Choral Choir (SAB) - Level 2 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1127905

Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Philip Le Bas. Christmas,Easter,Sacred,Traditional. Octavo. 57 pages. Philip Le Bas #728514. Published by Philip Le Bas (A0.1127905).

A new setting by Philip Le Bas of the ancient carol The Seven Joys of Mary (or Joys Seven, or a variety of other possible titles.) This version includes easy accompaniment parts for flute, clarinet, horn, bassoon and piano. Since medieval times the number of Joys of Mary has varied between five, seven, ten and twelve, but the the current number of seven has become popular, especially since the basic harmonization of R.R. Terry published in 1833 and the contemporary version for 8-part choir by Stephen Cleobury in the OUP's Carols for Choirs series. (A history of the carol can be found in the New Oxford Book of Carols, edited by H Keyte and A Parrott, p.462f.) The version presented here is kept relatively simple to perform, being scored only for a three-part choir (SABar - soprano, alto, baritone) and piano, but with plenty of interest including changes in voicing, changes of rhythm (especially verse 6) and two key changes. The arranger hopes performers and listeners will find it energetic and fun! It should certainly be sung in that spirit! Although often associated with Christmas, it could in fact be performed in any season, including Easter, referring as it does to the whole life, death and resurrection of Christ.

Choral Choir,Choral (SAB) - Level 2 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1120294

By Philip Le Bas. By James Leith Macbeth Bain (1860-1925). Arranged by Philip Le Bas. Celtic,Christian,Irish,Praise & Worship,Religious,Sacred. 8 pages. Philip Le Bas #721622. Published by Philip Le Bas (A0.1120294).

An arrangement (revised 2024) by Philip Le Bas of a popular and simple melody by James Leith Macbeth Bain (1860-1925) - Brother James - with words of Psalm 23 (The Lord's my shepherd) for 3-part choir and piano. There are many existing arrangements, but most tend to be rather fancy (e.g. by Gordon Jacob and Alan Bullard), requiring four competent parts, or else it is simply sung as a congregation hymn. Here it is set for SABar choir so that it becomes more accessible to small parish choirs, who may lack tenors and basses. It has five verses, the second and fourth providing an opportunity either for a cappella or for accompanied part singing. The other verses are varied particularly by the piano, although the ending is also in parts.

Choral Choir (SAB) - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1166020

By Philip Le Bas. By John Stainer. Arranged by Philip Le Bas. 19th Century,Christian,Christmas,Praise & Worship,Sacred. Octavo. 4 pages. Philip Le Bas #766395. Published by Philip Le Bas (A0.1166020).

A simple reduction by Philip Le Bas of How beautiful upon the mountains by John Stainer (1840-1901) from SATB and organ to SABar and organ, to make it more accessible particularly to church choirs with few tenors and basses. This lovely short anthem is very suitable for Advent, but it is also appropriate at other times in the church's year.

Words (from Isaiah 52:7):
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him
that bringeth good tidings,
that publisheth peace;
that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!.

Choral Choir,Choral (SAB) - Level 2 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1127914

Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Philip Le Bas. Christian,Christmas,Easter,Sacred. 57 pages. Philip Le Bas #728523. Published by Philip Le Bas (A0.1127914).

A new setting by Philip Le Bas of the ancient carol The Seven Joys of Mary (or Joys Seven, or a variety of other possible titles.) This version includes the optional flute and B flat clarinet parts. Since medieval times the number of Joys of Mary has varied between five, seven, ten and twelve, but the the current number of seven has become popular, especially since the basic harmonization of R.R. Terry published in 1833 and the contemporary version for 8-part choir by Stephen Cleobury in the OUP's Carols for Choirs series. (A history of the carol can be found in the New Oxford Book of Carols, edited by H Keyte and A Parrott, p.462f.) The version presented here is kept relatively simple to perform, being scored only for three-part choir (SABar - soprano, alto, baritone) and piano, but with plenty of interest including changes in voicing, changes of rhythm (especially verse 6) and two key changes. The arranger hopes performers and listeners will find it energetic and fun! It should certainly be sung in that spirit! Although often associated with Christmas, it could in fact be performed in any season, including Easter, referring as it does to the whole life, death and resurrection of Christ.

Choral Choir (SAB) - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.818183

Composed by Karl Leuner, Charles Macpherson. Arranged by Philip Le Bas. A Cappella,Christmas,Sacred. Octavo. 7 pages. Philip Le Bas #6233097. Published by Philip Le Bas (A0.818183).

A popular version of this carol by Karl Leuner (originally called Wiegenlied, written in 1813) and arranged by Charles Macpherson (1870-1927) is published in Carols for Choirs 1 for SATB choir. However, with the lack of tenors and basses in many parish churches, the carol can often lie beyond the ability of many. Hence this arrangement for three-part choir: the range of the baritone part is from low A to high E flat, which should be achievable by most men (or women singing lower parts) in amateur choirs. Being such a beautiful, gentle and touching carol, this arrangement retains its original, simple a cappella nature, although a piano reduction is provided for practice purposes.

Choral Choir (SAB) - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1120365

By Philip Le Bas. By J-B Lully / G Bizet. Arranged by Philip Le Bas. Christmas,Praise & Worship,Religious,Sacred,Traditional. Octavo. 8 pages. Philip Le Bas #721616. Published by Philip Le Bas (A0.1120365).

A new arrangement by Philip Le Bas of a thirteenth century French Christmas carol from Provence harmonized by Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-87, attrib.) and, more famously, by Georges Bizet (1838-75, in his L'Arlesienne Suite of 1872.) In France the melody is still tightly associated with Christmas, and French audiences start singing their own Christmas words whenever they hear the melody (the arranger has heard it himself!) The English translation used here is adapted from a variety of sources. The three kings (or more precisely the magi from St Matthew's gospel) are seen marching towards Bethlehem with their fantastic golden wealth and grandeur. But why are they going to see a low-born baby and why do they worship this child who will die on a cross? The organ sets the scene from the beginning with its marching accompaniment, and the first verse is sung in unison by all three parts. The second begins with a canon, as used by Bizet, and then breaks into harmony. The first section of the third verse is much quieter and legato, sung by the sopranos and altos, using wonderful chromatic harmonies based on another section from Bizet's suite. The lyrics express wonder at the beautiful music heard from the camp of the kings. The second section, sung in differentiated unison then begins to wonder why the kings stoop so low to a baby in a manger. Finally the fourth verse, sung in full harmony, returns to the marching accompaniment and reiterates the amazement of meeting these kings with their mysterious mission. The carol is aimed at parish choirs with limited resources, but a good organist. The melody is well-known, much of it is in unison, and other sections are relatively easy to sing. Care should however should be taken to sing the dotted rhythms accurately - this is what gives the carol its marching character.

Choral Choir (SAB) - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.818192

Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Philip Le Bas. Christian,Christmas,Sacred. Octavo. 8 pages. Philip Le Bas #6629877. Published by Philip Le Bas (A0.818192).

An arrangement of the traditional Christmas Carol The Lord at first did Adam make for three-part (SABar) choir and organ by Philip Le Bas. This ancient carol tells the story of the fall of Adam, causing humanity to be wrapt in sin. Yet out of God's goodness we are redeemed by the birth of Christ. The listeners are exhorted to begin an holy life to live, and to rejoice and merry be, for this is Christmas Eve.
The version presented here is intended for parish choirs lacking in tenor and bass singers, but with a good organ! It starts in a slightly dark, primeval way with open fifths in the organ part, developing into a minor key throughout the verses, but with a decidedly more positive feel in G major in each of the refrains. The accompaniment expresses the drama expressed in the lyrics without the choral parts becoming too involved, and the whole piece (4 1/2 minutes) ends on a celebratory Tierce de Picardy: for this is Christmas Eve!.

Choral Choir,Choral (SAB) - Level 2 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1394935

By Philip Le Bas. By Philip Le Bas. Arranged by Philip Le Bas. Christian,Praise & Worship,Religious,Sacred. 4 pages. Philip Le Bas #978423. Published by Philip Le Bas (A0.1394935).

A simple setting of words by Bishop Phillips Brooks (who also wrote O Little Town of Bethlehem) called An Easter Carol for three-part choir (SABar) and piano. It is particularly suitable for Easter Day itself, although it would be appropriate at other times during the Easter season. The lyrics express freedom and new life, and the setting is intended to be enjoyable and singable by any mixed choir.

Choral Choir (SAB) - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1203480

By Philip Le Bas. By Philip Le Bas. Christian,Praise & Worship,Sacred. Octavo. 7 pages. Philip Le Bas #802114. Published by Philip Le Bas (A0.1203480).

A joyful, upbeat setting of Psalm 148 for 3-part choir (SAB) by Philip Le Bas to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, 6th May 2023. Although the time signatures may at first seem daunting, this is very simple to perform and the piano part is deliberately supportive. The composer hopes singers will find it fun to sing, and perhaps a church congregation might be encouraged to join in with the refrains.

Words:

(Refrain:) Praise the Lord from the heavens;
Praise the Lord from the heights!
Praise him all his angels;
Praise him all his host!

(Verses:)
Praise him, praise him, sun and moon,
praise him all you shining stars,
praise him highest heavens,
praise the name of the Lord.

Great sea monsters, ocean deeps,
fire and hail at his command,
snow and frost and stormy wind,
praise the name of the Lord.

Praise him, hills and mountains,
cattle and wild animals,
creeping things and flying birds,
praise the name of the Lord.

He commanded, they were made,
fixed their bounds as he decreed,
founded them for ever.
Praise the name of the Lord.

Kings of the earth and princes,
rulers of every nation,
women and men together
praise the name of the Lord.