choral works that are settings of Shakespeare's words. For choirs of all types and abilities, this collection has been edited by David Wordsworth so that all the pieces are fantastic both to sing and hear.The collection features some beautiful settings that have well and truly stood the test of time, such as Thomas Arne's Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind and Henry Leslie's How Sweet The Moonlight Sleeps. More recent settings from 20th century and contemporary composers include Ernest Moeran's Sigh No More, Ladies, Gary Carpenter's Lo, Here, The Gentle Lark and John Tavener's Fear No More and Look In Thy Glass.Not only this, the Shakespeare Choral Collection boasts several works that were specially commissioned, including John Joubert's Be Not Afeard, Richard Sisson's Light Thickens and Pawel Lukaszewki's Weary With Toil, I Haste Me To My Bed. Some pieces have never appeared before in print, such as those by Kevin Olsen, Bernard Hughes and John Gardner. These songs truly are a joy to perform, with some relatively simple arrangements that are purely fun to sing, while some more complex settings that will be thoroughly rewarding for choirs and audiences alike.A total of 26 fantastic works comprise The Novello Shakespeare Choral Collection, which would work as a wonderful concert programme on its own, or could provide a wealth of options for choirs looking to expand their repertoire with a range of unique settings. Also included is a fascinating introduction by editor David Wordsworth, and notes describing each piece.Words written by indisputably the greatest writer in the English language can only be matched with music by composers of talent and renown such as these. The Novello Shakespeare Choral Collection is an essential anthology of stunning settings of beautiful words which will be performed and enjoyed for many years to come. / Choeur Mixte (SATB)

Here's the romantic Christmas classic by The Carpenters in THE arrangement your choirs will beg to sing. Your holiday listeners will leave with a warm glow! Available: SATB SAB SSA ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30.

from Canticle of the Cross-Uses: Lent Holy Week Good FridayScripture: Genesis 1:31; Matthew 4:23 13:54-56; John 19:30A significant text and a compelling melody combine to create a moving testament of grace. Set in threetableaus from the life of Christ the text employs sacred metaphor connecting the listener to Jesus as Carpenter Healer and Redeemer. Based upon a folk song the music moves from gentle beauty to sections that are powerful anddramatic. The final lines of “it is finished it is good ” bring an emotive completion to the great story of grace. Available separately: SATB StudioTrax CD Orchestration (Score and parts for alto recorder oboe/english horn clarinet 1&2 bassoon horn 1&2 trumpets 1-3 trombone 1&2 tuba timpani percussion 1&2 harp piano violin 1&2 viola cello double bass). Duration: ca. 4:28.

An Old Fashioned Love Song was composed by Paul Williams for the band Three Dog Night whose classic pop-rock sound suited this simple song of love and the emotional power of music. Arranged for SATB choir with Piano Accompaniment. There have been innumerable love songs written about love over the ages none more old fashioned than An Old Fashioned Love Song. An homage to all of those timeless tunes of romance and longing this itself has become a stalwart of the genre. Originally written for The Carpenters Williams was inspired by their unique blend of 'old fashioned love songs'. Arranged herefor SATB choir the subtle harmonies and smooth soulful sound of the catchy chorus will create a performance your choir can be proud of.

A Capella-This romantic a cappella setting of the Carpenters classic will put everyone in the holiday spirit! Warm harmonies and lush choral textures give this rendition its special appeal.Available separately: SATB SAB and SSA. Performance time approx. 2:45.

Who can forget this emotional #1 radio hit by The Carpenters? Musical depth and longing are captured in this choral by Greg Gilpin. Gorgeous choral writing in this classic pop tune.

Warm vocal harmonies shimmer above the lush piano accompaniment of this classic Leon Russell song from 1970 most memorably covered by The Carpenters. An excellent choice for concert and vocal jazz groups! Available SeparatelySATB SAB SSA and ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available as a digital download (tpt 1-2 tsx tbn syn gtr b drm). Duration: ca. 4:45.

God's marvelous grace is the theme of this personal and intimate offering. The words and music are highly moving while the overall presentation quietly powerful. The optional solo passages are particularly moving reminding us of God's forgiveness.

Text from the Roman Catholic Burial Service-In Paradisum sets a prayer from the Roman Catholic Burial Service which has often been used as a movement in settings of the Requiem Mass. The opening ‘Requiem’ section emerges calmly from silence and builds in texture until the entry of the sopranos who sing the first verse as a tender and reflective song in two parts accompanied by the remaining choir: the AATTBB parts should aim for a smooth and uninterrupted vocalised sound. The repeat of this section should be a little louder and more passionate.

An elegant setting of the poem by Edward Carpenter this work evokes the boundary between the living and those who have passed on. 'So thin a veil divides us from such joy…' Performance Time: Approx. 4:40.