These words of this carol, full of colours and rich in symbolism, are from the Cherry Tree Carol , a popular folk carol telling a legend which goes back at least as far as the Coventry Mystery Plays. The piece received its first two performances on the same day, by Robinson College Choir and Clare College Choir, in Cambridge, and was later recorded by Robinson College Choir, conducted by Timothy Brown. The main tune should have an easy-going lilt, which turns into light, sprightly dancing for the refrain. An inspiring selection of new works from a range of contemporary composers, the Novello New Choral Series offers pieces for all types of choirs, including sacred and secular works from simple, four-part settings to more expansive, yet accessible, repertoire in an exciting variety of styles. Jeremy Thurlow is a composer, writer and pianist. His music has been described as 'seductive, innovative, full of freshness' by Henri Dutilleux. It has been performed by the BBC Philharmonic, the Fitzwilliam String Quartet, Rolf Hind, the BBC Singers, Endymion, Carmen Elektra, Peter Sheppard Skaerved, Matthew Schellhorn and Sequitur (New York), among others. In 2007 he won the George Butterworth Award for new composition. As a musicologist he writes on French music in the twentieth century. His book on composer Henri Dutilleux is published in French by Millénaire III, and he has written and broadcast on the music of Messiaen and many other 20th-century composers, frequently appearing on Radio 3's CD Review. / Choeur SATB

Christmas carols from all over the worldIncludes pronunciation tips for foreign languagesIn simple arrangements for mixed choirThis collection of carols, arranged by Bjorn Griesheimer, explores the wide diversity of Christmas carols from around the world. Including carols from all five continents, from countries as diverse as Tanzania, China, Ecuador and Australia. / Choeur Mixte A Cappella

Par PART ARVO. Composed in 1990, and revised in 1991, for SATB Choir or soloists with organ accompaniment, Pärt's setting of The Beatitudes is one of only a handful of works ('Litany' and 'And One of the Pharisees' also falling into that category) composed in English. Taken from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, as found in Matthew 5:3-12, The Beatitudes provide a fitting structure for Pärt's setting. Each verse states a godly quality and the blessing attached to it; all except the last verse begin with the word 'blessed'. The Beatitudes was premiered on 25 May 1990 at the Nathanaelkirche, Berlin, by the Theatre of Voices choir, conducted by Paul Hillier. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which before you. The gospel according to St. Matthew, 5, 3 - 12 / Musique contemporaine / Répertoire / Choeur Mixte SATB et Orgue