John Purifoy : Emmanuel, To Thee We Sing

The prophetic Word becomes song in this attractive Advent selection, with its invitation to worship and to celebrate the promise of God with us. Winsome music carries this hopeful message straight to the heart and brings a gentle spirit to any sacred winter gathering.

John Purifoy : One Small Flame

A well-known seasonal folk song is given wings in a text designed especially for Advent. Articulating the themes of hope, peace, love, joy and light, this winsome tune is creatively arranged for choirs of any size.

Uses: Christmas Eve, Christmas, Benediction, Concert Scripture: Romans 15:13; Galatians 3:14 A peaceful moment of benediction at the conclusion of a Christmas service is part of many worship traditions. This ancient Irish blessing is filled with touching imagery of stars, hearth and angels, all wrapped up in beautiful music. Don't miss this elegant choral blessing! Duration: ca. 2:31.

Uses: Hanging of the Green, Christmas Eve, Christmas, Communion Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-6; Titus 2:11-14; John 1:1-14 Here is a pleasing menagerie of seasonal carols perfect for use during candlelight communion observances. The octavo includes: O Come All Ye Faithful, Away in a Manger, The First Noel, and Silent Night. These are presented with an optional candlelight communion service guide rich with programming suggestions. Beautiful and useful!

This deeply emotive anthem from the cantata Lamentations of the Lamb invites the listener to consider the suffering Christ on His path to the cross. Bestowed with a winding and bittersweet tune, the imagery of the lyric moves slowly with haunting phrases of compelling beauty. Filled with many musical opportunities for freedom and artistry, the anthem is not difficult to learn, giving ample time to explore the depths of its musical and spiritual nuances. A perfect opener for a service of shadows or a candlelight communion. Score and Parts (fl, ob, vc) available as a digital download.

A message of strength and hope is woven throughout this arrangement of three beautiful spirituals. Purifoy masterfully combines Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, Steal Away and Deep River along with a sensitive accompaniment to create a special moment for any service. Performance Time: Approx. 4:45

With words by Oliver Wendell Holmes, commissioned for the National Peace Jubilee held in Boston in 1869, and original, uplifting music, this work speaks to a nation's desire for healing and reconciliation. Though alluding to Christmas in the final stanza, the work is excellent for ecumenical, patriotic and community performances.

John Purifoy has crafted an exquisite anthem based on Isaiah 11:1-9. John's dedication of this work to grandsons Jacob and Luke give it an extra special touch. Duration: ca. 4:30.

Adapted from Scripture, this is a well-crafted anthem for Palm Sunday complete with optional handbell parts that give it a special appeal. Handbell Accompaniment available separately as a Printed Edition and as a digital download. Duration: ca. 2:15.

Incorporating the traditional Kyrie and Agnus Dei texts, this meditative setting creates a peaceful flowing effect through harmonic richness and gentle modal sonorities. Excellent for building choral tone, blend and intonation!

Uses: General, Thanksgiving Scripture: Psalm 7:17; Psalm 118:21; I Thessalonians 5:17-18 With each repetition of Thanks be to God, this anthem endears itself to the heart of the worshipper. Based melodically on a treasured American tune, this emotional octavo lifts a petition of gratitude with luscious harmonies and a moving cello part. Layers of beauty characterize the textures of the part-writing, and a sensitive touch with dynamics and tone quality will yield stunning results with your choir. Distinctive!

Uses: General, Thanksgiving Scripture: Psalm 24:1; Psalm 100:4; Philippians 4:4 A thanksgiving cornucopia for church choirs is found in this medley of favorites. Invite the congregation to join for a true interactive experience for all worshippers. Creative transitions and festive modulations encourage singing and corporate worship. Use piano and organ to create a joyous effect. Duration: ca. 2:44.

The delicate nuance of the Chopin-esque accompaniment provides the perfect support to the expressive melodic phrases in this lovely work with text by the American poet Nathaniel Hawthorne. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA. Duration: ca. 3:00.

Here is a stately setting of the traditional hymn with four stanzas in Latin (with optional English verses) that will be accessible and very useful for many Christmas programs and services. Optional strings. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ChoirTrax CD. String parts (vln 1, vln 2, vla, vcl, bs) available as a digital download. Duration: 3:05.

Here is the famous and popular spiritual by Hall Johnson in a new accompanied edition by John Purifoy. Easily-learned and very effective in performance or worship!

Composer: Hall Johnson

Uses: Holy Week Scripture: I Timothy 2:5-6; Romans 7:18; Luke 23:42 A beloved text receives a tender touch in this bittersweet choral for Holy Week. Calling the believer to a deeper understanding of grace, this expressive mixture of melody and message is a song for the heart. Long beautiful phrases help carry the words while rich harmonies add warmth and color.

Welcome this confident setting of a towering hymn classic to your choral repertoire. Energized with effective choral techniques, this setting is an ideal festive opener for any service. Brilliant brass and jubilant handbell options lift the concept to dizzying heights. Unforgettable! Score and Parts (tpt 1-2, tbn 1-2) and Handbell part (3 octaves) available separately as digital downloads.

This octavo is a testimony of assurance and faith, reflecting a sensitive pairing of message and music. An approachable arrangement enables quick learning, yet provides expressive potential for choral ensembles of any size. This anthem would make a great companion to a sermon on life priorities and spiritual prosperity, reminding us that God's grace is sufficient for every need. Thoughtful!

Composer: Cameron Pollock

Here is something delightfully different for your Easter celebrations! This lesser-known poem is vibrantly set to an almost playful piano accompaniment, bringing a fantastic quality to the work and adorning this classic text with just the right spirit. Unique!

This effective pairing of two mid-century classics provides more than just nostalgia: there is a substantive message of a personal relationship with Christ. Truly inspired arranging opens this octavo up to any group. Sure to put a smile in the heart of all who grew up with these standards!

Composer: Ralph Carmichael

Uses: Lent, Holy Week Scripture: Isaiah 53:4-7 A foundational Scripture for all believers is lovingly presented in this sonorous choral tapestry. Like a delicate tonal watercolor, this portrait of grace is replete with word painting and shimmering harmonies that seem to beckon the listener to introspection. The piano is both vocally supportive and musically contributive to the emotive qualities of this moving testament of grace.

Ken Burns' powerful PBS Series The War, featured this contemporary song by Gene Scheer, beautifully performed by Norah Jones. The lyrics speak to the sacrifice, selflessness and bravery of the men and women who fought on the front lines and the home front during World War II. This setting is accessible to most choral groups and will be a wonderful tribute to those we seek to honor. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:35.

A medley of favorite American hymns with optional brass quartet. Includes: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing; On Jordan's Stormy Banks; My Shepherd Will Supply My Need. Available: SATB, Instrumental Pak, ChoirTrax CD.

O Sing a Song of Bethlehem blends with Sing We Now of Christmas for a dynamic and distinctively English-flavored Christmas anthem. The a cappella chorale in the middle is framed by a reprise of the main theme. Use as an offertory or call to worship. Brisk and inviting! Available: SATB.

Country: England

This modern praise song is quickly becoming embraced by congregations of all styles and ages. The lyrics describe the timeless element of God's Word and will provide an inspirational moment to a variety of worship settings. Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part Mixed. Duration: ca. 3:00.

Composer: Lynn DeShazo

Uses: Lent, Easter Scripture: Philippians 2:7-8; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 4:16 The words of Charles Wesley resound through the sanctuary again in this fresh lyric re-setting. Expressive lines characterize the melodic patterns and the moving piano accompaniment sweep the listener up in the arms of this promising text. Some surprising harmonic moments color this arrangement with pleasing hues that will renew your appreciation for this beloved sacred poem.

Using the immortal words of the Gospel of John as a focal point, this energetic offering maintains a driving and upbeat pace throughout. The melody is spirited, and the accompaniment really adds to the celebrative feel. Available: SATB, BonusTrax CD.

The flowing accompaniment supports a profound and moving text and melody in this Ken Medema gem. The smooth and sustained sections contrast nicely with accented rhythms which punctuate the powerful message. Wonderful! Available: SATB.

Performed By: Ken Medema

This expressive setting of three favorite spirituals begins reflectively and gradually builds into full sonorities, then moves to a hushed conclusion. Great for developing a sense of phrasing and line! Includes: All My Trials, Jacob's Ladder, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA. Duration: ca. 3:00

Recently performed by Josh Groban in the role of Anatoly Sergievsky in a rock concert revival of the musical Chess, this inspiring song is simply breathtaking! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, Chamber Orchestra score and parts (fl, ob, hn, tpt1, tpt2, tbn, bstbn, perc, timp, str: 88442), ShowTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:50.

Composer: Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus | Lyricist: Tim Rice Performed By: Josh Groban | Musical: Chess

This majestic anthem from Michael W. Smith's Christmas album proclaims the wonder of the gift of the baby boy, the Son of God: All creation sing His praises, Earth and heaven praise His name, All who live come join the chorus, Find the words, His love proclaim. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30.Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, BonusTrax CD and Instrumental ePak. Instrumentation: Flute, Oboe, Trumpet 1 & 2, F Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion, Timpani, Violin 1 & 2, Viola, Cello and Bass.

Performed By: Michael W. Smith

This vibrant work is infused with joyful energy! Three American folksongs are combined with original words and music to create a spectacular showcase for school and community groups. The authentic fiddle obbligato adds to the fun! Includes: Cotton Eyed Joe, Cumberland Gap, Goin' Across the Mountain.

Country: Appalachia

The wisdom literature of the Bible contains a wealth of proverbs for living an abundant life. This gorgeous pairing of message and music is full of moments to linger over, replete with shimmering chords and graceful melodic turns. A refreshing departure from the big praise-based octavos, this anthem is a sermon in song, reaching and teaching even as it provides reflective beauty for worship.

This standard hymn text is given a fresh treatment here by John Purifoy. Flowing lines and beautiful harmonies will make this a memorable experience for your choir. Duration: ca. 2:15.

Uses: General, Christ the King, Easter Scripture: Psalm 57:8-10; John 19:38-42 Gracefully arching, this tuneful expression of praise is appropriate for Eastertide, Christ the King, or general use. A classic text artfully set to new music, this setting is appropriate for choirs of any size and offers directors a tasteful addition to their anthem libraries.

Treasured truths for troubled times. This anthem speaks a word of comfort and assurance to the people of faith. Beautiful melodic contours carry the message forward, while the flowing accompaniment underscores the prayerful spirit of the anthem.

Scripture becomes song in this hushed anthem of depth and beauty. Musically, there is opportunity for many expressive moments that capture the serenity of the text. A few harmonic surprises add special tonal ambience by making use of sanctuary acoustics with sensitivity. Tasteful and restrained piano writing provides the perfect amount of texture for the character of this sacred tone poem. Score and Parts (fl, vn) available as a digital download.

John Purifoy's combination of choir, piano, and cello is wonderfully crafted, making for a sensitive worship moment. Includes cello part. Available separately: SATB, ChoirTrax CD. Duration: ca. 4:05.

Composer: Jean Sibelius

This Appalachian folk melody for mixed voices and piano counterpoints with the plaintive cello obbligato to create a setting of deep expression and moving emotion. Stunning! Available separately: SATB, SAB. Duration: ca. 2:35.

Country: Appalachia

Opening with swirling, undulating accompaniment and minor harmonies, this setting of Shakespeare's famous text from As You Like It then moves to a festive major key with the Heigh, ho, the holly section. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA. Duration: ca. 2:15.

Poetry By: William Shakespeare

Here's a light, upbeat piece perfect for a Christmas call to worship. With a nice Latin feel, it features an optional children's choir and percussion. Your choir will enjoy the wonderful, worshipful feel of Born the Baby.

Uses: General, Commitment Scripture: II Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 51:10 This treasured song from the golden days of contemporary church music is lovingly set in a new arrangement. With its message of renewal, the text is encouraging to our journey of faith, and the winsome beauty of the melody is undeniable. A beautiful piano accompaniment will support and enhance your presentation, and easy-to-learn choral writing will work for ensembles of any size. Highly recommended!

Composer: Kurt Kaiser

This buoyant sacred work will be an excellent and accessible work for contest, festival and sacred concert performance, with a rhythmic and lively refrain contrasted with a somewhat more lyrical section.

Uses: Christmas Scripture: Luke 2:10-11; Isaiah 12:3; I Peter 1:8; Matthew 1:21 A trilogy of joyful carols dance together in this holiday montage well suited for church or concert hall. An energetic piano accompaniment and captivating part-writing make the piece a cheerful reminder of the wonder of Christmas. Three time-honored carols beautifully entwine for your holiday programming. Duration: ca. 3:01.

The radiance and joy of the Christmas season come shining through in this short medley of favorite carols. A delightful opener for Christmas concerts and services, it includes: Angels We Have Heard on High; Good Christians, All Rejoice; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part Mixed, Chamber Orchestra score and parts (fl, ob, hp, timp, perc, vn 1, 2, va, ca, b), BonusTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:25.

Based on the Psalms and a Celtic melody, this moving anthem of prayer is an intimate statement of faith. Add the optional recorder or flute to enhance the Celtic nature of the piece. Available: SATB.

Composer: Mark Cabaniss

Opening with hushed anticipation, this anthem builds to a triumphant song of celebration. Weaving scriptural paraphrases with a beautiful original text, this anthem captures the joy of the first Easter morning. Soaring!

This anthem gallops with rhythmic vigor announcing the majesty of the risen Christ! A regal melody leaps with expressive arch, supported by a syncopated piano accompaniment and hymn-like harmonic structures. Praise and worship crown the work with images of the majestic Christ and His everlasting glory. Grand!

Uses: Christmas Scripture: Psalm 57:5; Luke 2:1-10 Here's a wonderful way to open any Christmas service! This classic text has been paired up with fanfare-like voices and a driving, rhythmic piano accompaniment, and the result is this joyous celebration of the birth of Christ.

In a new setting of the beloved Ukranian Carol, Jan McGuire's creative lyrics mesh well with John Purifoy's artful setting. The result is a fresh and sparkling new setting of this classic carol. Although handbells are optional, they will obviously add a wonderful touch.