The struggle and suffering described in spirituals go hand in hand with an overwhelming sense of hope for a better life. Deep River is one of the most popular spirituals; its long-phrase melody calls for sustained breath control and a real sense of shape. Much contrast can be made between the first and second sections of the melody, and enjoy the more adventurous harmony around the words ‘where al…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal entreats a lover to emulate nature’s patterns, imploring that they first waken like the firefly and then ‘slip into my bosom and be lost in me’. Alexander L’Estrange was inspired by composers Gerald Finzi and Roger Quilter, two of the most prominent figures in English song in the first half of the twentieth century, and the poem is by T…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Standing in the Need of Prayer is a simple, meditative melody with a pleasing, repetitive chord sequence. This arrangement gives you a chance to ‘crank it up a gear’ after the modulation; there is also an opportunity to thicken out the vocal harmonies towards the end with some optional alto notes. Once singers get more confident, you may wish to experiment with oth…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER. Another Christmas was inspired by the breath-taking winter scenery and the carols that composer Alexander L'Estrange had just been singing on a trip to Switzerland with co-writer Peter Gritton. Although written in a ?light? style, it has a message for all of us, particularly those that have grown weary of, or disillusioned with, Christmas! This piece is part of the Faber…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). When Cecil Sharp transcribed O Waly Waly in 1908, it bore this title but did not contain the title words (beginning instead with ‘Down in the meadows’). It has been suggested since that the version we know now may be a composite of three songs: the Scottish ‘Waly waly’ (meaning ‘a cry of woe or grief’), the Cecil Sharp transcript and an American song, The water is …

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). The Lark In The Clear Air is an exquisite Irish folksong celebrating the beauty of nature. Unusually for a folksong lyric, it also presents a positive outlook on love! This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel an…

Par PARRY BEN. This Spiritual Medley comprises three songs that speak of a journey through trial to eventual salvation and liberty. It should gradually gather pace and energy from a slightly more reflective start, though retaining a lively feel throughout. All My Trials developed into a popular protest song in the 1950s and 60s and has been recorded by, amongst others, Joan Baez, Paul McCartney an…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Early One Morning, a bittersweet lyric with a deceptively upbeat melody, tells of false promises and deception. It is here given a rather melancholic treatment, ending simply and sadly, as it began. You can hear the men promising to be ever faithful in bars 56–63, underneath the girls’ plaintive reproach. This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offe…

Par RUNSWICK DARYL. Symphony For Voices is for a large body of voices (60-80 people), but not necessarily a choir. The voices are divided into 4 groups, though not by voice-type or gender, but deliberately mixed up. The music is unorthadox, using mostly Extended Vocal Techniques, whispering, grunting, shouting, humming, and words from a variety of different languages. Ideal for those who want a di…

Par COHEN MARY. Dance Duets can be enjoyed by cello players of about grade 2-3 upwards. It is excellent concert material and offers a wide range of techniques including (easy) fast finger work, extensive pizzicato, leggiero bowing, long legato lines, double stopping- and even the occasional chance to stamp! The cello parts are of equal interest, taking players on a journey across Europe to South A…

Par LAURIDSEN MORTEN. Morten Lauridsen's I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes was written for Stephen Layton and Polyphony and has been recorded on Lauridsen: Nocturnes (Hyperion, CDA 67580). Purchase the sheet music here arranged for mixed vocal chorus. In speaking of Lauridsen in his book Choral Music in the Twentieth Century, the author Nick Strimple says of him, 'he is the only American composer in histor…

Italian Edition - Edizione Italiana. Par FABER NANCY. Piano Adventures® is the teaching method of choice at leading university Piano Adventures® is the teaching method of choice at leading university programs and music studios around the world. This student-centred approach uses analysis, creativity, and expression to develop a ?musical mind and heart.? The delightful, pianistic pieces and creativ…

Par DALTON JAMES. The Faber Early Organ Series is among the most comprehensive anthologies of early organ music ever published. In 18 volumes it spans two centuries and six geographical regions, presenting a broad and balanced view of the main forms, styles and composers. Within each geographical region the pieces, most of which are for manuals only, are arranged by date of composition or publicat…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER. Prayers for Peace is a collection of three beautiful prayer settings by Alexander L'Estrange: God be in my head, Lighten our Darkness, and The Lord's Prayer. Ideal as introits, anthems or in a concert programme, the pieces are testament to L'Estrange's ability to write music which is simple and accessible yet at the same time full of expression and exquisite harmonies. Th…