Douglas Wagner : A Pure Heart

Here's a romantic Welsh folk song arranged for three gorgeous voice parts. Lyrical lines, legato phrasing, and sumptuous sonorities are satisfying to sing.The PerformancePlus+ series is an innovative addition to the ever-expanding MakeMusic Cloud interactive library. These engaging selections are presented with educational resources designed to enrich the rehearsal process and create outstanding performances.

Composer: John Hughes | Country: Wales

A holiday medley containing three cherished Baroque masterworks woven together in a festive musical celebration of the season. Showcase your entire music department on Vivaldi, Bach, and Handel by combining with the band, orchestra, or both!

This brilliantly conceived medley of secular holiday favorites absolutely sparkles and features a variety of musical styles, including a luscious ballad version of "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas," and ending with a show-stopping Broadway-style rendition of "Jingle Bells." The concert band accompaniment is easily played by middle school, high school or community ensembles.

This incredibly versatile medley is a true tour de force, combining voices and instruments in a remarkable blending of carols to the newborn King. Incorporating "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," "While by My Sheep I Watched at Night," "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," "Pat-a-Pan," "Still, Still, Still," and "Angels We Have Heard on High," "A Festival of Carols" can be performed with piano or organ, or - for extra sparkle - add the optional brass and percussion. And for those churches with full orchestra, an orchestral accompaniment is also available. What a glorious culmination for your Christmas services!

Audiences young and old will delight in this well-crafted, jolly montage of Christmas pop standards that is written with ample unison passages to allow for choreography. Editions for multiple voicings are compatible to allow all of your choirs and bands to perform together in a joyous, rousing program opener or finale. Likewise, the grade 2 concert band arrangement may be performed with or without the choir.

This artfully-crafted medley brings together several of Holst's best known and loved Christmas titles in just under four minutes. Sing with the provided piano part, the richly scored concert band accompaniment, or a step higher with a full or string orchestra.

Composer: Gustav Holst

As the title indicates, Douglas E. Wagner has incorporated a slick, jazzy feel into this original to using two favorites: "Deck the Hall" and "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas." It's a delightful light programming addition to any holiday concert.

Sing good wishes to all in this festive offering that creatively incorporates the familiar "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Accessible ranges and straightforward counterpoint make this seasonal winner from Douglas Wagner a snap to learn and a joy to perform.

Three cherished carols are incorporated into a lovely 4-minute Christmas medley for your whole music department. Perform this classic-sounding choral work with any combination of piano, concert band, or full orchestra accompaniment. A main event for holiday programs.

Composer: Vaughan Williams

Greet seasonal concertgoers with this festive original sung in the madrigal style. Joyful (and mostly step wise) "fa la la" refrains are sung following each of two welcoming verses, arranged with slightly different choral colors the second time. A wonderful Renaissance inspired SoundTrax sets the early music tone, or consider playing the keyboard part on a harpsichord synthesizer.

Doug Wagner's outstanding setting of this perennial favorite will add fanfare and excitement to Palm Sunday or any festive worship occaision. Available separately: SATB, ChoirTrax CD. Score and Parts (tpt 1-2, tbn 1-2, timp, handbells) available as a Printed Edition and as a digital download. Duration: ca. 4:00.

This eloquent setting of the tender classic Welsh lullaby features an artistic accompaniment and opportunities for all parts to be featured on the melody. An absolutely gorgeous and subtle programming contrast, it is also very accessible.

Country: Wales

A tender text, a sweet melody, and warm harmonies come together in this gentle lullaby for SSA choirs. The tessitura is well chosen, allowing your girls to sing in the sweet spot of their voices. Fun fact: long before it was considered a Scottish folk song, this beautiful tune originated as the street cry of a candy peddler.

Composer: Robert Coltart | Country: Scotland

Your whole music department can celebrate America with this stirring 4-minute choral medley with optional concert band accompaniment. A patriotic tour de force.

This richly scored tapestry of instantly recognizable American folk songs is set in overture style, with the tunes featured both separately and together in clever counterpoint. A wide range of emotions and styles can be found throughout, from a rollicking rendition of "Cindy" to a gorgeous setting of "Shenandoah." The Concert Band accompaniment is easily playable by middle school, high school, or community ensembles.

Country: United States

Newly available for SSA and SAB groups, this tender ballad is perfect as a concert closer, signature piece, or choral blessing. Beautiful melodic lines and flowing choral scoring enhance the sincerity of the message.

Uses: Christmas Scripture: Isaiah 9:27; Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:8-14 Pure Christmas joy abounds in this pleasant folk carol arranged for success. A happy accompaniment punctuated by bells helps spread a seasonal spirit throughout the piece while the inventive vocal writing gives your singers a reason to smile. Join the angels singing with this very special and unique carol arrangement. Handbell/Handchime part included (2 octaves). Duration: ca. 2:04.

True impact is felt in this lushly written choral prayer. The hope for intimacy with God is expressed in moving tones and the piano part offers a supportive, yet rhapsodic, decoration for this message of love and grace. A quote of the hymn Near to the Heart of God acts as a delicate punctuation mark to the central theme and embraces the congregation with arms of assurance and comfort. Supports: Isaiah 40:11, Psalm 46:10

Two spiritual favorites receive an exhilarating treatment in this fabulous choice for young and developing choirs. The rhythmic accompaniment and clever modulations fuel the excitement and anticipation as everyone gets a chance to sing the familiar and accessible melody.

A fluid piano accompaniment flows like running water beneath the beautiful vocal lines of this lyrical Appalachian folk melody. Rich choral harmonies and a reflective "love" text create an expressive concert work.

This syncopated show-stopper is sure to be a standout in any holiday program. Capture the excitement and anticipation of "Santais big night" with catchy rhythms, Christmastime lyrics, and an enjoyable chorus youill want to sing again and again. Festive and fun!

This original Latin setting has an easy-to-learn melody, sound part-leading, and an attractive, flowing piano accompaniment with optional flute. A terrific selection for elementary and middle school choirs. Available: 2-Part; PianoTrax CD.

Familiar and original words combine with two well-known melodies creating a refreshing and lovely work for Christmas and winter. With ease and grace, this choral is a musical setting worthy of any December performance for mixed voices as well as men's and women's ensembles.

Composer: Gustav Holst

Four treasured carols from Wales, England, and Ireland comprise this colorfully arranged Christmas medley (three-and-a-half minutes in length). The slow-fast-slow-fast form is carefully constructed for choir alone, band alone, or a combined performance. An elegant and timeless treat for the holidays.

Country: British Isles

This new setting of Bach's masterwork, Come, Raise Your Voices, has been created by Douglas Wagner. The key has been lowered to bring voice parts (especially bass) into practical ranges. An introduction has been added, as well as a vocal ending. A new, secular text and appropriate voice leading alterations have been created. This choral is also an excellent way to introduce basic counterpoint to young singers.

Composer: J.S. Bach

Doug Wagner has woven together three manger carols, creating a lullaby tapestry for the Christ Child. Carols include Infant Holy, Infant Lowly; Away in a Manger; and Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head. A lovely choice for Christmas Eve or any December service where a quiet, reverent worship moment is the goal. Duration: ca. 3:50.

The men in your group will achieve their most mature sound with this powerful setting of a poem about bravery. Sonorous singing and a full piano accompaniment create a dramatic performance that will take your breath away. A tour de force for male choirs.

Based on the much-loved Ash Grove tune, Doug's writing is simply superb. His harmonic adjustments are appropriately nourishing, befitting this song of Thanksgiving. Optional 2 octave Handbells or Handchimes dress the piece perfectly.

This enchanting winter selection is sure to be a rewarding choral experience. Delicate minor mode sonorities warm the icy theme. Vivid poetic imagery draws the listener in.

A patriotic fantasy for choir and band, this soaring rendition of "America, the Beautiful" is a crowning jewel for choral or combined concerts. Sturdy and proud, it features many unison and two-part vocal passages with band-friendly keys to ensure good balance between the voices and instruments. Don't have a band? Perform with the stunning SoundTrax CD or the well-crafted piano reduction.

Doug Wagner pairs a light calypso feel with Latin text. Every part in this piece gets its moment in the spotlight and sings together with carefully planned voice leading. A persistent bass line runs throughout with colorful additions of an optional string bass, bongos, shaker and claves. Appealing for both general and Christmas performances. Available separately: SATB, percussion 1 & 2, string bass; StudioTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:25.

Uses: Easter vigil, Easter Sunrise Scripture: John 10:13; Mark 12:10 This unique composition is an Easter vigil masterpiece. The listener is taken to the garden along with Mary as she begins her search for the crucified Christ. The light of resurrection will soon replace the sadness of the three days of darkness and yet this final moment of reflection is an important prelude to the alleluias of Easter. Unaccompanied voices add to the drama.

Child in the manger, infant of Mary, outcast and stranger, Lord of all. The tender inclusion of Silent Night makes this precious lullaby a perfect choice for Christmas Eve services.

This classic American song from Porgy and Bessae is given a fine, dramatic choral treatment by arranger Doug Wagner. Optional Concert Band accompaniment available.

Composer: George Gershwin | Lyricist: Ira Gershwin | Musical: Porgy and Bess

Uses: Advent, Christmas Scripture: Isaiah 40:3-4 There is an authentic Renaissance dance feel to this choral menagerie. Crafted for easy learning, there are many charming moments incorporating canon and call response elements in the vocal writing. This is an excellent choice for Advent as you prepare the way for worship in the hearts of your people. Percussion part included. Duration: ca. 2:15.

With likely origins in the southern China provinces, the soothing pentatonic melody of this traditional folk song is reminiscent of the simple beauty of a white jasmine blossom. This lovely choral setting, layered with independent voice lines, is effective with the shimmering piano accompaniment or the optional string orchestra parts.

Country: China

Uses: General Scripture: John 15:1-5 Ancient words joined with a beloved folk song bring us a highly poetic vision of the nurturing ministry of Jesus. Using the image of an apple tree, the lesson of this song is to discover in Christ our soul source for spiritual health. Richly harmonized, this popular tune is right at home with this artful text. The internal vocal lines receive special consideration in the arrangement creating a satisfying richness to the overall tone. Duration: ca. 2:32.

Douglas Wagner cleverly pairs Jingle-Bell Rock, first released in 1957, with Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, written by Johnny Marks and made famous by Brenda Lee. Available with an optional band accompaniment that can also be played as an independent band piece; this choral gem generates holiday magic for kids and adults. Available separately: SATB, 3-part mixed, 2-part, Digital Band Arrangement, StudioTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:10.

Bring an international flair to your holiday program with this joyous medley of four French carols. An IPA pronunciation guide is included for the few foreign words, and a festive concert band accompaniment allows the whole music department to participate.

Inspiring words accompany this familiar Irish folk song above a flowing piano accompaniment that adds sparkle throughout. A beautiful selection for young voices as a closer or encore! On the road we travel daily... just be kind. A message that is always in need and set here to perfection.

Composer: Traditional Irish Folk Song | Country: Ireland

A tender piano accompaniment quietly moves below this gorgeous American melody arranged by Doug Wagner. Simple unisons give way to rich four-part writing, creating emotion and endearing the text to the singer and listener. An optional flute enters mid-way through the piece, lifting it to a higher plane of performance integrity. Truly, this is a choral work that is a treasure to teach, learn, and perform. Available separately: SATB, opt. flute; 3-part mixed, opt. flute; PianoTrax CD.

Uses: General, Christ the Good Shepherd, Memorial Scripture: Psalm 23 An old Appalachian tune is the melodic foundation for this winsome adaptation of Psalm 23. The pastoral qualities of the poetry are captured in the delicate writing and aside from a few divisi notes at the final cadence, this anthem provides richness without difficulty. An engaging version of the Shepherd's Psalm! Handbell part (2 octaves) included. Duration: ca. 3:40.

Using the beautiful In Paradisum from Fauré's Requiem as a foundation, veteran arranger Douglas E. Wagner cleverly incorporates the hymntune Hamburg by Lowell Mason and the When I Survey text of Isaac Watts. Set in an accessible 2-Part Mixed voicing, with an optional obbligato for Flute or Violin, this is a great choice for Communion and the Lenten season.

Uses: Christmas Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 A traditional North American carol forms the musical foundations of this new holiday anthem while new words create a reflective moment for worship. A balanced approach to unison and four-part singing makes for easy learning, and the final words of the verse, Christus natus est, is a sensitive moment for your group. A beautiful selection for Christmas Eve candlelight services! Oboe (or C-instrument) part included. Duration: ca. 3:28.

Uses: Easter, St. Thomas Sunday Scripture: I Peter 1:8 The traditional Simple Gifts tune is given a fresh treatment with a modern text by Charlotte Lee. With the declarative text, Christ lives and so do we, this is an anthem of joy and hope that will enhance your Easter worship celebration. The optional trumpet part is included and will add an extra bit of sparkle to your presentation.

A great, straight-ahead medley of three best-loved Christmas songs. It's a quick-learn piece, always important when preparing holiday concerts. The piano accompaniment is simple and supportive, or get together with your band for a combined Christmas finale. It's the perfect choice.

The lyrics of the old English carol Past Three O'Clock are set to an original melody and then partnered with The First Nowell, creating a sparkling new work for Christmas and holiday concerts. The optional bell part adds the perfect sound for December. Available: SAB; 2-Part; PianoTrax CD.

This classic Gershwin musical score has been given a fine, dramatic choral treatment in this stunning medley, celebrating the show's return to Broadway late in 2011. Optional Concert Band accompaniment is available. Approximately 4:45.

Composer: George Gershwin | Lyricist: Ira Gershwin | Musical: Porgy and Bess