Par WOOLRICH JOHN. This lullaby for large unaccompanied SATB chorus was commissioned by the Crouch End Festival Chorus in 1993. John Woolrich interweaves various folk texts in his lilting musical setting, which juxtaposes the peacefulness of sleep with moments of anxiety and tension for the parent whose son is far from home. The Faber Choral Signature Series introduces a wealth of new or recently …

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). (Is this the way to) Amarillo? is about a man travelling to find his fiancée in Amarillo, Texas. After the second verse and chorus there’s a chance to go a cappella: the piano can leave out the small notes and give the singers a chance to show off what they can do! This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted a…

Arrangeur: Robert Rainford. Par BRUCH MAZ. 7 short, melodic pieces with chances for both soloists to shine. Max Bruch (1838-1920) was a German Romantic composer, conductor and teacher. A child prodigy, he composed his first pieces at the age of nine, and went on to hold musical posts in Mannheim, Berlin and Bonn. He also spent three seasons as conductor of the Liverpool Philharmonic Society. In hi…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Freedom Is Coming is an incredibly infectious celebration of hope and freedom from oppression and is coupled here with Hamba Vangeli (‘Spread the new word’) for Soprano, Alto and combined men's voices along with a piano accompaniment. Pay attention to the dynamics – there are lots of opportunities for contrasts and a gradual build-up of texture, as well as chances …

The struggle and suffering described in spirituals go hand in hand with an overwhelming sense of hope for a better life. Deep River is one of the most popular spirituals; its long-phrase melody calls for sustained breath control and a real sense of shape. Much contrast can be made between the first and second sections of the melody, and enjoy the more adventurous harmony around the words ‘where al…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). Afton Water is a gentle, lyrical hymn of praise both to the countryside of Scotland itself and to a girl called Mary who lies sleeping by the banks of the river Afton near Ayr, south of Glasgow. Alexander L’Estrange’s arrangement is both enjoyable and approachable whilst being true to the spirit of the original song. This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles …

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER. Another Christmas was inspired by the breath-taking winter scenery and the carols that composer Alexander L'Estrange had just been singing on a trip to Switzerland with co-writer Peter Gritton. Although written in a ?light? style, it has a message for all of us, particularly those that have grown weary of, or disillusioned with, Christmas! This piece is part of the Faber…

Par L'ESTRANGE ALEXANDER (Arr.). The Lark In The Clear Air is an exquisite Irish folksong celebrating the beauty of nature. Unusually for a folksong lyric, it also presents a positive outlook on love! This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel an…