Alan Bullard

Review: A Light in the Stable tells the Christmas story through a blend of original settings and well-known carols, and is suitable for both concert and church choirs. The familiar Gospel words (which may be spoken, sung, or replaced with other appropriate readings) are interspersed with a range of new material, including the lively 'Glory to God'; 'Sing Lullaby', in which Mary foreshadows the events of Jesus' life; and the reflective 'A Light for Today', an evocation of the Nativity tableau. The audience/congregation are encouraged to join in for some carols, and choir and listeners will delight in the new settings of familiar words. A range of soloists may optionally take some of the vocal lines, and the accompaniment is equally flexible. A wonderful companion to Bullard's Advent celebration, O Come, Emmanuel, this work is perfect for anyone looking for a new take on familiar Christmas words and melodies.

Songlist: Prologue: Of our Maker's love begotten, As Joseph was a-walking, The Shepherds, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, While shepherds watched, The Angel, Glory to God in the highest, Hark! The herald angels sing, The Manger, The little Lord Jesus, The shepherds visit the stable, He is born, Mary ponders these things in her heart, Sing lullaby, The wise me, As with gladness men of old, The wise men offer their gifts, A Light for Today, Of our Maker's love begotten<

40542b | Songbook $13.75 | SATB

Review: This anthology of ten mixed-voice anthems by Alan Bullard combines new material written specially for the collection with established favourites from the Oxford catalogue, some of which appear here for the first time with SATB scoring. Including the joyful 'Cantate Gloria' and the beautiful 'From the break of the day', Alan Bullard Anthems contains an attractive selection of works suitable for a variety of liturgical seasons and will appeal to all mixed-voice choirs.

Songlist: From the break of the day, Sursum corda (Lift up your hearts), Jesus Christ, we bow before thee, Let the people praise thee, O God, Hail the day that sees him rise, O Saviour of the world, Cantate Gloria, Prayer for Peace, God in Mine Eternity, We thank you, Lord

40528b | Songbook $15.75 | SATB

Review: This wonderful anthology of ten carols by Alan Bullard includes new material written specially for the collection as well as favourites from the Oxford catalogue, some of which are presented for the first time with SATB scoring. From the ethereal 'And all the stars looked down' to the upbeat 'Glory to the Christ Child', Alan Bullard Carols showcases an attractive and varied selection of Christmas works that will appeal to all mixed-voice choirs.

Songlist: A boy is born in Bethlehem (Puer natus), And all the stars looked down, And can this newborn mystery, Angel Alleluias, Glory to the Christ Child, Hill-side Carol, Ring the bells, Star of Wonder, The Gracious Gift, This night

5691b | Songbook $12.95 | SATB

Review: O Come, Emmanuel is an Advent Celebration, suitable for both church and concert choirs. It is based on the 7 Great 'O' Antiphons, and fragments of the well-known plainsong hymn permeate the work. To these, Bullard has added settings of a number of other Advent texts and hymns, including the beautiful 'There is a rose-tree', a rousing setting of 'Chanticleer Carol', and new arrangements of 'Gabriel's Message' and 'Joy to the world!'. The work may be sung throughout by SATB choir, or a range of soloists may take some of the lines. The accompaniment - for organ or piano, or with small orchestra or chamber group - is equally flexible. A number of the movements make highly effective separate pieces and anthems. Written with the composer's long and practical experience, O Come, Emmanuel is a strikingly original work for Advent and Christmas that will enhance both liturgical celebrations and concert programmes at this time.

Songlist: The advent of our God, O Wisdom, Where shall Wisdom be found?, O Lord of Lord, Come, thou long-expected Jesus, O Root of Jesse, There is a rose-tree, O Key of David, Earth grown old, Thy kingdom come! on bended knee, O Morning Star, Chanticleer, O King of the Nations, Joy to the world!, And they shall call his name Emmanuel, O Emmanuel, Gabriel's Message, Lo! he comes with clouds descending

40541b | Songbook $13.75 | SATB

Review: Psalmi Penitentiales comprises three settings of sections from the Penitential Psalms, interspersed with four arrangements of the well-known Ubi caritas plainchant. Often recited during Lent, the three psalms that Bullard has chosen give expression to feelings of penitence and remorse. The setting, for mixed four-part choir with organ or piano accompaniment, responds to the drama and changes of mood within the Latin text with expressive melodic lines and richly varied harmonies. The psalms may also be performed separately, giving the work added flexibility in performance. Psalmi Penitentiales is an excellent companion to Bullard's Wondrous Cross, ideal for choirs seeking a substantial choral work for Lent and Passiontide.

Songlist: Antiphon: Ubi Caritas, Domine, ne in furore tuo arguas me, Antiphon: Ubi Caritas, De profundis, Domine, exaudi orationem meam

40543b | Songbook $13.50 | SATB

Review: Setting the well-known text by Joseph Addison, The spacious firmament is a mysterious and powerful concert work. Bullard uses a variety of textures throughout the piece, resulting in a unique and memorable choral work that will be welcomed by more experienced choirs.

5690b | Songbook $4.95 | SSAATTBB Arrangements for 8 Parts

Review: Wondrous Cross is a reflective work suitable for church or concert choirs at Passiontide. Bullard skilfully weaves the traditional Seven Last Words of Christ with linking biblical passages, 3 well-known hymns, and settings of 4 well-known sacred texts, including 'Drop, drop, slow tears' and 'Ave verum corpus' (both of which may be sung as independent motets) to create a moving and at times dramatic work. The short solos are perfectly suited to members of the choir, and strings (quartet, quintet, or ensemble) may optionally join the organ or piano in the accompaniment. If performed liturgically, the work may be interspersed with prayers and readings. The result is a flexible and striking work that re-presents this timeless story for a modern audience. String parts and full scores are available to hire from the Music Hire Library.

Songlist: Prelude, The First Words, There is a green hill far away, The Second Words, The Third Words, When my love to God grows weak, The Fourth Words, Drop, drop, slow tears, Were You There?, The Fifth Words, Ave verum corpus, The Sixth Words, God so loved the world, The Seventh Words, In the departure of the Lord, When I survey the Wondrous Cross

40540b | Songbook $13.75 | SATB Motet Arrangements

Review: The Oxford Book of Flexible Carols is the perfect resource for choirs of all types and sizes. Each piece is presented with flexible scoring options, clearly explained throughout, enabling performance by various combinations of singers. Variety of composers, including Kerry Andrew, Malcolm Archer, Alan Bullard, Bob Chilcott, Stephen Cleobury, Cecilia McDowall, John Rutter, Mack Wilberg, and David Willcocks. Wide range of material, from Medieval to the present day and including wassails, gallery carols, world carols, and spirituals. With carols for Advent, Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany, and a fabulous range of accessible, quality material, this is a must-have collection for all choirs at Christmas.

Songlist: A babe is born, A little child there is yborn, Adam lay ybounden, Angels, from the realms of glory, Away in a manger, Away With Your Sorrows, Born this day is the Son of God, Cantemos a Maria, Child of the stable's secret birth, Christmas-tide, Christmas Lullaby, Come and Worship!, Come, let us all with heart and voice, Coventry Carol, Ding dong! merrily on high, Falantidida, Gaudete!, Gloucestershire Wassail, Gold for a manger bed, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Good Christians all, rejoice, His Praises We'll Sing, Il est ne, le divin enfant, In the Beginning, In the bleak mid-winter, Infant holy, infant lowly, Jesus Christ is here!, Mary's Cradle Song, Natus est Immanuel, Now is the Time for Christemas!, and more.

8734b | Songbook $21.95 | SATB Choral Christmas Arrangements