SATB holiday & winter
Balulalow
SATB a cappella, Mayfair Music (Leslie Music) VA-4028
A prize-winner in the Amadeus Choir Carol Competition full of lush, expressive harmonies. It has been performed and recorded by many international choirs. Selected as “Favourite of the Month”, December 2012, Musica international See score YouTube or YouTube
Becomes Bethlehem
SATB & piano, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48024798
This marvellous poetry is by award-winning Canadian poet, Wendy Jean MacLean, who also provided the fascinating text for Sirett’s “The Stars Point the Way” awarded “Outstanding Composition” from Choral Canada in 2010. It links together both sacred and secular images of the Christmas celebrations with eternal themes of peace, justice, wonder, hope, love…and home. See score & listen YouTube
Celtic Carol (Sweet was the Song)
SATB a cappella, Cypress Choral Music KH 012
A setting of the traditional medieval text “Sweet was the song, the song the virgin sang”. Warm sustained harmonies compliment the sentiment of this beautiful text. Contact the composer for ordering information. See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks
Christmas in Carrick
SATB fiddle or flute, spoons or bodhan, Cypress Choral Music CP1912
SSA Cypress Choral Music CP1921
TBB Cypress Choral Music CP1920
I lively Celtic celebration of Christmastime…Pass the punch around the table, Christmas comes but once a year! See score & listen YouTube
new release 2022 The Clouded Heaven
SATB a cappella, Walton Music WW1867
This exquisite and gratifying a cappella work expresses a sudden clarity of purpose in life’s journey. It was commissioned by Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, William Maddox, Organist and Music Director, and sung during their residency at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. The universal search for enlightenment expressed in the text is appropriate any time of the year, but particularly Christmas and Epiphany.
See score & listen YouTube
Det finns en ros som renast är (There is no Rose)
SATB a cappella, Julkören by Notfabriken Music Publishers Sweden. Although in Swedish, the publication include the English text as well. YouTube
D’ou viens-tu, bergère?
SATB a cappella, ‘An American Christmas’ ed. Jerry Rubino, Oxford University Press. An a cappella version of one of Canada’s best-loved Christmas carols. Performed by Chanticleer for its 2018 Christmas tour See score Listen to Chanticleer: YouTube
Du förstår när han är här
SATB a cappella, Gehrmans Musickförlag SKG 10083
This is the Swedish version of “Thou shalt know Him” published by Augsburg/Fortress and Church Music Society. See score YouTube or YouTube or YouTube
Dormi Jesu
SATB a cappella, Boosey & Hawkes M051-47741-8
First Prize Winner of the 2005 Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto Carol Competition in the a cappella division. This lullaby-carol has elegant lines and sophisticated harmonies. Selected as “Favourite of the Month”, December 2012, Musica international. See score & listen YouTube ChoralTracks
Ecce concipies
SATB a cappella, Boosey & Hawkes 051-47974
This a cappella Advent motet, written for the Elora Singers, on the Latin text of the Annunciation, uses long, legato, intense lines to describe the birth of the baby Jesus. With divisi in all voice parts and full vocal ranges required from everyone, this lush setting is suitable for the very best college and professional choirs. See score & listen YouTube
Erkennen wirst ihn
SATB a cappella Augsburg Fortress 9798889831242
The German version of the popular Advent/Christmas anthem, Thou Shalt Know Him is now available. See collection See the score YouTube
God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
SATB & organ, Carols for Choirs 5, Edited by David Blackwell and Bob Chilcott, Oxford University Press 978-0-19-337356-3
Found in this newest version of the famous ‘Carols for Choirs’ that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the celebrated first volume. Orchestrations of brass+organ or full orchestra are available for rent from Oxford University Press Order
Huron Carol
SATB a cappella, Christmas Carols of the World and Weinachtslider aus aller Welt ed. Volker Hempflig, Carus Verlag Carus 3.297/90
SSAA a cappella Carus 7.518/10
TTBB a cappella Carus 7.518/20
The new choral anthology Christmas carols of the world will enrich the Christmas repertoire for choirs, with lots of exciting choral arrangements of a selection of 85 international Christmas carols. Composers include John Rutter, John Høybye, Mark Sirett, Wolfram Buchenberg, Matti Hyökki and Fredo Jung. Available separately: Order See score & listen YouTube
I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day
SATB & organ, Roger Dean 10/2386R
A graceful melody compliments the powerful words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a longing for peace, the true message of Christmas. See score & listen YouTube
If Ye Would Hear the Angels Sing
SATB & organ, Canadian International CIM1063
This carol setting was the commissioned by Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, William Maddox, director, for the annual Advent Carol service by the ‘Churches of the Hill’, Toronto. A magnificent text paired with a majestic tune and commanding organ accompaniment. See score & listen YouTube
In Night’s Dim Shadows Lying
SATB a cappella, Augsburg Fortress ITEM 013260
Scored for SATB a cappella with tenor solo, this haunting and poignant Advent motet is based on a text by Charles Coffin (1676-1749) Digital download See the score
Lo Conocerás Cuando Vieniere
SATB a cappella Augsburg Fortress 99798889831259
The Spanish version of the popular Advent/Christmas anthem, Thou Shalt Know Him is now available. See collection See the score YouTube
Love Came Down at Christmas
SATB & organ, Canadian International CIM1031
A simple and melodious setting of this classic text by Christina Rosetti. Easy and very effective. See score
Make We Joy Now
SATB, brass & organ, Jubilate Music Group 00-VA4031
A colourful and exciting setting of this traditional Christmas text provides interesting mixed metres and lively rhythms. The work can be performed with organ alone, or organ and brass. Another winner of the Amadeus Carol Competition. Exciting and rewarding. See score
O Brillante Estrella
SATB & piano, Boosey and Hawkes 48019887
Commissioned by the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Noel Edison, conductor. An original composition on a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas nativity text, O Brillante Estrella is in the style of a villancico, a lively Spanish carol. Colorful harmonies, syncopated rhythms, and flamboyant accompaniment help to capture the Spanish and Latin American spirit of this engaging piece. Two instrumental versions are available from the composer a) fl, ob, vl, db and piano b) brass and organ. See score & listen Listen to brass and organ version YouTube
The Oxen
SATB & piano (or harp), ECS Publishing 6415
A setting of Thomas Hardy’s magnificent poem about the legend of the oxen kneeling in adoration at midnight on Christmas Eve. A strong, handsome tune is accompanied by a majestic piano part that can also be effectively performed by harp. See score & listen ChoralTracks
Song of the Angels (Gloria)
SATB & percussion, Boosey & Hawkes, M051476596
A colourful sound-scape on the “Gloria” of the traditional Latin mass. Experimental effects found throughout are quite accessible and often supported by the tuned and untuned percussion instruments. Gregorian chant inspires the opening and concluding melodies. The work has received acclaim at various international festivals. See score & listen YouTube
Taladh Chriosda
SATB, piano & violin, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48024795
SSA, piano and violin, Boosey & Hawkes HL 48019991
This beautiful Gaelic carol, The Christ-child’s Lullaby, comes from the Scottish Isles. The tune, which is in the Mixolydian mode, has a medieval quality. The gently swaying rhythm captures the essence of Mary gently rocking the baby in her arms. Fl, ob, vl, db and piano duet version available from the composer. See score & listen YouTube or YouTube
There Is No Rose
SATB a cappella, Gordon V. Thompson (Alfred) VTS-4049
Although unavailable from Alfred, this is now available as ‘Det finns en ros som renast är’ (with English text included) in the Christmas collection Julkören Notfabriken Music Publishers YouTube
Thou Shalt Know Him COLLECTION
SATB a cappella, Augsburg/Fortress Press 0-8006-5520-6
SATB a cappella, The Church Music Society (OUP 978-0-19-395397-0)
SSAA a cappella Augsburg/Fortress Press 0800675304S
TTBB a cappella Augsburg/Fortress Press 9798889831228
Erkennen wirst ihn (SATB a cappella German) Augsburg/Fortress 9798889831242
Vous le saurez quand il vient (SATB a cappella French) Augsburg/Fortress 9798889831235
Lo conocerás cuando vieniere (SATB a cappella Spanish) Augsburg/Fortress 9798889831259
Du förstår när han är här (SATB a cappella Swedish) Gehrmans Musickförlag SKG 10083
A stunning text complimented by a soaring melody and expressive harmonies are found in this popular a cappella motet. This work has been frequently recorded and broadcast by professional and amateur choirs worldwide including Vocalessence, the National Lutheran Choir and heard on CBC and NPR. See collection See score YouTube or YouTube or YouTube ChoralTracks
Vous le saurez quand il vient (SATB a cappella French) Augsburg/Fortress 9798889831235 The French translation of the popular Advent and Christmas motet See collection
Waye Not His Cribb
SATB a cappella, Boosey & Hawkes, M051-47574-2
Winner of the Amadeus Choir Carol Competition, this work has also been performed by VocalEssence directed by Philip Brunelle. The unusual but expressive text is by Renaissance English poet Richard Crashaw. The opening verse is set for alto or baritone solo and chorus. See score & listen YouTube
Welcome all Wonders
SATB a cappella, Augsburg Fortress Press
Commissioned by the Oriana Singers of Port Hope, this Christmas anthem is found in The Augsburg Choirbook for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, Augsburg Fortress Press ISBN: 9780800678586. See score
What Sweeter Music
SATB a cappella, Augsburg Fortress Press 0800659287
This wonderful text by George Herbert has been set in rich harmonies that evoke the vivid imagery of the text. Especially good for more advanced church choirs, and in concert. See score & listen YouTube
When Came in Flesh the Incarnate Word
SATB & organ, Augsburg Fortress, ITEM013261
This lyric and moving anthem for Christmas-tide is based on a text by Joseph Anstice (1805-1836). Available digitally See the score