The sparsely populated repertoire of concert spirituals written specifically for women welcomes a fine addition with this exceptional arrangement. In it, Carey uses the full range of the mature female voice to convey the deep pathos and the exuberant cry for hope that this traditional text conveys.

Composer: Paul Carey

The scriptures often speak of truth in paradox: a seed dies to live again, brokenness and grace, pain and love, and light that changed the empty darkness forever. "A Spotless Rose" embraces the assuring light, the Love of God, that beamed forth, for us, at darkest midnight.

Composer: James R Day

In this incredibly powerful Hebrew-text piece, Sharon Farber has captured the moving experience of setting a beautiful and emotionally charged poem. Beginning with unison voices to symbolize the shared grief felt by those who have lost a child and moving into cries of pain in the music and text, this dynamic selection is best for mature female voices.

Composer: Sharon Farber

This piece is the third in the set of "Three Marian Antiphons for Treble Choir" by Palestrina and edited by Raymond Sprague. As in the first two pieces, the editor has provided a clean and uncluttered score in order to provide a canvas on which the informed conductor and well-trained choir can create a fresh and true interpretation of this beautiful Renaissance masterpiece.

Composer: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Written for a large, adult women's choir, the Aurora Chorus, Joan has crafted a piece that explores the full dynamic range and the subtle emotions that a mature women's choir can deliver.

Composer: Joan Szymko

A dramatic setting of this liturgical text with expressive contemporary harmonies and dissonances.

Composer: David Reznick

This sixth and final movement of Hasse's Miserere in C Minor for SSAA choirs was composed in 1728 for the Conservatory of the Incurabili in Venice, Italy. Women's choirs will delight in the opportunity to sing this lovely setting of the Latin prayer.

Arranger: Martin Banner | Composer: Johann A Hasse

An opening fanfare sets a festive mood that continues throughout this entire work. This piece, with a Latin text adapted from the psalms, has already been used in all-state festivals throughout the country.

Composer: Ruth Watson Henderson

Brahms was one of the first composers to write specifically for women's choirs, and his lush harmonies and expressive keyboard writing are perfect for the treble voice. This lovely setting of a beautiful text speaks of a love and lover yet to be discovered and is sure to move singers and audiences alike.

Arranger: Chester L Alwes | Composer: Johannes Brahms

In addition to its wonderfully musical setting, this Shakespearian text will provide opportunities for discussion of interdisciplinary issues in both historical literature and women's studies. The music is an emotional and intellectual expression reinforcing strength and independence for women.

Composer: Stephen Bouma

Based on a popular folk song from the Gujarat region of Northwest India, the voices in this rhythmic folk dance alternate, representing percussion instruments, and the piece also includes suggestions for hand percussion and hand clapping. Accessible while offering harmonic sounds that are fresh and new, this selection introduces a part of the world not often explored with music.

Composer: Sheena Phillips

Written to capture the ecstatic nature of this beautiful traditional text, Mark Simmons's setting couples contrasts in tempo, diction, and dynamics with the thrilling timbre of a women's choir. The musical elements all work together to highlight the passion inherent in the "Gloria" text.

Composer: Mark Simmons

Commissioned by the Cornell University Chorus, this piece is the kind of "folk song" that really lets a women's choir get down and dirty. With a driving, Appalachian-style folk melody, wide ranges that show off the mature treble voice, and a full range of dynamic contrasts, "Go Dig My Grave" is sure to be a show stopper. Although published separately, this selection was created to pair with "Jubilee" (15/2962R).

Composer: Sally Lamb McCune

Joan's music beautifully captures the hope, promise, and contentment of being here and having what we need and want. The solo violin part is included in the choral score and requires an accomplished player.

Composer: Joan Szymko

In the style of a traditional foot-stomping, hand-clapping, smile-inducing early American folk song, this Sally McCune original is pure fun. Ranges are appropriate for accomplished high school women, and the playful rhythm will be enjoyable for everyone. Although published separately, this selection was created to pair with "Go Dig My Grave" (15/2963R).

Composer: Sally Lamb McCune

On a recent tour of Asia by the Utah Children's Choir, this piece received countless requests for copies of the manuscript. This joyful Christopher Smart text is set to often changing, frequently uneven meters, with very rhythmic vocal lines. The accompaniment will require an accomplished pianist and the final page will bring your audience to its feet.

Composer: David H Sargent

Originally published in 1585, this motet for women's voices is in the typical polyphonic style of Victoria -- and it is a must for serious treble choirs.

Arranger: Raymond Sprague | Composer: Tomas Luis DeVictoria

The cantiga de amigo is a folk poem whose speaker is an adolescent girl, quite often in the midst of discovering love for the first time, and often confiding her innermost thoughts to her madre. Movement 1: after an introduction imitating the sound of guitars, a young girl realizes the power of love. Movement 2: as the accompaniment suggests gentle waves, a rather suggestive and delightfully imaginative invitation is offered. Movement 3: passion gives way to resignation. Movement 4: as the convent beckons, and amid strains of her own Dies Irae, a young girl bemoans her fate. Movement 5: a wish for the heart to soar as high as the birds.

Composer: Paul Carey

Written for Jean Ashworth Bartle and the Toronto Children's Chorus for Jean's final concert, this famous poem-"Warning," by Jenny Joseph-is loaded with humor. As is her hallmark, Ms. Henderson has crafted a piece that stretches young singers to be all that they can be without ever asking too much, with a piano accompaniment that is independent and essential.

Composer: Ruth Watson Henderson