SKU: OU.9780193396975

ISBN 9780193396975. 10 x 7 inches.

For SATB unaccompanied This Christmas miniature sets the popular Latin text rejoicing in the birth of the Saviour. A 'vivace' tempo marking and offset rhythms combine with Pott's uniquely striking harmonies and undulating polyphony to form a joyous piece that will contrast well with more traditional carols.

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: ST.W187

ISBN 9790220203305.

Anthony Caesar finds a moving text by the teenage Etonian, Oxford Movement influenced, Digby Mackworth Dolben (1848-1867), who died tragically young while swimming. Canon Caesar's anthem is a classic example of the Franciscan principle (observed by lamentably few composers) of true beauty springing from simplicity.

The text inspires a sort of post-Howells harmonic idiom, though with the choir's part kept remarkably simple. The most inspired moment comes when the opening progression, which sets the poignant tension of the first three verses, is subtly transformed into radiant certainty in the last verse: I asked for Thee- / And Thou didst come / To take me home / Within Thy Heart to be. Although the parts divide at times, this miniature classic is not too difficult for any well rehearsed four-part choir.