HAL LEONARD
Jerusalem
08741551
Model: 08741551

This well-known and loved song by British composer C.H.H. Parry was featured in the film Chariots of Fire, and here receives a breathtaking, adventuresome a cappella setting. Ideal for concert and contest. Available: SATB divisi a cappella. Performance Time: Approx. 2:25.
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List: $2.25

HAL LEONARD
The World of the Spirit (1938) (Full Score)
14041492
Model: 14041492

for SATB soloists, speaker(s), chorus and orchestra

Scoring: 2 (II=picc),2,2,2; 4,2,3,1; perc (1) (cymb, susp cymb, gong, sd, bd, tamb); timps; harp; organ; strings

Text: various authors compiled by R. Ellis Roberts

Publisher: Chester Music

Difficulty level: 3-4 (choir)

This unusual and in many ways remarkable work was the second quasi cantata Britten wrote specifically for BBC radio (the other is The Company of Heaven - see separate entry). The performing version published in 2001 makes suggested cuts (by Donald Mitchell) in the extensive readings which form a critically important part of the performance. A short prologue featuring the all-important plainsong chant Veni Creator Spiritus, which many will know as the hymn tune sung to the words 'Come Holy Ghost our souls inspire', opens the work, appears several times throughout and returns at the end in a fully worked out arrangement. In between these points the speakers read a variety of texts mostly on the subject of peace, generosity of spirit, forgiveness, joy in faith, steadfastness in adversity and the overarching importance of loving one's neighbour - a common thread through Britten's life reaching its climax in the composition of the War Requiem. Following the readings there are a number of movements for chorus, for soloists, and with a variety of accompaniments - sometimes organ alone, sometimes a small instrumental group, and sometimes the full orchestra.One of the most interesting aspects of the work is the youthful Britten's (he was 24) musical responses to the words he was setting. There are points at which one unequivocally notes Britten's familiar language which was just in the process of development. Others, though, seem almost to parody other composers. The second movement (O Thou that movest all), basically a hymn, is almost pure Mendelssohn in its lush chromaticisms. He just avoids it becoming pastiche, but it sets a non-threatening tone to the soundworld in the early stages of the work. The next movement (The sun, the moon, the stars) has a wonderful sweep to it - almost a tidal motion, perhaps suggestive of his increasing obsession with the sea. It is a beautiful movement. This is my commandment which follows the next readings takes its cue (literally) from the words 'and after the fire a still small voice'. The utter stillness of this movement is breathtaking and it segues into the next movement With wide-embracing love which is an unashamedly romantic waltz. It is actually in 6/8 but the pulse is so slow that it could be easily taken for 3/4.

The World of the Spirit is a fascinating and absorbing score. It is completely outside the normal Britten oeuvre and is yet another example of a rarity which should be taken up and widely used.

Duration: 42 minutes

Paul Spicer, Lichfield, 2011
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List: $80.00

HAL LEONARD
Row After Row (satb; Opt Pno) Sclr Mxd
48003949
Model: 48003949

Secular Mixed Voices
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List: $1.70

HAL LEONARD
All Things
35032336
Model: 35032336

Layers of beauty characterize this lofty anthem of encouragement. A noble theme both musically and lyrically, the anthem affirms that God's promises are reliable and His grace provides for us in every situation. Distinctive sections bring the text to life with splashes of choral color and make full use of a deep rich accompaniment. Add the handbells for a festive flair! Score and Parts (org, hndbl, 3 oct.) available as a digital download.
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List: $2.25

HAL LEONARD
The Curragh of Kildare (CME Celtic Voices)
48020865
Model: 48020865

The text of this beautiful Irish ballad tells the tragic love story of a young girl who goes to the Curragh to find news of her handsome love, a young man destined to perish with his compatriots in battle. Duration: 3:30.
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List: $2.65

HAL LEONARD
Come Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain
08763292
Model: 08763292

Majestic Easter octavo, for mixed voices with keyboard.
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List: $2.95

HAL LEONARD
Nothing But the Blood
02051092
Model: 02051092


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List: $29.99

HAL LEONARD
And Can It Be
00275002
Model: 00275002

This well-known hymn begins simply with just violin, but it expands and builds into a full festival anthem. Provided with organ accompaniment, befitting the arrangers' gifts, a full score with additional piano parts and trumpet is available separately. A center section introduces a Bach chorale, and then returns even more majestically to the hymn-tune, this time with an invitation to the entire congregation. Lent and Easter season, Communion, General, and festival, all work for this piece. Easy to Medium in difficulty.
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List: $35.00

HAL LEONARD
Come Ye Blessed (Incidental Solos)
50297690
Model: 50297690


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List: $1.95

HAL LEONARD
Knock Me a Kiss
08753881
Model: 08753881

Here is Steve Zegree's arrangement of a 1940s classic by Louis Jordan, set in classic swing style and a bit of an “attitude” for a fun showcase that can be performed by jazz, show or even concert choirs. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available as a digital download (tpt 1-2, tsx, tbn, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 2:45.
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List: $1.90

HAL LEONARD
Mass in C (Credo Mass), K.257 (SATB)
50325340
Model: 50325340

Latin.
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List: $10.95

HAL LEONARD
But as for His People (from Israel in Egypt)
50490883
Model: 50490883

From the Handel oratorio Israel in Egypt, this lovely pastorale movement for four-part mixed voices in a new performing edition draws the comparison of the shepherd and his sheep and the exodus of the people leaving Egypt, painting a descriptive picture through the imitative structure of the music. Duration: ca. 4:35.
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List: $2.25