Passion Music continues the fusion of jazz and choral music so successfully blended in Will Todd’s Mass in Blue. The structure highlights different points in the Passion story, beginning with a new setting of ‘Greater love has no man’ and including an evocative Stabat Mater, a movement focusing on the seven last words of Christ, […]
Balulalow is a Christmas miniature that captures the intimacy and atmosphere of this well-loved 16th-century text. Through homophonic textures, word-painting, the use of extended harmonies, and a lilting rhythm, the piece has a subtlety that provides a challenge for established choirs while remaining musically accessible.
This joyous and upbeat piece sets a text by Delphine Chalmers full of vivid imagery of childhood memories and with a compelling refrain: ‘Though the years may make us strangers, our voices set the ripples dancing in memory’s stream’. Alternation between passages of 4/4 and 7/8 gives a spirited offbeat feel, and the pleasingly simple […]
This welcome original setting of the much-loved 15th-century Coventry carol text features a compelling interplay between choir and organ and a contrast of full and a cappella textures. Archer fully exploits the text’s dramatic potential and has created a pleasing and useful addition to the carol repertory.
This simple and attractive carol sets a little-known text by the Rev. Canon John Gray (1866-1934). With an accompaniment for either organ and piano and optional soprano solos, this piece is accessible to a wide range of choirs and would be an excellent addition to either a Christmas concert or service.
