Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Oh Shenandoah dates back to the early nineteenth century, with possible origins in Virginia. Sometimes referred to as a ‘shanty’ song because of its refrain (‘away, you rolling river,’ etc.), its lyrics exist in many versions and can be seen as a paean either to the river itself, or perhaps to the (mythical?) daughter of an Indian chief of that name. Regardless of its origins, Oh Shenandoah has become an enduring favourite both in the USA and further afield. This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the series is arranged for 3-part choir (soprano, alto and a combined male-voice part) providing flexibility for any choir. Complete with straight-forward piano accompaniments supporting the vocal lines, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion – so get exploring and get singing! / Choral Music / Répertoire / Voix Mixtes SAB et Piano

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Freedom Is Coming is an incredibly infectious celebration of hope and freedom from oppression and is coupled here with Hamba Vangeli (‘Spread the new word’) for Soprano, Alto and combined men's voices along with a piano accompaniment. Pay attention to the dynamics – there are lots of opportunities for contrasts and a gradual build-up of texture, as well as chances for soloists to sing out. These two songs, along with Siyahamba and many others, also feature in L’Estrange’s hit cantata Zimbe! Come sing the songs of Africa! This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the series is arranged for 3-part choir (soprano, alto and a combined male-voice part) providing flexibility for any choir. Complete with straight-forward piano accompaniments supporting the vocal lines, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion – so get exploring and get singing! / Choral Music / Répertoire / Voix Mixtes SAB et Piano

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Simple Gifts has been sung to numerous different lyrics (particularly Sydney Carter’s 1960s hymn Lord of the dance) and the tune is very well known, thanks to its use in Aaron Copland’s score for the ballet Appalachian Spring, first performed in 1944. Elder Joseph Brackett – a shaker from Maine – originally wrote it as a ‘dancing song’ in 1848. This arrangement by Alexander L’Estrange is appropriately simple and beautifully effective. This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the series is arranged for 3-part choir (soprano, alto and a combined male-voice part) providing flexibility for any choir. Complete with straight-forward piano accompaniments supporting the vocal lines, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion – so get exploring and get singing! / Choral Music / Répertoire / Voix Mixtes SAB et Piano

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Low-down on the Hoe-down is a rollicking romp through a selection of light-hearted line-dance tunes. It’s a tribute to Ward Swingle, founder and arranger of the legendary vocal group The Swingle Singers, whose idea it was to make a show-stopping concert-piece out of a number of barn-storming American square-dance songs, using a song called The Arkansas Traveler to bind them all together. Focus on incredibly clear diction, with a smile on your face, and the audience will enjoy it as much as you! This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the series is arranged for 3-part choir (soprano, alto and a combined male-voice part) providing flexibility for any choir. Complete with straight-forward piano accompaniments supporting the vocal lines, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion – so get exploring and get singing! / Choral Music / Répertoire / Voix Mixtes SAB et Piano

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). English song in the first half of the twentieth century was largely defined by the wonderful output of Roger Quilter and Gerald Finzi, both of whom delighted in setting fine poetry by Wordsworth, Shakespeare and others. She Walks in Beauty was inspired by these two composers, with a particularly musically evocative and colourful text by Byron and a glorious new melody by Alexander L’Estrange. This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the series is arranged for 3-part choir (soprano, alto and a combined male-voice part) providing flexibility for any choir. Complete with straight-forward piano accompaniments supporting the vocal lines, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion – so get exploring and get singing! / Choral Music / Répertoire / Voix Mixtes SAB et Piano

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Standing in the Need of Prayer is a simple, meditative melody with a pleasing, repetitive chord sequence. This arrangement gives you a chance to ‘crank it up a gear’ after the modulation; there is also an opportunity to thicken out the vocal harmonies towards the end with some optional alto notes. Once singers get more confident, you may wish to experiment with other improvised harmonies or descants. This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the series is arranged for 3-part choir (soprano, alto and a combined male-voice part) providing flexibility for any choir. Complete with straight-forward piano accompaniments supporting the vocal lines, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion – so get exploring and get singing! / Choral Music / Répertoire / Voix Mixtes SAB et Piano

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). The Lark In The Clear Air is an exquisite Irish folksong celebrating the beauty of nature. Unusually for a folksong lyric, it also presents a positive outlook on love! This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the series is arranged for 3-part choir (soprano, alto and a combined male-voice part) providing flexibility for any choir. Complete with straight-forward piano accompaniments supporting the vocal lines, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion – so get exploring and get singing! / Choral Music / Répertoire / Voix Mixtes SAB et Piano

Par PARRY BEN. This Spiritual Medley comprises three songs that speak of a journey through trial to eventual salvation and liberty. It should gradually gather pace and energy from a slightly more reflective start, though retaining a lively feel throughout. All My Trials developed into a popular protest song in the 1950s and 60s and has been recorded by, amongst others, Joan Baez, Paul McCartney and Elvis Presley. By and By is a more upbeat song with plenty of syncopated rhythms and more forthright dynamics – it should be sung and played with lots of energy. The medley ends with I Want Jesus to Walk With Me, a true ‘pilgrim journey’ full of trials and breaking hearts, but never giving up on hope and final deliverance. The tempo should really pick up for this final section, galvanised by the walking bass line and more jazzy harmonies, and reaching its climax in the final few measures. This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the series is arranged for 3-part choir (soprano, alto and a combined male-voice part) providing flexibility for any choir. Complete with straight-forward piano accompaniments supporting the vocal lines, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion – so get exploring and get singing! / Choral Music / Répertoire / Voix Mixtes SAB et Piano

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Early One Morning, a bittersweet lyric with a deceptively upbeat melody, tells of false promises and deception. It is here given a rather melancholic treatment, ending simply and sadly, as it began. You can hear the men promising to be ever faithful in bars 56–63, underneath the girls’ plaintive reproach. This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the series is arranged for 3-part choir (soprano, alto and a combined male-voice part) providing flexibility for any choir. Complete with straight-forward piano accompaniments supporting the vocal lines, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion – so get exploring and get singing! / Choral Music / Répertoire / Voix Mixtes SAB et Piano