SKU: A0.999078

'Too Much Love Will Kill You' has been released twice as a single. It was recorded by Queen in 1989, but wasn't released by the band until 1995 when it appeared on the 'Made In Heaven' album. In 1992 it was released by Brian May (lead guitarist in Queen) as a solo single, which reached number 5 in the UK singles chart. The Queen version did not chart as high in the UK, but did chart in North America in 1996.

The song was written about the breakdown of Brian May's first marriage and his attraction to Anita Dobson, who would become his second wife.

The song won Best Song Musically and Lyrically at the 1996 Novello Awards

This arrangement of the song is for SATB and piano accompaniment with optional solo's. It is based on the original Brian May recording. Duration ca. 4.10

Katherine Brookes is a Guinness World Record holding flute player. To contact Katherine please email katherine@katherinebrookes.com and for more information about her please visit her website www.katherinebrookes.com 

SKU: A0.871093

A simple but powerful setting of the Old Testament Psalm 57:7-11 for SATB choir with either harp or piano accompaniment. The anthem begins with men singing freely, chant-like, the female voices join and then a mezzo soprano soloist completes the first part of the work. The chorus sings a refrain twice, antiphonally, before closing with a bright Amen. Great for any worship service, for a university/college choir, or chamber choir. Length: 4 minutes.

SKU: A0.1472533

A Maori hymn, arranged for SATB choir. The hymn tune is in the alto part with the sopranos providing a simple descant accompaniment. The text is sung twice. Ideal for church choirs as well as college choirs looking for new and innovative repertoire. See also my arrangement of He Honore for TTBB choir.

SKU: A0.881818

The simplicity of the lyrics of this carol, an adaptation of a Polish lullaby, Lulajze Jesuniu is coupled with a simplicity of form and melody in this beautiful, elegant setting. The harmonic lines, moving largely by step, can be easily learnt by choir. This short piece can be extended by singing it through twice. A suggestion is to have a cantor sing the first verse, followed by unison choir (or section) singing the second verse, and then repeat the entire piece using the SATB harmonization and the addition of descant in the final verse. If desired, the descant line can be played on any C instrument.

SKU: A0.977235

What do you do when you really like a scripture? You put it to music twice. This and the song Trust both come from Proverbs 3:5-6. Simple SATB song ideal for a congregation or quartet.

SKU: A0.1007966

Perfect for high feast days, as an introit, or any time where praise to God is appropriate.  Using long/short chant tactus within a strong rhythmic structure, this piece is sure to excite.  A powerful motive associated with Gloria in excelsis is repeated by the choir twice at the beginning but is sung by the organ for the remainder of the work.  Much of the choral singing is unison.  However, the highlight is the a cappella receive our prayer.  

SKU: A0.483245

This spooky melody is presented as a soloist, then in a round before jumping into the B section which is twice as fast and introduces a new melodic line that builds with each voice. Here is a youtube recording link: https://youtu.be/fYwAcAgGWXU.

SKU: HX.1407847

SKU: A0.955882

What Child Is This? is a ‘Christmas carol’ with lyrics written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, set to the tune of the traditional English folk song ‘Greensleeves’.  The lyrics are taken from his poem The Manger Throne.  The song What Child Is This? was first published in 1871 in Christmas Carols Old and New.  The tune ‘Greensleeves’ association with the festive season can be dated back to 1642; also Shakespeare refers to this popular tune twice in his famous play Merry Wives of Windsor.  This arrangement is scored for a 4-part SATB ensemble with piano accompaniment.  Performance time: 3:12. It is arranged with the awe and wonder (and perhaps confusion) the townspeople and shepherds experienced with the birth of ‘this child.’

SKU: A0.915680

Words by St. Ambrose of Milan (c340–397), tr. by John Henry Newman.

Set to music and arranged by Richard Joseph Barber for Rev. Jason Parker, High Country Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, CO.

Composer's note:

This is a joyous call to prayer (especially morning prayer). The music reminds me of little children skipping with glee under a bright blue morning sky. It needs to be sung with joy in the Lord, Who hears us when we call, forgives our sins, and gives us grace to love Him, keep his commands and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. It should be a wonder morning service anthem, but why not try it in the evening, too, in anticipation of meeting God at the beginning of the next day.  

The key to the style of this piece is rhythmic vitality.  The 6/8 meter should be conducted in two, but singers (and the conductor) must feel the eighth note division of the beat as the composition's energizing rhythmic subtext. After the choir has learned the words, pitches and rhythms of the piece, have them let the text go for awhile, and replace it with the syllable doo for every eighth note value. That is, for every eighth note sing 'doo once; for every quarter note sing it twice; for every dotted quarter note sing it three times, and so on. You will hear some giggling from your singers. That is okay.  They will have some fun, and you will hear definite improvement. RJB (barberpianoserv@gmail.com).