This wonderful compilation of Irish blessing texts is set to a lovely and touching melody. Perfect for end-of-year concerts. Appropriate for school or church use. Featured on PianoTrax 3 Accompaniment CD (00-34744).

Arranger: Jay Althouse

Developing 3-part mixed and SSA choirs will achieve their finest a cappella sound with this light choral inspired by traditional madrigals. Conservative vocal ranges and practical part-writing ensure quick learning at any time of year.

Arranger: Donald Moore | Composer: William Gooch

Three-part women's and men's ensembles will excel with this majestic a cappella concert work. Joyful melodic motives are passed from voice to voice, and percussive handclaps bridge varied sections of the well-developed form. Especially effective in antiphonal formation!

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

Practical, timeless advice abounds in this jaunty contemporary choral with texts lifted from Renaissance-era poetry and a translation of ancient verse. The opening melody winds around the tonic triad before the B section breaks into colorful contemporary harmony in a chorale setting. Light, yet legit.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Richard Fanshawe

Composed as a special commission for the North Carolina All-State Honors Chorus, this contemporary concert work is satisfying from start to finish. The exuberant music provides a joyful foundation for a text inspired by the Book of Psalms, and a layered add-on section builds to the glorious coda.

Arranger: Andy Beck | Composer: Traditional

This poem has long been a favorite of singers due to its deep passion and expressive imagery, not to mention the warm vowels at the end of each line. In this artistic setting, Greg Gilpin incorporates a contemporary harmonic palette, expressive tempo nuances, and elegant dynamic shading to form a colorful garden of sound. The final chord suggests the rose/thorn quality of love, as singers sustain sweet dissonance. Give special consideration to the S.S.A. voicing---the romantic text may have great appeal to your ladies.

Composer: Robert Burns

This simple yet elegant setting is sung on just two short Latin phrases. A partner song approach gives each voice part independence, while a brief B section includes some homophonic choral harmonies. Halfway through the piece, a delicate descant-like third part is introduced and floats gently above when the lyrical theme and counter theme return. Excellent concert or contest repertoire for developing groups.

Arranger: Andy Beck

Bongo and hand drum accompaniment highlight this African-styled work filled with rhythmic intensity. The simple "alleluia" text allows the melodic and rhythmic lines to take center stage. An add-on section makes it an exciting piece, building to a powerful finish.

Arranger: Jay Althouse

Perform two traditional mass settings in a whole new way with this exciting original which means "African Kyrie and Sanctus." Your singers will be inspired by the tribal rhythms and sonorous harmonies, and your audience (or adjudicators) impressed by the juxtaposition of Latin, English, and Swahili texts in both contrasting movements. Accentuate the multicultural flavor by adding the SoundPax drum ensemble, or using the SoundTrax CD. SoundPax includes parts for African Percussion Ensemble, bass.

Arranger: Andy Beck

This lyrical setting of the traditional Latin text overflows with warm harmonies and expressive melodic lines. Developing mixed and treble choirs will achieve a polished sound and appreciate an enriching musical experience. Accomplishable A-B-A form.

Arranger: Brian Lewis

This, the stirring final movement from John Leavitt's world-famous Missa Festiva, is presented in newly engraved octavos, available for all choirs. A superb new chamber orchestration enhances the musical texture and color of this captivating modal work.

Arranger: John Leavitt

This innovative arrangement presents the well-known American folk song with a jazzy twist. Unexpected, but highly creative, it's something truly different for concert or jazz groups. A smooth obbligato for flute and/or vibes is available free at alfred.com/choralparts. This title is available in Music Prodigy.

Arranger: Andy Beck

This is a simply gorgeous arrangement for your girls' choirs of the delightful and often-sung Welsh folk song. The melody is shared between the high and low voices, and the piano accompaniment never gets in the way of the singers. Will make your treble choirs sound great.

Arranger: Ruth Elaine Schram

This a cappella feature for treble or male choirs is an oustanding choice for any time of year. Strong individual voice lines add up to an exciting, dynamic, and vibrant concert feature. ABA format with a lyrical legato section in the middle.

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

Four brief vocal duets highlight this joyful work from the motet Veni Sancte Spiritus, written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart when he was only 12 years old. Classical sonorities resonate through the varying textures of this newly adapted masterwork, and the piano and choral parts are impressive, yet manageable for concert and festival choirs.

Arranger: Larry Shackley | Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

A strong choral statement that begins in C minor, builds, and finishes powerfully with a jubilant ending in E-flat major. Great contemporary writing, accessible for today's choirs. One of Jay Althouse's best works. Perfect for festivals, adjudications, and concerts, any time of year.

Arranger: Jay Althouse

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.

Arranger: Douglas Wagner | Composer: Robert Coltart

Alfred Music proudly welcomes gifted composer Victor Johnson to our catalog with this warm choral setting. So beautifully melodic and expressive---this may be precisely the way Stevenson imagined his famous "I will make you brooches" text. Cue-size notes in the SSA voicing offer optional opportunities for four-part divisi.

Arranger: Victor C. Johnson

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.

Arranger: Douglas Wagner

Feature two outstanding accompanists at the piano with this exceptional arrangement of the favorite Christmas carol, "Angels We Have Heard on High." From its rhythmic opening, through the fresh a cappella section, to its spectacular finish, you'll marvel at Philip Kern's energized arrangement. Full, contemporary choral singing in every voicing. A full-sounding SoundTrax CD featuring the 4-hand piano part is also available.

Arranger: Philip Kern

From the first shimmering chords of the introduction to the final flourish of an uplifting descant, this artistic song paints an acoustic picture. Poetic words, progressive harmonies, and a piano part that your accompanist will love to play provide a vivid backdrop for a solid choral experience.

Arranger: Andy Beck

Two independent vocal parts, punctuated by rhythmic handclaps, are introduced individually and later combined in this joyful concert feature. An ostinato add-on section offers the opportunity for accomplishable three-part treble singing. This title is available in Music Prodigy.

Arranger: Sally K. Albrecht

Here is a stunning choral work inspired by the beauty of an autumn day. A lyric melody, lush harmonies, and a poetic text are combined with a sensitive piano accompaniment to paint a colorful musical picture. You can almost see the leaves take flight when your choir sings the melodic refrain, and you will get a true sense of foliage falling layer upon layer as the second verse begins to echo and overlap. An expressive choral piece for concert and contest.

Composer: Andy Beck

Introducing Gounod's beloved "Ave Maria," based on a prelude from J. S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, in an accessible choral arrangement. The melody passes through all voices, while well-written choral parts provide support. An excellent way to introduce not one, but two master composers!

Composer: Charles Gounod

Presenting one of Franz Schubert's masterpieces, skillfully arranged for developing choral groups. An elegant combination of sectional features and homophonic choral texture, this arrangement allows conductors to work on both healthy singing technique and ensemble skills. Sensible voice leading enables beautiful intonation and blend.

Composer: Franz Schubert

Caccini's haunting melody has been recorded by everyone from Charlotte Church to Andrea Bocelli and no wonder: it's simply gorgeous. Now available for SSA groups, this tasteful arrangement allows the melody and lush harmonies to speak for themselves. An optional flute part is included in the octavo.

Arranger: Patrick Liebergen

This authentic Zulu folk song is a perfect fit for mixed and treble choirs in three parts. The multicultural groove of rhythmic choral parts is routinely punctuated by brief solos and joyful handclaps. Add the optional African percussion to enhance the experience.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

The captivating words of James T. Fields are set to dramatic music evocative of a tumultuous sea and symbolizing the constant struggle of man versus nature. An exciting musical story that your choir will love to tell. Effective in all voicings.

Composer: Ruth Morris Gray

Based on a short Russian phrase commonly spoken by a mother to a child, this delicate lullaby delights with its lilting triple meter and haunting melodic theme.

Arranger: Dave and Jean Perry | Composer: Jean Perry

With words that speak to the heart and music that inspires, this artful song will be a favorite of the women in your choral group. Lush three-part sonorities allow for stunning chromatic lines.

Arranger: Vicki Tucker Courtney | Composer: John Parker

A bombastic and stately theme, based on stacked modal harmonies, gives a triumphant air to this contemporary setting of the traditional Latin text. Hushed B and C sections offer contrast before recapitulating the grandiose opening and an even fuller final cadence. Timpani, tubular bells, and triangle (which may be downloaded for free) may be performed by a single percussionist and add to the riveting drama.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

Expressive choral writing anchors this poetic text that describes the bonds of attachment between people who care for one another. The optional opening solo offers an opportunity to feature a standout singer, but the highlight of the piece comes when the entire choir delivers a sincere message of enduring love in resonant three-part harmony.

Arranger: Vicki Tucker Courtney

Greg Gilpin's skillful writing and sensitive interpretation create an expressive piece that brings understanding to this poignant text. Stunning in its simplicity, intelligent voice leading, practical ranges, and clear phrasing allow choirs to sound their very best in no time at all. Mature, yet manageable.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin

A haunting, minor-mode melody is passed through the choir in this fugue treatment of an expressive psalm text. What begins as artful simplicity develops into lush polyphony. "By the waters of Babylon, we sat down and wept."

Arranger: Jean Perry

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.

Arranger: Douglas Wagner

"I can live my life on earth contented to the end, if but a few shall . . . call me friend." "Success," by "people's poet" Edgar Guest is paired with a few lines from Shakespeareis "Sonnet 50" to create a warm, reflective text on the importance of friendship. Subtle tempo changes and sensitive dynamics encourage expressive singing, and an optional obbligato allows for a C-instrument of your choice.

Composer: Ruth Morris Gray

"¡Cantar!" is a stylistically authentic salsa work for choir. The text is a combination of English and simple, repetitive Spanish phrases set to a rhythmically infectious melody. Enjoy this new SSA voicing of Jayis #1 seller! Sizzling!

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Jay Althouse

The familiar Latin text has been set many times by many composers, but this dynamic and rhythmic composition rises above. Opens with a driving marcato theme, which is brilliantly contrasted by the expressive, legato B section. A dramatic choral work that delivers an impressive effect.

Arranger: Ruth Morris Gray

The traditional Ubi Caritas text is uniquely set as an uptempo jazz waltz. Just one sentence in Latin plus a few English lyrics make it clear that this song is all about "charity and love." As you've come to expect from this composer, the canon is a true skill-builder---with a modal melody that moves from unison to two and eventually three independent layers (using descant singers for 2-part choirs). Don't miss the jazzy flute obbligato available free online.

Arranger: Andy Beck

This long-time favorite of voice teachers is now available for 3-part mixed and SSA choirs. Art song phrases inspire expressive bel canto singing, and limited vocal ranges are just right for developing singers. A literal translation and phonetic pronunciation guide of the Italian is included in the publication.

Arranger: Earlene Rentz | Composer: Tommaso Giordani

From the French opera Armide comes this joyous chorus for women's voices. Distinctly Baroque, Dr. Liebergen's SSA arrangement includes a brief instrumental introduction, optional parts for two flutes and hand drum (available at alfred.com/choralparts), and tempo and dynamic indications. A lovely work for concerts and festivals.

Arranger: Patrick Liebergen

An exciting African choral for winter. Combination English/Swahili text describes the joy of children running through the plains of Mount Kilimanjaro "chasing the wild, wild winds of December." The choir responds in rhythmic harmony to a soloist's melodic call. Perform with optional rhythm instruments (parts included in the publication) or SoundTrax CD.

Arranger: David Lantz III

The buoyant music and hopeful text of this contemporary original are reminiscent of a traditional American folk song. A compelling accompaniment gracefully winds throughout, easily navigating metric changes. Parts for mandolin/guitar, bass, and violin are available free online.

Arranger: David Lantz III

Come, follow the Lord who died to make us whole. Perfect for Stewardship, Lent, or more general occasions, this lovely anthem effectively employs call and response to God's people invite one another to give their lives to God. Easy to prepare.

Arranger: Don Besig | Composer: Nancy Price

Part Spanish, mostly English, but all together it's sizzling fun for concert and show ensembles alike. "Con la música somos uno. WIth music, we are one." Featured on Showbiz! choral movement DVD (00-35858).

Composer: Jay Althouse

This tender song of remembrance features a poignant original text combined with Latin phrases from the Requiem Mass. Close cluster chords, beautifully sculpted phrases, and expressive dynamics leave the listener with a sense of awe and wonder. Not to be missed!

Composer: Andy Beck

This familiar German madrigal is a solid study of early Baroque singing for SSA choirs. The light 3/4 "in one" feel provides a steady lilt for clear treble sonorities. Sing in English or German (a complete phonetic guide is included) and with or without the piano, hand drum, and finger cymbals.

Arranger: Patrick Liebergen | Composer: Hans Leo Hassler

Greg Gilpin has taken one of Chopin's most beloved piano etudes, created delicate vocal parts, and penned poetic words, resulting in an awe-inspiring work for December or masterwork concerts. Pure unison lines are contrasted with crystalline chromatic chords eliciting icy imagery. An optional SoundTrax CD glimmers with wintery nuances.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin | Composer: Frederic Chopin

Here's an energized arrangement of the famous minor-key spiritual set exclusively for 2- or 3-part treble choirs. Driving rhythms, cool counterlines, and recurring ostinatos contribute to the dramatic storytelling and add to the fun.

Arranger: Earlene Rentz

Joy instantly abounds as the well-edited keyboard introduction sets the tone for this impressive, yet approachable Baroque selection---the first movement of Vivaldi's masterwork of the same name. Choral phrasing is obvious, as we alternate between brief marcato statements and longer lines that deliver satisfying suspensions. As always, Dr. Liebergen includes an informative editor's note and a complete IPA pronunciation guide for the Latin text (eight words in total). This title is available in SmartMusic.

Composer: Antonio Vivald