Drop, drop, slow tears

Scoring: SATB choir and organ
Date: 2021 (updated 2023)
Five (now seven!) years on from the original version of my "Drop, drop, slow tears" (see below), here is a major revision of the piece adding an important organ part and expanding the whole piece slightly. I am hoping it now has added drama! 

With thanks to members of the Morley College Composition Workshop, and especially to Dr Paul Sarcich, for their input and ideas on this piece.
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Or see it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pBaWpNsaUYw

  

Scoring: SATB choir a cappella
Date: 2016
A short setting of the classic words of the Jacobean poet Phineas Fletcher. This passionate poem expresses heartfelt regret and penitential remorse for sin. It was most famously set to music as a hymn by Orlando Gibbons and more recently as an anthem by William Walton. This new anthem for SATB choir tries to capture in a more modern way the drama and depth of the words, while retaining a simplicity that enables it to be sung by a church choir. It is particularly suitable for Holy Week services or more generally in Advent and Lent. It might also be sung at Remembrance services.
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:

Drop, drop, slow tears,

And bathe those beauteous feet
Which brought from Heaven
The news and Prince of Peace.

Cease not, wet eyes,
His mercy to entreat;
To cry for vengeance
Sin doth never cease.

In your deep floods
Drown all my faults and fears;
Nor let His eye
See sin, but through my tears.

Agnus Dei (Samuel Webbe)

Scoring: SAB choir and organ

Date: 2023

The "Agnus Dei" ("Lamb of God") by Samuel Webbe (1740-1816) is here rearranged for 3-part choir and organ.

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Words:

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona mobic pacem

(Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.)

Alleluia Round (Boyce)

Scoring: Mixed voices and organ

Date: 2023

Here is a round by William Boyce (1710-1779) arranged with a simple organ accompaniment. It can be sung almost any way you like, as long as it is joyful!

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Christ the Lord is risen again (descant)

 Scoring: Soprano descant, unison choir, and organ

Date: 2022

A descant written to supplement the last verse (v.4) of Anthony Foster's "Christ the Lord is risen again" from The New Oxford Easy Anthem Book, OUP 2002, p.39.

The original Easter hymn/anthem itself is lovely: very straightforward for the top line, with interesting simple harmonies for altos, tenors and basses. This descant, with its organ accompaniment incorporating some extended harmonies, was written to give some added interest for the sopranos to sing (as well as providing more variation for listeners!) The rest of the choir are to sing the main melody in this verse.

The words are by Michael Weisse (c.1480-c.1530), translated by Catherine Winkworth (1827-78).

Links: pdf - pdf (part) - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Ecce quam bonum

 Scoring: SABar choir and piano

Date: 2021

A new composition setting the words of Psalm 133 for three-part (SABar) choir and piano. This cheerful, perhaps even rather idealistic psalm expressing the joy of "kindred dwelling in unity" has long been used to give voice to a human longing for acceptance by others, whether in a family or a community. Its verses compare this familial unity to the tradition of pouring expensive ointment over the head of visitors. Far from our modern use of oil for lubrication, this is an ancient middle-eastern oil of welcome and washing and feeling part of a community. Dwelling in unity is also compared to cloudy mist which regularly descends on the heights of Mount Hermon in Zion, providing moisture to an otherwise arid land and enabling life across the whole country. This setting is unashamedly playful, popular and romantic, with verses adding a more mysterious, metaphorical quality to the piece, and bringing to expression the deep joy of living in harmony with others..., even if finding this is not always easy. The composition is ideal for use by a parish choir, employing relatively easy part singing with a supportive piano part.

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Words:

Psalm 133: Ecce quam bonum et quam iucundum, habitare fratres in unum. Behold, how good it is, how pleasant, for kindred to dwell in unity. It is like precious ointment upon the beard, running down upon the beard of Aaron; like the dew of Hermon, which falls upon the mountains of Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing: life for evermore.

Hosanna to the Son of David

Scoring: SABar Choir

Date: 2021

Here is an acclamation for Palm Sunday. Jesus is entering Jerusalem riding on a donkey and the people acclaim him as the long-awaited Messiah (the "Son of David".) We, in hind-sight, know that they will turn on him within a few days and will have him crucified. It is a moment of excitement and celebration, as the people see all their hopes fulfilled. The Christian liturgy reflects this, often with a congregational procession into the church accompanied by the words below. 

The music is simple and joyful, and is scored for just three different voices, typical of those available in parish churches. After an initial syncopated section, there follows a middle section of dotted rhythms, before returning to the syncopated theme, and ending in a glorious rising Tierce de Picardie. The work is short, breathless and exciting, matching the mood of that early moment in the Palm Sunday celebration.

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Version with piano practice part:

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Words:

Hosanna to the Son of David.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains

Scoring: SABar choir and piano

Date: February 2021

A short, attractive setting of Psalm 121 for three-part (SABar) choir and piano. It is written with parish choirs in mind (with their abundance of soprano and alto voices, but relative lack of male voices!), and consists of three sections. The first part presents the richly harmonised piano accompaniment in the form of a ritornello and the principal, rising melody from the choir, looking "to the mountains" for an answer to life's challenges and asking "from where shall come my help?" The second section presents short, pithy phrases sung by each voice separately expressing different ways in which God comes to their aid. The initial melody and accompaniment, repeating the first lines of the psalm, finally return in an altered form (both harmonically and melodically), and the setting ends with a celebration of confidence in the Lord "who made heaven and earth."

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

The Seven Joys of Mary (2 versions)

Version 1
Scoring: SABar choir and piano (+ optional flute, clarinet, horn and bassoon)

Date: 2019
A new setting of the ancient carol "The Seven Joys of Mary" (or "Joys Seven", or a variety of other possible titles.)
Since medieval times the number of "Joys of Mary" has varied between five, seven, ten and twelve, but the the current number of seven has become popular, especially since the basic harmonization of R.R. Terry published in 1833 and the contemporary version for 8-part choir by Stephen Cleobury in the OUP's "Carols for Choirs" series. (A history of the carol can be found in the New Oxford Book of Carols, edited by H Keyte and A Parrott, p.462f.)
The versions presented here are kept relatively simple to perform, being scored only for three-part choir (SABar - soprano, alto, baritone) and piano, but with plenty of interest including changes in voicing, changes of rhythm (especially verse 6) and two key changes. The optional instruments provide extra variety and colour. The arranger hopes performers and listeners will find the carol energetic and fun! It should certainly be sung in that spirit!
Although often associated with Christmas, it could in fact be performed in any season, including Easter, referring as it does to the whole life, death and resurrection of Christ.

Links: pdf (score) - pdf (parts) - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Video Score:

Version 2
Scoring: SABar choir and piano (+ optional flute and clarinet)

Date: 2019 (updated 2023)
(See below for an Easter Sunday live recording )

Links: pdf (full score) - pdf (parts) - pdf (vocal score) - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6
Video Score:

YouTube Practice Video Scores:
Full version
Sopranos
Altos
Baritones

Live performance at Seal Church, Easter Sunday 2019: mp3

Words:

1  The first good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of one; To see the blessed Jesus Christ, When He was first her son. When he was first her son, good man; R:  And blessed may he be; Both Father, Son and Holy Ghost To all eternity. 2  The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of two; To see her own Son Jesus Christ, To make the lame to go. To make the lame to go, Good man; R:  3  The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of three; To see her own Son Jesus Christ, To make the blind to see. To make the blind to see, Good man; R:   4  The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of four; To see her own Son Jesus Christ To read the Bible o'er. To read the Bible o'er, Good man; R:  5  The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of five; To see her own Son Jesus Christ, To raise the dead to life. To raise the dead to life, Good man; R:   6  The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of six; To see the blessed Jesus Christ Upon the Crucifix. Upon the Crucifix, Good man; R:   7  The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of seven; To see her own Son Jesus Christ To wear the crown of Heav’n. To wear the crown of Heav’n, good man; R:

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)

Love bade me welcome

Scoring: SATB choir and piano
Date: 2016 (revised 2018)
An original SATB setting of George Herbert's famous poem "Love". It has an optional piano accompaniment, but is otherwise intended to be sung a cappella. As the words of the poem concern the invitation to the divine feast, it is particularly suitable for Maundy Thurday but could be sung at any Eucharist.
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - YouTube

Words:

Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back,
 Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
 From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
 If I lacked anything.

“A guest," I answered, “worthy to be here”:
 Love said, “You shall be he.”
“I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
 I cannot look on thee.”
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
 “Who made the eyes but I?”

“Truth, Lord; but I have marred them; let my shame
 Go where it doth deserve.”
“And know you not," says Love, “who bore the blame?”
 “My dear, then I will serve.”
“You must sit down," says Love, “and taste my meat.”
 So I did sit and eat.

George Herbert (1593 –1633)

Christ in Creation

Scoring: SATB choir and piano.
Date: 2017 (fully revised 2018)
A Lenten chorale setting for SATB choir and piano of  the poem "Christ in Creation" by Joseph Plunkett (1887-1916)
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:

Christ in Creation
by Joseph Mary Plunkett (1887-1916)

I see his blood upon the rose
And in the stars the glory of his eyes
His body gleams amid eternal snows,
His tear fall from the skies.

I see his face in every flower;
The thunder and the singing of the birds
Are but his voice - and carven by his power
Rocks are his written words.

All pathways by his feet are worn,
His strong heart stirs the ever-beating sea,
His crown of thorns is twined with every thorn,
His cross is every tree.

On Another's Sorrow (2 versions)

Version 1 scoring: SABar choir a cappella
Date: 2018
An original setting of the poem by William Blake (1757-1827) from "Songs of Innocence and Experience" for unaccompanied choir. This is a passionately religious poem about the compassion of God, set in 5/8 to give it a hint of plainchant, yet maintaining its lyrical, romantic feel throughout. A piano reduction is included in the score to help with practice.
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Version 2 scoring: SATB choir a cappella
Date: 2017
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:

Can I see another's woe,
And not be in sorrow too?
Can I see another's grief,
And not seek for kind relief?

Can I see a falling tear,
And not feel my sorrow's share?
Can a father see his child
Weep, nor be with sorrow filled?

Can a mother sit and hear
An infant groan, an infant fear?
No, no! never can it be!
Never, never can it be!

And can He who smiles on all
Hear the wren with sorrows small,
Hear the small bird's grief and care,
Hear the woes that infants bear -

And not sit beside the nest,
Pouring pity on their breast,
And not sit both night and day,
Wiping all our tears away?

He doth give His joy to all:
He becomes an infant small,
He becomes a man of woe,
He doth feel the sorrow too.

Think not thou canst sigh a sigh,
And thy Maker is not by:
Think not thou canst weep a tear,
And thy Maker is not near.

O He gives to us His joy,
That our grief He may destroy:
Till our grief is fled and gone
He doth sit by us and moan.

by William Blake (1757-1827)