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Mixed choir (SATB divisi) a cappella

Becky McGlade

 

• Choral score


• Part of the Contemporary Choral Series


• Suitable for liturgical and concert performance


• Intermediate level

 

A beautiful short setting of the ordinary of the Latin mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus & Benedictus, and Agnus Dei) by emerging Cornish composer Becky McGlade.

The Kyrie finds beauty in its simplicity, which is later echoed in the Agnus Dei. The sumptuous parallel harmony and natural melodies create an atmosphere of penitent sorrow, so central to both texts. The Gloria offers something more joyous and upbeat, yet not straying from the cleverly constructed harmony and voice leading. The emotional climax comes with the Sanctus & Benedictus, which begins with the warm texture of the full choir, and through the gentle dissonances and soaring soprano line the composer conveys something of the holiness and glory of God.

Ideal for choirs looking to expand their liturgical music repertoire with a manageable but impressive new mass setting. Also appropriate for concert use.

Mixed choir (SSAATTBB) and piano

Will Todd

 

• Choral score


• Part of the Contemporary Choral Series


• Suitable for concert performance


• Advanced level

 

First performed in 2016, Fire of Love started life as an extended piano improvisation, evident by the continuously running piano throughout the piece. The words, written by the composer, speak of true love and this is reflected in the slow-moving voice parts coupled with expansive and close harmonies, characteristic of many of Todd’s choral works. The third stanza brings some contrast, offering a change of mood and complexities in rhythm. The final section returns to similar themes of the opening, with a renewed focus and desire, building to a passionate outpouring before a reflective ending. Particularly ideal for concert programmes focusing of love and togetherness, Fire of Love is sure to please and uplift audiences and singers alike.

for mixed choir (SATB divisi) and piano

Will Todd

 

• Choral score


• Optional version for orchestra available digitally on boosey.com


• Part of the Contemporary Choral Series


• Easy level

 

This contemplative and serene piece was commissioned as a retirement gift for Canadian organist and choir director, Paul Merrit, and first performed in 2016.

The setting of the well-known biblical words (Matthew 5:9) makes use of a simple repeating melody which gradually builds in intensity through the work. The end returns to the opening calmness, deeply effective in its simplicity. Todd’s rich harmonies prevail, underpinned by a supportive piano accompaniment, which also adds colour to the texture.

for mixed choir (SATB divisi) and organ

Will Todd

 

• Vocal score


• Suitable for liturgical performance


• Intermediate level

 

Composed in 2011 for Katherine Dienes-Williams and the choir of Guildford Cathedral, Guildford Mass comprises the ordinary of the mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei) in English (Common Worship). The music in each movement takes its lead from the words, incorporating the composer’s characteristic rich harmonies, particularly in the slower movements, cleverly without the use of divisi. The upbeat and rhythmical sections in the Gloria offer contrast as does the chanted style of the Benedictus. A highly approachable setting of the communion texts which will bring fresh content to the liturgy for the enjoyment of choir and congregation alike.

A nocturnal work through a dark, silent city. The name of Christian Jost’s Nocturnal Movements could assume this impression. Still, the auditory impression is different, showcasing a lively nightlife and a visit to a vibrant jazz club. On 24 February 2022 the composer conducts the world premiere of his work for piano and chamber orchestra at the Berlin Philharmonie. Pianist Michael Wollny, renowned in the international jazz scene, takes the stage, alongside the Kammerakademie Potsdam.

A cinema screen, a live camera and a children's book. Most people probably wouldn't associate these objects with an orchestral work, but they prove an important component to the performance of Ludger Vollmer's Der Tigerprinz (The Tiger Prince). The work for narrator and orchestra sets to music Chen Jianghong’s book of the same name. The music and narration are accompanied by unique images, projected onto a screen, providing an experience which can be appreciated by people of all ages. On 20  February the piece will be performed to a live audience for the first time at the Tonhalle Düsseldorf. The Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra will perform under the direction of Harish Shankar, Wolfram Boelzle appearing as narrator. The visual realisation is the work of the theater collective compagnie toit végétal.

The Polar Music Prize 2022 is awarded to the Ensemble intercontemporain. The Paris-based Ensemble, founded by Pierre Boulez in 1976, is specialized in the performance of contemporary music. Ensemble intercontemporain is the “Stradivarius of modern music”, according to the jury.

The Polar Music Prize is one of the most important music prizes in the world. It is awarded by the Swedish king and is therefore considered the unofficial "Nobel Prize for Music".

The ceremony will take place in Stockholm on May 24, 2022.

Ondřej Adámek: Nôise for large ensemble
Anthony Cheung: Dystemporal for twenty-three musicians
Johannes Boris Borowski: Fagottkonzert

A Graded Anthology for Piano, Book 1

Piano

Melanie Spanswick

 

• From the best-selling author of Play It Again: Piano


• Repertoire from the Baroque era to the present day


• Includes teaching notes and biographical notes on the composers


• Progressive pieces ranging from a Very Easy - Easy level

 

From the author of the best-selling series Play It Again: Piano, Melanie Spanswick has just released her latest series, Women Composers - A Graded Anthology for Piano.

This three-part series for piano, written exclusively by women composers, is an anthology of educational literature, with a broad repertoire from the 17th century to the present day. The collection covers all levels of difficulty, progressing from easy to difficult, across three books and is an indispensable addition to both lessons and concerts.

Suitable for beginners, book 1 comprises 21 pieces written in various musical styles. For each piece, Spanswick has written short instructions with rehearsal tips as well as biographical notes on the composers.

Volumes 1 and 2 are available for purchase now. Volume 3 is due for release on March 21st 2022.

crossroads
Works for cello solo by Sándor Veress, Ursula Mamlok, Marcel Mihalovici, A. Adnan Saygun and Alberto Ginastera

During the past centuries, the violoncello as a solo instrument has increasingly been entrusted with virtuoso works of strong character. This instrument, like no other, can sing of the different emotional states, describe landscapes, lament hardships, and extend an invitation to dance. The works brought together on this CD bear witness to this.

crossroads – Works for cello solo
Adele Bitter: cello

On hearing the title Love Story, many people probably first think of the 1970s filmic melodrama whose title melody by Francis Lai achieved worldwide fame as the “melody of fate”, and still serves as a memory hook for the minor sixth in aural training. With his 15-minute work for countertenor and orchestra, Gregory Spears now rivals this melody. His own Love Story is a setting of a new poem by Tracy K. Smith. The premiere of the work will take place at New York’s Alice Tully Hall on 3 February 2022. Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo sings alongside the New York Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Jaap Van Zweden.