English Songs, Part III

The 2-Part Vocal Line Score for Crown of Briar Roses is a set of regal and thoughtful songs by Marian Lines and Betty Roe. A terrific and majestic work; these are five royal portraits of English Queens throughout History. This practical work that will bring enjoyment to all groups it was written for Merton Schools Music Association and first performed by them in 1977 the jubilee year of Queen Elizabeth II.

Bavarian Song is a traditional German melody arranged for SA two-part Upper Voice chorus with Piano accompaniment by Havelock Nelson. The words have been translated into English and adapted by Sidney Rowe. This song is suitable for any female or school-age choir and is dedicated to Jean Crittall. Havelock Nelson (1917-1996) was an Irish composer pianist and conductor. He studied at Trinity College Dublin and the Royal Irish Academy of Music before settling in Belfast where he worked for the BBC for over 30 years. His compositions range from ballet and orchestral works to anthems part songs and solo instrumental pieces.

This original cantata for SSA choir and soloists tells the story of St. Augustine and his mission to introduce Christianity to the British people. Featuring 19 memorable songs The Conversion Job offers a lighthearted depiction of Augustine's eventful journey as he departs from Rome accompanied by an eager band of forty fellow monks in an attempt to share the word of God with the Kentish King Ethelbert and his Pagan subjects. How will Augustine and his Roman monks cope with the English weather? What will Queen Bertha make of their unusual clothes? And will her husband tree-worshipping King Ethelbert allow them to stay? The Conversion Job tells the incredible story as originally told in the writings of The Venerable Bede (673-735) with the welcome addition of music and a good dose of humour. This compelling cantata contains parts for the following main characters: Speaking Only: The Venerable Bede (Narrator) Acting/Singing: Gregory Augustine The Monks Acting Only: Ethelbert The King of Kent and Bertha The Queen of Kent Whilst the first performance of The Conversion Job included a cast of over 300 children other performances presented in a variety of creative ways have since been given by much smaller groups with equal success. The work can be easily adapted to suit the number of performers and their individual strengths. All vocal harmony parts (SS/SA) are optional and in some of the songs verses may be omitted at the director's discretion. This wonderful story of friendship and fear courage and glory would make a perfect end of year show for high school pupils. We hope you have fun performing it! Watch a preview of The Conversion Job on Youtube:

Classics for Children Series-This jubilant homage to the joy of making music is easy to learn and fun to sing. For two-part treble voices “Musica Dei” begins with two distinct joyous melodies followed by an accented canon section and finishesby pairing the two beginning melodies as partner songs. This Latin/English text piece will be a favorite of singers and congregations. The piano accompaniment is creative and supportive of the vocals.

Original Words by Victor Hugo (1802-1885); Additional text by Jerry Estes; Music by Jerry Estes A wonderful concert or festival opener for any time of the year Mes Chants (My Songs) is based upon a quotation byVictor Hugo: “my songs shall fly up to God.”This simple piece is an excellent way to introduce young singers to the French language. Two separate melodies one in French and one in English are layered tocreate interesting textures. Truly Lovely. Available: 3-Part Mixed & PianoTrax CD 2003 (35016948).

Medley of Spanish Carols-Three traditional Spanish carols from a variety of cultures are creatively combined in this setting. Perform it in Spanish English or a combination of both. Songs include: De Tierra Lejana Venimos (Puerto Rico); Oi Betlehem(Biscaya); Fum Fum Fum (Spain). Optional percussion. Available: 2-Part 3-Part Mixed. Performance Time: 3:20.

Gustav Mahler’s Rheinlegendchen (or little Rhine legend) is a fabulous German folk poem completed in 1893 but published later as part of his songs from Des Knaben Wunderhorn. This version of Rhine Legend has been arranged here for Piano and Upper Voices by Lionel Lethbridge and uses an English translation by Jacqueline Froom.

Peter Aston was an English composer and was best known for his choral works.This piece Three Shakespeare Songs was written in 1965 and is for Soprano Solo and SA chorus (unaccompanied).

Seks Danske Korsange-The songs in this choral collection from 1991 when Nørgård was honoured as Choral Composer of the Year (by the Danish Amateur Choral Association) are composed so that can be performed for equal voices (SSA) or for mixed choir (SSATB) - and combined ad lib. (fx one verse SSA another SSATB).Choral songs no. 2 3 4 are also available separately in English versions (The Year Steep is the path Freezing Nights).1.DU SKAL PLANTE ET TRÆ (Piet Hein)2.ÅRET (Ole Sarvig)3.VÆLDIG ER JORDENS VEJ (Ole Sarvig)4.KOLDE NÆTTER (Nis Petersen)5.STJENESPEJL (Ib Michael)6 a.FLOS UT ROSA FLORUIT (anon. latin medieval)6 b.BLOMSTBRØD UD I ROSENFLOR (freetranslation by Ole Sarvig)

Shirley McRae is best known for the exquisite way she arranges folk songs... they capture the nationality of their origin so perfectly. This gentle English folk song expresses the longing of separated lovers. Designed for children's and middle school choirs.

These charming folk songs may be performed together or separately. The set opens with a lilting waltz, follows with a tender lullaby, and concludes with a playful cuckoo song. Each of the brief movements may be sung in French (IPA guides included), English (accurately translated), or a combination of both. / Ssa Et Piano

The English singer/songwriter Adele's second album 21 has enjoyed enormous critical acclaim with reviewers lauding her multi-Grammy-winning vocal performance and introspective songwriting. Four smash hits are included in this10-minute medley including: Rolling In The Deep Rumour Has It Set Fire to the Rain Someone Like You.

Flexible Woodwind Ensembl-This suite of folk songs is scored for woodwind quartet and a single unpitched drum. Although the nominal scoring is for flute two clarinets and bassoon the piece has considerable inbuilt flexibility of scoring. The options for instruments on each part are as follows: Part 1: Flute oboe or soprano saxophone Part 2: Bb Clarinet or alto saxophone Part 3: Bb clarinet alto saxophone or tenor saxophone Part 4: Bassoon bass clarinet or baritone saxophoneThe piece may be played by any combination of these instruments. Where necessary some passages have been transposed down an octave in the soprano alto and tenor saxophone parts.Where this occurs the lower pitch is also included in the score. There are also a few notes in the bass clarinet part of the March which have been taken up the octave through necessity; similarly this is indicated in the score.The drum should be unsnared and of medium low pitch. A bodhran tenor drum low tom-tom or floor tom are suggested although in the end it is up to the performer!The folk songs used in the piece are not particularly well known these days. 'Gan to the Kye' is an example of the rich culture of traditional music from Northumbria. The title means 'Go to the cows' and is a love song in which the herdsman asks his lover (in a gesture possibly lacking somewhat in romance) to accompany him whilst he tends his herd of cattle.The second movement is a setting of 'Rosemary Lane' a beautiful Somerset song. It tells of a serving girl ill-used by a sailor; as so often in traditional music the beauty of the tune is quite at odds with the unpleasant circumstances related.'Gently Johnny' is a good-humoured song in which the enthusiastic suitor is teased by the object of his affections: he is asked to cool his ardour whilst at the same time being left in no doubt that his attentions may be as bold as he wishes! The middle section uses another song this time from Middlesex called 'Jack Williams'.

Here is a book of tunes from the Elizabethan era - the great period of English song - set in tablature for the clawhammer banjo. At first glance, it is true, the songs of Shakespeare's day and the mountain banjo seem to be worlds apart. But the musical traditions are, in fact, related, as Elizabethan songs are the old world cousins of mountain tunes. As a result, Elizabethan tunes are a natural way to extend the mountain banjo repertoire for intermediate and advanced players. Their pedigree, their modal feel, the lilting rhythms, and the ease with which they can be adapted to the banjo argue the case. At the same time, they open the possibility for new sounds - in particular new rhythms - for the old instrument, pushing the banjo beyond unnatural limitations and giving it a new voice. Each section of the book is organized around a traditional mountain tuning, with a mountain song serving as a model of that tuning, illuminating the relationship between the two musical worlds. 'The Bard's Banjo? is the first banjo instruction book devoted to the repertoire of Elizabethan song. Free audio downloads are available for use with this title. / Banjo (5 Cordes) / 36 pages / niveau : Intermédiaire/Avancé / Partition - Format: 11 X 8,5

Edited by David Greer70 partsongs by Michael Cavendish Robert Jones Francis Pilkington and John Bartlett are presented in four-part score with lute tablature and transcription.First published in 1987.