The Human Heart

SKU: GI.G-009449

UPC: 641151094496. Text by William Wallace.

The indigenous New Zealand Māori tune name NGAKAU NIWHA translates resolute heart. Lim Swee Hong has set the words of William Wallace to newly composed music that speaks of a vision of a words of renewed through radical concern. The piece begins with a drumbeat that resembles a heartbeat. The simple melody moves through the vocal parts in a variety of textures. An organ interlude sets up the key change and the final verse, which calls us to leave the past behind and work with Christ to build a new community, bringing hope and fullness of life to all humanity.

SKU: AP.12-0571543251

ISBN 9780571543250. English.

What happened to the heart? It's the most important, beautiful, and sad question I've ever wondered in my life. AURORA

In April 2022, Aurora discovered a love letter to Earth, written by indigenous activists from Brazil. The letter was a plea for mankind to heal the land, reforest our minds, and celebrate our connection to Mother Nature. The profound impression this letter left on Aurora became the inspiration for her fourth studio album, What Happened to the Heart?

Complete with full album lyrics and striking photography, this beautiful clothbound reproduction of Aurora's personal album notebook gives fans intimate insight into her creative process and takes readers on a journey through the human body as she seeks the soul of humanity.

SKU: CF.CM9717

ISBN 9781491160961. UPC: 680160919567. Psalm 91:4-5.

The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield. Psalm 91:4-5 To feel safe and to feel cared for, these are two of the great yearnings of the human heart. What a blessing it is, especially during times of distress or uncertainty, to know that we aren't alone, that someone is reaching out to help us and even hold us. It could be a family member or a friend. It could be a still small voice whispering, It's okay. I've got you. It could even be a loving community, like a choir, assuring us that we are known, that we are loved, that we belong. The first word - scapulis - is translated as pinions. On a bird, a pinion is the outer part of the wing, including the flight feathers. The opening measures, with a one-measure phrase followed be a three-measure phrase, are meant to evoke the image of wings unfurling to welcome in. All through this section - mm. 1-20 - encourage phrasing that is never hurried but moves with intention to the last stressed syllable of each phrase, before ebbing slightly. This section is all about reassurance and comfort. In mm. 21-30 we have a new section where uncertainty grows. At this point the text - and you will find refuge under his wings - is more aspirational than definitive. Leaning into non-chord tones will help make this feeling of uncertainty more palpable. Places where this occurs: Alto I - Measure 22 the Ab in pennis, m. 26 the Bb in sperabis Soprano II - Measure 23 the A natural in pennis, m. 29 the C in sperabis Soprano I - Measure 24 the C in pennis, m. 28 the D in sperabis The apex of the piece is at m. 30 where the yearning for comfort and assurance reaches its height, finding that comfort in the arrival back at Eb major in m. 39. The phrase veritas ejus (his faithfulness), with its triplet figure should flow gently, like a musical carress. The final reassurance occurs at m. 51 as we return to the melody, and the homophonic texture, of the opening. Even as the piece gets softer and softer, encourage the singers to keep energy moving through each phrase. The structure and feel of this piece was inspired by one of the all-time great settings of yet another Psalm of assurance - Felix Mendelssohn's Lift Thine Eyes.
The Lord will overshadow you with his pinions,and you will find refuge under his wings.His faithfulness will encompass you with a shield. Psalm 91:4-5 To feel safe and to feel cared for, these are two of the great yearnings of the human heart.What a blessing it is, especially during times of distress or uncertainty, to know that we aren’t alone, that someone is reaching out to help us and even hold us. It could be a family member or a friend. It could be a still small voice whispering, “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” It could even be a loving community, like a choir, assuring us that we are known, that we are loved, that we belong.The first word – scapulis – is translated as “pinions.” On a bird, a pinion is the outer part of the wing, including the flight feathers. The opening measures, with a one-measure phrase followed be a three-measure phrase, are meant to evoke the image of wings unfurling to welcome in. All through this section – mm. 1-20 – encourage phrasing that is never hurried but moves with intention to the last stressed syllable of each phrase, before ebbing slightly. This section is all about reassurance and comfort.In mm. 21-30 we have a new section where uncertainty grows. At this point the text – and you will find refuge under his wings – is more aspirational than definitive. Leaning into non-chord tones will help make this feeling of uncertainty more palpable. Places where this occurs:Alto I – Measure 22 the Ab in pennis, m. 26 the Bb in sperabisSoprano II – Measure 23 the A natural in pennis, m. 29 the C in sperabisSoprano I – Measure 24 the C in pennis, m. 28 the D in sperabis The apex of the piece is at m. 30 where the yearning for comfort and assurance reaches its height, finding that comfort in the arrival back at Eb major in m. 39. The phrase veritas ejus (his faithfulness), with its triplet figure should flow gently, like a musical carress.The final reassurance occurs at m. 51 as we return to the melody, and the homophonic texture, of the opening. Even as the piece gets softer and softer, encourage the singers to keep energy moving through each phrase.The structure and feel of this piece was inspired by one of the all-time great settings of yet another Psalm of assurance – Felix Mendelssohn’s Lift Thine Eyes.

SKU: CF.YPS241F

ISBN 9781491159668. UPC: 680160918256.

PROGRAM NOTES Heartbreak Trail describes the forced relocation of approximately 100,000 Native Americans in the 1830s. Known as the Trail of Tears, thousands lost their lives during the march, and it is remembered today as a great human-rights atrocity and a shameful period in American history. The opening A-section captures the sadness of those in the five tribes who were forced from their homeland. The fast B-section represents the determination to survive the long, difficult trek. Although there were many obstacles, thousands did survive, but a dark A-section returns to depict the loss of homeland, fellow tribe members, and a depression over the new lack of freedom. PERFORMANCE NOTES The opening should be at a moderate pace and section entrances should be balanced at mezzo piano. In m. 12 have the woodwinds play out their melodic material. In m. 20 the brass should pick up the same volume level as did the woodwinds previously. Measure 27 should die away from what was, and then a sudden change in volume, and mood at m. 31. The entire B-section should be bold, with attention paid to the many accents. (Before working the B-section, an explanation of the difference in accents will probably aid in accuracy.) Measures 37 and 41 have the timpanist and tom-tom player play a very strong forte with attention to the accents. Measures 51 to 52 work a strong quick crescendo to fortissimo. This should set up the tutti forte at m. 53. In m. 61 start a gradual diminuendo to the return of the A-section at m. 68. Explain how to execute the staggered breathing for the flutes, tenor sax and trombone starting at m. 73. Although the final percussion from m. 73 to the end is soft and fading, make sure the final sleigh bell sounds are heard clearly.
 PROGRAM NOTESHeartbreak Trail describes the forced relocation of approximately 100,000 Native Americans in the 1830s. Known as the Trail of Tears, thousands lost their lives during the march, and it is remembered today as a great human-rights atrocity and a shameful period in American history. The opening A-section captures the sadness of those in the five tribes who were forced from their homeland. The fast B-section represents the determination to survive the long, difficult trek.Although there were many obstacles, thousands did survive, but a dark A-section returns to depict the loss of homeland, fellow tribe members, and a depression over the new lack of freedom.PERFORMANCE NOTESThe opening should be at a moderate pace and section entrances should be balanced at mezzo piano. In m. 12 have the woodwinds play out their melodic material. In m. 20 the brass should pick up the same volume level as did the woodwinds previously. Measure 27 should die away from what was, and then a sudden change in volume, and mood at m. 31. The entire B-section should be bold, with attention paid to the many accents. (Before working the B-section, an explanation of the difference in accents will probably aid in accuracy.) Measures 37 and 41 have the timpanist and tom-tom player play a very strong forte with attention to the accents.  Measures 51 to 52 work a strong quick crescendo to fortissimo. This should set up the tutti forte at m. 53. In m. 61 start a gradual diminuendo to the return of the A-section at m. 68. Explain how to execute the staggered breathing for the flutes, tenor sax and trombone starting at m. 73. Although the final percussion from m. 73 to the end is soft and fading, make sure the final sleigh bell sounds are heard clearly.

SKU: HP.9085

UPC: 763628190859.

In Little Seeds you will find new hymns from my heart. My devotional life is given to you in my hymnwriting. During the past three years I have been writing songs for the unity of the church - songs reminding us of our baptism. I have been writing biblical story hymns for lesser-known characters. I have written paperless songs that may be easily memorized. I set a Rumi poem. There are new hymns for Christian missions from everywhere to everywhere. You will find new texts and musical settings for folk songs from around the world. I hope I have treated these with the love and respect they deserve. You will find alternate arrangements of some songs that may be useful in different settings. Lim Swee Hong composed three tunes for this collection at my request. I am also pleased to include Lianne Tan's first published hymn tune in Little Seeds.

SKU: GI.G-CD-475

This beautiful collection by Irish composer Liam Lawton reflects the haunting beauty of his own Celtic tradition and carries with it the hope of future days for all people. Ancient Ways, Future Days includes songs of hope, songs of tears, and songs of inspiration for the seasons of the liturgical year, all with a definite Irish flavor! Liam's bright, joyous version of the Magnificat features a strong, uplifting refrain that practically sings itself, while the haunting Celtic strains of Psalm 21: My God, My God create a pensive mood to begin Holy Week. Pieta: The Silence and the Sorrow is a heartfelt song with a stirring vocal solo for Good Friday services. Let Every Human Heart is an uplifting piece, perfect as a closing song during Lent. Ideal for the responsorial psalm or communion processional at funerals or memorial services is the emotional The Lord Will Heal the Broken Heart. As the title of this collection suggests, these stirring melodies will remind us of the wealth left to us by past generations, while uplifting lyrics are certain to inspire us to constantly seek the Lord of future days!

SKU: CF.SPS75

ISBN 9781491147702. UPC: 680160905201. 9 x 12 inches. Key: F major.

When Hearts Tremble is an emotion packed piece dedicated to musician friends lost all to soon. This beautiful composition by Brant Karrick reflects on the fragility of human existence, joyous memories of loved ones and their effect on everyone around them, and maintaining hope for what the future will hold when all feels lost. This tour de force piece perfectly displays Karrick's polished compositional craft with impeccable scoring, beautiful melodic writing, and exceptional orchestrational color.
While the day-to-day grind of our lives can be filled with overwhelming obligations, goals and commitments, it is sometimes very easy to forget just how precious and fragile life is . It is so easy to get caught up in our own personal feelings and worries that we sometimes don’t realize and appreciate the many blessings we have, especially friendships . On Wednesday, November 18, 2015 the Jefferson High School Band in Jefferson, Georgia lost two of its members to a fatal car accident . The victims were brothers . Music was a constant part of their lives, and the boys were talented percussionists in the marching band . To help with the grieving process the school and community commissioned this piece to celebrate the lives of William and Alex Trimble .As a father, I cannot imagine losing a child, let alone two, and beginning this piece was very difficult as I felt extreme anguish, especially for the parents . But it was decided the piece should primarily reflect the enthusiasm, youthful spirits and positive influence these two young men demonstrated as they were deeply loved by their band mates, community and family . There are four main themes, each representing the feelings and emotions that are certain to occur after a loss of loved ones . The first theme is a short, introductory fanfare, strong and bold, to stand for courage . A second dance-like melody features a liltingly mixed meter to portray a youthful and carefree innocence . This soon changes into a third more song-like, and stately theme intended to provide encouragement as we move forward through life .The middle of the piece includes a soft transition as two snare drummers give voice to the boys, allowing them to thank their friends and assuring them that it will be okay . This moves directly into a slow melody introduced by the saxophones (Alex, the younger brother was also a saxophonist) and is a time for reflection and allows for feelings of sadness at losing beloved friends . However, a second statement of the same theme, now at full volume with a strong percussion cadence, intends to lift the spirits and allows all friends to unite in joyous celebration of life . Both the enthusiastic dance theme and stately lyrical theme return, now in different keys, and work their way toward the highly energetic burst of glorious sound in the short and wild coda . When Hearts Tremble was written to celebrate the joys of youth and life, and should remind us that our friends and loved ones are precious, and we should live each day to bring more joy into the world and into the lives of others .

SKU: AP.48445

UPC: 038081552682. English.

An emblem that transcends cultures, religions, and time periods, the flickering candle offers a message of joy, hope, and peace that can reach every human heart. Start with the spark of a single voice on the opening solo, and then light your choir's inner flame when the entire group joins. Simple, with a folk-like quality; artful, as the composer explores dark versus light, major versus minor.

About Alfred Choral Designs

The Alfred Choral Designs Series provides student and adult choirs with a variety of secular choral music that is useful, practical, educationally appropriate, and a pleasure to sing. To that end, the Choral Designs series features original works, folk song settings, spiritual arrangements, choral masterworks, and holiday selections suitable for use in concerts, festivals, and contests.

SKU: BT.MUSCH80344

ISBN 9781849385954.

This folio contains 20 of Gabriel Yared’s best-loved pieces specially arranged for classical guitar, including themes from The English Patient, Betty Blue and The Talented Mr Ripley.

Eachpiece is demonstrated by the arranger on the included CDs. Four of the pieces are presented in arrangements for guitar duet, and the second CD includes alternative play-along versions each giving prominence to one partor theother.