This lively madrigal is a dandy and upbeat addition to your Christmas program. Perfect for a high school or adult choir. Difficulty Level: Medium Adult. Duration - 00:03:20.

Arranger: Christopher Boodle

This celebratory carol on the popular fifteenth-century text is full of Christmas cheer. Jaunty, up-tempo, and in 7/8-time, it is an ideal opening for Christmas concerts and services.

Composer: Alan Bullard

The text for this lovely work is taken from an anonymous 14th century manuscript. Bryan Greer has set the piece for SATB chorus and piano or small orchestra. The work is accessible for many church choirs but also may have a place in programming for other ensembles. Try it for your lessons and carols. Difficulty Level: Medium Adult.

Arranger: Bryan Greer

This 13th century carol has been arranged by Philip Lawson in a contemporary style that retains some of its ancient roots. With intertwining voices, interesting two against three rhythms, it has a freshness that will enhance concerts in school, community and church!

Arranger: Philip Lawson | Composer: Traditional

Texts: Latin and English Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes Difficulty level: 3 The Ceremony of Carols is one of Britten's best-known and most-performed works. It is a brilliantly conceived and dramatic concert work which sees the voices process to their places singing unaccompanied plainsong and, at the end, processing out again to the same chant. These movements can also be accompanied but strictly only if the voices do not process. The final Alleluia can be repeated as many times as necessary to get the singers to and from their destination.The carols are for three-part children's voices (though, of course they can be sung by female adults as well) and they form a two-part work around a central Interlude for harp which is based on the plainsong from the Procession. Variety is the key word here as all the carols have such individual identities. The forthright Wolcum Yole!, the deliciously lyrical There is no Rose, the swinging Balulalow, the fiery and dramatic This little Babe all contribute

Composer: Benjamin Britten

From Queen's College, Oxford, comes the ancient ritual and the rousing holiday song The Boar's Head Carol, where the highly decorated dishes of the Christmas feast were presented to the company amid song, pomp and circumstance, with the great platter on which rested the boar's head given pride of place. This arrangement can be adapted and customized to suit various levels of choirs, and lends itself to staging a spirited processional.

Arranger: Stephen Hatfield

This setting of the famous chant melody Puer natus in Bethlehem will be a versatile addition to all types of Christmas programming from concert to worship. It may be performed in Latin or English with handbells or chimes providing a simple bourdon accompaniment. Duration: ca. 2:30.

Arranger: Audrey Snyder

Set a cheerful holiday tone with this new song by Jim Brickman and Victoria Shaw! It's fresh and upbeat and perfectly captures the joy of the season! Very singable and ideal for choirs of all ages and levels! Available separately SATB, SAB, SSA and ShowTrax CD. Rhythm parts available as a digital download. Duration: ca. 2:36.

Arranger: Victoria Shaw | Composers: Victoria Shaw and Jim Brickman Performed By: Victoria Shaw

Uses: Advent Scripture: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 40:1-5 Echoing from the cathedrals of the 6th century comes music filled with joyful confidence. Thoughtfully presented in a new decorative form, this early masterwork is replete with a festival spirit. The juxtaposition of the classic Advent carol, Comfort, Comfort Ye My People is an inspired moment. The period orchestration completes the package. Available separately: SATB, StudioTrax CD (Accomp., SplitTrax, Perf.), Orchestration (Score & parts recorder, oboe, cello, percussion, piano). Duration: ca. 2:58.

Arranger: Sheldon Curry

New words and original music add to the melody from Henry Purcell's spirited Sing for Joy to create a perfect opening holiday choral work. Unison singing introduces the melody, which develops into homophonic parts. A bridge of original music adds newness to the original. The optional trumpet and bells add texture to help make this sparkle for the season.

Arranger: Greg Gilpin | Composer: Henry Purcell

A joyous fanfare, heralding the great news of birth in the time of darkness. This piece is full of precise rhythms and should be sung with breathless enthusiasm.

Arranger: Lee Kesselman

A Christmas motet for SSATB unaccompanied or with ensemble.

Composer: Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck

Composed in 1951-52, this unaccompanied motet is an Antiphon to the Magnificat, which is sung during the vespers on Christmas Day. Here, the text speaks of the world rejoicing together over the birth of Christ.

Composer: Francis Poulenc

Bright and rhythmic, with fresh, contemporary choral textures, this original work works well as a concert opener or processional. Well-crafted voice parts make it well-suited to mixed choirs from high school, church and community. Duration: ca. 1:30.

Composer: Audrey Snyder

Utilizing a traditional Latin text, fiery piano accompaniment and mixed meters, John Leavitt's popular festival piece is challenging, but definitely worth the extra effort. Use the optional percussion to further intensify this dramatic Christmas anthem. Available: SATB, SSA, TTBB. Performance Time: Approx. 2:50.

Arranger: John Leavitt

Here is the joyous carol with Latin and English texts in a flexible and accessible setting that will create many performance options. The piano accompaniment is optional and the vocal parts are varied and colorful making this ideal for Christmas concerts and services.

Composer: Audrey Snyder

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.

Arranger: Douglas Wagner

The German baroque chorale "Est Ist Ein' Ros' Entsprungen", in a tasteful adaptation by John Leavitt, features the tenor on the melody of the second verse and a soprano descant on the third verse. Includes English and German texts.

Arranger: John Leavitt | Country: Germany

This is a gospel transformation of the ancient German Christmas carol. The rhythm is changed to 3/4 throughout, the melody is adorned with passing tones that create graceful arcs, and the piano accompaniment is filled with gospel-style rhythmic and harmonic gestures.

Arranger: Shawn Kirchner

The timeless song of Mary is given a fresh treatment in the new gently contemporary anthem from Pamela Martin and Mark Hayes. The harmonies and melody are unforgettable. Appropriate for Advent or any time during the Christmas season. Instrumental Pak with score and parts for Oboe, F Horn 1, F Horn 2, Percussion, Rhythm, Synthesizer, Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, String Bass and Keyboard String Reduction available. BonusTrax CD also available.

Composer: Pamela Martin

The choral pieces for concert and school from Carl Fischer present several offerings that range from folk and gospel to popular standards. Carl Fischer brings you original works and arrangements from America's leading composers and respected arrangers.

Arranger: Ruth Elaine Schram | Composer: Anonymous

Out of a single note, a single moment in time, arises the Great Mystery, revealed in the Christian tradition at Christmas time. After opening with a haunting unison chant, bass ostinato evokes the dry, dustiness of a camel procession in the desert, and an Eastern-sounding melody in the sopranos transports you to another time and place.

Arranger: Lee Kesselman

The original choral setting of O Magnum Mysterium, premiered by the Los Angeles Master Chorale conducted by Paul Salamunovich in December, 1994, has since been performed thousands of times throughout the world and was also designated as an American Choral Masterpiece by the National Endowment for the Arts. The genesis of this motet is discussed in my Wall Street Journal article. Zurbaran's 'Still-life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose.' --Morten Lauridsen

Composer: Morten Lauridsen

Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.75 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies) | 00228817

Lee Dengler's setting of O Magnum Mysterium masterfully depicts the awesome wonder expressed in the text. A sense of divine mystery is heard and felt in this incredible mixture of close harmonies and dissonances, lush, open chords, and gently shifting meter. Exquisite!

Arranger: Lee Dengler

Uses: Christmas, Concert Scripture: Luke 2 The traditional Latin text about the mystery and majesty of the nativity is lovingly caressed in this evocative offering from composer Nicholas White, new to the Mark Foster catalog. There is great warmth in the chordal timbre of this excellent piece well suited for sanctuary or concert hall. The bittersweet quality of the writing makes this an ideal Christmas Eve selection. Recorded by The Tiffany Consort, Fiskdale, MA. Available: SATBB, a cappella. Duration: 2:48.

Composer: Nicholas White

This choral staple of the Christmas repertoire is given in an edition that omits the modern bar lines- except for light, dashed barlines through the top line of each staff-bringing the appearance closer to authentic Renaissance vocal music.Light editorial brackets over each voice part help the singer visualize the phrasing.A pedagogic edition with pronunciation and interpretation guides.

Composer: Tomas Luis de Victoria

Selected for the Jonathan Talberg choral Series, Kevin Memley has produced a gorgeous new setting of this time-honored text. His Ave Maria was released last year and has quickly established Kevin as a new composer to watch. Premiered at the 2010 ACDA Western convention, rich, lush chords and delicate motifs will make this a favorite for singers and listeners for years to come.

Composer: Kevin Memley

The ancient carol from Piae Cantiones in a brilliant setting for voices, piano and percussion. Ideal for processionals, madrigal dinners, holiday concerts and other festive performances. Available: SATB, 2-Part. Performance Time: Approx. 3:40.

Arranger: John Leavitt

Henry Leck's edition of this Praetorius work will be a selection you will use often for contest and holiday concerts. Available: SATB a cappella. Performance Time: Approx. :48.

Arranger: Henry Leck

Come thou Wisdom, Gift of Winter - Composed for the Choirs of Birmingham-Southern College Service of Lessons and Carols, this meditative advent work for SATB divisi voices and organ with a Latin text by Charles Anthony Silvestri features chant-like melodies over vocal and organ pedal tones, vivid dissonances and striking dynamic contrasts. Duration ca. 7:20.

Composer: Eric Whitacre

Bill Sneddem sets the traditional English tune for mixed voices and piano. There are many arrangements of this tune on the market, but none as exciting and engaging as this one. Try it with high school, college, church or community ensembles. Difficulty Level: Medium Advanced Adult.

Arranger: Bill Snedden

Here is the traditional English carol in a colorful setting full of rhythmic and harmonic surprises and playful effects. Easily learned and impressive in performance, your choir and their listeners will enjoy this joyful musical treat! Available separately: SATB, SSA, ChoirTrax CD. Chamber Orchestra score and parts available as a printed edition and as a digital download (fl 1-2, ob, cl 1-2, bn, perc 1-2, hp, vn 1-2, va, vc, db). Duration: ca. 2:10.

Arranger: John Leavitt

The simple, but lovely melody of this anonymous Christmas carol from the Laudis Corona, Boston collection of 1885 is beautifully arranged here for mixed voices. This piece would work well in Advent lessons and carols. Difficulty Level: Medium Adult.

Arranger: Neil Harmon