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Vol. 3, No. 5 September 2015
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| | Dick Boyd Choral Specialist |
this is Dick Boyd from Midwest Sheet Music. Welcome back again to The Anthem, our newsletter specifically for choral directors in all fields, sacred or secular.
This issue is just a quick follow up to the last publication of The Anthem a few days ago. This time I'll talk about a few favorite sacred octavos for the holiday season. If you missed the last issue where I presented some Christmas Cantatas and newly reacquired organ collections, or to see any of my past issues, you can read it in the archives here.
So once again my best to you and your choir as you prepare for this joyous season, and let me know if I can help you find something else that will fit the bill for your service.
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Click on an image to hear samples.
Click on a voicing to see a pdf sample of the octavo.
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The Advent Gift
Fred Bock, Joseph Martin
Joe Martin, a longtime friend of Fred's with a fabulous musical reputation of his own, discovered a beautiful tune from a musical Fred wrote years ago. He cleverly and tastefully tweaked the tune and added his own lyric to create a wonderful new Christmas anthem. The words are comforting and assuring with the message of the advent season. This is an easy selection for church choirs.
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All is Well
Michael E. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Lloyd Larson
Finally an accessible arrangement of this favorite M. W. Smith anthem. Lloyd Larson captures the tender and simple melodic interpretation found in the artist's own rendition, while at the same time creating a lush choral version to enhance the Christmas worship experience.
Performance / Accomp CD- $26.95
Instrumental Parts - $24.95
Full Orchestration - 55.00
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Bethlehem
Lloyd Larson, William Neidlinger, Phillip Brooks
The text for this song comes from Phillip Brooks' classic poem "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and from Neidlinger's "The Birthday of a King", but utilizes an original melody for both. This setting comes from Lloyd's cantata Were You There on That Christmas Night ($8.95, contact me for more information).
SATB - $2.10
Perf. / Accomp. CD - $26.95
Orchstration - $55.00
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Christmas Canticles
Mary McDonald
Adapted from the keyboard collection A Mary Merry Christmas ($15, contact me for more information), this lovely, lilting pairing of Sussex Carol and Gesu Bambino is sure to resonate with any audience. A captivating accompaniment with optional flutes adds a special touch for Christmas worship or holiday concerts. (No pdf availabe for SSA version at this time)
Perf. / Accomp. CD - $26.95
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Early on a Winter's Morn
J. Jerome Williams
This stunning octavo will breathe a spirit of devotion and dignity to any musical or worship gathering. Simple but effective, the memorable theme rises and falls with regal grace announcing the birth of the Savior. Choirs will be engaged by its approachable and technical demands, but challenged by its musical potential. The understated organ support lends depth and richness to the tonal ambience of the anthem.
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Go Tell It!
Jack Schrader
Fasten your seat belts for this raucous setting. Jack Schrader's arrangements of spirituals are always a highlight among new offerings from Hope Publishing and "Go Tell It!" continues that tradition. A joyful celebration of the birth of Christ in a new big-band, gospel style.
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Performance / Accomp CD- $26.95
Full Orchestration - 55.00
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The Shepherd's Lamb
Dan Forrest, Susan Bentall Boersma
In this pensive, gentle anthem we are invited to ponder with the shepherds the mystery of the dual roles of the Babe in the manger, born both Shepherd and Lamb. The beautiful setting is for SATB choir, optional children's choir, piano and optional woodwind duet (the woodwind parts are in the octavo).
SATB - $2.10
Orchestration - $80.00
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Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne
Craig Courtney
This beautiful arrangement of the classic carol begins and ends with delicate simplicity building in between with a dynamic statement of the powerful third and fourth verses, including strategic a cappella sections. The truth of this wonderful anthem is worth singing about all year long.
SATB - $2.00
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Thanks for taking the time to read this. If none of these works fit your bill, give me a call at 314-942-3088 or email me at choral@midwestsheetmusic.com and I'll help you find something else that will work for you.
What do you want to see here in the future? Is there an area of sacred (or secular) music that you would like me to research and talk about? Let me know and I'll prepare something for a future issue. Thank you all for your continued support and my best wishes to you and yours.
Dick Boyd, Choral Specialist |
 Thank you for your support, and we look forward to helping you in the new school and church year! Your M-R Music Staff: Jeff, Dick, Mark, Cindy, and Kevin Choral Music direct line: 314/942-3088 General line: 314/291-4686 Fax: 314/621-4166 |
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