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)

Sparkling energy and vocal writing that reflects musical theater style mark this fresh composition for high school choirs and beyond. Engaging text by Len Schiff is particularly suited to winter concerts but it could be easily programmed at any time of year. The challenging piano accompaniment makes this an exciting concert addition!

Uses: Christmas Epiphany Concert Youth ChoirScripture: Matthew 2:1-11This Christmas gem is as much fun to sing as it is to hear! The traditional “call and response” format offers a number of options foradapting this anthem for your ensemble. Repetition makes for easy learning and the inclusion of the traditional spiritual “Rise Up Shepherd and Follow” is a masterstroke. A solid message inviting seekers to follow the light emboldensthe piece for use in worship as well as concert settings.

Incorporates My Lord What a Morning-Uses: Advent Concert Scripture: Matthew 24:27-30; Isaiah 60:1-3 This Advent best-seller delivers the hope and joy of the coming Light in a cheerful quartet style. The inclusion of the spiritual My Lord What a Morning providescontrast and depth. Available separately: SATB a cappella TTBB a cappella.

Uses: Advent Hanukkah Ecumenical ConcertA truly memorable melody expresses the warmth and hope of the season of lights in this lovely new choral song. Written with inclusive sensitivity this original text willbe very useful to directors as they strive to be sensitive to the many faiths that celebrate holidays in December. Using the universal symbol of light this work challenges us to carry hope and light to a world in darkness. Greatfor school or church choirs!

Uses: Epiphany Christmas concertScripture: Matthew 1:2-18Anchored by the chorus of We Three Kings the inspired words of this choral anthem guide us to the light of Christ. We mirror thejourney of the magi and discover the Christ-child waiting to receive us. Harmonically interesting the piano part weaves a texture of mystery while the words help us to see a contemporary parallel to our own spiritual journey.Consider using the optional flute & handbells.

This expressive original concert work for Hanukkah is accompanied by piano and optional cello. The poetic text reminds us of the meaning of this celebration and its history as well as gives us the opportunity to pray for peaceeverywhere. Available: SATB; PianoTrax CD.

It was time for a new piece to serve as the concert closer and this is it. Selected for the Mike Scheibe Choral Series this benediction uses the text of an ancient Scottish blessing that is delightfully generic in nature. Warm deep and melodic this is a benediction that can be used anywhere - church school college community. Provided with both a piano and optional organ accompaniment (available separately) this selection is a precious end to any event. Easy to medium in difficulty.

incorporating This Little Light of Mine-Uses: General Missions ConcertScripture: Matthew 5:16From the opening freely sung solo to the rhythmic drive of an electrifying chorus this is a “feel good” anthem. Affirming the joywe receive from sharing the good news this anthem encourages us to take the message to the world. Available separately: SATB LiteTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:02.

Uses: Advent Benediction Christmas Epiphany General Scripture: Psalm 119:130 Matthew 4:16 I Peter 1:9 This brief benediction glows with gentle joy and hope. Easily learned the winsome melody rises like a prayer before settling into a richly rewarding amen. Either as a service closer or a meaningful tag to a holiday concert this expressive offering is a message worth singing. Evocative! Score and Parts (fl 1-2 ob cl 1-2 bn hn 1-2 perc 1-2 hp pno vn 1-2 va vc db) available as a digital download.

Uses: GeneralScripture: Psalm 52:8; Psalm 136:2Here is a splendid original composition that describes the wonder of God's unconditional love for everyone. Replete with beautiful images of grace theexpressive qualities of the music perfectly compliment the heart-felt emotion of the words. A soaring theme mingles with a beautifully crafted accompaniment making this an artful and worshipful selection for concerts or sanctuaryusage.

Uses: Epiphany general concertScripture: Psalm 8 Psalm 84:1A powerful text from Oliver Wendell Holmes is thoughtfully set by the prolific pen of Joseph Martin in this new anthem for Epiphany oranytime. This piece grows organically from the text to an impressive climax. Expressive variety abounds throughout and the sensitive keyboard accompaniment is supportive while adding greatly to the emotional impact of the piece.Music of distinction!

Uses: Christmas ConcertScripture: Luke 2A very intimate Christmas scene is on display in this exquisite tone poem. Close harmonies weave together a winsome tableau of swirling snow and quiet joy.Suitable for church or community performances this choral could be that special candle lighting moment for your holiday concert. Duration: ca. 3:12.

An Easter Praise and Worship Experience-This Easter praise and worship musical features over 20 titles blending great hymns of the season with some of the most powerful worship songs of our day like O the Passion Worthy Is the Lamb and Crown Him with ManyCrowns. Music narration lighting and production notes are included to assist in producing a worship experience that is perfect for intimate concerts or full productions. Orchestration includes score and parts for Flute 1 2 Oboe Clarinet 1 2 Bass Clarinet Bassoon Trumpet 1 2 3 Horn 1 2 (Alto Sax) Trombone 1 2 (Tenor Sax/Baritone TC) Trombone 3/Tuba Harp Violin 1 2 Viola (Clarinet 3) Cello String Bass Keyboard String Reduction Drums Percussion 1 2 and Rhythm. SATB Listening Cassette Listening CD CD Accompaniment Trax (Split) CD Rehearsal Trax Preview Pack (CD) Bulletin Pack (100) Poster Pack (10) and CD 10-Pack also available.

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'sBlow 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 Olson 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