SKU: GI.G-9610
UPC: 785147961000. Latin. Text Source: Attr. Ambrose of Milan, 340–397. Text by Ambrose of Milan.
Composer's Notes When I met Kelsey Rose in Oxford in St. Stephen’s House chapel over the summer of 2017, we had both just attended a very moving candlelit concert by Westminster Williamson Voices, featuring my setting of “Tenebrae lumini.†I was delighted to be asked to write a piece for compline in Princeton University Chapel, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Anglican/Episcopal chaplaincy at Princeton University. “Aurora†is the result of that meeting. Composing by commission often throws up some interesting challenges. The piece had to fit both as an accompanying piece to the plainchant of compline, whilst simultaneously being a celebratory anthem. I was instantly drawn back to the poetry and hymns of St. Ambrose of Milan, particularly “Aurora iam spargit polum.†Fragments of chant (both real and imagined) are used to create the powerful imagery of the descending golden light of dawn. The piece reaches its climax with the plea for the despair of night to “vanish,†which it then does, leaving the sopranos alone on a high G.
SKU: HL.48021234
ISBN 9781458423542. UPC: 884088642037. 6.75x10.5 inches.
Text: in Latin compiled from the charter of the University, and from older orations in praise of Basle by Bernhard Wyss.Publisher: Boosey & HawkesDifficulty level: 4 (for chorus)Britten's genius lifts this work above being just a worthy celebration of the 500th anniversary of the foundation of Basle University. It is tongue-in-cheek and mockingly non-academic while referring all the time to academic musical forms and formulae. It is written in two parts (everything is in the statutory Latin including the titles of the parts - Pars I and Pars II). The titles of the movements show Britten's intention to show off a wide variety of techniques. Here are some examples: Chorale/Alla Rovescio (the theme is given and responded to with the same melody upside down)/Recitativo/Tema seriale con fuga/Canone ed ostinato. There is a good deal of humour here.There are seven movements in Pars I and six in Pars II. The tenor soloist is given three florid recitatives, accompanied only by a piano, which act as bridges between other orchestrally accompanied movements. Of these the most noteworthy are the Arioso con canto popolare for soprano solo with tenors and basses who hum a student song; another terrific Britten scherzo; and a wonderfully raucous final pair of movements (Canon ed ostinato and Corale con canto) where Britten seems to be aping the Vivat Regina! cries in Parry's I was glad or encouraging the kind of noisy 'I'm from the best university' kind of student touchline shout. This has outrageously high notes for the tenors (top B) which further endorse this feeling. There are real echoes of the Spring Symphony (see separate entry) final movement here which are further underlined by the last section of the Cantata which brings in the bells, piano, huge percussion and the inevitable chorale in which the choir sings 'that a free academy may thrive in a free community, for ever the ornament and treasure of illustrious Basle'.This may not be Britten at his most soul-searching but, as always, there is plenty here to enjoy, especially if the work is not taken too seriously. It is a celebratory, occasional piece and it could be well taken up by other academic establishments celebrating big anniversaries. The chorus parts are not very difficult, though they do present challenges for the choir - not least in having tenors capable of those very high notes at the end. The Tema seriale con fuga is sinewy and needs careful tuning. It also has the subject regularly given upside down after its initial sounding by the basses. All good fun.Duration: 21 minutesPaul Spicer, Lichfield, 2011.
SKU: HL.386716
UPC: 196288023623. 6.75x10.5x0.029 inches.
Sing a new song, Cantate Dominum, are the words that begin this energetic and celebratory piece. The opening section in 7/8 absolutely dances and thankfully returns for a joyous conclusion. The middle section poetically brings in the beauty of creation. This SATB voicing can be sung together with the SSA voicing, P1715. A great festival piece that can also be sung in worship.
SKU: OU.9780193400948
ISBN 9780193400948. 12 x 8 inches.
for soprano solo, SATB choir, organ (or keyboard), and trumpet (optional) This joyful and richly expressive choral cantata is a setting of what is often thought of as a Thanksgiving psalm or a psalm in praise of Harvest time. From its atmospheric opening through to its upbeat ending, the work contrasts driving rhythms with quietly reflective passages for soprano solo. It can be performed with or without trumpet. Suitable for any celebratory occasion, Psalm 65 is a vibrant concert work and a great joy to sing.
SKU: OU.9780193410794
ISBN 9780193410794. 12 x 8 inches.
For SATB (with divisions) and organ This joyful setting of Psalm 98 is a bright and celebratory anthem of praise. The intricate organ writing offsets emphatic statements from the choir full of melodic and harmonic interest while grounded in assertive homorhythm.
SKU: OU.9780193410817
ISBN 9780193410817. 10 x 7 inches.
For SATB double choir unaccompanied This celebratory anthem for double choir is set to the words of the Roman lyric poet Horace. Jackson combines declamatory unison passages for full choir with more lyrical polyphonic phrases shared between the voices, which are sometimes accompanied by repeated figures in free time. A powerful and joyous piece.
About Oxford New Horizons
N ew Horizons showcases the wealth of exciting, innovative, and occasionally challenging choral music being written today. It encompasses the whole gamut of small-scale choral genres, both secular and sacred, and includes pieces for upper-voice and mixed choirs. With titles by some of the most accomplished choral composers active in Great Britain and abroad, the series introduces new repertoire and fresh talent to a broad spectrum of choirs. New Horizons features composers with growing reputations for quality composition reflecting a strong individual voice. The series is continually expanding and should be the first place to look for attractive and performable contemporary choral music.
SKU: OU.9780193372801
ISBN 9780193372801. 10 x 7 inches.
For SATB and piano or organ This is a jubilant arrangement of a four-part round by W. A. Mozart, with choral imitation of pealing bells complementing the celebratory text. An English singing translation of the Latin text is provided.
SKU: SU.32040070
SATB, Piano, optional Flute Duration: 4' Composed: 2013 Published by: Amy Mills Music, LLC This joyful piece is based on Psalm 148, a great celebratory psalm that encourages everybody and everything in heaven and on earth to praise the Lord. Its catchy rhythms and delightful melody will be a hit with your choir. Praise Him angels, praise Him angels, Heavenly armies Praise Him! Praise Him sun and praise Him sky, His great Name shall last forever. Everybody, everything praise the Lord, Praise Him, Halleluhu, Praise Him, Halleluhu, Everybody, everything praise the Lord, Hallelujah! Praise the Lord. See composer website for audio sample.
SKU: LO.65-2102L
ISBN 9780787767037.
From the collaborative efforts of Lloyd Larson, Mary McDonald, Jay Rouse, and Larry Shackley, Everlasting Light showcases the profound significance of the light of Christ come to earth. An insightful narration by Rose Aspinall incorporates scripture and personal reflection to tie together the compelling combination of powerful original music and beloved carols. Mary McDonald’s celebratory opener, Everlasting Light, acts as the cornerstone of the work. Larry Shackley’s Longing for the Light beautifully portrays a yearning for restoration; Jay Rouse offers a stirring original song with words inspired by Mary’s Songs of Praise found in Luke 1:44-56; and Lloyd Larson’s Shepherds and Angels adds rhythmic and joyful energy. The work concludes with a robust medley of carols that points back to the opening song: He is the Light, Everlasting Light; born a Savior, born this night. He is the One, the Everlasting Son; Child of heaven, He is the Light!.
SKU: OU.9780193410855
ISBN 9780193410855. 10 x 7 inches.
For SATB and organ Chilcott's setting of Psalm 96 is bright, optimistic, and celebratory. The sparkling organ part and fluctuation between 7/8 and 4/4 metres give the opening and closing sections a dance-like feel, while the central section is still, soft, and reflective.
SKU: GI.WJMS1147
UPC: 888680085407. English, Latin. Text Source: Psalm 28.
Light and celebratory, this joyous anthem uses rhythmic, ostinato-like vocal lines to support the melodic theme. A sustained middle section provides contrast, capturing the majesty and mystery of God. Time signature changes and interesting harmonic writing make this a good challenege for more advanced choirs. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series. Recording by the Nidaros Cathedral Choir, Vivianne Sydnes, conductor.
SKU: OU.9780193371644
ISBN 9780193371644. 12 x 8 inches.
For SATB and organ Written to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of the Foundress of St John's College, Cambridge, this celebratory setting is jubilant, melodic, and full of lively figuration for both the choir and the organ.
SKU: LO.65-2099L
ISBN 9780787767068.
This celebratory work from Marty Parks is filled with festive interpretations of classic carols and worshipful original songs that highlight the beauty of the Christmas story. Arranged with practicality in mind, it is sure to make choirs of all sizes and skill levels sound their best. The choral voicings are rich and full while the vocal ranges maintain an accessibility throughout. The orchestration, also written by Marty, beautifully complements the choral writing. From the anticipatory, joy-filled opener, O Come, Emmanuel!, to the exciting finale that combines O Come, All Ye Faithful and Son of the Father’s Love, this incredible selection is filled with the sounds and spirit of Christmas!
SKU: HL.48024808
UPC: 888680978914.
Commi ssioned by the Anglo-Chinese Junior College Alumni Choir, Singapore, and first performed in December 2018, The Isaiah Carol uses text from the book of Isaiah which tells of the of the profound changes in the world that come with the arrival of the Messiah at Christmas (The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat...). The peaceful character of the music reflects the hope and concord of the text, and incorporates Arnesens characteristic warm harmonies and beautiful melodic craftmanship. Each verse is interspersed with alleluias which build to celebratory climaxes and harmonic twists which will delight both performer and audience. Suitable for intermediate choirs, this carol is sure to become a favourite for both Christmas concerts and Services.
SKU: MN.50-4305
UPC: 688670543050. English.
The popular tune SHADES MOUNTAIN by K. Lee Scott (1976) has been fashioned into a celebratory hymn-anthem by composer Michael Burkhardt. Written for a new pipe organ at the Lutheran Church of the Risen Savior, Green Valley, Arizona, the organ part is understandably in the foreground. There is a congregational part as well as a verse for SATB choir. Optional brass quartet parts are also available. The text is by Carl Daw (1990) and speaks of creation, blessing, redemption, and service.
SKU: GI.WW1842
UPC: 785147028963. IsiZulu. Text Source: Traditional isiZulu.
Bonk'apaph able is a tremendously fun arrangement by South African musicicians Michael Barrett and Mbuso Ndlovu. This celebratory isiZulu song is a quick learn that will pay dividends for audiences and choirs! Add percussion, clapping, and ululations to make the most of this work.