Contemplative Choral Music

The greatest collection of contemplative choral music selected from the best-selling Erato CDs. Includes a unique choral arrangement of Albinoni's Adagio and works by Tavener Elgar Schubert and Barber.

The profound and poetic text makes this lovely piece a natural for contemplation anytime. It comes highly recommended.

A Tender Light is a collection of new choral music by the Welsh composer Paul Mealor, including the Ubi caritas , made famous by its inclusion in the Royal Wedding Ceremony of His Royal Highness Prince William and Catherine Middleton (now TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) at Westminster Abbey in April 2011. 2.5 billion people (the largest audience in broadcasting history) heard his Motet on that day and since then it has topped the Classical singles charts in the USA, UK, Australia, France and New Zealand and has already entered the standard repertoire for many choirs. For singers wanting to explore further the music of Mealor, this book also contains the luminous She Walks in Beauty , the contemplative O vos omnes and the madrigal sequence Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal. Locus iste and Ave Maria are modern yet timeless settings of well-known texts. This is a must-have collection for any mixed voice choir wanting to explore the latest and best in choral repertoire. 'Serene and Beautful' Gramophone Magazine 'Mealor is the most important composer to have emerged in Welsh choral music since William Mathias' The New York Times Paul Mealor - A Tender Light by DeccaRecords / SATB

The 'Christmas Choirbook' is a collection of up-to-date, colorful arrangements of 22 Christmas songs from throughout the world. Among classics, dressed in new harmonic sounds, you will enjoy jazz and pop intonations, as well as gospel renditions of 'Go Tell It' and 'Joyful'. The skandinavien Christmas songs are particularly special: contemplative and musical, even droll as in the story about the Christmas troll in the finnish 'Tomtarnass Julnatt'.The 'Christmas Choirbook' offers many stylistic choices for the Christmas and Advent season choir music, so let the available CD (ED 9896-50) inspire you in the joyful singing of these pieces. Of course the recordings, meant only as a first and hopefully appealing impression, represent only a few of the many possible interpretations you will bring to the arrangements.Full verses were intentionally not recorded, although we did overlay simple instrumental accompaniments to the a cappella movements. In addition, the CD includes pure choire versions as well as some 'sing-a-longs', i.e. instrumental tracks for you to use as half-playback. / Choeur

The contemplatively lyrical poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay finds a pefect match in Eric Barnum's evocative setting perfect for more sophisticated high school college or community choirs. Of medium difficulty it would make anespecially lovely feature item for a spring concert. Duration: ca. 5:10

Contemporary American composer Nico Muhly is a prolific writer and arranger who at 32 is the youngest composer ever to have been commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera in New York. His oeuvre includes two operas and many solo pieces and works for small ensemble Orchestra and Chorus and he has collaborated widely. A Good Understanding displays Muhly’s early Choral influences from his years as a boy chorister alternating thrilling Organ passages with contemplative sections that demand quite a lot of all the performers. This piece for Treble Semi-Chorus SATB Percussion and Organ incorporates words from psalms 99 and111.

Psalm 144: 3-4 Psalm 9: 6-In 2008 Transcontinental celebrated the work of Simon Sargon our Composer of the Year with several new pieces from this prolific patriarch of Jewish music. This flowing somber piece set to the contemplative words of Psalms 90 and 144 is an emotionally latent addition to worship particularly a Yizkor or memorial service but makes just as powerful a choice for a concert performance.

A forlorn sailor stares out to sea, longing for the one left behind as 'whispers on the water' summon memories of home. This contemplative choral is deep in meaning, rich in texture, and replete with artistry. The notes are not difficult, affording the opportunity to focus on musicality. / Choeur SAB

A Michael W. Smith modern worship classic is creatively paired with the favorite Advent hymn O Come O Come Emmanuel with great effect resulting in a stunning anthem. It moves from contemplative to upbeat ... while celebratingthe coming Messiah.Available separately: SATB and BonusTrax CD.

The contemplative setting of the Lord have mercy on us motif stays within very accessible vocal ranges. Suitable for high school and church choirs. Duration: ca. 4:00.