Chorus

New repertoire for

New repertoire for Advent and Christmas Carols in three parts These two carols are arranged for SABar voices. See page 12 for more in our new series of Three-part Repertoire. Alan Bullard Star of Wonder SABar and piano or organ 3 mins, Very Easy–Easy Here, we follow the three Kings on their journey to the birth of Jesus. The music is characterised by its alternation of major and minor modes. 978-0-19-354009-5 | Publishing September 2020 Michael Higgins Still, still, still Higgins’s arrangement of the popular German carol is given a modern twist with fresh harmonies, but still captures the gentleness and tranquility found in more traditional settings. Supported by sustained ‘oo’s and ‘ah’s throughout, the well-known melody is underpinned by a delicate piano accompaniment. SABar and piano 3 mins, Very Easy–Easy 978-0-19-354008-8 | Publishing August 2020 David Blackwell A Carol for our Times This thought-provoking carol takes up the topical theme of the plight of refugees, drawing parallels with the stories and reception of Christ’s birth. The text, by the composer, alludes to familiar lines from the Coventry Carol, rooting the piece in tradition while encouraging us to consider our present.Verses feature contrasting textures and changing metres, while a soft, reflective refrain stands steadfastly in triple metre. Also available in a version for unaccompanied mixed voices, with soprano solo. SA (with S. solo) and piano 4 mins, Easy SA version: 978-0-19-353552-7 Published April 2020 SATB version: 978-0-19-353034-8 Published July 2019 Malcolm Archer A Carol of Mary Setting his own text, Archer’s new carol is specifically dedicated to Mary. Ave Marias are interspersed with flowing melodies that rock gently in 3/4 time, while the central section offers brief introspection in the tonic minor. The voices finish with a jazzy chord progression, leaving behind a warm, Christmassy feeling. SATB (with divisions) and organ 4½ mins, Easy 978-0-19-353550-3 | Published April 2020 David Blackwell His Praises We’ll Sing! This is a high energy setting of a well-known text. The bluesy melodies, jazzy harmonies, and swung rhythms give the piece a gospel feel and fill you with the infectious urge to boogie along to the music. Powerful voices and enthusiasm required! SATB (with divisions) or SSA and piano 3 1 /2 mins, Easy–Moderately Difficult SATB version: 978-0-19-353271-7 SSA version: 978-0-19-353553-4 Both published April 2020 Optional bass and drum kit part is available to download from the OUP website. Bob Chilcott Cradle Song William Blake’s poem, ‘A Cradle Song’, is brought to life in this elegant setting. The gentle, recurring melody is passed from sopranos to altos, supported by ‘oo’s and ‘ah’s in the lower voices. In the last section, the congregation (or semi-chorus) joins in with ‘Away in a manger’, which is skilfully woven into the vocal texture as a countermelody. SATB unaccompanied with optional congregation 4 mins, Easy 978-0-19-353344-8 | Published April 2020 4 Find Oxford Choral on Facebook for inspiration, news, and resources for the choral world

New repertoire for Advent and Christmas Andy Brooke I saw three ships This is a delightful setting of the popular traditional carol. Key changes, well-crafted counter-melodies, and rhythmic variation build excitement throughout the piece, while the mimicking of bells in the vocal lines contributes a festive feeling. A definite crowd-pleaser. SATB and piano 3 mins, Easy 978-0-19-353557-2 | Published April 2020 Alan Bullard The Gracious Gift This gentle carol sets a well-known text, ‘Balulalow’, that paints an image of Mary singing a lullaby to Jesus. Bullard’s gentle sways and lilting rhythms reflect the story, while soft dynamics and warm harmonies create a tender quality throughout. SATB unaccompanied 1 1 /2 mins, Easy 978-0-19-336639-8 | Published April 2020 Alan Bullard Ring the bells This joyful setting of a text by Frances Crosby celebrates the coming of Christmas. Written in a lively compound time, the carol explores one melodic refrain through numerous keys and textures, giving each verse a different energy. Resonant harmonies in the cheerful piano accompaniment mimic the ‘bells’ and ‘harps’ in the text. SATB and piano 2 mins, Easy 978-0-19-336499-8 | Published April 2020 Alan Bullard This night This powerful piece celebrates the birth of Jesus. Bullard paints a vivid picture with fluid melodies in the vocal lines and resonant harmonies in the organ accompaniment. Alternative orchestral accompaniment available to rent. SATB and piano or organ or orchestra 4 1 /2 mins, Moderately Difficult–Difficult Vocal score: 978-0-19-336638-1 Published April 2020 Score and parts (rent): 978-0-19-336622-0 Published 2010 Michael Higgins Away in a manger In Higgins’s beautiful and delicate arrangement of this well-known carol, the first verse is taken by unison upper voices; the second is a cappella, with a soloist (or small group) on the melody accompanied by sustained ‘ooh’s; and the last verse features fresh, homophonic harmonies. The twinkling accompaniment contributes towards the magical character of the arrangement. Also available in an SATB version. SSA and piano or harp 3 mins, Easy SSA vocal score: 978-0-19-353562-6 Published April 2020 SATB vocal score: 978-0-19-353217-5 Published July 2019 Michael Higgins Star of the East With a text by Eugene Field, Higgins’s charming melodies gently rock in compound time, starting off in unison before growing into a simple two-part texture. The voices are supported by a busy piano part that mimics the glimmer of the star. This accessible, lively setting is also suitable for SA voices. SS or unison upper voices and piano 1 1 /2 mins, Very Easy–Easy 978-0-19-353564-0 | Published April 2020 To listen to recordings, visit www.oup.com/sheetmusic or search on Spotify 5