Il Est Bel Et Bon (SSAA) English/French-Renaissance French composer Pierre Passereau was a popular creator of chanson rustiques in Paris and at court the early 1500’s. The songs that survive are almost all of a hearty style with plenty of onomatopoeia double entendres puns and occasional indelicacies employing graceful melody polyphony and sometimes chordal passages.Il es bel et bon has retained popularity almost since it was written. There is evidence that this song was sung as far away as Venice in the 1500's. Here composer Helen Cockburn makes the most of the delightful clucking cuckooing passages and the English words have retained most of the original’s consonants to good effect.

SSAA Version - Piano Part-The work is based on the Latin Christmas hymn Puer natus in Bethlehem from the 13th century and along the way the German fishing melody Ein Kind geborn zu Bethlehem from the 16th century onwards. The latter can be sung in English German or Danish at will. The work can be sung a cappella or with piano accompaniment. Score: WH33171. Version for mixed voices also available.

The hymn Mitt hjerte alltid vanker (My heart always lingers) is one of the most popular Scandinavian hymns. In this arrangement elements from the yoik tradition have been included as well as a Northern Sami translation of the first verse and the last verse in Norwegian language. The original lyrics were written in Danish by Hans Adolph Brorson in 1732.The yoik elements include the use of so-called yoik syllables (syllables with no meaning; pronunciation guide is included) as well as a yoik inspired melody in the opening bars. The yoik melody is then reused in several places. The piano part could be performed as written or more freely using the chordsymbols given as a guide. It is also possible to perform this arrangement a cappella.

Janey Nance-Hall of the Women's Chorus of Dallas and her amazingly beautiful “There Is a Season” has moments of soaring melody and quiet stillness. The melody is haunting but full of resolve and empowerment! Thewell-known text is one of the most moving and comforting passages from the Old Testament. An emotional offering for concert graduation memorial or worship services. Exquisite! Based on Ecclesiastes 3.

Aunu Aunu Balti Kajas-The second selection from a set of Five Latvian Folk Songs this song tells of a young woman picking the whitest of garden roses for a wreath. Its rhythmic 2/4 is playful with off-the-beat accents strewn in and the melody line weaving through the four-part women's arrangement. Featured in the 2001 National ACDA concert this makes a fine festival or competition selection. Moderately difficult. Available: SSAA a cappella.

This Endris Night by Sarah Quartel for SSAA unaccompanied or with optional Handbells Percussion or Organ.Sarah Quartel brings a fresh take on a familiar fifteenth-century text in this carol for upper Voices. The dialogue between Mary and the infant Jesus is woven to a beguiling folk-like melody in 6/8 metre through each of the Voice parts with each verse ending in the lilting refrain 'Lully by by lullay'. The carol may be sung unaccompanied though for added sparkle there is an optional part for Handbells (or Percussion or Organ).

In a new SSAA voicing this is an outstanding arrangement of the song originally penned by Walter Robinson and a timely honor as the anti-slavery activist's image will be on the new twenty dollar bill. A cappella vocals build with a come on up followed by rhythmic vocals under the hypnotic melody. Optional cabaca part helps to imitate a train along with vocal nuances resembling the sound of chains and a train whistle. Powerful and moving!

Perfect for a spring concert this bright Beatles classic features rich harmonies and light arpeggiated textures resulting in a warm sound without being too complex. The melody is in the Soprano 1 line allowing either a group or individual solo.

Based on a cantillation melody collected by the composer's father in the 1920s this short work suggests ancient origins. The tonality reflects very little of the modes we often associate with oriental or Middle Eastern music. Themelismas are restrained and discreet and the prevailing atmosphere of the music is quietly loving pure and exalted.

I Wonder as I Wander. Already a haunting melody, this setting is even more captivating with the addition of the oboe obbligato. Although piano can always accompany adequately, the use of harp furthers the mystic sonorities. This is a stunning Christmas concert selection of medium difficulty.

Tipitin. Written by Mexico's first well-known female composer, María Grever, this vals Mexicano (Mexican waltz) makes a charming a cappella work for outstanding choirs. The textured setting offers well-conceived choral parts throughout, sometimes using lower voices to provide a dance-like underscore for the lilting melody. A full translation and pronunciation notes aid in the understanding and mastery of an entirely Spanish text, which recounts a story of new love. Feature an agile soprano on the jaunty descant near the end.

Based on the Eva Cassidy recording this honest emotional ballad features light arpeggiated textures and soaring harmonies supporting a gorgeous heartfelt soprano melody with occasional duet/trio lines.

Drawn from the English tradition that brought blessings to crops and flocks this Somerset melody is rousingly arranged for full chorus.

Playful sweet melodic... this arrangement brings out all of the best elements of this Beatles ditty with the melody bouncing between the various voices. When your singers are sixty-four they'll still be humming along to this timeless classic!

A hushed a cappella opening in rich harmony immediately captures the ear. The flowing piano joins just before two brief optional solos introduce the beloved nightingale and her tuneful melody. Expressive singing and vocal artistry are encouraged by the gentle ebb and flow of tempo.