Wand of Youth Mini-Suite (Elgar)

Scoring: Wind quintet
Date: 2017
The opus number of Elgar’s two “Wand of Youth” Suites is given as “1”, because they were based on melodies mostly composed when he was a boy in Worcester. This Mini-Suite is arranged for a wind quintet from the full orchestration that Elgar wrote forty years later, full of the rich sounds and characteristic playfulness that permeates so many of his famous works. The six movements are chosen to form a whole and to work particularly well with a small wind ensemble. The suites bear the subtitle “Music for a Child’s Play”. 
1) Overture: Elgar’s sweeping melodies and harmonies start off the suite at a fast pace, setting the scene of the play as busy and purposeful. 
2) Serenade: The clarinet has the gorgeous little tune at the start of this gentle serenade, and it is soon taken over by the other instruments and developed to a satisfying piece of counterpoint. 
3) Minuet: The original instruction “The two old people enter” sets the character of this “old style” minuet, which is to be played with grace and restraint. 
4) The Little Bells: This movement is labelled as a “Scherzino” and it is extremely fast (especially if you follow the original metronome marking of crotchet = 144, although the arranger recommends taking it a little slower!) Although quite a challenge to play, it is full of fun and excitement and is interspersed with a typically Elgarian romantic second subject. 
5) Moths and Butterflies: As the name suggests this little dance is delicate and stylish. 
6) Sun Dance: The finale of the Mini-Suite is a dramatic “presto” in C major, which breaks into a rapid waltz, overlapping its tune more and more on different instruments, before ending the play with “aplomb!”
Links: pdf including parts - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

The Holly and the Ivy

Scoring: SATB choir a cappella
Date: 2015
A simple arrangement of the well-known Christmas carol for SATB choir and organ (or piano), so that it can be sung in a fuller way than straight unison singing, but more accessible than some of the more complex settings, such as in "Carols for Choirs"!
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Petite Suite (Debussy)

Scoring: Wind quintet
Date: 2017
This is the full score and set of parts for Claude Debussy's sparkling "Petite Suite", originally for piano duet, in a version for wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet in A, horn in F and bassoon). A part for clarinet in B flat is also included.  
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Two Recorder Pieces

Scoring: Recorder consort (quartet)
Date: 2017
Settings of two folk tunes, "Joshua fit de battle o Jericho" and "Down by the Sally Gardens", for recorder quartet.
Links: pdf including parts - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:

DOWN BY THE SALLY GARDENS
(Words: W. B. Yeats, 1889. Tune: Maids of the Mourne Shore,
Trad.)
1.
Down by the Sally Gardens, my love and I did meet.
She crossed the Sally Gardens with little snow-white feet.
She bid me take love easy, as the leaves grow on the tree,
But I was young and foolish, and with her did not agree.
2.
In a field down by the river, my love and I did stand
And on my leaning shoulder, she laid her snow-white hand.
She bid me take life easy, as the grass grows on the weirs
But I was young and foolish, and now am full of tears.
3.
Down by the Sally Gardens, my love and I did meet.
She crossed the Sally Gardens with little snow-white feet.
She bid me take love easy, as the leaves grow on the tree,

But I was young and foolish, and with her did not agree.

JOSHUA FIT DE BATTLE O' JERICHO
(Trad. American Spiritual)
Joshua fit (fought) de battle o' Jericho,
Jericho, Jericho,
Joshua fit de battle o' Jericho,
And de walls come tumblin' down!
You may talk about your men o' Gideon,
You may talk about your men o' Saul,
But there's none like good ol' Joshua
At de battle o' Jericho!
Right up to de walls o' Jericho
Dey marched wi' spear in han';
"Go blow dem ram horns," Joshua cried,
"Cause de battle am in my han'."
Then de lamb, ram, sheep horns began to blow,
And de trumpets begin to sound,
Joshua told dem children to shout, shout, shout

And de walls come tumblin' down!

Von der Schoenheit (Mahler)

Scoring: Wind decet and double bass
Date: 2018
An exciting and ambitious arrangement of "Von der Schoenheit" ("On Beauty") from Gustav Mahler's "Das Lied von der Erde" (1909) for wind decet and double bass. The original singer's part is shared between a number of instruments, most notably the two oboes and two bassoons, in a way that retains the lyricism of the piece as well as many of Mahler's orchestral colours.
The original lyrics, clearly captured in the instrumental setting, were chosen by Mahler from Hans Bethge's "Die chinesische Flöte". They express nostalgically the beauty of young maidens and their response to the appearance of dashing young men on horseback!
Links: pdf including parts - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words (German and English):

(from Hans Bethge's "Die chinesische Flöte")

Junge Mädchen pflücken Blumen, Pflücken Lotosblumen an dem Uferrande. Zwischen Büschen und Blättern sitzen sie, Sammeln Blüten in den Schoß und rufen Sich einander Neckereien zu. Gold'ne Sonne webt um die Gestalten, Spiegelt sich im blanken Wasser wider, Sonne spiegelt ihre schlanken Glieder, Ihre süßen Augen wider, Und der Zephir hebt mit Schmeichelkosen das Gewebe Ihrer Ärmel auf, führt den Zauber Ihrer Wohlgerüche durch die Luft. O sieh, was tummeln sich für schöne Knaben Dort an dem Uferrand auf mut'gen Rossen? Weithin glänzend wie die Sonnenstrahlen; Schon zwischen dem Geäst der grünen Weiden Trabt das jungfrische Volk einher! Das Roß des einen wiehert fröhlich auf Und scheut und saust dahin, Über Blumen, Gräser, wanken hin die Hufe, Sie zerstampfen jäh im Sturm die hingesunk'nen Blüten, Hei! Wie flattern im Taumel seine Mähnen, Dampfen heiß die Nüstern! Gold'ne Sonne webt um die Gestalten, Spiegelt sie im blanken Wasser wider. Und die schönste von den Jungfrau'n sendet Lange Blicke ihm der Sehnsucht nach. Ihre stolze Haltung ist nur Verstellung. In dem Funkeln ihrer großen Augen, In dem Dunkel ihres heißen Blicks Schwingt klagend noch die Erregung ihres Herzens nach. Young girls picking flowers, Picking lotus flowers at the riverbank. Amid bushes and leaves they sit, gathering flowers in their laps and calling one another in raillery. Golden sun plays about their form reflecting them in the clear water. The sun reflects back their slender limbs, their sweet eyes, and the breeze teasing up the warp of their sleeves, directs the magic of perfume through the air. O see, what a tumult of handsome boys there on the shore on their spirited horses. Yonder shining like the sun's rays between the branches of green willows trot along the bold companions. The horse of one neighs happily on and shies and rushes there, hooves shaking down blooms, grass, trampling wildly the fallen flowers. Hei! How frenzied his mane flutters, and hotly steam his nostrils! Golden sun plays about their form reflecting them in the clear water. And the most beautiful of the maidens sends long looks adoring at him. Her proud pose is but a pretense; in the flash of her big eyes, in the darkness of her ardent gaze beats longingly her burning heart.

August: Harvest (Tchaikovsky)

Scoring: Wind quintet
Date: 2017
An arrangement of Tchaikovsky's piano solo for wind quintet
Links: pdf including parts - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

June: Barcarolle (Tchaikovsky)

Scoring: Wind quintet
Date: 2017
The "Barcarolle" was originally one of twelve piano pieces written by Tchaikovsky for the months of the year, this one representing June. It has a beautiful, lazy, melancholic melody and a lively central section. This wind quintet arrangement attempts to capture the lyrical nature of the piece using the different colours of the instruments involved.
Links: pdf including parts - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Russian Dreams

Scoring: Piano solo
Date: 2018
This 4-minute stand-alone piano piece has a very definite Russian flavour! It begins in a reflective, romantic manner, building layer upon layer of drifting ideas, leading to a brief falling theme which gradually fades away. A much more dramatic kind of dream then emerges, requiring some virtuoso piano technique, running helter-skelter through images of Cossack dance, becoming wilder and more and more out of control, until it finally runs itself out. The original theme then returns with the addition of a sort left-over turbulence, which gradually dissolves into a peaceful ending.
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Seal RC Mass Setting

Scoring: SATB choir and organ
Date: 2015 (revised 2017)

A new setting of the Roman Catholic Mass in English using the words of the Roman Missal published in 2010. This ecumenical offering from Seal Church is composed because of the composer's strong ties with, and ongoing affection for, the RC community in the UK. At least half of the music is adapted from the composer's "Seal Communion Setting" (also available on SMP) for the Church of England parish near Sevenoaks in the UK. It consists of six short settings, each with its own distinctive character within the whole of the Mass:

1. Lord have mercy, 2. Glory to God, 3. Holy, holy, holy, 4. We proclaim your death, 5. Great Amen, 6. Lamb of God

Although several of these are written for SATB choir, their use is intended to be flexible, with the congregation singing the main melody or soprano line, while a choir may join in with as many of the other lines are feel able to produce!

Links: choir pdf, congregation pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Dolly Suite (Fauré) (2 versions)

Version 1 scoring: Wind sextet
Date: 2018

The “Dolly Suite” piano duet by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) is here arranged for a wind sextet, consisting of a standard wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon) plus bass clarinet. The bass clarinet gives the music more sonority and it allows the arranger more opportunity to bring out Fauré’s sumptuous harmonies. “Dolly” was the nickname of the baby daughter of Emma Bardac, with whom Fauré had a long-running affair, and each of the pieces has a slightly different association with childhood.

1)   The “Berceuse” (lullaby) is best remembered as the theme tune to the BBC’s “Listen with Mother”, and its tune is indelibly marked into the memories of generations of radio listeners between 1950 and 1982. It was written for Dolly’s first birthday. (An alternative part for clarinet in A is available for this movement, to avoid the otherwise slightly tricky key signature of F sharp major!)

2)   “Mi-a-ou” has nothing to do with cats, but is a version of Dolly’s first attempts to pronounce the name of her brother Raoul. Written for her second birthday, it is a delicate and playful scherzo with lots of cross-rhythms for the instruments.

3)   “Le Jardin de Dolly” is regarded by some as the best piece in the collection, with its gorgeous tune and unexpected harmonies, creating an impressionistic picture of a beautiful, peaceful French garden.

4)   “Kitty-Valse” again has nothing to do with cats but with the family dog “Ketty”, who whirls round and round, in unrelenting cheerfulness.

5)   In “Tendresse” Fauré introduces more chromatic harmonies, used in his later works. As its name and its key of D flat suggests, the music here seems to express deep and shifting emotions associated with intimate relationships, while retaining a sense of calm and comfort throughout.

6)   The last piece, “Le Pas Espagnole” is a thrilling journey across the border into the exotic Spanish world of dance. There is much in common with Chabrier’s “Espana”, and here the wind players can enjoy playing at “full tilt” in an exciting and tuneful end to the suite.

Links: sextet pdf including parts - sextet mp3 - midi - mxl - sextet sib

Version 2 scoring: Wind quintet
Date: 2017
Links: quintet pdf including parts - quintet mp3 - midi - mxl - quintet sib

Spanish Dance No.1 (De Falla)

Scoring: Wind sextet
Date: 2018
De Falla's orchestral Spanish Dance no.1 is here arranged for a wind sextet (flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, horn and bassoon). Originally forming part of de Falla's opera "La Vida Breve" ("Life is short"), it is fully of colour and excitement from the opening four bars, through the archetypically Spanish rhythms and tunes of the main dance, climaxing in the central fortissimo section which is stamped out by the invisible singers, and returning with even more colour to the original theme.
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Come ye Maidens (Tchaikovsky)

Scoring: SSAA choir and wind quintet, violin and double bass
Date: 2018
An arrangement of Tchaikovsky's chorus "Come ye Maidens" from his opera "Eugene Onegin"
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Giuoco delle Coppie (Bartok)

Scoring: Wind decet, double bass and side drum
Date: 2017
An arrangement for wind ensemble.of the second movement ("Game of Pairs") of the Concerto for Orchestra by Bela Bartok (1881 - 1945)

As Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra was published in 1943, this arrangement is not to be used in the USA (where copyright remains for works published since 1923.) The original is, however, in the public domain in the UK and Europe (where copyright remains until only until 70 years after the death of the composer.)

Links: pdf including parts - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Autumn Leaves

Scoring: B flat clarinet and piano
Date: 2018

A new work for B flat clarinet and piano duet, inspired by the experience of the autumnal falling of leaves and the effect of the east wind on them, this short piece (4 minutes) is in a French style and contains lyrical as well as semi-virtuoso sections.

Links: pdf (including clarinet part) - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

A Child is Born in Bethlehem

Scoring: SATB choir and West Gallery Band
Date: 2017
A simple arrangement of Samuel Scheidt's Christmas carol "A Child is Born in Bethlehem" for SATB choir and a group of instruments (here: flute, violin, clarinet in Bb, bassoon), originally written for double SATB chorus.
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

A Baby Crying

Version 1 scoring: SATB choir and piano
Date: 2015
Setting of "Carol of the Seekers" by Philip Britt (1917-1949)
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Version 1 scoring: SSA choir and piano
Date: 2015
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:

CAROL OF THE SEEKERS

We have not come like Eastern kings,
With gifts upon the pommel lying,
Our hands are empty, and we came
Because we heard a baby crying.

We have not come like questing knights,
With fiery swords and banners flying.
We heard a call and hurried here--
The call was like a baby crying.

But we have come with open hearts
From places where the torch is dying.
We seek a manger and a cross
Because we heard a baby crying.

Philip Britts, Christmas 1939

Skye Boat Song

Scoring: TTBB quartet a cappella
Date: 2017
The Skye Boat Song is a romantic and political song about the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie from the English across the "ocean" (little more than a mile or two!) after the battle of Culloden in 1746. This a new arrangement of the traditional Scottish folksong for 4-part male voice barbershop choir by Philip Le Bas is intended to be reasonably straightforward to sing, but with plenty of dramatic intensity. There is sense of tragedy in the song, but notice the final dark threat that "Charlie will come again..."
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:
Chorus: 
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
Onward! the sailors cry;
Carry the lad that's born to be King
Over the sea to Skye.

1.
Loud the winds howl, loud the waves roar,
Thunderclaps rend the air;
Baffled, our foes stand by the shore,
Follow they will not dare.

2.
Though the waves leap, soft shall ye sleep,
Ocean's a royal bed.
Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep
Watch by your weary head.

3.
Many's the lad fought on that day,
Well the claymore could wield,
When the night came, silently lay
Dead on Culloden's field.

4.
Burned are their homes, exile and death
Scatter the loyal men;
Yet ere the sword cool in the sheath
Charlie will come again.

Scarborough Fair

Scoring: TTBB quartet a cappella
Date: 2017
"Scarborough Fair" has been arranged in many musical ways recently, most popularly by Simon and Garfunkel and in films such as "Lord of the Rings". It is deeply romantic and mysterious, but the lyrics should not be forgotten: the one singing is setting impossible tasks for his "true love", and there is an angry edge to the song. This arrangement for TTBB quartet or choir aims to retain that sharpness, while not losing its mystery and romance.
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:
1. 
Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Remember me to one who lives there.
She once was a true love of mine.

2. 
Tell her to make me a cambric shirt,
Parsley, sage rosemary and thyme.
Without no seams nor needle work.
Then she'll be a true love of mine.

3. 
Tell her to find me an acre of land.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Between the salt water and the sea strand.
Then she'll be a true love of mine.

4.
Tell her to reap it with a sickle of leather.
Parsley, sage rosemary and thyme.
And gather it all in a bunch of heather.
Then she'll be a true love of mine.

5.
Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Remember me to one who lives there.
She once was a true love of mine.

Rorate Coeli

Scoring: SATB choir and organ

Date: 2017

This setting of the traditional Advent plainchant is based around a harmonized refrain using the original Latin words: "Rorate coeli de super et nubes pluant justum" ("Drop down, O heavens, from above and let the skies pour down *justice".) The music and the words express the Advent theme of a cry for justice and salvation in the midst of despair. The traditional verses making up the Advent Prose, based on various parts of scripture, are sung in English unison plainchant, and they express the feelings of one living through a disaster (specifically the fall of Jerusalem in the sixth century BC.) The third and fourth stanzas become more hopeful in their words, especially the famous words (from Isaiah 40) "Comfort, O comfort my people," Here the setting introduces some gentle harmonization, leading to a final return of the "Rorate" chorus in unison and a harmonized hope-filled coda. 

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:

Rorate coeli de super et nubes pluant justum

1.
Turn your fierce anger from us, O Lord,
and remember not our sins for ever.
Your holy cities have become a desert,
Zion a wilderness,
Jerusalem a desolation;
our holy and beautiful house,
where our ancestors praised you.

2.
We have sinned and become like one who is unclean;
we have all withered like a leaf,
and our iniquities like the wind have swept us away.
You have hidden your face from us,
and abandoned us to our iniquities.

3.
You are my witnesses, says the Lord,
and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know me and believe me.
I myself am the Lord,
and none but I can deliver;
what my hand holds, none can snatch away.

4.
Comfort, O comfort my people,
my salvation shall not be delayed.
I have swept your offences away like a cloud;
fear not for I will save you.
I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel,your redeemer.

Nunc Dimittis (3 versions)

1) Scoring: SATB choir and organ
Date: 2016 (revised 2018)
The "Nunc Dimittis" is sung at every choral Evensong or Vespers, with the words of the prophet Simeon (Luke 2:29-32) on seeing the child Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem. Here the canticle is set in English ("Lord, now your servant depart in peace") for SATB choir and organ. 
It has a grand opening in D minor ("My eyes have seen your light"), followed by the main canticle text set in a rich D flat major tune. The opening theme returns towards the end, and the piece finishes with a glorious "Glory be to the Father... Amen." 
The canticle would also be particularly appropriate at Candlemas celebrations, as well as at services expressing "letting go..."
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

2) Scoring: SSA choir and organ
Date: 2016 (revised 2018)
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

For a lovely, live rendition of the SSA version sung by the Ladies of Eglantine see https://youtu.be/EPbR178t0vU?si=gG2QWZVqQioMnkLx

3) Scoring: Mixed voices and organ (simplified version)
Date: 2023
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:

My eyes, O Lord, have seen your light.

Lord now let your servant depart in peace,
according to your word,
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of every people.

Lord now let your servant depart in peace,
according to your word,
A light to reveal you to the nations,
and to be the glory of Israel your people.

My eyes, O Lord, have seen your light.
The light of your salvation reveals you to the nations.
Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be.

My eyes, O Lord, have seen your light.

Amen.

Based on translations from the Church of England's "Book of Common Prayer" and "Common Worship"

Joshua fit de battle o Jericho

Scoring: TTBB choir a cappella
Date: 2017
A lively, new, and relatively easy arrangement for TTBB barbershop quartet or choir of the African-American Spiritual "Joshua fit de battle o' Jericho".
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:
Chorus:
Joshua fit de battle o' Jericho, Jericho, Jericho.
Joshua fit de battle o' Jericho, 
an' de walls come tumblin' down.

1. 
You may talk about de men o' Gideon.
You may talk about de men o' Saul.
But der's none like good ol' Joshua
at de battle o' Jericho.

2.
Right up to de walls o' Jericho
dey marched wi' spear in han';
"Go blow dem ram horns", Joshua cried,
"cos de battle am in my han'."

3.
Den de lamb, ram, sheep horns began to blow,
an' de trumpets began to sound.
Joshua told dem children to shout, shout, shout!
an' de walls come tumblin' down.

Magnificat (2 versions)

Version 1 scoring: SATB choir and organ
Date: 2016
A setting of the Magnificat Canticle from Luke 1:46-55 using verses by David Mowbray from the Church of England resource "Common Worship" *
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

YouTube video scores for practice:
Full version
Soprano and Alto
Tenor and Bass

Version 2 scoring: SSA choir and organ
Date: 2016
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

YouTube video scores for practice:
Full version
Soprano
Alto

For a lovely, live rendition of the SSA version sung by the Ladies of Eglantine see https://youtu.be/EPbR178t0vU?si=gG2QWZVqQioMnkLx

And another (October 2024):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RXNOVvYaZA

Words:

With Mary let my soul rejoice,

and praise God’s holy name –

his saving love from first to last,

from age to age the same!

How strong his arm, how great his power!

the proud he will disown;

the meek and humble he exalts

to share his glorious throne.

The rich our God will send away

and feed the hungry poor;

the arms of love remain outstretched

at mercy’s open door.

So shall God’s promise be fulfilled,

to Israel firmly made:

a child is born, a Son is given

whose crown will never fade.

All glory to the Father, Son

and Spirit now proclaim;

with Mary let the world rejoice

and praise God’s holy name!

Verses by David Mowbray

* https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/common-worship/daily-prayer/canticles-daily-prayer/54c-magnificat-song-mary

The Miller of Dee

Scoring: TTBB choir a cappella
Date: 2017
This traditional folksong is full of silly irony and should be sung with plenty of humour. Here it is set for TTBB barbershop quartet or choir, be-dum!
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:

1.
There was a jolly miller once lived on the river Dee.
He worked and sang from morn to night, no lark more blithe than he.
And this the burden of his song for ever used to be:
I care for nobody, no, not I, if nobody cares for me.

2.
I live by my mill, she is to me like parent, child, and wife.
I would not change my station for any other in life.
No lawyer, surgeon, or doctor, e'er had a groat from me.
I care for nobody, no, not I, if nobody cares for me.

3.
When spring begins its merry career, oh! how his heart grows gay.
No summer drought alarms his fears, nor winter's sad decay.
No foresight mars the miller's joy, who's wont to sing and say:
Let others toil from year to year, I live from day to day.

4
Then like the miller, bold and free, let us rejoice and sing.
The days of youth were made for glee, and time is on the wing.
The song shall pass from me to thee, and round this jovial ring.
And all in heart and voice agree to sing, "Long live the King."

I vow to thee my country (Thaxted)

Scoring: SATB choir, congregation and organ
A more "joined up" arrangement of the well-know hymn "I vow to thee, my country" (Thaxted) to match more faithfully and effectively the original setting of the tune from Holst's "Planet Suite". 
Date: 2018
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:
I vow to thee, my country — all earthly things above —
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love;
The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.

And there's another country, I’ve heard of long ago —
Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know;
We may not count her armies, we may not see her King;
Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;
And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase,
And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace.

O for the wings of a dove

Scoring: Soprano soloist, SATB choir, 2 violins, viola, double bass, flute and clarinet
Date: 2018
"O for the wings of a dove", from the cantata "Hear my Prayer" by Felix Mendelssohn, with the accompaniment here arranged for string quartet (with double bass instead of cello), flute and clarinet. The lyrics for the whole cantata are by William Bartholomew.
Links: pdf including parts - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - choral part (adapted from IMSLP)

Words:
O for the wings of a dove! 
Far away would I rove! 
In the wilderness build me a nest, 
And remain there for ever at rest.

Easter Carol

Version 1 scoring: SATB choir and piano
Date: 2015
A very easy SATB setting of words by Bishop Phillips Brooks (who also wrote "O Little Town of Bethlehem") called "An Easter Carol". It is particularly suitable for Easter Day itself, although it would be appropriate at other times during the Easter season. The lyrics express freedom and new life, and the setting is intended to be enjoyable and singable by any mixed 4-part church choir. Verse meter: 88. 77. 77 (trochaic)
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

...and here it is performed at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Saint Paul, Minnesota on 11th April 2021 by Kristin Morant (soprano), Judith Melander (alto), John Rynders (tenor), Nicholas Mroczek (bass) and Stephen Swanson (piano):

Version 2 scoring: SA choir and piano
Date: 2015
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:
1.
Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer;
Death is strong, but Life is stronger;
Stronger than the dark, the light;
Stronger than the wrong, the right.
Faith and Hope triumphant say,
Christ will rise on Easter-Day.

2.
While the patient earth lies waking,
Till the glow of morn is breaking,
Shuddering 'neath the burden dread
Of her Master, cold and dead,
Hark! she hears the angels say,
Christ will rise on Easter-Day.

3.
And when sunrise strikes the mountains,
Pouring light from heavenly fountains,
Then the earth blooms out to greet
Once again the blessed feet;
And her countless voices say,
Christ has risen on Easter-Day.

4.
Up and down our lives obedient
Walk, dear Christ, with footsteps radiant,
Till a garden we shall be
Fair with fruits and flowers for Thee;
And our thankful spirits say,
Christ arose on Easter-Day.

By Bishop Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) (adapted)