By Francis Patrick Obrien. Arranged by Kelly Dobbs Handbells: Mickus. For Voices: SATB, solo. Instruments: 7 handbells, flute, guitar (instruments optional). Piano reduction. Ostinato refrain in Latin; verses in English. Christmas Sacred. 2 pages. Published by GIA Publications.
Level: easy.

By David Cherwien. For unison treble voices or unison voices, organ. Easter. Easy. Octavo. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers . Octavo. Easter.

Composed by Carl F. Schalk. Sacred. Octavo. Published by Concordia Publishing House (CR.98-4257).

By Jean Perry, Dave Perry. For Choir. (2-Part). Choral Octavo. Choral Designs. Choral Octavo. 8 pages. Published by Alfred Publishing.

From A Child's Garden of Verses. Composed by Paul Busselberg. School. Lynn Gackle. Music Education. 8 pages. Walton Music #WLG160. Published by Walton Music (GI.WLG160).

(CME Beginning). By Harry Richardson. For Choral (SSA). CME Beginning Series. 12 pages. Boosey and Hawkes #M051480623. Published by Boosey and Hawkes

From A Child's Garden of Verses. Composed by Paul Busselberg. School. Lynn Gackle. Music Education. 8 pages. Published by Walton Music (GI.WLG159).

Two Songs from A Child's Garden of Verses. Composed by Patti Drennan. Octavo. 20 pages. Duration 4 minutes, 8 seconds. Carl Fischer #CM09426. Published by Carl Fischer (CF.CM9426).

Keyboard

SKU: GI.G-003385

Sacred. GIA Publications #003385. Published by GIA Publications (GI.G-003385).

This collection contains through-composed verses for the common/seasonal psalms of the Lectionary for Mass. Ideal for the more experienced cantor. Refrains are compatible with those found for the Common/Seasonal Psalm in WLP Worship Resources and the other volumes of Lectionary Psalms and Gospel Acclamations. 8. x 11. Spiral-bound.

From A Child's Garden of Verses. Composed by Paul Busselberg. School. Lynn Gackle. Music Education. 16 pages. Published by Walton Music (GI.WLG161).

By Jean Perry, Dave Perry. For Choir. (2-Part). Choral Octavo. Choral Designs. Choral Octavo. 20 pages. Published by Alfred Publishing.
Level: Level 2 (grade L2).

By David Cherwien. For unison treble voices, unison voices or solo, organ. Ascension, Pentecost, Trinity. Medium. Octavo. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers . Octavo. Ascension, Pentecost, Trinity.

Piano (Piano)

SKU: HL.14006459

Composed by Brian Chapple. Music Sales America. Book [Softcover]. Composed 2008. 36 pages. Chester Music #CH74371. Published by Chester Music (HL.14006459).

ISBN 9781847727831. 9.0x12.0x0.216 inches.

A collection of nine original Piano pieces, varying in mood and length, written to levels of accomplishment ranging from moderate to challenging. Brian Chapple studied at the Royal Academy of Music with Lennox Berkeley. He has had a distinguished career as a composer of concert works as well as educational music.

Choral Descant, alto voice, soprano voice

SKU: CF.CM9578

Composed by English Carol. Arranged by Ken Berg. Fold. Performance Score. 12 pages. Duration 3 minutes, 52 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #CM9578. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.CM9578).

ISBN 9781491154007. UPC: 680160912506. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: E minor. English. William C. Dix.

This is a very well known and beloved tune dating from the time of Henry the VIII in Britain. Therefore, there are lots of slight variations in how people have learned this tune. Please be very careful to make sure all singers agree on the notes actually written. This will make the singers the listeners much more comfortable with your performance. The consonant combination th is very difficult for listeners to hear. Singers should work diligently to be very intentional to articulate the text throughout. The verses are all built in two similar four-measure phrases. Even though the destinations are different, both phrases end with echo words. Therefore, please be careful to sing the second syllable softer than the first. For example,sleep-ing, keep-ing, in the verses. In the repeated refrains, please sing Ma-ry in the same way; it too is an echo word. To bring laud is to bring praise and adoration. A mean estate does not equal angry; it refers to a place of poverty. Part of the reason this is such a well-known and beloved tune is that it is very singable and very lovely. Therefore, when you sing it, always work toward making your very best sound and very best face. You will enjoy your performance more and so will your listeners.
This is a very well known and beloved tune dating from the time of Henry the VIII in Britain. Therefore, there are lots of slight variations in how people have learned this tune. Please be very careful to make sure all singers agree on the notes actually written. This will make the singersA the listeners much more comfortable with your performance. The consonant combination th is very difficult for listeners to hear. Singers should work diligently to be very intentional to articulate the text throughout. The verses are all built in two similar four-measure phrases. Even though the destinations are different, both phrases end with echo words. Therefore, please be careful to sing the second syllable softer than the first. For example,sleep-ing, keep-ing, in the verses. In the repeated refrains, please sing Ma-ry in the same way; it too is an echo word. To bring laud is to bring praise and adoration. A mean estate does not equal angry; it refers to a place of poverty. Part of the reason this is such a well-known and beloved tune is that it is very singable and very lovely. Therefore, when you sing it, always work toward making your very best sound and very best face. You will enjoy your performance more and so will your listeners.
This is a very well known and beloved tune dating from the time of Henry the VIII in Britain. Therefore, there are lots of slight variations in how people have learned this tune. Please be very careful to make sure all singers agree on the notes actually written. This will make the singersA the listeners much more comfortable with your performance. The consonant combination th is very difficult for listeners to hear. Singers should work diligently to be very intentional to articulate the text throughout. The verses are all built in two similar four-measure phrases. Even though the destinations are different, both phrases end with echo words. Therefore, please be careful to sing the second syllable softer than the first. For example,sleep-ing, keep-ing, in the verses. In the repeated refrains, please sing Ma-ry in the same way; it too is an echo word. To bring laud is to bring praise and adoration. A mean estate does not equal angry; it refers to a place of poverty. Part of the reason this is such a well-known and beloved tune is that it is very singable and very lovely. Therefore, when you sing it, always work toward making your very best sound and very best face. You will enjoy your performance more and so will your listeners.
This is a very well known and beloved tune dating from the time of Henry the VIII in Britain. Therefore, there are lots of slight variations in how people have learned this tune. Please be very careful to make sure all singers agree on the notes actually written. This will make the singers the listeners much more comfortable with your performance. The consonant combination th is very difficult for listeners to hear. Singers should work diligently to be very intentional to articulate the text throughout. The verses are all built in two similar four-measure phrases. Even though the destinations are different, both phrases end with echo words. Therefore, please be careful to sing the second syllable softer than the first. For example,sleep-ing, keep-ing, in the verses. In the repeated refrains, please sing Ma-ry in the same way; it too is an echo word. To bring laud is to bring praise and adoration. A mean estate does not equal angry; it refers to a place of poverty. Part of the reason this is such a well-known and beloved tune is that it is very singable and very lovely. Therefore, when you sing it, always work toward making your very best sound and very best face. You will enjoy your performance more and so will your listeners.
This is a very well known and beloved tune dating from the time of Henry the VIII in Britain. Therefore, there are lots of slight variations in how people have learned this tune. Please be very careful to make sureall singers agree on the notes actually written. This will make the singers  the listeners much more comfortable with your performance.The consonant combination th is very difficult for listeners to hear. Singers should work diligently to be very intentional to articulate the text throughout.The verses are all built in two similar four-measure phrases. Even though the destinations are different, both phrases end with echo words. Therefore, please be careful to sing the second syllable softer than the first. For example,sleep-ing, keep-ing, in the verses. In the repeated refrains, please sing Ma-ry in the same way; it too is an echo word.To bring laud is to bring praise and adoration. A mean estate does not equal angry; it refers to a place of poverty.Part of the reason this is such a well-known and beloved tune is that it is very singable and very lovely. Therefore, when you sing it, always work toward making your very best sound and very best face. You will enjoy your performance more and so will your listeners.

Choral Cello, Piano, alto 1, alto 2, soprano 1, soprano 2

SKU: CF.CM9625

Composed by Jimmy Baas. Sws. Performance Score. 16 pages. Duration 3 minutes, 49 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #CM9625. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.CM9625).

ISBN 9781491156988. UPC: 680160915545. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: Bb major. English, English. William Butler Yeats.

The Everlasting Voices is the perfect blend of textural variety and harmonic interest for the advanced treble ensemble. Employing a powerful text, Baas' vocal layering coupled with piano and optional cello make this compelling piece a programming must!.
O sweet everlasting Voices, be still; Go to the guards of the heavenly fold And bid them wander obeying your will, Flame under flame, till Time be no more; Have you not heard that our hearts are old, That you call in birds, in wind on the hill, In shaken boughs, in tide on the shore? O sweet everlasting Voices, be still. This SSAA choral work by Jimmy Baas was comissioned by the Lumberton HS Varsity Treble Choir. The opening and closing lines of the poem, O sweet everlasting voices, be still provide the perfect bookends for two larger sections of the poem. These two sections are equally divided into verses. The opening line is used once again as a transition between the verses. The previously mentioned lines, O sweet everlasting voices, are overlapped as different layers of voices enter and sustain. A fifth and sixth voice, the cello and piano accompaniment take part in these layers as well. The words be still are very much a part of the mood each time as the everlasting voices become quiet and still. The two verses feature different voices within the SSAA choir. Verse 1, the sopranos, and verse 2 the altos. There are many moments in this piece to explore the full range and color of the SSAA choir. The piano and cello play an important part throughout, making this piece an excellent choice for any festival women's chorus.
O sweet everlasting Voices, be still;Go to the guards of the heavenly foldAnd bid them wander obeying your will,Flame under flame, till Time be no more;Have you not heard that our hearts are old,That you call in birds, in wind on the hill,In shaken boughs, in tide on the shore?O sweet everlasting Voices, be still.This SSAA choral work by Jimmy Baas wascomissioned by the Lumberton HS Varsity Treble Choir.The opening and closing lines of the poem, “O sweeteverlasting voices, be still” provide the perfect bookendsfor two larger sections of the poem. These two sectionsare equally divided into verses. The opening line is usedonce again as a transition between the verses.The previously mentioned lines, “O sweet everlastingvoices,” are overlapped as different layers of voices enterand sustain. A fifth and sixth voice, the cello and pianoaccompaniment take part in these layers as well.The words “be still” are very much a part of the moodeach time as the everlasting voices become quietand still.The two verses feature different voices within the SSAAchoir. Verse 1, the sopranos, and verse 2 the altos. Thereare many moments in this piece to explore the full range andcolor of the SSAA choir. The piano and cello play an importantpart throughout, making this piece an excellent choice for anyfestival women’s chorus.

Choral SSA choir

SKU: CF.CM9580

Composed by Richard Rasch. Arranged by Richard Rasch. Fold. Performance Score. 4 pages. Duration 2 minutes, 42 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #CM9580. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.CM9580).

ISBN 9781491154021. UPC: 680160912520. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: D mixolydian. English, Latin. 15th Century Medieval Carol.

The text of this poem is from the Trinity Carol Roll, an English manuscript housed at the Wren Library of Trinity College, Cambridge. It is originally in the Norfolk dialect of Middle English but has been modernized for use in this setting. Also, it's macaronic, meaning it combines words from two languages, the other being Latin which was in use by the church when this carol was written. The Latin phrases come from different parts of the Advent/Christmas liturgies; a sequence called Laetabundus, the title of an Introit antiphon called Gaudeamus, and the shepherds response in the gospel of Luke 2:15, Transeamus. Latin phrase translation source Alleluia Alleluia Laetabundus Res miranda A thing to be wondered at Laetabundus Pari forma of equal form Laetabundus Gaudeamus Let us rejoice! Gaudeamus Transeamus Let us go Luke 2:15 The poet compares the Virgin Mary to a rose. She has a special place among all women in being chosen as the mother of Jesus, and likewise the rose has a special place among all flowers surpassing them in complexity and beauty. The music in this setting mimics the petals of a rose as it blooms. Imagine the petals unfurling over time as does the music which starts in unison for each verse and expands outward into two and three vocal lines with increasingly complex harmonic twists. Word painting is employed in several places but none are as important as the dramatic climax in the fourth verse where the shepherds along with all the angels in heaven proclaim Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God on high). What a sound that must be! On these words the music reaches it loudest point as the sopranos rise to their highest note and the compassthe distance between the highest and lowest noteis at its widest. The setting is brought to a close as the five Latin phrases that finished each verse are repeated as a coda and musically summarize the five verses of the carol.
The text of this poem is from the Trinity Carol Roll, an English manuscript housed at the Wren Library of Trinity College, Cambridge. It is originally in the Norfolk dialect of Middle English but has been modernized for use in this setting. Also, it's macaronic, meaning it combines words from two languages, the other being Latin which was in use by the church when this carol was written. The Latin phrases come from different parts of the Advent/Christmas liturgies; a sequence called Laetabundus, the title of an Introit antiphon called Gaudeamus, and the shepherdas response in the gospel of Luke 2:15, Transeamus. Latin phraseA translation source Alleluia Alleluia Laetabundus Res miranda A thing to be wondered at Laetabundus Pari forma of equal form Laetabundus Gaudeamus Let us rejoice! Gaudeamus Transeamus Let us go Luke 2:15 The poet compares the Virgin Mary to a rose. She has a special place among all women in being chosen as the mother of Jesus, and likewise the rose has a special place among all flowers surpassing them in complexity and beauty. The music in this setting mimics the petals of a rose as it blooms. Imagine the petals unfurling over time as does the music which starts in unison for each verse and expands outward into two and three vocal lines with increasingly complex harmonic twists. Word painting is employed in several places but none are as important as the dramatic climax in the fourth verse where the shepherds along with all the angels in heaven proclaim Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God on high). What a sound that must be! On these words the music reaches it loudest point as the sopranos rise to their highest note and the compassathe distance between the highest and lowest noteais at its widest. The setting is brought to a close as the five Latin phrases that finished each verse are repeated as a coda and musically summarize the five verses of the carol.
The text of this poem is from the Trinity Carol Roll, an English manuscript housed at the Wren Library of Trinity College, Cambridge. It is originally in the Norfolk dialect of Middle English but has been modernized for use in this setting. Also, it's macaronic, meaning it combines words from two languages, the other being Latin which was in use by the church when this carol was written. The Latin phrases come from different parts of the Advent/Christmas liturgies; a sequence called Laetabundus, the title of an Introit antiphon called Gaudeamus, and the shepherd's response in the gospel of Luke 2:15, Transeamus. Latin phrase translation source Alleluia Alleluia Laetabundus Res miranda A thing to be wondered at Laetabundus Pari forma of equal form Laetabundus Gaudeamus Let us rejoice! Gaudeamus Transeamus Let us go Luke 2:15 The poet compares the Virgin Mary to a rose. She has a special place among all women in being chosen as the mother of Jesus, and likewise the rose has a special place among all flowers surpassing them in complexity and beauty. The music in this setting mimics the petals of a rose as it blooms. Imagine the petals unfurling over time as does the music which starts in unison for each verse and expands outward into two and three vocal lines with increasingly complex harmonic twists. Word painting is employed in several places but none are as important as the dramatic climax in the fourth verse where the shepherds along with all the angels in heaven proclaim Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God on high). What a sound that must be! On these words the music reaches it loudest point as the sopranos rise to their highest note and the compass--the distance between the highest and lowest note--is at its widest. The setting is brought to a close as the five Latin phrases that finished each verse are repeated as a coda and musically summarize the five verses of the carol.
The text of this poem is from the Trinity Carol Roll, an English manuscript housed at the Wren Library of Trinity College, Cambridge. It is originally in the Norfolk dialect of Middle English but has been modernized for use in this setting. Also, it's macaronic, meaning it combines words from two languages, the other being Latin which was in use by the church when this carol was written. The Latin phrases come from different parts of the Advent/Christmas liturgies; a sequence called Laetabundus, the title of an Introit antiphon called Gaudeamus, and the shepherd's response in the gospel of Luke 2:15, Transeamus. Latin phrase translation source Alleluia Alleluia Laetabundus Res miranda A thing to be wondered at Laetabundus Pares forma of equal form Laetabundus Gaudeamus Let us rejoice! Gaudeamus Transeamus Let us go Luke 2:15 The poet compares the Virgin Mary to a rose. She has a special place among all women in being chosen as the mother of Jesus, and likewise the rose has a special place among all flowers surpassing them in complexity and beauty. The music in this setting mimics the petals of a rose as it blooms. Imagine the petals unfurling over time as does the music which starts in unison for each verse and expands outward into two and three vocal lines with increasingly complex harmonic twists. Word painting is employed in several places but none are as important as the dramatic climax in the fourth verse where the shepherds along with all the angels in heaven proclaim Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God on high). What a sound that must be! On these words the music reaches it loudest point as the sopranos rise to their highest note and the compass--the distance between the highest and lowest note--is at its widest. The setting is brought to a close as the five Latin phrases that finished each verse are repeated as a coda and musically summarize the five verses of the carol.
The text of this poem is from the Trinity Carol Roll, an English manuscript housed at the Wren Library of Trinity College, Cambridge. It is originally in the Norfolk dialect of Middle English but has been modernized for use in this setting. Also, it's macaronic, meaning it combines words from two languages, the other being Latin which was in use by the church when this carol was written.The Latin phrases come from different parts of the Advent/Christmas liturgies; a sequence called Laetabundus, the title of an Introit antiphon called Gaudeamus, and the shepherd’s response in the gospel of Luke 2:15, Transeamus.Latin phrase  translation sourceAlleluia Alleluia LaetabundusRes miranda A thing to be wondered at LaetabundusPares forma of equal form LaetabundusGaudeamus Let us rejoice! GaudeamusTranseamus Let us go Luke 2:15The poet compares the Virgin Mary to a rose. She has a special place among all women in being chosen as the mother of Jesus, and likewise the rose has a special place among all flowers surpassing them in complexity and beauty.The music in this setting mimics the petals of a rose as it blooms. Imagine the petals unfurling over time as does the music which starts in unison for each verse and expands outward into two and three vocal lines with increasingly complex harmonic twists.Word painting is employed in several places but none are as important as the dramatic climax in the fourth verse where the shepherds along with all the angels in heaven proclaim Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory to God on high). What a sound that must be! On these words the music reaches it loudest point as the sopranos rise to their highest note and the compass—the distance between the highest and lowest note—is at its widest.The setting is brought to a close as the five Latin phrases that finished each verse are repeated as a coda and musically summarize the five verses of the carol.

Choral SATB choir

SKU: CF.CM9606

Composed by Paul Salerni. Fold. Performance. 8 pages. Duration 3 minutes, 17 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #CM9606. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.CM9606).

ISBN 9781491154281. UPC: 680160912780. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: C major. English. Charles A. Coffin (1844-1926).

Be thlehem Carol was the result of a commission in 2000 from the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The request came from the Cathedrals music director, Russell Jackson; he had very much liked the Italian Fable cum Violin Concerto (The Big Sword and the Little Broom) I had written in 1997 for the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra. Russell chose the text by Charles Coffin, a French poet and educator whose hymn verses were often translated into English. My approach toward setting the poem was my usual one; that is, to translate literally the words into music (note the dips into the minor mode for the cave of Bethlehem and the child of poverty.) But most of all, I wanted to capture the sense of joy and peace brought by the arrival of the Christ Child.
Bethlehem Carol was the result of a commission in 2000 from the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The request came from the Cathedralas music director, Russell Jackson; he had very much liked the Italian Fable cum Violin Concerto (The Big Sword and the Little Broom) I had written in 1997 for the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra. Russell chose the text by Charles Coffin, a French poet and educator whose hymn verses were often translated into English. My approach toward setting the poem was my usual one; that is, to translate literally the words into music (note the dips into the minor mode for athe cave of Bethlehema and athe child of poverty.a)A But most of all, I wanted to capture the sense of joy and peace brought by the arrival of the Christ Child.
Bethlehem Carol was the result of a commission in 2000 from the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The request came from the Cathedral's music director, Russell Jackson; he had very much liked the Italian Fable cum Violin Concerto (The Big Sword and the Little Broom) I had written in 1997 for the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra. Russell chose the text by Charles Coffin, a French poet and educator whose hymn verses were often translated into English. My approach toward setting the poem was my usual one; that is, to translate literally the words into music (note the dips into the minor mode for the cave of Bethlehem and the child of poverty.) But most of all, I wanted to capture the sense of joy and peace brought by the arrival of the Christ Child.
Bethlehem Carol was the result of a commission in 2000 from the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The request came from the Cathedral's music director, Russell Jackson; he had very much liked the Italian Fable cum Violin Concerto (The Big Sword and the Little Broom) I had written in 1997 for the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra. Russell chose the text by Charles Coffin, a French poet and educator whose hymn verses were often translated into English. My approach toward setting the poem was my usual one; that is, to translate literally the words into music (note the dips into the minor mode for the cave of Bethlehem and the child of poverty.) But most of all, I wanted to capture the sense of joy and peace brought by the arrival of the Christ Child.
Bethlehem Carol was the result of a commission in 2000 from the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The request came from the Cathedral’s music director, Russell Jackson; he had very much liked the Italian Fable cum Violin Concerto (The Big Sword and the Little Broom) I had written in 1997 for the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra. Russell chose the text by Charles Coffin, a French poet and educator whose hymn verses were often translated into English. My approach toward setting the poem was my usual one; that is, to translate literally the words into music (note the dips into the minor mode for “the cave of Bethlehem” and “the child of poverty.”)  But most of all, I wanted to capture the sense of joy and peace brought by the arrival of the Christ Child.

(Sonate D'Intavolatura Per Organo E Cimbalo) Composed by Domenico Zipoli (1688-1726), edited by Luigi Ferdinando Tagliavini. Organ solo book for organ. With organ notation and introductory text. 37 pages. Published by Soeddeutscher Musikverlag (German import).

Composed by Paul M. French. For Cantor, SATB, Assembly, Organ, opt. Harp. Christmas, 21st Century. Moderately Easy. Octavo. Scripture: Psalms 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12, 13; Text Language: English. Published by MorningStar Music Publishers

Choral (SATB a cappella)

SKU: HL.1428500

Composed by Kelvyn Koning. Gentry Publications. Octavo. Gentry Publications #JG2640. Published by Gentry Publications (HL.1428500).

UPC: 196288202660.

Kelvy n Koning's “Star-Crossed,” featured in Jeffrey Benson's Choral Series, is a breathtaking composition crafted for SATB (div.) with Soprano Solo and Solo Ensemble (or SATB Solos), delivering an exquisite musical experience. A standout addition for high school, collegiate, community, and festival choirs, this piece is a must-have - an accessible gem, impeccably written with remarkable solo opportunities and a comfortable vocal range. Its poignant verses encapsulate the yearning sentiment of 'crossing stars' to connect, evoking a deep emotional resonance that transcends universes. 'Star-Crossed' captures profound emotions with eloquence, making it an indispensable piece for any choir seeking a resonant and moving performance.

Choral Bass 1, Bass 2, baritone voice tenor 1, tenor 2

SKU: CF.CM9634

Composed by Traditional Christmas Spiritual. Arranged by Ken Berg. Sws. Performance Score. 16 pages. Duration 3 minutes, 40 seconds. Carl Fischer Music #CM9634. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.CM9634).

ISBN 9781491157060. UPC: 680160915620. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: G major. English, English. Traditional Christmas Spiritual.

Berg's fantastic setting of this beloved American Christmas spiritual for advanced tenor-bass choirs tells a story of hope and meaning. The various textures throughout the a cappella arrangement with solos add much variety and musical interest. A holiday programming must!.
This beloved American Christmas Spiritual, like all spirituals and/or folk songs, tells a story. This is a story of hope and meaning. The introductory solo call and response (mm. 1-7) is hymnic in nature, just to get us started. (Think of it as an effective head fake!) The entrance at m. 8 from the upper three voices (we'll call them the trio part henceforth) is pivotal. They set the stage for the conversation between the singers and the soloist for the rest of the song. From this point, the song is basically a Jazz Trio in vocal form. The bass singers take on the role of the cool dude in the back wearing dark glasses and a beret playing the string bass. They provide the driving force for the forward movement of the entire song. The trio part, basically tenors 1 & 2 and baritones, take on the role of the keyboard providing chordal structure and syncopation. Their job is to fill the listener's ear with sound and rhythm. The soloist tells the story using the known melody and text with appropriate improv opportunities to keep the listeners focused on the message of the song. There is enough repetition to make for easy learning, but this also means that the chords need to snap into position cleanly every time. The Verses are easily identified (there are three) and presented with some small variations in Verse 3 (see mm. 56-58...this only happens once). The Refrain (mm. 30-37) is the part of the song where the singers switch from the Jazz Trio role and actually become a Men's Choral Ensemble. This Refrain is repeated after Verse 3 at mm. 66-71. Between verses 2 & 3, there is not a refrain. Instead, there is a bridge repeated from the introductory material, but used this time to move us into a new key signature. This can be a very exciting moment for the singers as well as the listeners! Measures 72-75 is known in the business as a vamp. It can be repeated once and then move on, OR it can be repeated multiple times, depending on the comfort level of the soloist and the response of the audience. It is important that there be a clear signal from the conductor as to how to end the vamp and move effectively to the actual coda of the song. The ending should be sung with tight control that only looks like reckless abandon! Faces bright; words clean; melody clear; rhythms precise! Enjoy.
This beloved American Christmas Spiritual, like all spirituals and/or folk songs, tells a story. This is a story of hope and meaning. The introductory solo call and response (mm. 1-7) is hymnic in nature, just to get us started. (Think of it as an effective head fake!)The entrance at m. 8 from the upper three voices (we’ll call them the “trio part” henceforth) is pivotal. They set the stage for the conversation between the singers and the soloist for the rest of the song. From this point, the song is basically a Jazz Trio in vocal form. The bass singers take on the role of the cool dude in the back wearing dark glasses and a beret playing the string bass. They provide the driving force for the forward movement of the entire song.The “trio part”, basically tenors 1 & 2 and baritones, take on the role of the keyboard providing chordal structure and syncopation. Their job is to fill the listener’s ear with sound and rhythm.The soloist tells the story using the known melody and text with appropriate improv opportunities to keep the listeners focused on the message of the song.There is enough repetition to make for easy learning, but this also means that the chords need to “snap into position” cleanly every time. The Verses are easily identified (there are three) and presented with some small variations in Verse 3 (see mm. 56-58…this only happens once).The Refrain (mm. 30-37) is the part of the song where the singers switch from the “Jazz Trio” role and actually become a “Men’s Choral Ensemble”. This Refrain is repeated after Verse 3 at mm. 66-71. Between verses 2 & 3, there is not a refrain. Instead, there is a bridge repeated from the introductory material, but used this time to move us into a new key signature. This can be a very exciting moment for the singers as well as the listeners!Measures 72-75 is known in the business as a “vamp”. It can be repeated once and then move on, OR it can be repeated multiple times, depending on the comfort level of the soloist and the response of the audience.It is important that there be a clear signal from the conductor as to how to end the “vamp” and move effectively to the actual coda of the song. The ending should be sung with tight control that only looks like reckless abandon!Faces bright; words clean; melody clear; rhythms precise! Enjoy.

SATB choir, cantor, assembly, keyboard accompaniment - Intermediate

SKU: GI.G-10314

Composed by Charles Thatcher. Advent, Christmastide, Lent, Eastertide, Ordinary Time. Sacred. 64 pages. GIA Publications #10314. Published by GIA Publications (GI.G-10314).

ISBN 7851471031413. English, Latin. Text Source: Antiphons tr. Charles Thatcher, verses, The Grail, 1963.

Entrance Antiphons for the Church Year contains thirty antiphon texts from the Graduale Simplex, translated from Latin and set to newly composed music. The psalm verses appointed for these antiphons are taken from the Grail translation (1963). As with the Responsorial Psalm of the Mass, the assembly sings the antiphon after its intonation by the cantor/choir, repeating it after each verse of the psalm. The number of psalm verses which are sung may vary according to need. The singing of the doxology, Glory to the Father, while recommended, is optional. In several cases (e.g., Christmas and Easter), the assembly sings a refrain—a simple acclamation in Latin—and the actual antiphon text is sung by the cantor/choir. The antiphon functions as a first and final verse. It is thought that liturgical singing in the early Church consisted in part of such short acclamatory phrases. Many of the antiphons in this collection are proper to a specific Sunday, solemnity, or feast. The rest are seasonal in nature and, like the common Responsorial Psalms of the Lectionary, may be chosen according to what seems best for the occasion. The antiphons of Christmas Day and Easter Sunday could be used at daily Masses during their octaves. Notations in the scores of some antiphons suggest alternate occasions when they are appropriate. Regarding performance, these compositions were conceived with flexibility in mind. Assembly participation and instrumental accompaniment are assumed. SATB choral singing is effective, but not necessary. Discrete use of descants where provided can lend an air of festivity. Psalm verses might be sung by an entire choir, by a small group or cantor, or a combination of both.

SATB voice soli, 2 horns, 2 violins, 2 violas, basso continuo

SKU: CA.1037705

Weihnachtskantate. Composed by Johann Georg Zechner. Edited by Leonhard Riedel. Ihr Hirten Bethlehems.Weihnachtskant ate. Sacred vocal music. Choral Score. 2 pages. Duration 20 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 10.377/05. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.1037705).

ISBN 9790007110949. Language: German. Text: Rist, Johann / Schirmer, Michael. Text: Johann Rist, Michael Schirmer.

As the basis for his ,,Oratorio per il Natale Zechner used 4 Verses of the hymn ,,Ermuntre dich, mein schwacher Geist by Johann Rist. He also used some verses by another author. The reason for the reworking of Rist's text was undoubtedly Zechner's idea of writing a dramatic compositon after the model of the Italian cantata, rather than a succession of verses. It is not insignificant that he described this work as an Oratorio. Score available separately - see item CA.1037700.

SATB voice soli, 2 horns, 2 violins, 2 violas, basso continuo

SKU: CA.1037713

Weihnachtskantate. Composed by Johann Georg Zechner. Edited by Leonhard Riedel. Ihr Hirten Bethlehems.Weihnachtskant ate. Sacred vocal music. Single Part, 2 Violins. 2 pages. Duration 20 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 10.377/13. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.1037713).

ISBN 9790007190866. Language: German. Text: Rist, Johann / Schirmer, Michael. Text: Johann Rist, Michael Schirmer.

As the basis for his ,,Oratorio per il Natale Zechner used 4 Verses of the hymn ,,Ermuntre dich, mein schwacher Geist by Johann Rist. He also used some verses by another author. The reason for the reworking of Rist's text was undoubtedly Zechner's idea of writing a dramatic compositon after the model of the Italian cantata, rather than a succession of verses. It is not insignificant that he described this work as an Oratorio. Score and part available separately - see item CA.1037700.