Review: The short expressive piece "Ah, mine heart" sets a fifteenth-century penitential poem of great fervour. Jackson alternates a refrain in a simple plainsong style with more passionate, homophonic verses, to powerful effect. A setting of the Trinity Sunday text with achingly pure and fluid melodic lines feature throughout, imbuing the piece with characteristic clarity and luminosity. The change to A major for 'Trinitati in Unitate' is radiant, as is the final section, in which the choir divides into eight parts to proclaim the glory of the Trinity. Uplifting and powerful, this is rewarding music for committed choirs. Composed for the Feast of Corpus Christi, "O Sacrum Convivium" has a poise and beauty rare in choral music. Jackson uses the full sonic opportunities offered by the divided scoring, moving effortlessly from controlled meditation to ecstatic fervour, all delivered with absolute belief and clarity. The anthem "Now I Have Known, O Lord" is set to a text by the 10th-century Sufi mystic, Al-Junaid. For the most part, the mood is intimate and introspective; intertwining, whispered melodies, sometimes in free time, alternate with quiet homophony. There is a moment of soaring, unrestrained ecstasy towards the end of the piece before it draws to a hushed conclusion. Suitable for a variety of occasions, this is beautiful, challenging music for serious choirs.

Songlist: Ah, mine heart, Hymn to the Trinity (Honor, Virtus, et Potestas), Lux Mortuorum, Now I Have Known, O Lord, O Sacrum Convivium, Tomorrow Go Ye Forth

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/choral-england/

Review: Gerald Finzi is one of the most admired British composers of the 20th Century. His music embraces a rich variety of moods, from elegiac lyricism, through spiritual reflection, to radiant joy. Finzi epitomised much that was characteristic of English Music, Literature and Landscape. He was part of that generation of composers who came to maturity in the middle of the 20th century. He was friends with Ralph Vaughan Williams, Edmund Rubbra, Howard Ferguson, Arthur Bliss and Robin Milford. The beautiful and sensitive nature of Gerald Finzi's compositions is displayed in these six excellent 4-part arrangements.

Songlist: All This Night, I Praise the Tender Flower, Clear and Gentle Stream, Wherefore Tonight So Full of Care, White-Flowering Days

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/choral-england/

Review: One of most popular of 20th century British composers, in concert and on disc , Gerald Finzi's works are lyrical, subtly understated, often elegiac in tone, mingling human pain and natural beauty. These beautiful pieces are suitable for funerals and memorials.

Songlist: Life a Right Shadow Is, This World A Hunting Is, This Life, Which Seems So Fair

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/choral-england/

Review: Made popular on Toy Story 3 = Awesome this humorous piece simultaneously ridicules and celebrates user-generated content. The lyrical main theme rolls around in vibrant familiarity, always rocking between the major keys of C# and E. This tension between genuine and mock exuberance is the central irony of the piece.

Songlist:

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/humorous/

Review: The whole Doo-Wop Madrigal project started with Garrison Keillor who called to invite the Gregg Smith Singers to appear on his American Radio Company program. He was, he said, particularly interested in some "Doo-Wop" Billings -- William Billings, that is, the great American composer from the Revolutionary War era. By the next conversation, the concept had metamorphosed into "Doo-Wop Madrigals", that is, taking standard Madrigal literature and giving it new life by creating jazz interpreations which still retain all the essential musical elements which made them such great musical masterpieces in the first place. Madrigals are fun to sing, but the Jazz approach adds entirely new dimensions to some very familiar ground. While word painting is a vital element in Renaissance choral music, the substitution of scat sounds for words and the addition of vocalized percussion highlights the sometimes subtle rhythmic and contrapuntal aspects of the works, bringing a different kind of clarity to the music itself. Finally, the blues treatments added a new poignancy to the more solemn works.

Songlist: Cool April (April is in my Mistress' face), Billings in Blue (When Jesus Wept), He's Awesome (Il est bel et bon), The Revecy Band (Revecy venir du printans), Oh! That Love and Beauty (When Love and Beauty), Multiple Echoes (Echo Song), My heart is longing for your love (mon coeur se recommande a vous), Hey, Babe! (Matona, mia cara)

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/madrigals/

Review: "A bright girl, a jungle girl, shining quick as a snake" is the gutsy narrator of 'This Morning.' The voices have strong, syncopated rhythmic figures on "nn" and "la" sounds, and slide upward on "girl" for well-crafted-and enjoyable-instrumental effects. In 'To My Girls,' the poet tells her four graceful, nearly grown daughters. Reflective homophonic sections tell the mother's hopes. They alternate with ostinato patterns of simmering energy, reflecting the dancing excitement of four girls ready to burst forth, out into the world. The most percussive of the set, 'Sisters' features schoolyard-style partnered handclap patterns for singers in pairs. That's in addition to finger snaps, and cymbal, brush, and sticks-on-the-rim vocal percussion effects, all painting a lively picture of the "very same place" that "you and me," sisters, come from.

Songlist: This Morning, To My Girls, Sisters

Voicing: sheet-music/female-voices/

Review: Our Dream of Freedom is a set of four songs presenting four different statements about the dream of freedom.

Songlist: Our Dream of Freedom: 1. Freedom Will Not Come Today & 2. Hold Fast to Dreams, Our Dream of Freedom: 3. The Dream Keeper, Our Dream of Freedom: 4. Dream of Freedom

Review: Two creative and ear-catching sets of arrangements by noted choral arranger and composer Hubert Bird. Each arrangement is skillfully designed to be sung individually or in harmonic sequence: the final chord of each song becomes the beginning of the next.

Songlist: On Christmas Night (The Sussex Carol), Carol of Beauty, My Dancing Day, The Lord at First Did Adam Make, Lullay My Liking, O Come, All Ye Faithful, O Come, O Come, O Come, O Come Emamanuel, The First Nowell

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/choral/

Review: Subtitled "Four Vivariations", Irving Fine's McCord's Menagerie, are settings of humorous poems by David McCord. With the bumbling "loo's" accompanying the tenor melody, Fine's setting of Vultur Gryphus implies a harmless creature. Instead of the movie western's ominous bird associated with death, Fine's animal seems too lazy and stupid to get his own food! Jerboa, classified as the genus jaculus jaculus, is as active and scary in Fine's world as Vultur Gryphus is laid back and friendly. Fine agrees with those to whom a darting (the translation of the Latin jaculus) small rodent is sinister and creepy, attributes he conveys through abrupt entrances and minor tonality. In Mole McCord compares the over-soul of man, a Unitarian concept put forth by Ralph Waldo Emerson, with the limited capacities of the mole. In Clam, Fine and McCord give in to their silliest selves. McCord observes how man the diner and clam the dinner (in chowder no less) both evolved from the same ancestor; man is saved from the clam's fate, according to McCord, by his own initiative and work ethic. Fine has a lot of fun with the sounds suggesting insouciance, which explains why the clam never got ahead! Lots of fun here.

Songlist: Jerboa, Vultur Gryphus, Clam, Mole

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/humorous/

Review: This popular and playful first selection from Three Choral Settings from Alice in Wonderland is now back in print! With piano. Recorded by Gregg Smith Singers with Raymond Beegle, piano - Courtesy Composers Recordings, Inc.This lively selection from Fine's classic Alice in Wonderland is full of dancing rhythms and spirited energy. Available for SATB, SSA and TTBB. Performance Time: Approx. 2:15. Recorded by Gregg Smith Singers with Raymond Beegle, piano. Courtesy of Composers Recordings, Inc.This lively selection from Fine's classic Alice in Wonderland is full of dancing rhythms and spirited energy. Available for SATB, SSA and TTBB. Performance Time: Approx. 2:15. Recorded by Gregg Smith Singers with Raymond Beegle, piano. Courtesy of Composers Recordings, Inc.

Songlist: Lobster Quadrille, Father William, Lullaby of the Duchess

Review: Beautiful settings of music from the perspective of the inhabitants of Noah's Ark from the book by Carmen Bernos de Gasztold. This six movement sacred work is perfect for a young, advanced choir.

Songlist: Noah's Prayer, The Prayer of the Little Bird, The Prayer of the Cat, The Prayer of the Mouse, The Prayer of the Raven, The Prayer of the Dove

Voicing: sheet-music/animals/

Review: The beautiful choral writing of Javier Busto speaks to the heart. His "Ave Maria" is one of the great works, which permits a choir to perform to the fullest, emotionally as well as technically. A fine choice for a festival program. Composed for the Tapiola Choir, the theme for "For The Peace", describes in its three sections how provocation and violence are turned into understanding and peace.The Lord Is My Shepherd is an equally brilliant setting of the 23rd Psalm. Magnificat is perfect for your Children's Choir Christmas program!

Songlist: The Lord is My Shepherd, Bustapi (For The Peace), Ave Maria, Gratia Plena, Magnificat

Voicing: sheet-music/female-voices/

Review: The popular latin text 'Laudate Dominum,' is brought to life in Javier Busto's brilliant setting. The graceful setting of 'Salve Regina' highlights the beauty of the female voice. For ambitious choirs, it would be an excellent concert or competition choice. The beautiful setting of 'Pupule Meus' will be enjoyed equally by the singers and audience alike!

Songlist: Salve Regina, Laudate Dominum

Voicing: sheet-music/female-voices/

Review: "Have you heard the story of the baby boy, born in Bethlehem?" From that simple question Jay Althouse has crafted another superb, original Christmas spiritual. It features contrasting dynamics (excellent for teaching phrasing), male and female solos, and a tender middle section which contrasts with the hushed excitement of the opening and closing melody. Includes a descant on the final chorus. " Whisper! Whisper!" - Another memorable Christmas spiritual from Jay Althouse. Strong dynamic contrasts (from "Whisper, whisper, tiny baby in a manger lay" to "Shout it out from the hills and valleys; baby born today") make this a winner for your choir. A lush middle section contrasts with the rhythmic excitement of the opening theme. Brief, easy solos for both a male and female singer. "Star of Glory" is an exciting, original, a cappella Christmas spiritual from Jay Althouse in the tradition of his "No Room," "Have You Heard?," and "Whisper! Whisper!" Lots of effective dynamic contrasts make this a thrilling choral work for both singers and audience. Lush, slow middle section contrasts with up-tempo opening and closing sections. A quality choral work for your Christmas concerts. "Look-A That Star" - What a great new Christmas spiritual! It's the perfect a cappella number for your choir: the simple harmonies and rhythmic pulse propel this piece from beginning to end. Features dynamic contrasts, a lush middle section and two short solos. Your SATB and 3-part mixed choirs will sound their very best on Look-A That Star. " Alleluia Seven" - Much repetition and a catchy makes this 7/8 number deceptively easy to learn. Opens with eight measures in 7/8, then a smooth, homophonic andante section in 4/4, followed by a repeat of the opening 7/8 section. Great for competitions and festivals.

Songlist: Have You Heard?, Whisper! Whisper!, Star of Glory, Alleluia Seven

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/spirituals/

Review: A selection of superb well-crafted orginal a cappella Christmas sprituals. "Good News" opens with an energetic melody sung by the low voice with the upper three voices singing in counterpoint above. Rhythmic energy develops the piece and it ends with an electrifyimg eight measure coda that's the pinnacle of excitement. No solos, no tempo changes make for quick learning. In the classic spiritual tradition, yet fresh and contemporary." Whisper! Whisper!" has strong dynamic contrasts (from "Whisper, whisper, tiny baby in a manger lay" to "Shout it out from the hills and valleys; baby born today") make this a winner for your choir. A lush middle section contrasts with the rhythmic excitement of the opening theme. Brief, easy solos for male singer. Who's That Baby?" opens with the basses asking, in a hushed, rhythmic melody, "Who's that baby in a manger bed?" The text is classic spiritual style, but the music is anything but... it's fresh, new, and alive! "Have You Heard?" features contrasting dynamics (excellent for teaching phrasing), male solos, and a tender middle section which contrasts with the hushed excitement of the opening and closing melody. Includes a descant on the final chorus.

Songlist: Good News!, Who's That Baby?, Whisper! Whisper! ( Baby Born Today ), Have You Heard?, Look Up, Children

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/spirituals/

Review: This exciting original Christmas spiritual, "Goin' To Bethlehem," by Jay Althouse opens with the men stating the rhythmic theme, followed by the middle voices and finally the sopranos. The three verses include much repetition but plenty of surprises-including a women's section contrasted by the men, and an optional high descant on the driving finish. A fresh new work that's solidly rooted in the classic spiritual traditions. An Althouse winner and a must for your holiday concerts! An exiting new Christmas spiritual from Mary Kay Beall and Jay Althouse. "Two folks comin' to Bethlehem town. No room, no room!," Includes brief solos for one male and one female. Every Christmas concert needs a spiritual and this powerful a cappella number is IT! "Have You Heard The News? Is everything you have come to love and expect from a Jay Althouse Christmas spiritual, and a whole lot more. Lively and quick lyrics, solid rhythmic hooks, and refreshing parallel chords fill every phrase, followed by melodic riffs from the men's section. A contrasting middle section gently holds back before the A section returns including a well-written modulation and rousing descant over the final flourish. A great addition to your choral library. "Star Of Glory" is an exciting, original, a cappella Christmas spiritual from Jay Althouse in the tradition of his "No Room," "Have You Heard?," and "Whisper! Whisper!" Lots of effective dynamic contrasts make this a thrilling choral work for both singers and audience. Lush, slow middle section contrasts with up-tempo opening and closing sections. A quality choral work for your Christmas concerts. Another memorable Christmas spiritual from Jay Althouse. Strong dynamic contrasts (from "Whisper, whisper, tiny baby in a manger lay" to "Shout it out from the hills and valleys; baby born today") make this a winner for your choir. A lush middle section contrasts with the rhythmic excitement of the opening theme. Brief, easy solos for both a male and female singer. A cappella.

Songlist: Goin' To Bethlehem, Have You Heard?, Star of Glory, Whisper! Whisper!

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/spirituals/

Review: A new, original Christmas spiritual by Jay Althouse in the tradition of his top-selling "Whisper!, Whisper!," "I saw a Star," and "Star of Glory." "Come, See The Baby" features much three-part singing over a solid, traditional bass part, as well as an echo section between the women and the men. Sudden dynamic changes are powerful and effective (and simple to sing). "Have You Heard The News" is everything you have come to love and expect from a Jay Althouse Christmas spiritual, and a whole lot more. Lively and quick lyrics, solid rhythmic hooks, and refreshing parallel chords fill every phrase, followed by melodic riffs from the men's section. A contrasting middle section gently holds back before the A section returns including a well-written modulation and rousing descant over the final flourish. A great addition to your choral library. If you're having trouble finding a good, singable spiritual, look no further! Patsy Simms' arrangement of the traditional "Good News" is your choice. Features a rollicking piano accompaniment, some handclapping and a swinging descant on the final chorus. "Festival Deck The Hall" is a fresh and contemporary a cappella approach to a traditional carol. Jay Althouse has added wonderful new rhythms and harmonies, and has added a completely unique "fa la la" section reminiscent of a Swingle Singers arrangement. The first part of each phrase is true to the original carol; it's the "fa la la's" which take off in a whirlwind of choral excitement. Original, exceptional...and your singers will love it! Also included in thiis package is "Look-A That Star," "Who's That Baby," and "The Twenty-Fifth Day Of December."

Songlist: Look-A That Star, Who's That Baby?, Have You Heard the News?, The Twenty-Fifth Day of December, Good News!, Festival Deck the Hall

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/spirituals/

Review: Jay Rouse has been recognized as one of the finest arrangers of church choral music to emerge in the last few years. His musical insights, spiritual sensitivity, and skillful creativity come to life in this outstanding choral publication for Christmas. Jay Rouse broadens the scope of his choral arranging through these exquisite, challenging and rewarding arrangements of the Christmas seasons' most timeless classics

Songlist: An A Cappella Christmas Vol 2, An A Cappella Christmas Vol 3, Good Christians, Now Rejoice, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, Be Born In Me, Come, Messiah King, Silent Night, Holy Night, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, An A Cappella Christmas Vol 1, Go, Tell It On The Mountain, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, In the Bleak Midwinter

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/choral/

Review: Jay Rouse has been recognized as one of the finest arrangers of church choral music to emerge in the last few years. His musical insights, spiritual sensitivity, and skillful creativity come to life in this outstanding choral publication for Christmas. Jay Rouse broadens the scope of his choral arranging through these exquisite, challenging and rewarding arrangements of the Christmas seasons' most timeless classics.

Songlist: A Cappella Christmas Carols Vol 4, A Cappella Christmas Carols Vol 5, A Cappella Christmas Carols Vol 6, O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Holy Night, See Amid The Winter's Snow, Silent Night, Holy Night, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, A Merry Carol of the Bells, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/choral/

Review: Berger's choral works constitute the bulk of his compositions, where he avoids an academic style, preferring a pragmatic blend of Franco-German folk music, South American melody and rhythm, and polyphonic modality. Here is a collection of three of his psalms for unaccompanied mixed choir in four parts.

Songlist: I Lift Up My Eyes, Shout to the Lord, My Days Are Like An Evening Shadow, Psalm 100, Psalm 121

Voicing: sheet-music-world/German/

Review: Arranged by Jim Papoulis and Francisco J. Nunez for the Young People's Chorus of New York City, these fresh and original sounds will surely appeal to anyone who loves the sights, sounds and colors of the holiday time of year. There is stirring a cappella treatment of the Christmas favorite "Silent Night" . The a cappella treatment of "Deck the Halls" is playful and full of energy with :" How Many Christmasses" a musical wish for peace on earth that will have contemporary relevance and will resonate with today's youth. Serving as an appeal to strike down the differences that create division among us, the song offers an inspirational message for any holiday concert. "Angel Medley" is an arrangement of three well-known carols "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "The First Noel" uses contemporary musical styles, altered harmonies and word play to expand the palette of the carol experience.

Songlist: Silent Night, Deck the Halls, How Many Christmasses, Angel Medley, Oh Christmas Tree

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/choral/

Review: From noted English choral arranger Jonathan Wilcocks a collection of sea songs. A more serious central shanty, Demons, is framed by two light-hearted settings, Enticement and Drunken Sailor. The ending is extrovert and rumbustious and almost guaranteed to bring the house down.

Songlist: Enticement, Demons, Drunken Sailor

Voicing: sheet-music/sea-shanties/

Review: This lively setting of 'Ain'-a That Good News' is perfect for all choirs looking to energize any church service or concert. A chromatic modulation jump starts each new verse, as the energy and excitement is ratcheted up a notch. The canon in the penultimate verse adds variety to the otherwise homophonic texture, and the music finishes brightly with volume and excitement. Warren rejuvenates 'Go Tell it on the Mountain' by skilfully varying the metre between 7/8 and 6/8 in the refrain and presenting each verse differently. This clever arrangement is perfectly suited for concerts and church services alike. In the haunting and plaintive setting of 'Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,' Warren creatively evokes a stark tone of loneliness and despair with descending chromatic inner voices in the opening. What follows is a rich, reflective harmonic texture filled with chromatic surprises.

Songlist: Ain't That Good News, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Sometimes I feel like a motherless child

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/spirituals/mixed/

Review: As with most of the other Solfege Suite selections, these pieces can be sung entirely in unison by following the melody voice throughout. The harmony voice, while really cool, is entirely optional. Directors may choose to use them with a section of voices or an ensemble of voices, or not use them at all.

Songlist: Boogie Woogie, Tango, Waltz

Review: The first Solfege Suite consists of three pieces of contrasting styles: March, Bolero, and Gallop. The names give away the character, but the truly fabulous part is that the text is all solfege. Singers learn about musical names, intervals and solfege, while singing programmable music written for the 2006 ACDA Young Voices Boys Choir, directors have been begging for the music's release since its premiere.

Songlist: March, Bolero, Mazurka

Review: The first "Solfege Suite" consists of three pieces of contrasting styles: "March," "Bolero," and "Gallop." The names give away the character, but the truly fabulous part is that the text is all solfege. Singers learn about musical names, intervals and solfege, while singing programmable music written for the ACDA Young Voices Boys Choir, directors have been begging for the music's release since its premiere.

Songlist: Galop, Chaconne, Gavotte

Review: A wordless, a cappella celebration of the human voice and the joy that comes from singing together. This joyful celebration of the human voice is wordless except for "Imba wimbo wakona" which is Swahili for "sing songs forever." A great showcase for jazz and pop groups! Exciting!

Songlist: Joy Sounds II, Joy Sounds

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/wordless/

Review: The treatment of the classic spiritual 'Wade In The Water" by Kirby Shaw includes the elements that always seem to "work": a soulful solo, supportive choral parts that have their own interest, and new verses that are seamless in the story. Designed to showcase that special soloist in your choir, "Down By The Riverside" gets an upbeat a cappella treatment that allows for an optional audience sing-/snap-along. John Newton's famous and beloved hymn "Amazing Grace" is perhaps one of the most well-known song in the world. This traditional setting will surely have a profound effect on your singers and audiences. Hold on to your choir robes! The invigorating a cappella adaptation of "Sinner Man", one of the great traditional spirituals, will bring your audience to their feet!

Songlist: Amazing Grace, Wade In The Water, Sinner Man, Down By The Riverside, Plenty Good Room (On the Glory Train)

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/spirituals/female/

Review: Kirke Mechem is a prolific American composer with a catalogue of over 250 works. He enjoys an international presence, as ASCAP recently registered concert performances of his music in 42 countries. This is a collection of his works for unaccompanied chorus. From Psalm 137, "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion," this a cappella motet is filled with longing and deep emotion. "Agnus De" is a stunningly beautiful new setting of the Latin text, this work is vocally expressive and immensely rewarding in performance. The old American folksong "Too Young To Marry" provides the text for this setting. The composer has adapted into an original madrigal, using fa-la-la refrains to replace the traditional nonsense syllables. "They That Mourn" forms a requiem in miniature, with varied vocal textures and harmonies and dynamic contrasts. This setting is new music to the words of an old spiritual "Kum Ba Ya". Believed to come from the Gullah language of the South Carolina sea islands, this setting explores the rhythmic possibilities of the words and the striking musical qualities of the consonants and vowels.

Songlist: By The Rivers of Babylon, Agnus Dei, Papageno and the Prince, Too Young to Marry, They That Mourn, Kum Ba Ya

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/choral-modern/

Review: Nights in Armor is a four-movement suite for a cappella chorus evoking the legend of King Arthur as related by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The first movement "Merlin's Riddle" is a quirky, dance-like incantation, in which the famous sorcerer prophesies Arthur's coming. The second movement "The Knight and His Queen" is an imagined poem from the knight Lancelot to Queen Guinevere expressively calls forth feelings of unfulfillable love. "Tristram's Madrigal" - Sprightly, teasing music celebrates the joys of living in the moment, boldly blind to its consequences. "Arthur's Final Words" are the words of the mortally wounded King Arthur reflecting on life and the quest for ideals; the music artfully gives life to this wisdom.

Songlist: Arthur's Final Words, The Knight and His Queen, Tristram's Madrigal, Merlin's Riddle

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/choral-england/

Review: There are three songs making up this cycle entitled 'Western Songs' - Buffalo Gals, Green Grow the Lilacs, and Ol'Chisholm Trail. The arrangements by turn spin contrapuntal and antiphonal textures then relax intomeltingly beautiful chords, while glissandi and yipping vocal slides evoke the sounds of the barn dance the cattle drive. Lots of fun!

Songlist: Buffalo Gals, Green Grow the Lilacs, The Ol' Chilsholm Trail

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/choral-modern/

Review: The new voicings of this best-selling arrangement of the Spanish Carol, 'Riu, Riu, Chiu,' include text options for English or Spanish. Tambourine and hand claps lend a festive, colorful flair. Whether performed with or without piano accompaniment, the limited ranges, repetitious form, and opportunities for solos yield built-in success for holiday programs. The vibrant, festive original, 'Merrily Sing Noel!' is a marvelous opener or change-of-pace selection. Its fanfare-like style and bright mood also offer nice, effective dynamic contrasts. Superb treble writing! 'Christmas Madrigal Roundezvous' is a sparkling, festive, and extremely clever original madrigal, sung in a round, with a contrasting, lilting middle section. The uplifting lyrics of 'A Festive Madrigal' begin that bright, jovial original madrigal, which 'sings in' the holiday season. A marvelous, accessible choice which also works well for smaller ensembles.

Songlist: Christmas Madrigal Roundezvous, A Festive Madrigal, Merrily Sing Noel!, Riu, Riu, Chiu

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/2parts/

Review: The vibrant, festive original, 'Merrily Sing Noel!' is a marvelous opener or change-of-pace selection. Its fanfare-like style and bright mood also offer nice, effective dynamic contrasts. Superb treble writing! The madrigal-like setting of the traditional Christmas greeting, 'Sing hey!' features a festive dance-like flavor. Most accessible, engaging, and fun, it alsomakes an excellent choice for madrigal dinners. 'The Sound of Pipe and Drum' is a delightfully fresh new setting of the lively, dance-like Pierre Certon madrigal, complete with a new English text and appropriate for general concert/contest use or for Christmas. The original French lyrics are included as an option. The new voicings of this best-selling arrangement of the Spanish Carol, 'Riu, Riu, Chiu,' include text options for English or Spanish. Tambourine and hand claps lend a festive, colorful flair. Whether performed with or without piano accompaniment, the limited ranges, repetitious form, and opportunities for solos yield built-in success for holiday programs.

Songlist: Merrily Sing Noel!, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Sing Hey, The Sound of Pipe and Drum

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/choral/

Review: 'Christmas Madrigal Roundezvous' is a sparkling, festive, and extremely clever original madrigal, sung in a round, with a contrasting, lilting middle section. The uplifting lyrics of 'A Festive Madrigal' begin that bright, jovial original madrigal, which 'sings in' the holiday season. A marvelous, accessible choice which also works well for smaller ensembles. The refreshing, new, secular Christmas madrigal 'Come, Sing! Come, Dance!' will definitely capture the spirit of the season. Designed for small or large groups, this a cappella gem is easy and accessible, yet sophisticated and challenging. Delightfully creative and absolutely charming!

Songlist: Christmas Madrigal Roundezvous, Come Sing, Come Dance

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/choral/

Review: 'Alleluia' was commissioned for performance at the 1999 National ACDA Convention. A hushed chant is woven into dramatic musical lines and lush harmonies that later fade to an ending of quiet splendor. With the grandeur of a more challenging work, this piece sings easily, enabling accessibility to a variety of performing groups. Spevacek has 'Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming' in a sensitive, transparent fashion with lush harmonies and textual contrasts. 'A Jubilant Gloria' is an exceptional work that offers driving rhythmic excitement from its fanfare-like opening to its exhilarating conclusion. This sophisticated piece sings easily and sounds gloriously full.

Songlist: Alleluia, A Jubilant Gloria, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/sacred/

Review: The vibrant, upbeat original, 'A Glad Noel' is a marvelous opener or change-of-pace selection. Its fanfare-like style and bright mood will inspire the joyous spirit of the season. Creative and charming, it is easy and accessible, yet sounds sophisticated, make it an ideal choice. 'A Jubilant Gloria' is an exceptional work that offers driving rhythmic excitement from its fanfare-like opening to its exhilarating conclusion. This sophisticated piece sings easily and sounds gloriously full. The new voicings of this best-selling arrangement of the Spanish Carol, 'Riu, Riu, Chiu,' include text options for English or Spanish. Tambourine and hand claps lend a festive, colorful flair. Whether performed with or without piano accompaniment, the limited ranges, repetitious form, and opportunities for solos yield built-in success for holiday programs.

Songlist: A Glad Noel, A Jubilant Gloria, Riu, Riu, Chiu

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/christmas/ssaa/

Review: These pieces of music came into being in a prison camp on Sumatra. The initial idea was Norah Chambers, and Margaret Dryburgh and her worked on the various pieces. Some they did together and others individually, depending on how well we could remember the original pieces of music. The idea was to bring singers together - Dutch, British, Australian - about thirty in all, to make music to uplift us and perhaps to bring some beauty and sanity. The music was written on odd bits of paper, mostly in pencil, and written as small as possible to save paper. It was difficult at first to sing without words, what sound to make, the tempo and the color. The One sound not used was "AH." It was too throaty. We found the best sounds were "Ne, Le." When notes had to be sung together, as in "Morning Sun," the sixteenth notes were not broken, but sung legato. The sounds used were "Le," with the accent on the first note of the sixteenth notes, such as humming was used when there was a solo singer as undercurrent to the melody.

Songlist: Song of Survival Vol. 1, Song of Survival Vol. 2, Song of Survival Vol. 3, Song of Survival Vol. 4, Song of Survival Vol. 5, Song of Survival Vol. 6

Voicing: sheet-music/female-voices/

Review: "I'm Goin' Home" - Arranged with a simple and accessible vocal accompaniment that enhances the intense hope expressed in the text and melody. Stepwise contrapuntal melodic phrases and repeated harmonic patterns provide a carpet of vocal sounds for the inspiring melody. Builds to an effective climax in the coda with an unexpected harmonic turn. "Great Getting' Up Morning" - Choirs of all ages will enjoy this joyful melody, which expresses great optimism and anticpiation. The range of the lower countermelody is narrow enough to accommodate the early phases of boys changing voices or those with a narrow range. This song will be appropiate for older choirs of treble voices. "Give Way Jordan" - An imitative part and a lively counter-melody accompany the simple refrain of this spiritual, contrasted by the verse in which singing in parallel thirds is practiced.

Songlist: Give Way, Jordan, Sing Alleluia, Allelu, Great Gettin' Up Mornin'!, I'm Goin' Home on a Cloud

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/spirituals/mixed/

Review: Two Lorca Songs are based on the first major work "Poema del Cante Jondo" (Poem of the Deep Song) of the famous Spanish poet Garcia Lorca. Las Seis Cuerdas was inspired by the poem's haunting melancholy. Sopranos and altos sing falling, weeping lines while underneath basses and tenors have wide guitar-like intervals. Crotalo, written for choral competition, is meant to display choral virtuosity. It is set as a flamenco: the percussive c's and t's from the repeated word "crotalo" make a rhythmical clicking like that of castanets.

Songlist: Crotalo, Las Seis Cuerdas

Voicing: choral/latin-american/

Review: "Like Dust I Rise" is a choral song cycle from the poems of Maya Angelou which can be performed separately or as a set. "Equality" - This contemporary gospel-style rouser denounces oppression and serves as a choral anthem for equal rights. A confident solo voice helps deliver a determined message in the unwavering words of Maya Angelou. "On the Pulse of Morning" - Angelou's audio recording of "On the Pulse of Morning" won a Grammy Award for "Best Spoken Word" in 1994. Mark Hayes opens with a resounding "See Me Rise" choral fanfare before presenting the hope-filled latter half of the poem with rhythmic exuberance. "Caged Bird" - A folk-like setting of Maya Angelou's empowering poem, which compares a bird's longing to be liberated with that of all people. Hayes chooses a minor key with plenty of harmonic tension and a walking tempo that suggests the footsteps of those who have come before. The final Picardy third is the ultimate symbol of freedom. "Still I Rise" - Maya Angelou's most popular poem about triumph over adversity comes brilliantly to life in this vivid setting by Mark Hayes. The bright shuffle tempo and bluesy piano riffs perfectly embody Angelou's strength, courage, and determination to rise above. One of the most uplifting choral selections of our time!

Songlist: Equality, On the Pulse of Morning, Caged Bird, Still I Rise

Voicing: sheet-music/civil-rights/

Review: "Like Dust I Rise" is a choral song cycle from the poems of Maya Angelou which can be performed separately or as a set. "Equality" - This contemporary gospel-style rouser denounces oppression and serves as a choral anthem for equal rights. A confident solo voice helps deliver a determined message in the unwavering words of Maya Angelou. "On the Pulse of Morning" - Angelou's audio recording of "On the Pulse of Morning" won a Grammy Award for "Best Spoken Word" in 1994. Mark Hayes opens with a resounding "See Me Rise" choral fanfare before presenting the hope-filled latter half of the poem with rhythmic exuberance. "Caged Bird" - A folk-like setting of Maya Angelou's empowering poem, which compares a bird's longing to be liberated with that of all people. Hayes chooses a minor key with plenty of harmonic tension and a walking tempo that suggests the footsteps of those who have come before. The final Picardy third is the ultimate symbol of freedom. "Still I Rise" - Maya Angelou's most popular poem about triumph over adversity comes brilliantly to life in this vivid setting by Mark Hayes. The bright shuffle tempo and bluesy piano riffs perfectly embody Angelou's strength, courage, and determination to rise above. One of the most uplifting choral selections of our time!

Songlist: Equality, On the Pulse of Morning, Caged Bird, Still I Rise

Voicing: sheet-music/civil-rights/

Review: Meredith Monk is an acclaimed composer, singer, director/choreographer and creator of new opera, music theater works, films and installations. A pioneer in what is now called "extended vocal technique" and "interdisciplinary performance," Monk creates works that thrive at the intersection of music and movement, image and object, light and sound in an effort to discover and weave together new modes of perception. Here are a cappella arrangements for mixed voices of some of her works that will challenge and reward.

Songlist: Astronaut Anthem, Panda Chant II, Earth As Seen From Above

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/wordless/

Review: This collection of Lauridensen's aural artisanship contains hits such as "O Nata Lux," a serene a cappella motet celebrating the Redeemer, "Ubi Caritas Et Amor," a motet composed "in celebration and gratitude for the glorious and enduring service to God," as well as a setting of "Ave Maria" specially composed as a seventieth birthday gift to Maestro Salamunovich.

Songlist: O Nata Lux, Ave Maria, Ubi Caritas et Amor, Soneto de la Noche

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/choral-modern/

Review: "Les Chansons des Roses" is a collection of compositions based on the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke. Says Lauridsend of his selection: "(Rilke') poems on roses struck me as expecially charming, filled with gorgeous lyricism, deftly crafted and elegant in their imagery. There exquisite poems are primarily light, joyous and playful, and the musical settings are designed to enhance these characteristics and capture their delicate beauty and sensuousness."

Songlist: Dirait-on, Contre Qui Rose, De Ton Reve Trop Plein, La Rose Complete, En Une Seule Fleur

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/choral-modern/

Review: THhe Six Fire Songs have been featured at major choral festivals around the world. Hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "stunningly crafted", the Madrigalli are unified by romantic references to fire in each of the poems. Characteristic Italian Rennaissance "madrigalisms" such as word painting, modality, bold harmonic shifts, intricate counterpoint and augenmusik occur throughout the cycle.

Songlist: Amor, Io Sento L'Alma, Ov'e Lass, Il Bel Viso?, Quando son piu Lontan, Io Pango, Se Per Favervi, oime, Luci serene e Chiare

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/choral-modern/

Review: Ned Rorem's 'Seven Motets for the Church Year' was commissioned by All Saints Episcopal Church in Ft. Laurderdale, FL, on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary. All seven movements are beautiful 4 part settings of Antiphons, to be used throughout the year.

Songlist: While All Things Were In Quiet Silence, Before the Morning Star Begotten, Lay Up For Yourselves, Praise Him Who Was Crucified, God Is Gone Up, Today the Holy Spirit Appeared, Rejoice We All in the Lord

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/motet/

Review: Explore the American heritage of Shaker hymnody with these three settings of lesser-known, very appealing Shaker spirituals. Each brief setting grows from its underlying melody to make an exceptionally unified arrangement. With a different technique as the focus for each arrangement, these minute-long pieces make fine vocalises for your choir. "Oh the beautiful treasure," with its square rhythms, horn calls, and harmonic texture opening out and closing, is excellent for teaching chord tuning. "We will walk with Mother and mourn," with its smooth, stepwise, rising and falling melody, is a fine exercise for legato singing. "Hop up and jump up," with its crisp rhythms and phrase fragments tossed from part to part, calls for rhythmic clarity and clean entrances and cutoffs.

Songlist: Oh, The Beautiful Treasure, We Will Walk with Mother and Mourn, Hop Up and Jump Up

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/spirituals/female/

Review: The Norman Luboff Choir became one of the leading choral groups in the world, recording a wide variety of music on more than seventy-five LPs and touring yearly from 1963 to 1987. As an educator, Mr. Luboff was in much demand, guest conducting all-state, clinic, and festival choirs of every description in the United States and abroad. Here's a wonderful collection of fun a cappella arrangements from the maestro himself.

Songlist: Baloo Lammy, Ben Franklin Sez, Black Is the Color, Go to Sleepy, Much More Ado About Nothings (Collection), Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen

Review: The music of Manhattan-based Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo (b. 1978) has been performed and recorded in more than 30 countries worldwide in venues such as New York's Carnegie Hall, Los Angeles' Disney Hall, Philadelphia's Kimmel Centeri, Washington DC's Kennedy Center and National Gallery, as well as the Copenhagen and Oslo Opera Houses. His music has been featured on PBS and radio stations across the US. "The Spheres" - This movement is the beginning of a Mass called Sunrise, and, according to its composer, it is to "be performed with the sense of floating in space." A fine challenge for accomplished high school choirs and beyond! The setting uses the Latin Kyrie Eleison text. "Phoenix" - Written for larger, mature choirs, Gjeilo uses the Latin "Agnus Dei" text as support for this symphonic-sounding choral work. With its beautiful color, intonation and phrasing, it is a great choice for advanced high school, college and beyond. "Northern Lights" - Set to the Latin "Pulchra es amica mea" text from Song of Solomon, this easy-to-prepare composition is a great selection for high school, church and community choirs. With music inspired by the aurora borealis atmospheric lights, this song will render a most impressive performance

Songlist: Tota Pulchura Es, Northern Lights, The Spheres, Phoenix

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/choral-modern/

Review: "Unicornis CaptiIvatur" is an exciting, adventurous piece sets an unusual Latin text to music that ranges in style from renaissance dance to shimmering chorales to chant, and in texture from unison to an expansive eight parts. Requiring highly developed musicianship, this work is sure to become a memorable concert highlight. "Sanctus" is atmospheric and intense, featuring contrasts of ethereal melody lines supported by stately, rich harmonies. Unified by a repeated, modulated motif in the "Hosanna" section, this sensual yet spiritual Sanctus from inimitably original Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo promises to be a highlight of an advanced choir's concert or service. While not easy, repetition of rhythmic and harmonic patterns coupled with the familiar Latin make this much more accessible than it appears. Completely rewarding. Inimitably original, Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo's setting of the Latin text to Psalm 126 "Nisi Dominus" exudes a musical intensity similar to Orff's Carmina Burana. Musically and vocally challenging, it offers great rewards to the most accomplished choirs. A stunning work! "Ubi Caritas" - With a sound at once modern and medieval, this remarkable setting of the familiar Latin text starts in unison and evokes plain chant, and gradually unfolds into wider harmonies and more modern harmonic language. Not unduly challenging in terms of vocal range, it's readily accessible to good high school mixed choirs for concerts or festivals at any time.

Songlist: Unicornis CaptiIvatur, Sanctus, Ubi Caritas

Voicing: a-cappella/arrangements/choral-northern-europe/