Predating the well-known Bethlehem Down by just a few years, As dew in Aprylle is one of several choral works by Warlock to draw on texts from the 15th century Sloane Manuscript, yet musically this work demonstrates a similar mastery of part writing and fondness for chromatic harmonic language. First published on 12th June, 1924, following a period of unavailability this is now restored to the catalogue in a newly-prepared edition. For unaccompanied mixed voices, with occasional divisi.

Composer: Peter Warlock

Setting of the traditional vesper hymn (Hail, O Star of the ocean), commissioned by Christopher Gray and the Choir of Truro Cathedral. The texture is homophonic and sustained, with much use of pedal points in the chord progressions, and the closing amens bring a melodic flowering in the sopranos.

Composer: James MacMillan

Latin text.

Composer: James MacMillan

Commissioned to celebrate the 20th wedding anniversary of friends, this poem by Catherine Lomas works beautifully for any celebration of love. There is a beautiful lyricism to the imagery of these words which choirs love to sing.

Composer: Will Todd

Composer: Karl Jenkins

Beginning and ending quietly and with a sense stillness, this starkness is conveyed with gentle dissonances and slow, homophonic movement. Each verse is set to the same music but with the sense of climax in the final verse.

Arranger: Becky McGlade

Beginning from a place of rubato and allowing this ebb and flow of the music to inform the performance this is music for a celebration. An original poem by the composer is one of renewal and both the text and the music build to a thrilling climax at the final phrase.

Composer: Will Todd

Lullay, my liking was commissioned by BBC Music Magazine for the publication's December 2014 issue. The brief was to compose a carol with simplicity of form, and this Middle English 15th century carol text lends itself to an expressive yet succinct setting. For unaccompanied mixed voices with no divisi, the carol works just as well with four solo voices as it does with a larger SATB choir.

Composer: Thomas Hewitt Jones

Christmas setting for upper voices (three parts) of a traditional 15th-century English text with Latin refrain: 'Gabriel of high degree...'/ 'Ut nova: Ave fit ex Eva'. An explanation of the Latin pun is included in the publication.

Composer: James MacMillan

Devised as a choral Christmas waltz, this carol for unaccompanied mixed voices (no divisi) by Welsh composer Gareth Treseder is a jolly setting of a traditional text. The work is structured in the manner of a hymn that becomes increasingly complex via different vocal textures. The catchy melody is passed around each part of the choir and interweaving textures should offer a welcome contrast to the common homophonic textures of Christmas music. A sure audience-pleaser, this carol will also be very rewarding for the singers and will add a jovial twist to a Christmas concert of service.

Composer: Gareth Treseder

This Maundy Thursday/Last Supper text is all about loving one another, a much needed sentiment in these turbulent times. The music is flowing but should never be hurried.

Composer: Kim André Arnesen

This Maundy Thursday/Last Supper text is all about loving one another, a much needed sentiment in these turbulent times. The music is flowing but should never be hurried.

Composer: Kim André Arnesen

Composer: James MacMillan