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)

Blow The Wind Southerly is a Northumbrian traditional early 19th century song possibly with words from a much older source a haunting tune that has been recorded over the decades by many singers among them famously Kathleen Ferrier in the middle of the 20th century as well as Nana Mouskouri Bryn Terfel Leslie Garrett Andreas Scholl and others. Cameron evokes the unending wind of the sea and the endless waiting of thesinger with programmatic ‘blow’ and ‘blow wind’ Vocal accompaniments to the melody line. He postpones full Choral statement of the melody until the final verse then lets the wind finish the work. Contemporary Englishcomposer and arranger John Cameron has earned an excellent reputation for his film television and theatre work including films Kes Driftwood The Ruling Class and theatrical productions Les Miserables Spend Spend Spend and for the Royal Shakespeare Company National Theatre and others.

This setting of the opening to Psalm 102 was composed in the early 1680s. Purcell, who was in his early twenties, had succeeded John Blow as organist of Westminster Abbey around the beginning of the decade and his star was in the ascendant as a court composer. In this piece he pulls off a remarkable compositional coup: a single, gradual climax, lasting over two minutes and culminating on the final repetition of the word 'come', is achieved through a sublime, freely developing eight-part weave of the opening material. The harmonies and nbsp - that result from the chromatic inflections on the word 'crying' all serve the mounting tension in this extraordinary miniature. Study of the autograph manuscript suggest that this anthem was intended to be the opening part of a larger work which was never completed. / SATB

God Is Gone Up With A Merry Noise is an anthem for six-part SSAATB choir. It sets a passage from Psalm 47 and is presented here in the original minim version with an Organ accompaniment by Vincent Novello.William Croft (1678-1727) was an English composer organist and choirmaster. He studied with John Blow at the Chapel Royal and later became organist at Westminster abbey. He is best remembered for the tune Saint Anne which was written for the hymn O God Our Help In Ages Past and also for his Funeral Sentences which have been sung at every British State Funeral since the 1700s.

Originally recorded by the Judds this uplifting song is offered in a powerful full-blown gospel setting by Kirby Shaw sure to bring your listeners to their feet. Available: SATB SAB SSA Instrumental Pak ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:45.

A setting of the Evening Canticles for SATB Choir (with optional Organ part doubling) edited by Watkins Shaw.

The Novello Book Of British Folksongs For Mixed-Voice Choirs is an enjoyable collection of diverse tunes that have descended from the folksongs across the British Isles. A variety of arrangements are included, both old and new, of well-loved tunes as well as some lesser-known pieces. All 34 tunes are arranged for SATB Chorus with Piano accompaniment, making this a brilliant way to enhance your choir's repertoire.This Book Of British Folksongs offers a grand selection of favourite folk tunes arranged by composers such as Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, Paul Mealor and George Dyson. Tunes like A-Hunting We Will Go, Auld Lang Syne, Bonny At Morn, Come Lasses And Lads and Scarborough Fair suggest the sheer diversity on offer here. From sad tunes to happy songs, the arrangements here are at once beautiful and touching, coming truly to life when sung by a Mixed-Voice Choir. These thirty four folk songs will enrich a performance programme, whether as one part or the entirety. Choirs of all types and abilities will be able to discover their favourite arrangements, either the most beautiful, the funniest, or the most enjoyable to sing. With the country experiencing a revival in singing traditional folksongs, this collection is a great way to experience the unabashed joy that performing these British tunes can bring. With a great number of favourite tunes as well as some lesser-known songs, this collection includes songs like There Were Three Ravens, Yarmouth Town, My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose, Dance To Your Daddy and The Rio Grande, as well as an extensive and fascinating introduction by Jeremy Summerly.The wonderful thing about singing folksongs is they are like a window into our country's history. They are occasionally funny, often dramatic, but always enjoyable to sing, and their diversity reflects the different people, landscapes and cultural history of the British Isles. These folk tunes can be traced back through British history, evolving through the oral tradition, continually changing lyrics and melody, being amended and sculpted according to the people who sung them. These timeless tunes have been recorded in this innovative Novello Book Of British Folksongs For Mixed-Voice Choir, however, the joy of these songs is you can put your own spin on them, adapting them to how you want them sung and continuing their legacy. This wonderful collection is a fantastic addition to any choir's performance repertoire, and is sure to lead to success for the choir and audience for many years to come. / Choeur Mixte (SATB) Et Piano

The well-known Shakespeare poem in a dramatic setting featuring an interesting treatment of the text. The tambourine adds a new color to the performance. For mature high school and college choirs. Duration: ca. 3:50.

Uses: General MemorialScripture: Exodus 25:21-22; Psalm 27:5; Isaiah 25:3-4 Inspiring words from a classic sacred text are caressed with loveliness in this octavo. Emotive choral textures and vocal tessitura create adistinctive sound for choirs and the message of finding a calm retreat at the mercy seat of Christ will bring a tranquil comfort to all who hear it. Attention to the dynamic palette of this piece will ensure a memorable moment for all ensembles.