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
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
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
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
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
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
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
