Carols
My carols range from pieces for carol services and church settings through to light-hearted arrangements perfect for choir concerts and encores.
His Praises We'll Sing (SATB and piano)
A high-energy setting of this Christmas text, complete with bluesy melody, jazz harmonies and a strong gospel feel. Joyful and exuberant!
Click More Information to hear a recording, and for an optional bass and drums part (free download), to spice up the piano.
His Praises We'll Sing (SSA and piano)
Upper-voice version of the SATB Gospel carol (see above).
Click More Information to hear a recording of the SATB carol, plus the optional bass and drums part (free download), to spice up the piano.
A Carol for our Times (SATB)
My aim is this carol was to take up the topical theme of the plight of refugees, and draw parallels with the stories and reception of Christ’s birth. My text references familiar lines from the Coventry Carol, rooting the piece in tradition while encouraging us to consider our present. A soft, reflective refrain contrasts with verses that build in intensity. I hope it is thought-provoking, yet also singable and beautiful. Listen to a recording here.
A Carol for our Times (SA and piano)
This carol is also available in a version for upper voices and piano.
Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming
SATB unaccompanied, words 14th-cent. German. Oxford University Press
A gentle arrangement of the well-known German melody, with the tune swapped between voices, rich harmonies, and a surprise shift at the start of the last verse. Included in Carols for Choirs 5.
I saw a maiden
SATB and organ, words 15th cent. (adapted). Encore Publications
A lullaby set to a tender melody and refrain with supportive organ accompaniment, to make a simple carol of great poignancy.
O night, peaceful and blest!
SATB and organ, words traditional. Encore Publications
A traditional Basse-Normandie carol (O bienheureuse nuit) arranged in a gentle setting for voices and organ.
The Virgin Mary had a baby boy
Spiritual, SATB unaccompanied. Oxford University Press X338
A lively, highly rhythmic arrangement of the well-loved spiritual. Jazz harmonies, driving syncopations and plenty of interest for all the voices project a confident message of belief. Listen to a performance on the More Information page.
Mary had a baby
Spiritual, SATB unaccompanied. Oxford University Press X339
A virtuosic arrangement, filled with energetic rhythms, counterpoint, Gospel harmony, wit and a dash of Handel. A rousing showpiece to delight audiences and choirs. Listen to a performance on the More Information page.
Angelus ad Virginem
SATB and organ, words 14th-cent. Irish. Oxford University Press X366
Dancing medieval rhythms blend with more contemporary harmonies and figures to create an original and striking carol, swept along with great verve by a lively organ accompaniment.
Jingle, bells
SATB unaccompanied. Oxford University Press X367
A witty, tongue-in-cheek arrangement sweeping together different styles and mixed-up words in a boisterous sleigh-ride. A perfect encore for all choirs.
Listen to a performance on the More Information page.
Ding dong, merrily on high
SATB unaccompanied. Oxford University Press X400
A riotous setting that lurches from pious, a cappella textures to musical mayhem and back again with some hilarious musical puns and well-planned pitfalls along the way.
The Saviour's Come
Trad. Swahili, voices in 2-4 parts with optional percussion. Oxford University Press
A lively, rhythmic arrangement of a traditional Swahili carol. Included in The Oxford Book of Flexible Carols, or buy this piece online