Madrigals are a valued body of literature and when an English madrigal is being prepared for a performance one strives to inform the experience with the best information available – thinking through important performanceissues of a madrigal builds perspective. This handbook will be useful immediately for teachers and students or anyone who studies and performs the madrigal. It is supported by primary and secondary historical sources for thepurpose of providing information that will assist readers to sort valid information from personal opinion. Readers will receive a unique perspective on the madrigal the marriage of music and text and its unique place in thestylistic timeline.

Thomas Moore's poem recalls the United Irishmen's Rebellion of 1798. Using the same tuneful aire to which the author originally set his text arranger Ken Neufeld musically depicts the emotion and inspiration of Moore's story. Asan added effect men's voices serve as military drums. A true musical gem from the Emerald Isle.

Stacey Gibbs is known for his fine arrangements of spirituals. What a treat to hear his artistry at work on a classic hymn like Softly and Tenderly. There's a middle section he has created when you can feel his Gospel roots influencing the line and it is marvelous. Probably more for concert than church due to difficulty level but it will caress you at either venue.

Premiered at the 2005 ACDA National Convention this setting of an Ivan Gallardo poem features harmonic imagery gracious choral lines and an artful accompaniment.

Beginning with a choral fanfare this a cappella setting is festive and joyful. The traditional English hymn is well-known and much loved. The fanfare returns between verses and everything finishes full and triumphant.

The text may be from the 13th century but David Dickau's setting would have us believe it is contemporary. Although sounding sacred the text portrays God's love for us is as effortless as a bird who catches the wind in flight the content is more universal. The finishing touch is Dickau's ending which repeats a sequence with a diminuendo that eventually goes silent mid-text. High school and college choirs will be drawn to this piece.

David Das is now a major force in the television music world and his setting of his friend Martin Bass'“Shout for Joy” clarifies why. A high energy piece containing elements of a good rock tune a lively spiritual and soloistic creative freedom combined with solid traditional writing make this an amazing selection for high school and college choirs.

Raymond Egan provides a unique blend of jazz and rock influences for this unique Epiphany selection. The piece is ideal for a choir with both strong male and female soloists as well as providing rewarding rhythmic choir parts.This is a must-have for the energetic and contemporary choir.

Commissioned by Eddie Jones and the University of Arkansas Concert Choir this work by Rosephanye Powell features the words of Langston Hughes that inspired Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This is an anthem for all those who believein human rights in peace and hope for a better tomorrow. Powerful!

Everything you would expect from Rosephanye and more is in this “great” piece. A brilliant fanfare opener followed by an energetic and rhythmic chorus a contrasting slow middle section that is lush and melodic a building sequence segment starting with one voice part and adding until all are in and finally a return to the rhythmic chorus with a satisfying finish. One of the unique features in Rosephanye's writing is that her music works as a church anthem or as a school concert piece frequently in festivals too. Medium difficulty.

Another winner from Rosephanye Powell! This setting for four-part a cappella women will dazzle the ears of all who hear it. A fabulous festival piece it will shine in church and school.

i thank You God for this most amazing by poet e.e. cummings provides the textual framework for this exuberant setting for mixed voices and piano. Dancing melodies and buoyant meters create a joyous celebration of sound.

Lloyd Larson set music to the words of J. Paul Williams that describe the accomplishments of Helen Keller. Another excellent addition to the American Experience Choral Series this piece cleverly informs us about one of American's greatest women.

Diane Bish has carefully selected some of her most loved organ selections and made them available in one wonderful collection. Songs include: Adagio in G minor (Thomaso Albinoni) ? Canon in D (Pachelbel) ? Overture (fromHandel's Royal Firework Music) ? Sicilienne (Theresia V. Paradis) ? and Apres Un Reve (Faure).