Choral Cello, Contrabass voice, Piano, Viola, Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, SATB chorus

SKU: CF.CM9734

Composed by Basque Carol. Arranged by Christopher Thomas. 12 pages. Duration 2 minutes, 37 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #CM9734. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.CM9734).

ISBN 9781491161142. UPC: 680160919734. Key: A minor. English. Basque Carol.

A Basque Carol (also known as Gabriel's Message) holds a special place in Western music. The carol originates from Basque country around the 13th century, based on the Latin hymn, Angelus ad Virginem (likely of Franciscan origin). The tune quickly spread throughout Europe, finding popularity in Britain where it was even referenced in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales: Playing so sweetly that the chamber rang; / and Angelus ad virginem he sang. . .. Interestingly, the melody we know and love today is derived from the original Basque version. In my view, this tune is a perfect example of melody-crafting. It is at once hauntingly beautiful, yet warm and joyous. Its contours are complex, dramatic, yet singable. I believe this melodic accessibility is the key to the song's lasting popularity. I would also attribute A Basque Carol's continued popularity to its elegant translation into English (by Sabine Baring-Gould, who rediscovered the original Basque tune). Translations often risk sounding unimaginative, coarse, and blunt. This translation is strikingly different. It was graced with an especially poetic translation including lines such as his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame. I am very excited to offer a new perspective on this classic carol, joining the tradition of composers preserving and reimagining a priceless medieval melody. My first goal was to create a flowing, richly-textured, even cinematic string accompaniment for the choir. This approach was very much inspired by the dense, string-writing style of English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. My second goal was to make the arrangement flexible enough to be performed with only choir, only strings, or (best of all) both ensembles combined. To further complement this approach, I've added an obligato line for a solo recorder (solo flute or violin work just as well). If you listen carefully, you will hear a quote from my other favorite holiday carol, Jesu Bambino. I hope you enjoy performing A Basque Carol. I especially hope that you sense the ancient magic cast into this tune, hearing the ineffable qualities that have compelled us to sustain it for nearly a millennium. Whether you're a choir, a string orchestra, or a combined ensemble, this arrangement of A Basque Carol will surely be a haunting and lovely addition to your next holiday program!.
A Basque Carol (also known as Gabriel’s Message) holds a special place in Western music. The carol originates from Basque country around the 13th century, based on the Latin hymn, Angelus ad Virginem (likely of Franciscan origin). The tune quickly spread throughout Europe, finding popularity in Britain where it was even referenced in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales:  “Playing so sweetly that the chamber rang; / and Angelus ad virginem he sang. . .”.Interestingly, the melody we know and love today is derived from the original Basque version. In my view, this tune is a perfect example of melody-crafting. It is at once hauntingly beautiful, yet warm and joyous. Its contours are complex, dramatic, yet singable. I believe this melodic accessibility is the key to the song’s lasting popularity. I would also attribute A Basque Carol’s continued popularity to its elegant translation into English (by Sabine Baring-Gould, who rediscovered the original Basque tune). Translations often risk sounding unimaginative, coarse, and blunt. This translation is strikingly different. It was graced with an especially poetic translation including lines such as “his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame.”I am very excited to offer a new perspective on this classic carol, joining the tradition of composers preserving and reimagining a priceless medieval melody. My first goal was to create a flowing, richly-textured, even cinematic string accompaniment for the choir. This approach was very much inspired by the dense, string-writing style of English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. My second goal was to make the arrangement flexible enough to be performed with only choir, only strings, or (best of all) both ensembles combined. To further complement this approach, I’ve added an obligato line for a solo recorder (solo flute or violin work just as well). If you listen carefully, you will hear a quote from my other favorite holiday carol, Jesu Bambino.I hope you enjoy performing A Basque Carol. I especially hope that you sense the ancient magic cast into this tune, hearing the ineffable qualities that have compelled us to sustain it for nearly a millennium. Whether you’re a choir, a string orchestra, or a combined ensemble, this arrangement of A Basque Carol will surely be a haunting and lovely addition to your next holiday program!

SATB choir, piano accompaniment - Beginning

SKU: GI.G-6030

Composed by Stephen J. Rohde. Christmastide, Christmas Vigil, Christmas Night. Christmas. Sacred. Octavo. 4 pages. GIA Publications #6030. Published by GIA Publications (GI.G-6030).

UPC: 785147603009. English, Latin. Text Source: Medieval English carol.

This treatment of the beautiful, medieval metaphor of the Virgin Mother is a welcomed addition to the settings that came before. It is a short, simple 8-measure carol in rolling parallel thirds with an easy keyboard accompaniment—and lots of room for expressive performance.

Piano Duet

SKU: HL.50511310

The 14 Stations of the Cross. Composed by Franz Liszt. Romantic. EMB. Book Only. 45 pages. Editio Musica Budapest #Z12942. Published by Editio Musica Budapest (HL.50511310).

ISBN 9790080129425. UPC: 073999169195. 9.0x12.0x0.284 inches. Hungarian, English, German, French. Ferenc Liszt; Imre Mezo.

Via Crucis is one of the most outstanding religious masterpieces from Liszt-s late creative period, and it depicts the story of the fourteen stations of Jesus' suffering. The work was not released during the composer-s lifetime due to its unusual and daring new sonorities. Based on his own dating, Liszt completed the composing process on February 26, 1879 in Budapest. The piece was originally written as fifteen short movements for solo vocalists, choir, and organ or harmonium, and its text was compiled by Liszt's partner, Carolyne von Sayn-Wittgenstein, using biblical excerpts, two medieval Latin hymns and two German Lutheran chorales.This volume, edited by Imre Mezo, contains German, English and Hungarian prefaces, as well as critical notes in English, which reveal valuable details about the history of the work.

SS and organ or piano, with optional cello - Early Intermediate

SKU: MN.56-0096

Composed by Howard Goodall. Epiphany, Lessons and Carols, 21st Century. Choral score. Duration 4 minutes, 6 seconds. MorningStar Music Publishers #56-0096. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers (MN.56-0096).

UPC: 688670221071. Latin.

Originally conceived for the ensemble Enchanted Voices, these carols for SSA voices and organ (or piano) represent the composer’s desire for the tunes and texts to be heard in a new and fresh way. Largely contemplative, sometimes set against a gently-undulating foundation, these work well for concert and church use. Sometimes ethereal, sometimes other-worldly, the pieces succeed in bringing together the ancient purity of the medieval past and the here and now. Duration 4:06.

SS choir divisi and organ or piano, with optional cello - Early Intermediate

SKU: MN.56-0091

Composed by Howard Goodall. Christmas, Lessons and Carols, 21st Century. Choral score. Duration 2 minutes, 57 seconds. MorningStar Music Publishers #56-0091. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers (MN.56-0091).

UPC: 688670220197. Latin.

Originally conceived for the ensemble Enchanted Voices, these carols for SSA voices and organ (or piano) represent the composer’s desire for the tunes and texts to be heard in a new and fresh way. Largely contemplative, sometimes set against a gently-undulating foundation, these work well for concert and church use. Sometimes ethereal, sometimes other-worldly, the pieces succeed in bringing together the ancient purity of the medieval past and the here and now. Duration 2:57.

Soprano voice solo, SS choir divisi and organ or piano, with optional cello - Intermediate

SKU: MN.56-0100

Composed by Howard Goodall. Annunciation, Advent, Advent Candlelighting, Lessons and Carols, 21st Century. Choral score. Duration 4 minutes, 31 seconds. MorningStar Music Publishers #56-0100. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers (MN.56-0100).

UPC: 688670221149. Latin. John 1:14.

Originally conceived for the ensemble Enchanted Voices, these carols for SSA voices and organ (or piano) represent the composer’s desire for the tunes and texts to be heard in a new and fresh way. Largely contemplative, sometimes set against a gently-undulating foundation, these work well for concert and church use. Sometimes ethereal, sometimes other-worldly, the pieces succeed in bringing together the ancient purity of the medieval past and the here and now. Duration 4:31.

Soprano voice solo, SSS and organ or piano, with optional cello - Intermediate

SKU: MN.56-0094

Composed by Howard Goodall. Advent, Advent Candlelighting, Lessons and Carols, 21st Century. Choral score. Duration 5 minutes, 9 seconds. MorningStar Music Publishers #56-0094. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers (MN.56-0094).

UPC: 688670221033. Latin.

Originally conceived for the ensemble Enchanted Voices, these carols for SSA voices and organ (or piano) represent the composer’s desire for the tunes and texts to be heard in a new and fresh way. Largely contemplative, sometimes set against a gently-undulating foundation, these work well for concert and church use. Sometimes ethereal, sometimes other-worldly, the pieces succeed in bringing together the ancient purity of the medieval past and the here and now. Duration 5:09.

Soprano voice solo, SS and organ or piano, with optional cello - Early Intermediate

SKU: MN.56-0098

Composed by Howard Goodall. Annunciation, Advent, Advent Candlelighting, Lessons and Carols, 21st Century. Choral score. Duration 6 minutes, 52 seconds. MorningStar Music Publishers #56-0098. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers (MN.56-0098).

UPC: 688670221101. Latin.

Originally conceived for the ensemble Enchanted Voices, these carols for SSA voices and organ (or piano) represent the composer’s desire for the tunes and texts to be heard in a new and fresh way. Largely contemplative, sometimes set against a gently-undulating foundation, these work well for concert and church use. Sometimes ethereal, sometimes other-worldly, the pieces succeed in bringing together the ancient purity of the medieval past and the here and now. Duration 6:52.

SATB chorus a cappella

SKU: PL.PPM02185M

Composed by Christopher Maxim. Octavo. Paraclete Press #PPM02185M. Published by Paraclete Press (PL.PPM02185M).

A refreshing setting of a medieval Christmas carol, Christopher Maxim continues his series of motets for the worship service and concert. Sprightly alleluias begin and end each verse, with the Latin text set with modal harmonies in between.

SATB choir, a cappella - Medium

SKU: PL.0721

Composed by Donald Hunt. Cathedral. Choral, Christmas. Octavo. Paraclete Press #0721. Published by Paraclete Press (PL.0721).

Set of two carols with medieval and 15th century macaronic texts (English and Latin) - beautiful melodies with some divisi at high points - broad dynamic ranges add character and emphasis to the texts.

SA choir and organ or piano, with optional cello - Beginning

SKU: MN.56-0089

Composed by Howard Goodall. Christmas, Lessons and Carols, 21st Century. Choral score. Duration 2 minutes, 56 seconds. MorningStar Music Publishers #56-0089. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers (MN.56-0089).

UPC: 688670220999. English.

Originally conceived for the ensemble Enchanted Voices, these carols for SSA voices and organ (or piano) represent the composer’s desire for the tunes and texts to be heard in a new and fresh way. Largely contemplative, sometimes set against a gently-undulating foundation, these work well for concert and church use. Sometimes ethereal, sometimes other-worldly, the pieces succeed in bringing together the ancient purity of the medieval past and the here and now. Duration 2:56.

Soprano voice solo, SS and organ or piano, with optional cello - Early Intermediate

SKU: MN.56-0092

Composed by Howard Goodall. Annunciation, Advent, Advent Candlelighting, Lessons and Carols, 21st Century. Choral score. Duration 3 minutes, 48 seconds. MorningStar Music Publishers #56-0092. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers (MN.56-0092).

UPC: 688670221002. English.

Originally conceived for the ensemble Enchanted Voices, these carols for SSA voices and organ (or piano) represent the composer’s desire for the tunes and texts to be heard in a new and fresh way. Largely contemplative, sometimes set against a gently-undulating foundation, these work well for concert and church use. Sometimes ethereal, sometimes other-worldly, the pieces succeed in bringing together the ancient purity of the medieval past and the here and now. Duration 3:48.

Soprano voice solo, unison treble voices and organ or piano - Beginning

SKU: MN.56-0103

Composed by Howard Goodall. Christmas, Lessons and Carols, 21st Century. Duration 3 minutes, 27 seconds. MorningStar Music Publishers #56-0103. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers (MN.56-0103).

UPC: 688670221194. English.

Originally conceived for the ensemble Enchanted Voices, these carols for SSA voices and organ (or piano) represent the composer’s desire for the tunes and texts to be heard in a new and fresh way. Largely contemplative, sometimes set against a gently-undulating foundation, these work well for concert and church use. Sometimes ethereal, sometimes other-worldly, the pieces succeed in bringing together the ancient purity of the medieval past and the here and now. Duration 3:27.

SS and organ or piano - Beginning

SKU: MN.56-0104

Composed by Howard Goodall. Secular, Christmas-Secular/Holiday, 21st Century. Duration 1 minute, 17 seconds. MorningStar Music Publishers #56-0104. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers (MN.56-0104).

UPC: 688670221200. English.

Originally conceived for the ensemble Enchanted Voices, these carols for SSA voices and organ (or piano) represent the composer’s desire for the tunes and texts to be heard in a new and fresh way. Largely contemplative, sometimes set against a gently-undulating foundation, these work well for concert and church use. Sometimes ethereal, sometimes other-worldly, the pieces succeed in bringing together the ancient purity of the medieval past and the here and now. Duration 1:17.