Praise the Lord from the heavens

Scoring: SAB choir and piano

Date: 2023

A joyful, upbeat setting of Psalm 148 to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. Although the time signatures may at first seem daunting, this is quite simple to perform and the piano part is deliberately supportive. I hope singers will find it fun to sing and perhaps a church congregation might be encouraged to join in with the refrains!

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

Words (from Ps 148):

Refrain:

Praise the Lord from the heavens;

Praise the Lord from the heights!

Praise him all his angels;

Praise him all his host!

Verses:

Praise him, praise him, sun and moon,

praise him all you shining stars,

praise him highest heavens,

praise the name of the Lord.

Great sea monsters, ocean deeps,

fire and hail at his command,

snow and frost and stormy wind,

praise the name of the Lord.

Praise him, hills and mountains,

cattle and wild animals,

creeping things and flying birds,

praise the name of the Lord.

He commanded, they were made,

fixed their bounds as he decreed,

founded them for ever.

Praise the name of the Lord.

Kings of the earth and princes,

rulers of every nation,

women and men together

praise the name of the Lord.

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.)

How beautiful upon the mountains (Stainer)

Scoring: SABar choir and organ

Date: 2023

A simple reduction of John Stainer's "How beautiful upon the mountains" from SATB and organ to SABar and organ, to make it more accessible particularly to church choirs with few tenors and basses. 

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

Words (from Isaiah 52:7):

How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him

that bringeth good tidings,

that publisheth peace;

that saith unto Zion,

Thy God reigneth!

In Dulci Jubilo

Scoring: SABar choir and organ
Date: 2019 (updated 2022)
An arrangement of the wonderful old German carol "In Dulci Jubilo" made popular in an English version by R.L. Pearsall (1795-1856), mixing English and Latin words, for 8-part choir and organ. Here I have reduced the parts to three (soprano, alto, baritone) so that it can be sung by choirs for whom 8 parts is too ambitious! Perhaps surprisingly, the carol retains much of its interesting counterpoint and tuneful lyricism; I hope both singers and listeners will enjoy it equally.

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

Words:

1. In dulci jubilo
Let us our homage shew:
Our heart's joy reclineth
In praesepio;
And like a bright star shineth
Matris in gremio,
Alpha es et O!

2. O Jesu parvule,
I yearn for thee alway!
Hear me, I beseech Thee,
O puer optime;
My prayer let it reach Thee,
O princeps gloriae.
Trahe me post te.

3. O patris caritas!
O Nati lenitas!
Deeply were we stained.
Per nostra crimina:
But Thou for us hast gained
Coelorum gaudia,
O that we were there!

4. Ubi sunt gaudia,
Where, if that they be not there?
There are angels singing
Nova cantica;
There the bells are ringing
In Regis curia.
O that we were there!

March of the Kings (Bizet)

Scoring: SABar choir and organ

Date: 2022

An arrangement of a thirteenth century French Christmas carol from Provence harmonized by Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-87, attrib.) and, more famously, by Georges Bizet (1838-75, in his L'Arlesienne Suite of 1872). In France the melody is still tightly associated with Christmas, and French audiences start singing their own Christmas words whenever they hear the melody (I have heard them!) The English translation used here is adapted from a variety of sources. The three kings (or more precisely the "magi" from St Matthew's gospel) are seen marching towards Bethlehem with their fantastic golden wealth and grandeur. But why are they going to see a low-born baby and why do they worship this child who will die on a cross?
The organ sets the scene from the beginning with its marching accompaniment, and the first verse is sung in unison by all three parts. The second begins with a canon, as used by Bizet, and then breaks into harmony. The first section of the third verse is much quieter and legato, sung by the sopranos and altos, using wonderful chromatic harmonies based on another section from Bizet's suite. The lyrics express wonder at the beautiful music heard from the camp of the kings. The second section, sung in differentiated unison then begins to wonder why the kings "stoop so low to a baby in a manger". Finally the fourth verse, sung in full harmony, returns to the marching accompaniment and reiterates the amazement of meeting these kings with their mysterious mission.

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

Brother James' Air

Scoring: SABar choir and organ

Date: 2022, revised 2024

An arrangement of a popular and simple melody by James Leith Macbeth Bain (1860-1925) - Brother James - with the words of Psalm 23 ("The Lord's my shepherd") for 3-part choir and piano. There are many existing arrangements, but most tend to be rather sophisticated (e.g. by Gordon Jacob and Alan Bullard), requiring four competent parts, or else it is simply sung as a congregation hymn. Here it is set for SABar choir so that it becomes more accessible to small parish choirs, who may lack tenors and basses. It has five verses, the second and fourth providing an opportunity either for a cappella or for accompanied part singing. The other verses are varied particularly by the piano, although the ending is also in parts.

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

God be in my head (Walford Davies)

Scoring: SABar Choir and organ

Date: 2022

An arrangement of a very simple and well-loved anthem by H Walford Davies (1869-1941) for three-part choir and organ. The original was written for SATB choir. As the original is very short, the whole anthem is repeated, but shifted up a minor third, from the original key of A major to C major. This gives a much brighter and more passionate rendition the second time, and encourages a more fulsome climax on "God be in my heart and in my thinking" before returning to a pianissimo "God be at mine end, and at my departing."

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

Quiet Peace

Scoring: Choir (3 versions: SSABar, SATB, SSA) and piano

Date of composition: 2016 (latest update: 2022)

An original setting of a poem by Amy Carmichael (1867-1951), in the form of a prayer.

The piano here provides a constantly flowing ritornello throughout the verses, while the voices weave around it in a gentle wave of prayerful reflection. The poet feels an interior "quiet peace" while all around her there are storms and disquiet, because she knows that her Lord hears her voice. The setting is deliberately simple and undemanding, and it should be sung quietly, meditatively and without rushing.

My wife, Rev Canon Anne Le Bas, speaks about the poet in the following way, helping to put the words of the poem in perspective: "Amy Carmichael worked as a Christian missionary in India in the early twentieth century, among the poorest of the poor. She often felt despair, just as we may do when we see the devastation of war, still, again, tearing lives apart in our world. She wrote of her despair, but also of her trust that God heard her. That was what gave her the peace she needed, that gave her strength to go on."

SSABar version: pdf  - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

SATB version: pdf  - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

SSA version: pdf  - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Words:

O Lord my heart is all a prayer,
But it is silent unto thee;
I am too tired to look for words,
I rest upon thy sympathy
To understand when I am dumb;
And well I know thou hearest me.

I know thou hearest me because
A quiet peace comes down to me,
And fills the places where before
Weak thoughts were wandering wearily;
And deep within me it is calm,
Though waves are tossing outwardly.

Amy Carmichael (1867-1951)

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.

Pie Jesu (Fauré)

Scoring: SABar choir and organ

Date: 2017 (revised 2021)

The beautiful "Pie Jesu" by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) is scored for solo soprano/treble and orchestra or organ. This arrangement for choir (with just one lower part) and organ aims to make it more accessible to choirs, while keeping its sublime simplicity. Taken from Fauré's Requiem, it could perhaps be used in churches at funerals and memorial services.

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

Words:

Pie Jesu Domine, Dona eis requiem sempiternam. (English translation from the Latin: Sweet Lord Jesus, Grant them everlasting rest.)

Fairest Lord Jesus

Scoring: SABar choir and piano

Date: 2021

The melody for “Fairest Lord Jesus” comes from Schlesische Volkslieder, published in 1842, with lyrics taken from Muenster Gesangbuch of 1677. In this setting the hymn is arranged  for three-part choir (soprano/alto/baritone) and piano, providing a straightforward but colourful version of this lovely, popular hymn, particularly for use in a parish setting.

 The first verse is presented simply by a solo voice or small vocal group accompanied by the piano. The same gently flowing style continues in the second verse with the three choral parts joining gradually a cappella. Cued notes in the piano part can be used to support note-learning or less confident singing. In the third verse there is an increase in richness and intensity and an upward shift in key to express the beauty of sunlight, moonlight and starlight. The words of the final verse then express praise of the Saviour as both Son of God and Son of man, and the music becomes even more joyful and exuberant. However, the piece ends quietly and peacefully as its praise stretches to eternity.

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

Words:

1. Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of nature,

O thou of God and man the Son,

thee will I cherish, thee will I honour,

my soul's true glory, joy and crown.

2. Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,

robed in the blooming garb of Spring:

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,

who makes the saddest heart to sing.

3. Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moon light,

and all the twinkling, starry host:

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer,

than all the angels heaven can boast.

4. Beautiful Saviour! Lord of the nations!

Son of God and Son of man!

Glory and honour, praise, adoration,

through all eternity be thine!

YouTube video scores:

Full - https://youtu.be/1FGYIRn9Hs8 Soprano - https://youtu.be/6ggsH07lkWA Alto - https://youtu.be/kin7pgppXg4 Baritone - https://youtu.be/aXkcY4-aQYQ

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 Shepherds' Cradle Song

Scoring: SABar unaccompanied choir

Date: January 2021

A popular version of this carol by Karl Leuner (originally called "Wiegenlied", written in 1813) and arranged by Charles Macpherson (1870-1927) is published in Carols for Choirs 1 for SATB choir. However, with the lack of tenors and basses in many parish churches, the carol can often lie beyond the ability of many. Hence this arrangement for three-part choir: the range of the baritone part is from low A to high E flat, which should be achievable by most men (or women singing lower parts) in amateur choirs. Being such a beautiful, gentle and touching carol, this arrangement retains its original, simple a cappella nature, although a piano reduction is provided for practice purposes.

Choir version:

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

Practice version with piano:

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

Six Bells

Scoring: Unaccompanied SABar choir
Date: 2019

A new composition of mine setting words of an old favourite carol: "The angel Gabriel from heaven came". It emerged from a brief set by Morley College for a Christmas piece scored for their SABar a cappella choir in 2019. The title refers to its accompaniment based on a few simple change-ringing sequences for six church bells. The rhythm is jaunty and challenging, but the overall effect is intended to be joyful and exciting!

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

Words:
1. 
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame.
'All hail', said he, 'thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favoured lady!'
Gloria!

2.
'For known a blessed Mother thou shalt be;
All generations laud and honour thee:
Thy son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold.'
Most highly favoured lady!'
Gloria!


3. 
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head.
'To me be as it pleaseth God,' she said.
'My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name.'
Most highly favoured lady!
Gloria!


4.
Of her Emmanuel, the Christ was born,
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn;
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:
Most highly favoured lady!
Gloria!

English words by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924), translated from a traditional Basque carol

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:

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)

The Lord at First did Adam make (2 versions)

Version 1:

Scoring: SABar choir and organ

Date: 2021

An arrangement of the traditional Christmas Carol "The Lord at first did Adam make" for three-part (SABar) choir and organ. 

This ancient carol tells the story of the fall of Adam, causing humanity to be "wrapt in sin". Yet out of God's goodness we are redeemed by the birth of Christ. The listeners are exhorted to "begin an holy life to live, and to rejoice and merry be, for this is Christmas Eve."

The version presented here is intended for parish choirs lacking in tenor and bass singers, but with a good organ! It starts in a primeval way with open fifths in the organ part, developing into a minor key feel throughout the verses, but with a decidedly more positive feel in G major in each of the refrains. The accompaniment expresses the drama expressed in the lyrics without the choral parts becoming too involved, and the whole piece (4 1/2 minutes) ends on a celebratory Tierce de Picardy: "for this is Christmas Eve!"

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Version 2:

Scoring: SATB choir and West Gallery Band (flute, violin, clarinet, bassoon)
Date: 2018
Another arrangement of the traditional Christmas Carol "The Lord at first did Adam make". It is scored for SATB choir and "West Gallery Band", of the kind that existed before organs became ubiquitous in English parish churches, i.e. for a number of instruments, although which instruments depends on the ones that are available. As in this arrangement, these often included violins, flutes and bassoons. The fourth instrument in this arrangement is the clarinet.
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:

1. The Lord at first did Adam make
Out of the dust and clay,
And in his nostrils breathed life,
E'en as the Scriptures day.
And then in Eden's Paradise
He placed him to dwell,
That he within it should remain
To dress and keep it well.

R. Now let good Christians all begin
An holy life to live,
And to rejoice and merry be,
For this is Christmas Eve.

2. And thus within the garden he
Was set therein to stay,
And in commandment unto him
These words the Lord did say:
"The fruit which in the garden grows
To thee shall be for meat,
Except the tree in the midst thereof,
Of which thou shalt not eat."

R.

3. "For in the day that thou shalt it touch,
Or dost to it come nigh;
If so thou do but eat thereof
Then surely thou shalt die."
But Adam he did take no heed
Unto that only thing,
But did transgress God's holy law,
And so was wrapt in sin.

R.

4. Now mark the goodness of the Lord
Which he for mankind bore,
His mercy soon he did extend,
Lost man for to restore;
And then for to redeem our souls
From death and hellish thrall,
He said his own dear son should be
The Saviour of us all.

R.