Par BLEZZARD JUDITH. Judith Blezzard This book looks at English church music from a new standpoint. It examines the relationship between English church music and the various types of other music that have influenced its development, revealing a vigorous tradition of interplay with extraneous musical material that is seldom apparent from the ways in which music is presented for church use. The borrowing of music from churches outside England is explored, and a large section is devoted to the often surprisingly ingenious ways in which secular music has, since the beginnings of the English church, been appropriated as music for worship - often with controversial results. From madrigal tomusic-hall, from plainsong to popular styles: these and many other kinds of music have lent both styles and material to sacred music with English texts. By examining these musical transformations, this book demonstrates that English church music is far from being an exclusively insular and retrospective repertory, as is often presumed to be the case. Although the book, with its use of musical examples, is designed primarily for the general musical reader - both amateur and professional, its broadly historical approach will appeal to those interested in English cultural heritage, the church, and its worship. ISBN 0 85249 784 9 Judith Blezzard This book looks at English church music from a new standpoint. It examines the relationship between English church music and the various types of other music that have influenced its development, revealing a vigorous tradition of interplay with extraneous musical material that is seldom apparent from the ways in which music is presented for church use. The borrowing of music from churches outside England is explored, and a large section is devoted to the often surprisingly ingenious ways in which secular music has, since the beginnings of the English church, been appropriated as music for worship - often with controversial results. From madrigal tomusic-hall, from plainsong to popular styles: these and many other kinds of music have lent both styles and material to sacred music with English texts. By examining these musical transformations, this book demonstrates that English church music is far from being an exclusively insular and retrospective repertory, as is often presumed to be the case. Although the book, with its use of musical examples, is designed primarily for the general musical reader - both amateur and professional, its broadly historical approach will appeal to those interested in English cultural heritage, the church, and its worship. ISBN 0 85249 784 9/ Livre / Livre

Herbert Howells was an English composer organist and teacher most famous for his large output of Anglican Church music. However for this reason his secular compositions tend to be unreasonably neglected. Thisedition of the Fantasy String Quartet has set out to change this. The delightful piece of chamber music makes full use of the unique characteristics of String instruments giving all four players equal parts andopportunities to shine separately as well as together as an ensemble. Possibly inspired by Vaughan Williams’ Phantasy Quintet the Fantasy String Quartet requires skilful mastery of their instrument from eachplayer. Performance time is ca. 13 minutes.

Masterpiece Edition-Franz Schubert was born in Vienna in 1797. He was involved in music at an early age learning music theory and many different instruments including piano violin organ and voice. During his brief but prolific life he wrote a wide variety of music. His compositions included symphonies piano sonatas piano duets operas masses chamber works and several hundred songs. Among the hundreds of songs the most loved and revered is Ave Maria. Ave Maria was first published in 1826 under the German title Ellen's Gesang 111: Hymne and die Jungfrau (Ellen's Song 111: Hymn to the Virgin). The text used was taken from a novel written by Sir Walter Scott entitled 'Lady of the Lake'. It was then translated into German as it appeared in Schubert's song. After Schubert's death in 1828 the Latin text began being used and eventually surpassed either the use of the German or English text. 'Antiphon of the Blessed Virgin' is a text which has been used in religious contexts since the beginning of Christianity. This vocal classic was originally envisioned as a devotional piece but over time the magnificent beauty of both music and text has made this song equally popular for secular performances. Schubert's Ave Maria arranged for High Voice is recommended for Soprano or Tenor ranges. We have included a separate vocal line with lyrics written in Latin just above the piano accompaniment stave(s). The English translation is also included to explain this fabled story. This Minstrel Press Edition of Schubert's Ave Maria for High Voice is exclusively distributed by Santorella Publications.