Sarah Quartel Catalogue

Sarah Quartel 

Catalogue

Sarah Quartel 

Sarah Quartel is a Canadian composer, conductor, and 

educator known for her fresh and exciting approach 

to choral music. Having received her first composition 

award at the age of 8, she celebrates the musical 

potential of all learners by providing singers access to 

high quality repertoire and engaging music education. 

Quartel’s choral works are performed by children, youth, 

and adults throughout North America and beyond, and 

her curriculum texts are used to connect the excitement 

of choral festivals with meaningful classroom learning. 

Her compositions have been featured widely by 

groups such as the National Youth Choir of Canada, 

The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, and the a cappella group 

Rajaton. Other credits include: funding from the 

Ontario Arts Council and the National Film Board of 

Canada; Composer-in-Residence for the women’s vocal 

ensemble Project Sing!; works recorded on multiple 

commercial releases; and a host of choral commissions 

and performances including those by award-winning 

Canadian conductors Zimfira Poloz and Brainerd Blyden- 

Taylor. 

Sarah became a conductor with Viva Children’s Choirs 

in 2011, and continues to work as a guest clinician at 

various music education and choral events throughout 

Canada. 

ed. Sarah Quartel 

Choral Collections 

Breath of Song 

SATB unaccompanied 

Vocal score 9780193532021 

Breath of Song brings together ten exquisite works by 

contemporary women composers. Compiled and edited 

by Sarah Quartel, the collection features an eclectic mix 

of styles and colours, specially selected with modern 

concert programming in mind — from settings of hymnlike 

simplicity and a rich choral sound to works featuring 

theatrical body percussion and a fresh close-harmony style. 

Secular and sacred texts from across the centuries are given 

fresh life, and new words and sounds are introduced. 

(Collection includes SATB arrangement of Quartel’s The 

Birds’ Lullaby) 

Sarah Quartel Songbook 

Upper voices in 2-4 parts, with piano or 

unaccompanied 

Vocal score 9780193551053 

The Sarah Quartel Songbook brings together a selection 

of the composer’s best-loved pieces for upper voices, 

including favourites such as ‘The Birds’ Lullaby’ and ‘I 

remember’, as well as a new setting of Sara Teasdale’s lifeaffirming 

poem ‘Refuge’. This is an invaluable resource both 

for choirs looking to explore the work of this fine choral 

composer for the first time and for admirers of Quartel’s 

style hoping to find staple repertoire conveniently 

gathered together in one volume. 

Sarah Quartel Songbook 

SATB, with piano or unaccompanied 

Vocal score 9780193551046 

The Sarah Quartel Songbook brings together a selection 

of the composer’s best-loved pieces for mixed voices, 

including favourites such as ‘Sing, my Child’, ‘Voice on the 

Wind’, and ‘Swept Away’. This is an invaluable resource both 

for choirs looking to explore the work of this fine choral 

composer for the first time and for admirers of Quartel’s 

style hoping to find staple repertoire conveniently 

gathered together in one volume. 

Choral Collections 

† - Title made available individually from an anthology in digital format only. 

2 

3

Choral Leaflets/Octavos Sacred 

Choral Leaflets/Octavos Sacred 

Amabile Alleluia 

SATB and children’s choir/SSATB 

unaccompanied 

Vocal score 9780193544086 

Digital 9780193544093 

Introduced by the children’s choir, Quartel’s simple and 

uplifting melody repeats throughout the piece, beautifully 

coloured by the surrounding parts. The voices offer joyful 

praise and the rich harmonies build up to a warm and 

rousing finish. The children’s part may also be sung by a 

congregation or divided soprano part. 

2 minutes 

Fill your hearts with joy and 

gladness 

SABar and organ or piano 

Digital † 9780193524804 

From the collection Anthems for SA and Men, ‘Fill your 

hearts with joy and gladness’ is an uplifting anthem by 

Sarah Quartel, scored for SA & men with organ/piano. 

With text by Timothy Dudley-Smith, this piece is suitable 

for performance throughout the church year. 

2.5 minutes 

God will give orders/ 

Sweet Child 

SATB or SSAA, solo cello, djembe, and piano 

SATB Vocal score 9780193514416 

SATB Digital 9780193538146 

SSAA Vocal score 9780193512023 

SSAA Digital 9780193525429 

This evocative anthem, from the larger work Snow Angel, 

is a piece of two halves. Opening with a haunting cello 

line, the first section (‘God Will Give Orders’) is mystical 

and ethereal, until a vibrant figure from the djembe lifts 

the music into the second section (‘Sweet Child’), which is 

uplifting and bold in character, with a distinctly African feel 

and an effective a cappella ending. 

4 minutes 

God with me 

SATB unaccompanied 

Vocal score 9780193543850 

Digital 9780193543867 

This a beautiful and meditative setting of a translated 

text from Carmina Gadelica, a collection of Gaelic hymns, 

prayers, and other texts. With gentle suspensions and 

exquisite harmonies, this anthem by Quartel is warm, 

refreshing, and uplifting, perfectly demonstrating her 

signature style. 

3 minutes 

How can I keep from singing? 

SSAA or SATB unaccompanied 





This lively reimagining of the traditional hymn is a thrilling 

a cappella arrangement that pairs the soaring legato 

melody with a rhythmic vocal accompaniment. These 

elements capture both the gentle hope and the profound 

joy contained in the text. Also including moments of 

tenderness and reflection, the piece comes to a rousing 

close with an energy that engages both singers and 

audience. 

4 minutes 

Sanctum 

SSSAA unaccompanied 

Vocal score 9780193413382 

Digital 9780193536791 

Sanctum is a captivating setting of four movements of 

the Requiem text, inspired by the landscape of the west 

coast of Canada. Each movement depicts an aspect of 

Vancouver Island (the water, mountains, wind, and sky), 

exploring landscape as a place of healing and sanctuary. 

The combined effect is both atmospheric and dramatic. 

10 minutes 

Choral Works Secular 

A Winter Day 

SATB (with divisions), solo cello, and piano 

Vocal score 9780193514409 

Cello part 9780193517806 

This five-movement work celebrates the long Canadian 

winter, setting texts by the composer, Sara Teasdale, Lucy 

Maud Montgomery (of ‘Anne of Green Gables’ fame), and 

Melville Cane. Each movement depicts a different time of 

day, beginning with the cold darkness before dawn and 

concluding with the evening turning into dusk and then 

darkness. The music conjures up vivid images of a cold and 

crisp winter, and of swirling, dancing snowflakes. 

17 minutes 

Alice 

Choral Leaflets/Octavos Secular 

SSA and piano 

Vocal score 9780193392236 

Digital 9780193536104 

Alice is a quirky, light-hearted celebration of the Alice books 

by Lewis Carroll. The tale of an encounter with the White 

Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, and the Hatter is underpinned 

by a lively, characterful piano part. Spirited, fun, and with 

great potential for dramatic performance. 

4 minutes 

All shall be well 

SSAA, violin & piano 

Vocal score 9780193550728 

Digital 9780193551756 

This uplifting piece sets a text inspired by Julian of 

Norwich, with additions by the composer. Quartel’s 

intertwining vocal lines are beautifully combined with a 

soaring violin part and flowing piano accompaniment, 

illustrating the joy and power of song. 

4.5 minutes 

All the Way Home 

SSA or SATB and piano 

SSA Vocal score 9780193525900 

SSA Digital 9780193538696 



This piece was inspired by members of the Radcliffe Ladies’ 

Choir and their motto ‘friendship through singing’. The 

lilting vocal lines are subtly underpinned by a delicate 

piano accompaniment, and the opening performance 

direction, ‘contentedly rocking’, describes the nature of the 

piece: peaceful, content, and easy-going. 

3.5 minutes 

As you sing 

SSAA and hand drum 

Vocal score 9780193527522 

Digital 9780193530508 

In this fast and energetic piece, Quartel sets her own 

text celebrating the joy of singing. The melody weaves 

in and out of the texture, supported by dynamic vocal 

accompaniment and rhythmically driven by the drum. 

3 minutes 

Choral Works & Leaflets/Octavos Secular 

4 

5


The Beat of a Different Drum 

Cambiata Bar or SA, piano, and hand drum 

CBar Vocal score 9780193417670 

CBar Digital 9780193537248 

SA Vocal score 9780193512719 

SA Digital 9780193538085 

This composition sets the composer’s own text celebrating 

freedom of expression and the music within each of us. 

Accompanied by hand drum and piano, the piece is an 

exciting and engaging sing with legato, two-part passages, 

and vocal percussion. The CBar vocal score is part of the 

Emerging Voices series. 

3 minutes 

The Bird’s Lullaby 






This a cappella setting of evocative words by E. Pauline 

Johnson is immediately appealing, with its playful 

syncopations and dancing, wordless accompaniment. 

3 minutes 

Blow, blow, thou winter wind 

SSA or SATB and piano 

SSA Vocal score 9780193413009 

SSA Digital 9780193536777 



This atmospheric setting of familiar words from 

Shakespeare’s As You Like It is sprightly and uplifting, with 

singers being asked by the composer to perform with ‘a bit 

of frost and a knowing smile’. 

2.5 minutes 

Carry the music 

SSA and piano 

Vocal score 9780193546752 

Digital 9780193551299 

This uplifting and affirmatory piece sets a text by the 

composer inspired by the reflections of the Northwest 

Girlchoir on what their choir means to them. A warm 

unison first verse and chorus is next transposed into 

6/8, taking on a dance-like feel, first in two and then 

three vocal parts, while the forward motion of the 

piano’s continuous quaver movement echoes the text’s 

encouragement to ‘carry the music on’. 

4 minutes 

Grow 

SSA and piano 

Vocal score 9780193524804 

Digital 9780193538634 

Grow is a warm, heartfelt setting of words by Quartel 

celebrating a human personal growth that mirrors the 

season change from winter to spring. A rocking piano 

part underpins the eminently singable vocal lines, and a 

wordless section draws the piece to a reflective close. 

4 minutes 

Here in my Heart 

SSAA and piano 

Vocal score 9780193403673 

Digital 9780193535800 

Here in my Heart is an uplifting setting of an original 

text by the composer that explores the power of the 

natural world to fill the heart with song. The evocative 

melody perfectly complements the text’s theme and 

uses duplets and syncopated rhythms to create a sense 

of ebb and flow. 

5 minutes 

Here on these Branches 

SSAA and percussion 

Vocal score 9780193392243 

Digital 9780193536111 

This bewitching setting tells the story of a girl walking 

in an enchanted forest, mesmerized by ancient songs 

sung by a chorus of birds. An ostinato played on finger 

cymbals and claves accompanies the voices, and 

Quartel sets a strong melody against the harmonies of 

the birdsong. 

4 minutes 

‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers 

SATB and piano 

Vocal score 9780193530270 

Digital 9780193538955 

This is a beautiful setting of an evocative poem by Emily 

Dickinson that explores the symbolization of hope as a 

bird. Quartel offers soaring melodic lines, rich harmonies, 

and a fluttering accompaniment to illustrate the 

persistence of hope even through hardship. 

3.5 minutes 

I know a bank where the wild 

thyme blows 


Digital † 9780193538955 

This setting of words from A Midsummer Night’s Dream 

features all the hallmarks of Quartel’s signature style, with 

uplifting melodies and a supportive, accessible piano 

accompaniment. Originally published in the collection 

Shall I compare thee. 

3.5 minutes 

I remember 

SA or SABar or Unison and piano 


SA Digital 9780193536128 

SABar Vocal score 9780193534810 

SABar Digital 9780193534827 

Unison Vocal score 9780193550841 

Unison Digital 9780193550858 

I remember reflects on the wonder of the natural world 

and the people who shape our lives. The stirring melody 

calls to mind the folksong tradition, and is underpinned 

by a gently flowing piano accompaniment. 

3.5 minutes 

I Will Be With you 






I will be with you sets a reflective text by the composer 

with a message of enduring solace. Lush harmonies, 

with predominantly homophonic passagework, coupled 

with flowing and cascading lines in every voice part 

make for a tranquil musical experience. 

3 minutes 

In Time of Silver Rain 

SA or SABar or Unison and piano 


SA Digital 9780193531314 

SABar Vocal score 9780193540071 

SABar Digital 9780193540118 

Unison Vocal score 9780193550865 

Unison Digital 9780193550872 

Commissioned by the Treble Makers Women’s Choir, this 

secular work sensitively sets Langston Hughes’s poem of 

the same name. A lilting melodic line, eloquent partwriting, 

and an effective piano part combine to create a 

piece that will appeal to both youth and adult choirs. 

Morning Light 

SSAA unaccompanied 

Vocal score 9780193404755 

Digital 9780193535961 

Morning Light sets an optimistic text by the composer 

about home and finding your way. Inspired by American 

folksongs, the captivating melody and warm harmonies 

perfectly complement the uplifting theme of the text. 

4.5 minutes 

My soul is awakened 

SSAA and piano 

Vocal score 9780193530294 

Digital 9780193540576 

This is a beautiful piece setting an evocative text by 

Anne Brontë that explores natural imagery on a blustery 

day and the feelings they inspire. Supported by the 

piano acccompaniment, Quartel’s soaring melodies, rich 

harmonies, and syncopated rhythms illustrate the power 

of the wind, while its unpredictable nature is hinted by the 

hemiolas and cross-rhythms throughout the texture. 

4.5 minutes 

One of these Days 

SSATBarB unaccompanied 

Vocal score 9780193554498 

Digital 9780193554504 

Setting words by the composer, One of these days is 

an affirmatory piece with pop-inspired rhythms and 

harmonies. The scat syllables and repeating patterns of the 

lower parts provide a rich cushion for the lilting melody of 

the soprano lines, with lyrics that encourage us to seize the 

day! 

4 minutes 


2.5 minutes 

6 

7


The Parting Glass 

TTBB or SATB unaccompanied 

TTBB Vocal score 9780193527461 

TTBB Digital 9780193531499 



The Parting Glass is a traditional Scottish song, often sung 

as a farewell at the end of a get-together. Sarah Quartel’s 

arrangement features close harmonies, idiomatic Scotch 

snap rhythms, and effective interjectory moments in 

what is a largely homophonic setting. With its valedictory 

message, it would make a fitting end to a performance, 

perhaps as an encore item. 

3 minutes 

Refuge 

SSAA & piano 

Vocal score 9780193552272 

Digital 9780193552289 

Refuge sets a powerful Sara Teasdale poem by the same 

name, which perfectly captures the healing power of 

singing: ‘For with my singing I can make a refuge for my 

spirit’s sake, A house of shining words, to be my fragile 

immortality’. Quartel uses musical structure to complement 

the poem’s narrative, opening and closing with music 

marked ‘resilient and strong’, with a central section that is 

‘warm and hopeful’, as expressed by rich harmonies and 

soaring melodic lines. 

3.5 minutes 

See the Light 

SA and piano 

Vocal score 9780193531123 

Digital 9780193531130 

See the light sets a text by the composer inspired by 

the Hawaiian story ‘The Bowl of Light’. With its uplifting 

melodies and energetic rhythms, this accessible piece 

explores the light in each person and creates a sense of 

community. 

4 minutes 

Sing, my child 

SATB or SSAA and hand drum 





Sing, my child sets a joyful text celebrating the beauty 

found all around us. Tight harmonies and a dynamic 

percussion line drive the opening 7/8 metre. Lush 

harmonies colour the hymn-like B section. This piece is 

well-suited for combined choir projects or as a rousing 

and meaningful close to a concert. 

4.5 minutes 

Sister Song 

SSA and piano 

Vocal score 9780193392342 

Digital 9780193536661 

This is a gentle setting of an optimistic text about joy 

and hope and the expression of these through song. 

Sister Song features delicate piano ostinatos, persuasive 

melodies, close harmonies, and contrasts between 

unison and imitative writing. 

4.5 minutes 

Songbird 

SSA unaccompanied 

Vocal score 9780193392304 

Digital 9780193525016 

Songbird sets an evocative text describing songbirds 

that spin tunes of gold. The catchy, colourful 

melody is first presented by tutti voices, and is then 

woven through the vocal parts, often to wordless 

accompaniment. The setting ends with an effective 

passage of close imitation. 

2.5 minutes 

Swept Away 

SSATBarB unaccompanied 

There alway something sings 

SATB or Two-part (or unison) and piano 



Two-part Vocal score 9780193543812 

Two-part Vocal score 9780193543829 

This beautiful setting of a text by Ralph Waldo Emerson 

celebrates the universal presence of song, which 

can be found in places of beauty but also darkness. 

With memorable melodies and a flowing supportive 

accompaniment, this piece will leave a warm feeling in 

both the singers and listeners alike. 

3 minutes 

This we know 

SSA and piano 

Vocal score 9780193527591 

Digital 9780193530522 

Setting a moving text inspired by Chief Seattle, Quartel 

appeals for better stewardship of the planet through 

gentle flowing lines and expansive textures. The melodies 

are accessible throughout and well supported by the piano 

accompaniment, while the swells and falls in dynamics 

offer a sense of organicity. 

3 minutes 

Voice on the Wind 

SSAA or SATB and hand drum 





Voice on the Wind sets an inspiring text, written by the 

composer, about the empowerment of singing. With a 

catchy melody, imitative wordless singing, and a driving 

hand drum accompaniment, this piece has all the 

hallmarks of Quartel’s innovative style. 

4 minutes 

Wide Open Spaces 

SATB or TTBB or SSAA and piano 



TTBB Vocal score 9780193413399 

TTBB Digital 9780193536814 



Commissioned for the 2015 National Conference of 

the American Choral Directors Association, Wide Open 

Spaces reflects on the journeys and adventures to be 

found in the wide open spaces within ourselves and in 

the world around us. 

3 minutes 

A Winter Day 

SSAA, piano, & cello 

Vocal score 9780193550735 

Digital 9780193550742 

Cello Part 9780193517806 

This bright, sparkling celebration of nature is inspired 

by the snowy and icy winters of the composer’s native 

Canada. The text, by Lucy Maud Montgomery, is 

brought to life through vibrant melodies, a rippling 

piano part, and a rich, poignant line for solo cello. 

This piece was originally published in a version for SATB, 

solo cello, and piano as part of the five-movement work 

A Winter Day. 

3 minutes 


Vocal score 9780193531789 

Digital 9780193531796 

Setting words by the composer, Swept Away is a beautiful 

and haunting piece with pop-inspired rhythms and 

harmonies. The scat syllables of the insistent lower parts 

are combined with a flowing melody in the soprano line 

to create a powerful work exploring the journey of the 

singers and the ability of the wind to carry them to their 

destination. 

4 minutes 

8 

9

Choral Leaflets/Octavos Christmas 

Snow Angel 

SATB or SSAA, solo cello, djembe, and piano 



Cello part 9780193514515 

Snow Angel is an evocative five-movement choral work, 

for either SATB or SSAA choir, that explores themes of 

love, rebirth, and beauty through the eyes of children 

and the heavenly army of angels that watch over them, 

yearning to make a difference to their lives. The work 

may be performed with narration, in which three angels 

present their perspectives on their earthly charges. Quartel 

weaves a haunting and poignant cello line throughout the 

work, with a vibrant part for djembe in movement four. 

The musical language is emotive and pictorial, allowing 

performers to play an active role in the storytelling. 

20 minutes 

Choral Works Christmas 

Choral Leaflets/Octavos Christmas 

Silent Night 

Soprano duet and SATB (with divisions) 

unaccompanied 

Vocal score 9780193526433 

Digital 9780193538764 

In this beautiful, atmospheric arrangement of Franz 

Gruber’s ‘Silent night’, Sarah Quartel employs choral divisi 

and unexpected harmonies to create a lush bed of sound 

over which the soprano duet soars. 

3 minutes 

This endris night 

SSAA or SATB unaccompanied or with handbells/ 

percussion/organ 





Sarah Quartel brings a fresh take on a familiar fifteenthcentury 

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’. 

3 minutes 

Wexford Carol 


Vocal score 9780193551244 

Digital 9780193551251 

Quartel’s arrangement of this well-known Irish carol is 

distinctly refreshing, characterized in part by its charming 

and sparkling piano part. The middle section offers 

an opportunity for both the choir and pianist to shine 

individually, and explores further the beautiful modal 

harmonies of the original melody. 

4 minutes 

Solo Voice 

All the Way Home 

Solo voice and piano 

High voice Digital 9780193547421 

Low voice Digital 9780193547438 

This work was inspired by the Radcliffe Ladies’ Choir and 

their motto: “Friendship through singing.” The lilting vocal 

lines are underpinned by a delicate piano part, and the 

opening performance direction “contentedly rocking” 

describes the overall nature of the piece: easygoing, 

peaceful, and content. Popular as an SSA and SATB choral 

piece, it has now been skillfully adapted as a vocal solo 

with piano accompaniment for high or low voice. 

3.5 minutes 

Blow, blow, thou winter wind 




This atmospheric setting of words from Shakespeare’s As 

You Like It is sprightly and uplifting, with the singer being 

asked to perform with “a bit of frost and a knowing smile.” 

Musically it includes mixed meters and great voice leading. 

This unique and meaningful winter feature for SSA and 

SATB choirs has now been skillfully adapted as a vocal solo 

with piano accompaniment for high or low voice. 

2.5 minutes 

I remember 




Here is a lyric beauty with lovely legato lines, a gorgeous 

piano part, and a picturesque text. “In my song there’s a 

race through a wild green meadow, the sunshine so bright 

in my eyes...” Popular as an SSA and SATB choral piece, it 

has now been skillfully adapted as a vocal solo with piano 

accompaniment for high or low voice. 

3.5 minutes 

In Time of Silver Rain 

Lux Aeterna 




Taken from Sanctum, a setting of the Requiem text for 

upper voices, Lux aeterna features a simple and gentle 

melody supported by a new piano part in this arrangement 

for high or low solo voice with piano accompaniment. 

2 minutes 

Snow Angel 




With words by the composer, this mesmerising piece 

comes from the large-scale work, Snow Angel, and 

celebrates the coming of winter and the everlasting nature 

of music. Includes an optional cello part. Also published in 

Oxford Solo Songs: Christmas. 

3 minutes 

This endris night 




Sarah Quartel brings a fresh take on a familiar fifteenthcentury 

text in this enchanting carol. Also published in 

Oxford Solo Songs: Christmas. 

3 minutes 

Solo Voice 




Quartel’s lyrical setting of a Langston Hughes poem has 

a lilting melodic line and an effective piano part. Popular 

as an SSA and SATB choral piece, it has now been skillfully 

adapted as a vocal solo with piano accompaniment for 

high or low voice. 

2.5 minutes 

10 

11

For more information about any of the titles featured, please contact: 

Email: music.enquiry.uk@oup.com 

OUP Music Orders (UK) 

Tel: +44 (0)1536 452630 

Email: music.orders.uk@oup.com 

OUP Hire Library (UK) 

Email: ukhire@boosey.com 

US Customer Orders 

Orders by customers in the United States will be processed by 

C. F. Peters Corporation, OUP’s exclusive sales agency in the US 

Email: sales.us@editionpeters.com 

Phone: (718) 416 7800 

US Rental Library 

Email: usrental@boosey.com 

Follow Oxford Choral 

@OUPMusic 

OUP catalogues and scores can be found at: 

www.yumpu.com/kiosk/OxfordMusic 

For more information please visit our website: 

www.oup.com/sheetmusic 

OUP promotional recordings are available to hear via digital platforms including:

Sarah Quartel Catalogue

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?