A must-have for choral-aficionados everywhere! Perhaps the world's finest a cappella ensemble The King's Singers join forces with The Concordia Choir - one of the USA's best collegiate choirs - to perform works by by some of the best composers of the day Eric Whitacre, Bob Chilcott and Morten Lauridsen. One would have high expectations of such a stellar combination and this recordings amply fills those expectations and more. Included here is The King's Singers' more considered interpretation of ''Lux Aurumque', alongside their witty version of Chilcott's settings of poems by cummings, Joyce, Larkin and Raleigh in 'Even Such Is Time'. A standout is The Concordia Choir's rendition of Whitacre's 'Cloudburst' which thrills.

After the 2009 Grammy Award-winning Simple Gifts and a world premiere recording of Pachelbel Vespers in March 2010, internationally-acclaimed vocal group The King's Singers return to the studio to record Swimming Over London. Featuring a diverse array of songs, this latest release captures jazz classics, current hits, and more, all arranged, performed, and recorded with the meticulous attention to detail and artistry that has established The King's Singers as one of the finest vocal ensembles throughout their history. Swimming Over London includes five original songs, commissioned specifically for the disc and written by Mia Makaroff, composer and arranger for Finnish vocal ensemble Rajaton; Ysaye M. Barnwell of Sweet Honey in the Rock; Roger Treece, arranger and performer in Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra ensemble; Alexander L'Estrange, composer and arranger for the Swingle Singers; and Bob Chilcott, a former King's Singer. Chilcott, a respected composer of vocal music, wrote the title track for the album, an evocative tale of a woman stretching her way over London to the coast based on a poem by Charles Bennett. Roger Treece, renowned arranger for groups including Manhattan Transfer and New York Voices, composed an original song ('Keeper of the Seasons') and arranged two contrasting songs: Sarah McLachlan's beautiful 'Angel' and Pat Metheny's 'September 15th.'

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The music contained in this CD represents a selection of Vespers movements written by Johann Pachelbel. The King's Singers are truly remarkable. They continue to be one of the most sought-after and critically acclaimed vocal ensembles in the world, performing a rich and varied repertoire from Gesualdo to Gyorgy Ligeti and Michael Buble. Internationally recognized for their work in the classical field, they retain the sparkle that delights so many fans when they perform much loved numbers from the lighter end of the repertoire. Whatever the music The King's Singers are instantly recognisable for their spot-on intonation, their impeccable vocal blend, the flawless articulation of the text and incisive timing. 'Charivari Agreable is one of the most versatile Early Music groups around at the moment; under its benign director, Kah-Ming Ng, it appears to be infinitely adaptable, finding musicians who can fit into any of its many and varied programmes' (International Record Review). They represent 'a new and very exciting phase of the early music revival, one that enriches the existing repertory and can bring us ever closer to the spirit of the original music' (Gramophone).

Legendary performances on CD for the first time. Described by Gramophone as possessing an 'impeccably manicured vocal blend, enchanting the ear from first to last note,' The King's Singers maintain the highest caliber of a cappella performance and continue to be one of the most sought-after and critically acclaimed vocal ensembles in the world. Recognition of that fact was underlined by a prestigious Grammy Award in the 2009 ceremony.

An eclectic mix of five modern songs on an EP. 'My heart is a holy place' - Patricia Van Ness has rearranged and extended the beautiful 'Cor meum est templum sacrum' for The King's Singers to become 'My heart is a holy place'. 'Conceit' - A haunting piece written for The King's Singers in 2009 by Graham Lack with text by writer/poet Mervyn Peake, in which things may not always be as they first appear. 'Pie Jesu' - British classical radio presenter and former rock guitarist, John Brunning, wrote a simple setting of 'Pie Jesu' three years ago, and it became an instant hit in the UK. 'Out of the Woods' - Bluegrass band Nickel Creek's song. 'Out of the Woods' has great harmonies, a wonderful folksy melody and a mesmeric improvisation section. Arranged by Philip Lawson. 'Hallelujah' - One of a huge number of hit songs from the Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, arranged here by Philip Lawson.

A stunning new jazz arrangement by Bill Dobbins of J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio, performed by Grammy-award-winning ensembles The King's Singers and the WDR (West German Radio, Cologne) Big Band. Recorded live in concert last year, this performance captures the timeless and versatile nature of Bach's work, retaining the integrity of the original within a wholly new musical setting. Dobbins's aims in creating the arrangement were four-fold: to convey the Christmas story of the original; to illustrate the musical diversityand imagination of the entire work through selected representative numbers from the original six cantatas;to translate the musical content and dramatic character of the original into jazz and latin idioms while retaining the spirit of Bach's music; and to showcase the talents of the ensembles.

Recently, there has been a strengthening of the bond between The King's Singers and The Salvation Army, also founded in the UK. The Singers performed at an SA gathering and, as a surprise, prepared some music from The Salvation Army Songbook. They asked for more! The result is a series of discs of beautiful sacred arrangements for personal meditation by Philip Lawson and Christopher Gabbitas. Many of these songs will be of familiar text, but with a fresh new melody and six-part male harmony.

Recently, there has been a strengthening of the bond between The King's Singers and The Salvation Army, also founded in the UK. The Singers performed at an SA gathering and, as a surprise, prepared some music from The Salvation Army Songbook. They asked for more! The result is a series of discs of beautiful sacred arrangements for personal meditation by Philip Lawson and Christopher Gabbitas. Many of these songs will be of familiar text, but with a fresh new melody and six-part male harmony. This is volume 2.

Leading off with the title track, which is been heard recently all over public television, the King's Singers demonstrate their usual facility with any sort of arrangement or style. 'New Day' is a simple tune, essentially contemporary folk in style, with an uncomplicated arrangement that gives the blend of the voices preeminence. 'Noveau Poor' is tongue-in-cheek wit at its most profligate ('we're in Burke's Peerage, we're in 'Who's Who,' we're in the red, and in penury too.' ). 'What's In A Tune' tosses a salad comprised of various classical melodies, sung a cappella and fully orchestrated-all vocally, of course. 'Can't Buy Me Love' is arranged as a sixteenth century madrigal.

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One of the most popular King's Singers recordings, and for good reason: one of the most accomplished and educated vocal groups performs the songs of the most famous pop band in history, surely a winning combination. In fact, George Martin produced the King's Singers' first record, and this CD was recorded at Abbey Road, strengthening the connection still further. All but two of the arrangements were written for this CD, and the King's Singers indeed interpret these songs uniquely. 'Got To Get You Into My Life' is flamboyant and thrilling, sort of a musical Carmen Miranda hat: thudding kick drum, driving horns and huge backing vocals. In contrast, 'Girl' is a relaxed sigh, the chords luxuriant, the tempo calm. 'A Hard Day's Night' is a mannequin that goes through so many stylistic changes (doo wop, gospel, torch song vamp) that the result defies imagination. A stunning production.

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The Madrigal form, as it developed throughout Europe, is chronicled with precision and great attention to detail by England's King's Singers. From it's original appearance in Italy in the 1530's, the form-characterized by polyphonic texture, and the secular equivalent of the motet-was popular in England, Germany, Spain and France. Madrigals were the music of the people: they were written in the vernacular, expressed common themes of love and desire, and were often accompanied by dancing. This is a highly recommended tour.

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Folk songs have been an important part of the King's Singers repertoire since their first recording days in l972. On this recording of folk songs from the British Isles, the arrangers who have been so important to the success of the group bring their talents to bear on music of their own homelands. Daryl Runswick, Goff Richards, Grayston Ives and Gordon Langford have all added multiple arrangements to the recording. In order to embellish the traditional feel of the songs, some instrumentation has been added. There is just a touch of piccolo at the end of 'Bobby Shaftoe,' for example. A solo cello plays on 'O Waly, Waly' ('The Water Is Wide'). 'Bugeilo'r Gwenith Gwyn' ('Watching The White Wheat') is a Welsh tune, sung in Welsh, with a harp accompaniment. Take a tour of the British Isles via folk songs from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales presented with the choral perfection which we have come to expect from The King's Singers.

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A magnificent 6-part setting of Psalm 118:24 by William Byrd, 'Haec Dies' offers a glimpse into the splendor of the English Renaissance. The lilting English folksong, 'I Love My Love' is one of a group of great arrangements in the King'singers' repertoire. In 'O Lord, Make Thy Servant Elizabeth Thy Queen,' a choral tribute to Queen Elizabeth I, William Byrd's great compositional artistry is fully evident, with long sustained phrases, bass pedal tones, and striking dissonances. This challenging and substantial work is ideal for madrigal groups and advanced ensembles. 'She Moved Through The Fair' and 'The Star of the County Down' are two of the King's Singers' favorite and most-requested Irish ballad. The evocative setting of 'The Turle Dove,' one of the most treasured folksongs of all time, is new to the King's Singers' repertoire. Sure to become a classic!

Sparingly accompanied by Renaissance flute, piccolo and a guitar, these traditionals, and the descriptions that accompany them, are a charming introduction to the musical history of Britain. The famous 'Danny Boy,' (a cappella) somehow manages to summarize the grace and suffering of the Irish experience in its earnest melody; likewise, 'Loch Lomond,' (Scottish, also a cappella) brings the rough yet delicate beauty of Scotland to life. Several nineteenth century parlor songs are also included, such as 'Home Sweet Home' and 'Golden Slumbers.' Also, the familiar 'Scarborough Fair,' 'Greensleeves' and 'What Shall We Do With A Drunken Sailor?'

How appropriate that the King's Singers would pay tribute to the seminal pre-world War II German group who had such an influence on the development of a cappella. The Harmonists, who were ultimately forced to disband by the Nazi government, were a six-member ensemble (five voices and a pianist) who were at the vanguard of the cabaret vogue of pre-war Berlin. Their set comprised jazz standards, German lied, classical pieces and a hearty portion of silliness ('My Little Green Cactus,' 'Eins, Zwei, Drei, Vier.' ). The British King's Singers have lovingly selected sixteen songs from the Harmonists' repetoire, which they in turn arranged for themselves, resulting in a happy marriage of both. 'Overture from 'Il Barbiere Di Siviglia'' is a clue to the inspiration of the Swingle Singers; 'Tea for Two' is nothing like the original, but is slowed to ballad tempo, with a host of jazzy chord voicings-a sublime rendition!

The six Englishmen known as the King'singers enjoy the distinction of consistently being one of the world's most sought-after and highly-acclaimed musical ensembles, due to their imaginative programming, remarkable musicianship, and flawless technique. To mark their Silver Jubilee, the King'singers have brought together a collection of some of the best-loved arrangements written for them over the last 25 years. Of the songs most often requested, here are twelve which adapt most easily for mixed choirs.

You are about to hear some of the most demanding music which a choral group can sing. Henryk Mikolaj Gsrecki's 'Totus tuus' (trans. 'Yours Completely) was composed for eight voice choir in honor of the third visit of Pope John Paul II to his native Poland. It was adapted for the six voices of the King's Singers who were awarded a CARA (Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award) in 1997 for Best Classical Song. It is...the best, we mean. But how about the second song of the recording? Velijo Tormis' composition, 'Piispa ja pakana' (The Bishop and the Pagan), was drawn from both musical documents and folklore. It tells the story of the death of a British missionary/warrior at the hands of a Finnish peasant farmer. The viewpoints of both sides have descended since that event in 1158. 'The Sequence of St. Henry' is a Latin Gregorian Chant which documents the British side and numerous folk songs represent the view of the Finnish farmer. Both have provided elements in the creation of this piece. Drat, we haven't time to describe the other ten pieces, but suffice it to say it is probably the most demanding music you will ever hear.

This collection is a diverse array of songs and styles. Most are arranged by members of the King's Singers, with background notes from the arranger. The neat thing about this collection is the notes from the Singers on how to sing the different parts, what to watch out for and suggestions on interpretations. SATB Octavo.

The prototype for what has developed into a twenty-five year career that continues to grow in popularity, this initial 1971 recording hints at the dominion the King's Singers have over an astonishing variety of material. Four tracks are a cappella, the rest accompanied by the Gordon Langford Trio (Langford also arranged five of the songs). Traditionals, such as 'Shenandoah, 'Cherry Ripe' and 'Scarborough Fair' are side-by-side with Gershwin's 'Summertime' and Bacharach's 'Wives and Lovers.' Stylistically, the King's Singers combine formal classical knowledge with the immaculate blend of a barbershop chorus and the personality of English music hall performers appearing on the 'Old Grey Whistle Test.' No wonder they've stood the test of time!

The King's Singers do the Beatles. The songs are interesting, with classic Beatles tunes arranged by members of the King's Singers. Some of the songs are done in different periods and styles, all are accesible and fun to sing. SATB Octavo.

What a wonderful way to enjoy singing by the fire during the holidays! This book of arrangements is done just the way you'd expect the King's Singers to do it: with grace, class, and just a touch of humor.

This collection of four-part pieces has been drawn from the King's Singers Madrigal History Tour. Included are pieces intended to illustrate the enormous range of styles within the title madrigal. The introduction has performance notes and translations, with a pronunciation guide in the back. This is an excellent way to introduce madrigals to your group.

Recorded at London's Abbey Road Studios in 1989, this partially-orchestrated recording (The City Of London Sinfonia on about half the tracks, their brass quintet on another handful), is Britain's King's Singers at their delightful best. This classically-educated male sextet is known for their lively performances - never pedantic, always entertaining. They navigate through the most challenging and thrilling of passages, as wave upon wave of countermelody ascend and crescendo from every quadrant, with apparent ease and confidence. The a cappella arrangements, such as 'The Little Drummer Boy' and 'Stille Nacht' (sung in German), are uncomplicated and soothing, sung with perfect majesty. 'A Little Christmas Music (Medley a la Mozart)' with guest soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, is the CD's heroic odyssey, going completely over the top with reckless abandon!

In celebration of the King's Singers anniversary, this is a beautiful collection, complete with photos and stories from members of the King's Singers over the years. This makes for enjoyable reading as well a interesting singing. SATB Octavo.

England's King's Singers are known for their impeccable musicality. Coupled with the enthralling traditional melodies of Ireland, this intermediate to advanced level collection of ten arrangements will be challenging as well as rewarding and are some of King's Singers favorite and most requested concert selections. This songbook is not only an excellent value, but will become an invaluable addition to your choral library as well.

This collection of four-part pieces has been drawn from the King's Singers Madrigal History Tour. Included are pieces intended to illustrate the enormous range of styles within the title madrigal. The introduction has performance notes and translations, with a pronunciation guide in the back. This is an excellent way to introduce madrigals to your group.

Popular virtuosity exists! Right here on this recording of love songs. Love songs are written from every different point of view and you'll find them all here. True love and false, lost love and found, mother and lover love, fantasy love and down with love are some of the issues, presented in a huge variety of styles and periods. There are others, of course, but in this one album you'll find samples of nearly the entire repertoire of the King's Singers. This is more fun than you can imagine. The arrangements are truly inspired. From vocal acrobatics to vocal instrumentation and back again via some of the most dynamically challenging choral music, you will be delighted, no matter if your normal listening habits are in the classical realm or popular. Some of the composers whose works have been cleverly arranged for this extraordinary recording are Jacques Brel, Franz Schubert, Hoagy Charmichael, Johannes Brahms, Richard Rogers, Henry Purcell and Harold Arlen. We love this recording!

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These inventive settings of eight Gilbert & Sullivan favorites offer a multitude of musical rewards. Brilliant farce, understated spoof and delicate nuance are all present in abundance.

The arranging of the King's Singers is applied to a wide variety of music from the world of pop and rock. Shocking! It's fabulous. The Beach Boys, 'Good Vibrations' is a natural for a group whose capacity to harmonize puts to shame almost anyone who hasn't also shared a lifetime of musical study, practice and performance, as have the King's Singers. There's vocal percussion, acrobatics worthy of the most avant garde practitioners of extended voice techniques, perfected trills and runs that only endless training achieves; and the harmonies, aah such harmonies. Perhaps one reason for this is the counter-tenor voice at the high register rather than needing to rely on the falsetto. It creates a harmonic purity to the chords that is sweeter. Then, of course you have to listen to the 'kazoo' chorus and all the rest of the sound effects in Freddie Mercury's 'Seaside Rendezvous to realize that these singers can do it all! Be sure to catch Ray Stevens 'Freddie Feel-Good' for a fabulous vocal jazz band. Take that, rock 'n rollers, you'll love it!

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A variety of music from the great flowering of the English choral art in the king'singers' own editions. Includes a general introduction to the era and background on each work. A must for every high school and college choral library! Includes pieces by: William Byrd (Sing Joyfully, Haec Dies), Orlando Gibbons (Drop Drop Slow Tears, The Silver Swan), John Bennett (All Creatures Now, Weep O Mine Eyes), Thomas Weelkes (As Vesta Was), Thomas Morley (Fire Fire), Edward Pierce (Hunting the Hare), Thomas Ravenscroft (A Round of Three Country Dances, The Three Ravens), Thomas Tallis (If Ye Love Me).

The highly-respected and popular English sextet, the King's Singers, are now passing their silver anniversary. With an infusion of new talent, the group continues to explore new avenues of sound across the spectrum, from madrigalists to modernists. This double-CD is compiled from their last seven recordings on BMG, some of which still include Alastair Hume and Simon Carrington, founding members. From the lilting 'Chanson D'Amour,' the Bob Chilcott arrangement of the Beach Boys' 'The Lord's Prayer,' Queen's 'Seaside Rendezvous,' Gorecki's quietly powerful 'Total Tuus' and Schubert's classic art song, 'Who Is Sylvia,' the King's Singers precision tuning, consistently challenging and inventive arrangements and, most importantly, their love for what they do continue to carry the day, impressing audiences throughout the world.

Presented by James Galway and filmed at Harewood House, this 1987 program features eight mostly classical and traditional pieces, from 'There's Nae Luck' to 'The Flight Of The Bumblebee.' One work, 'Sea Rune,' was comissioned for the group in 1986, and is a challenging polyphonic composition. 'Bumble Bee' is an exciting and dramatic reading, and the video's closer, 'Creole Love Call,' (a piece that was featured in the repetoire of the legendary Comedian Harmonists), is a marvelous combination of musicianship and theatrics. The King's Singers 'big band' rendition requires lip diddling, chin slapping and nose tweaking, all done with a fair bit of glee!

Thomas Tallis (1505-1585) was the most influential English composer in his day. He lived at Court from 1543 until his death. He survived the coming into dominance of Protestantism during Edward VI's reign, the restoration of Catholicism under Mary in 1553 and the tumultous tussle leading to the Elizabethan Settlement which devised a new church establishment then dominant for nearly a hundred years. Throughout these changes Tallis continued to write choral liturgical music in both the older Latin motet style and the newer English anthem style. His greatest student was William Byrd (1543-1623) who pushed the authorities with his staunch Catholicism but was such a brilliant composer that he never received more than a heavy fine. Elizabeth awarded them the exclusive rights to publish music in her realm, effectively creating a monopoly. The King's Singers bring us a sampling of the huge output from these two most influential composers, including both motets and anthems. These are performed for the joy of those who love renaissance music, with the musical perfection expected of the best.

With the subtitle of 'close-harmony arrangements of timeless songs from famous movies,' 'Circle Of Life' contains orchestrated versions of well-known themes, such as 'Wind Beneath My Wings,' 'Everything I Do, I Do For You' and 'I Will Always Love You.' Recorded in Holland in 1996 (with the exception of 'Kokomo,' the Beach Boys song that appeared on 'Spirit Voices'), and therefore available only on import, some of the arrangements are innocuous, while others, such as 'Live And Let Die' and 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' are merely unlikely. An a cappella version of 'The Rose,' from the film of the same name, is the CD's winner by a landslide.

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Featuring long-standing founding members Simon Carrington and Alistair Hume, this entertaining yet informative production discusses the formation of the King's Singers and their history, group organization (democratic) and planning, as well as, of course, their music. Featuring the Gustavus Choir, the King's Singers take various pieces in their repetoire, including the Shaker hymn, 'Gift To Be Simple,' to analyze and demonstrate matters of technique. Blend, phrasing, dynamics and interpretation are considered and applied, showing the King's Singers remarkable attention to detail. The importance of listening, when singing within an ensemble, is emphasized. The King's Singers describe their own style as somewhere between the courtly and the sacred, and we couldn't agree more!

This delightful collection of 99 rounds, canons and partsongs makes a delightful introduction to part-singing to kids from 6 to 106! The selections are arranged by categories including English Pre-1700 (Secular), Pre-1700 (Sacred), Post 1700, From Around the World and Wordless Rounds. There's also a surprise or two! Includes: Alleluia (Boyce), Christmas Is Coming, Coffee Canon, Come Follow, Come Let Us All A-Maying Go, Dona Nobis Pacem, Hava Na Shira, If Turn'd Topsy Turvy, Jubilate Deo, Mi Gallo, My Dame Hath a Lame Tame Crane, Non Nobis Domine, Oaken Leaves, Shalom Chaverim, The Silver Swan, Summer Is A-Coming In, Tallis' Canon, Viva la Musica, When Jesus Wept and 80 more.

Experience the insights, the expertise, the inspiration and the fun of the King's Singers in concert at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Hall in Dallas, Texas, in rehearsal, in informal interviews and in workshops. The group uses various high school choirs, in a workshop setting, to demonstrate their philosophy and approach. The King's Singers, wearing casual apparel, gently and humorously coach their charges on important but subtle details of phrasing, dynamics and most importantly, interpretation, as on Bob Chilcott's arrangement of 'Shenandoah.' The group, in spite of their daunting technical know-how, make the point that fun while singing is the purpose; the obviously warm rapport they have amongst themselves is ample evidence that this is so!

Though the madrigal form was imported from Italy (where it evolved from the frottola), it was readily embraced by the English at the end of the sixteenth century. These mostly a cappella versions by the best of the English composers (thirty-five in all) have both a scholarly (as analyzed in great detail in the accompanying liner notes), and entertainment value; who better than England's cherished King's Singers to bring them, once again, to life? Whether it's 'Construe My Meaning,' with it's strophic form and chromaticism, or 'Now Is The Month Of Maying,' with it's more typical bipartite structure for four voices, this CD contains a wealth of enjoyment.

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The collaboration of W.S.Gilbert (1836-1911) and Sir Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) is one of the legends light opera. Gilbert's writing was known for his piercing, satirical wit which permeated most of his writing. He was a successful journalist, dramatist, poet and even cartoonist. Sullivan, whose father was a band leader, had reached adequate competence on most of the instruments in the band by age eight. He was the composer of popular religious music, operas and an organist of note. Both of these talented men were successful in their own right, but the collaboration of composer and librettist created the most innovative and popular shows in 19th century British musical theater. Both, at different times, were knighted. The perfection of their songs is based on the fact that the two worked closely to match perfectly the lyric with the music, rather than one element being forced to fit the other. The King's Singers are uniquely suited to sing this very British repertoire from H.M.S. Pinafore, The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, Ruddigore and The Gondoliers.

Here are 12 of the King's Singers favorite works of the European Renaissance in their own performing editions. Includes performance notes and translations for each work. Spanish: Otro tal misacantano (Anonymous), Dindirin, dindirin (Anonymous); French: Triste depart (Nicolas Gombert), La, la, la, je ne l'ose dire (Pierre Certon), Au joli jeu du pousse avant (Clement Janequin); German: Tanzen und Springen (Hans Leo Hassler), Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen (Heinrich Isaac); Italian: Parmi di star (Severin Cornet), Il bianco e dolce cigno (Jacques Arcadelt), Chi chilichi (Orlande de Lassus); English: Hark All Ye Lovely Saints (Thomas Weelkes), I Love, Alas, I Love Thee (Thomas Morley).

Here for the first time in one collection are well-known traditional spirituals in the King's Singers own performing editions. This third volume in the Colour of Song series contains works from their past repertoire as well as two brand new arrangements. Also includes performance notes for each song.

A new budget priced reissue of the classic King's Singers title with their tribute to the USA with four selections from one of the country's most acclaimed songwriters of the current era Paul Simon.

Subtitled 'the spirit of Renaissance Spain,' this recording has our manly British sextet exploring, with aplomb and panache, the marriage of music and drama that was popularized by Catalan musician Mateo Flecha the Elder. The salubrious accompaniment of the Harp Consort, under the direction of Andrew Lawrence King ('consort' is a period term for an ensemble), sets the stage, as it were, for the unfolding of either courtly and elegant polyphony, or a display of rustic and passionate bravura. The latter, typified by the fiery dance rhythms of the villancicos, and the slow sensual breaths of 'Zarambeques' (and bass Stephen Connolly's earthy timbre), are in contrast to the 'Benedictus (from Mass for the Dead)' and 'Por las Sierras de Madrid,' (combining no less than four separate tunes with an improvised treble part, using a form known as qoudlibet). This mixture, blended with both scholarly acumen and a generous dose of unmannered showmanship, makes 'Fire-water' a new King's Singers favorite.

The King Singer's and Dame Judi Dench tell the tales we all know and love. Embrace the charm of this rare treat made for children of all ages! The Teddy Bear's Picnic and Humpty Dumpty sitting on a wall, The merry soul, Old King Cole and Duke of York, the Grandest of them all. This old man, a dog and a bone. 'Over the Hills and Far Away' for days and days alone. Walking on air or submerged in a 'Yellow Submarine', or with an owl and a pussycat on a ship of pea green. Boys and girls and blackbirds four and twenty, they all diddle diddle in lavender blue fields of plenty. Wendell, the sunburned worm, an old woman's fate with a fly, the frog he went a-courtin while we all stand together, together you and I.

This collection brings together some of the more popular pieces sung by The King's Singers over the past years. With the possible exception of 'This Old Man' and 'Mariri's Wedding', all the pieces have a gentle and rather wistful quality that perhaps reflects more reserved side of the British character in both the arrangers and the singers.

Review pending

If you are a fan of either the King'singers or the Beatles music this is a wonderful recording. While they are performing with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Erich Kunzel, which provides the instrumental backing for the vocals on several of the sixteen songs. Most of the tunes are either the King'singers creating their own vocal instrumentation within their arrangements or the orchestra itself, unaccompanied by the singers. The mix of vocal and orchestral is a fascinating and wonderful tribute to the four men of whom the Queen of England spoke when she remarked on her golden wedding anniversary, 'Think what we would have missed if we had never heard the Beatles.'

This is a delightful CD for children (and eavesdropping adults), gathering together three 'musical fables' that John Rutter wrote for Christmas concerts given by the King's Singers and the COL Sinfonia; 'The Reluctant Dragon' and 'The Wind in the Willows' based on Kenneth Grahame stories, adapted by David Grant. 'Brother Heinrich's Christmas' was written for a Christmas TV special from Salisbury Cathedral, with Rutter writing the story as well as the music. This is like the sound track to a musical, with Richard Baker narrating 'Dragon' and 'Willows,' and Brian Kay narrating 'Brother,' and Anthony Holt, for instance, playing St. George in 'Dragon' and Toad in 'Willows.' The King'Singers and the Cambridge Singers give sweet and entertaining performances, and we can only say that we would have loved to have seen the concerts and the TV special!

Started in 1968 by six Choral Scholars from King's College in Cambridge, the group quickly became a musical force in the UK, and the rest of the world soon followed. Since then they have been delighting audiences with incomparable musicianship, from mediaeval to renaissance, romantic to contemporary, folk and pop. The Singers looked into the music that most touched them to hear and sing in their own childhoods, and 'Christmas' is the result-the quintessential classical Christmas CD. 25 perfectly performed songs, some favorites: the traditional Veni, veni Emmanuel' and 'This is the truth sent from above,' Praetorius' 'Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen,' Bo Holten's 'Nowell sing we now,' Phillip Lawson's 'Lullay my liking,' Tchaikovsky' 'The Crown of Roses,' John Rutter's 'There is a flower,' Ramirez' 'La Peregrinacion,' and Gruber's 'Stille Nacht.' Extensive, multilingual liner notes with all lyrics. Incomparable, trademark King's Singers and soaring vocals throughout.

The Triumphs of Oriana is an extravagant musical compliment paid to England's Elizabeth I by Thomas Morley, published in 1601. It consists of 25 madrigals by 23 different composers, each madrigal concluding with the refrain, 'Then sang the shepherds and nymphs of Diana: Long live fair Oriana.' Oriana was a character in a chivalric romance long equated with Elizabeth, and Diana, goddess of chastity, would certainly attend the Virgin Queen. However idealized their pastoral setting, many of the madrigals are excellent, those by Bennet, Weelkes, Cavendish and Morley are well known. As a whole they captured the musical imagination of the time and they continue to intrigue-for instance, who is the mysterious 'Bonny-boots' who appears in two of the songs? The soaring tenor and falsetto voices of King's Singers, England's brilliant, prolific male sextet, were made to perform this difficult, eclectic collection. Picking favorites, beside the four previously mentioned, is not easy: Tomkins' 'The fauns and satyrs tripping' is lovely, as is 'With wreaths of rose and laurel' by Cobbold and 'Fair nymphs I heard one telling' by Farmer. 'Triumphs' is a choral joy, an ode to a beautiful fantasy from long ago-sung by six men whose voices and talent are fortunately very real. Extensive, interesting liner notes.

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If you like The King's Singers, you'll love this CD! Gesualdo: Tenebrae Responsories for Maundy Thursday offers a small slice from the liturgy used for Holy Week. All tracks are superbly performed. The voices weave together to form a solid fabric of stunning polyphony. The responsories, here, are divided into three sets beginning with lessons from the Lamentations of Jeremiah. Gesualdo, an eccentric Italian prince and one of the Renaissance's more innovative composers, is best remembered for killing his wife and her lover while they were in bed together. His guilt over this shocking and passionate act is said to be mirrored in his music with its chromatic and often indulgent lines. The music is liturgical in nature, but this recording can be appreciated inside and out of the sanctuary.

From their successful concert performances with the British pop star Mika, here are the King's Singers' settings of several of his most popular songs. Imaginative, joyful and empowering, this music is unique in the world of a cappella!

After years at the pinnacle of a cappella choral music, the King's Singers show no sign of slowing down, as their creativity and number of appearances throughout the world remain undimmed. In what has been described as their 3rd generation, 'Six' is a tasty sampler spanning the life of the group since their founding in the explosive rock decade of the 1960s. The spiritual 'Down In The River To Pray' appeared in the movie 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?', arranged by Singer Phillip Lawson, who also arranged this sublime cover of Billy Joel's 'Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel).' Lennon/McCartney's 'Blackbird' is one of the most-requested encores in the KS' live concert repertoire. 'The Wishing Tree' by former Divine Comedy member Joby Talbot, was commissioned by the KS and the BBC. Irving Berlin's moody jazz classic 'Blue Skies' is sung in a cool and reflective arrangement by Singer Richard Bennett. The final cut is a soaring, surreal arrangement of Neil Young's deathless, 'After the Goldrush,' which takes our breath away and leaves us wanting to hear much more. One forgets just how exceptional the King's Singers are, until one is able to see them live, or one settles back next to the stereo in a comfortable chair and lets the beauty of these 'Six' wash over him like a subtle, perfect tide.

On November 5, 1605, Guy Fawkes was caught preparing to detonate 36 barrels of gunpowder under the House of Lords, unveiling and act of attempted treason that shocked the whole of Europe.Commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, the King's Singers and Concordia illuminate the dangers of hearing Mass in secret, of conspiracy and downfall, and the protestant relief and great joy. The music, structured around Byrd's perfect 4-part Mass, contains motets by catholic composers, protestant anthems celebrating the downfall of the plot, and a commission from the British composer, Francis Pott, Master Tresham: His Ducke. A script, drawing on historic texts and reproduced in the CD booklet, uses the dramatized persona of William Byrd, the most celebrated composer of his age, to recreate the atmosphere of change and hope in the Jacobean court.

For nearly 40 years, the King's Singers have delighted audiences around the world with their charm, wit and incomparable musicianship. Esteemed for the authenticity of their period style and their exemplary word painting, the King's Singers are 'still unmatched for their musicality and sheer ability to entertain' (The London Times). Joining them for this recording is Sarband, an instrumental ensemble renowned for demonstrating the connections between European, Islamic and Jewish musical cultures. Celebrating the symbiotic relationship between the Orient and the Occident, Sarband's mission is to show that music is a form of communication in which people can find common ground and respect for one another. On Sacred Bridges, these two groups unite in celebration of the rich connections - literally sacred bridges - between Christianity, Islam and Judaism. The program consists of settings of four Psalms of David to music by Christian, Jewish and Muslim composers that demonstrate the central importance of the works to the three religions. The artists demonstrate that by examining the similarities and bridges among each religion, we can forge tolerance and understanding in a world that desperately needs more of each.

'Spem in alium,' not just the greatest of Tallis's compositions but one of the greatest of all time, is based on a liturgical text, written for 40 independent voices, and was first performed in England in 1573. A work for 40 voices is not one that would usually be associate with the legendary all male sextet The King's Singers. Through modern recording technology, flexibility and experimentation, the six have become 40, a true harmonic convergence that occurs when the pairs high, sweet voices throw the sound across the space between them until finally all voices join for a full culmination of the work. 'Spem' is a stunningly beautiful piece, although very short, eight minutes and 22 seconds to be precise, and we listened to it several times to truly appreciate it. The piece is followed by a 6-minute interview with the Singers, who discuss the experience of recording it. A short sublimely beautiful piece, recorded by one of the world's finest choral ensembles. SACD

Demonstrating their great versatility, the King's Singers prove in this recital from London's Cadogan Hall that although they have many imitators they remain the masters. The sextet of Englishmen has been delighting audiences on recordings for more than 30 years and those of us lucky enough to of attended one of their live performances know what incredible showmen they are also. On their first DVD, they share some of their favorite works, a mixture of songs old and new-madrigals by Byrd and Monteverdi, a Rossini overture, and tunes from the Beatles, Freddie Mercury, Duke Ellington, and many more. Interspersed with these performances is footage of the singers in the recording studio as they face the challenge of performing Thomas Tallis's 40-part motet 'Spem in Alium.' The program culminates with their performance with their rendition of this magnificent work. So sit back and enjoy a concert by one of the very best! (93 minutes plus encore. Widescreen)

The King's Singers were the first to apply choral technique to popular material and Colouring Book concentrates on their unforgettable arrangements of international pop hits of the sixties and early seventies. Some of the selections are drawn from their sessions with Beatles' producer George Martin including the remarkable 'She's Leaving Home'. Several of their Lennon and McCartney recordings are well represented here alongside songs written by the other giants of contemporary pop; Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, David Bowie and Neil Young. To these diverse writers, the King's Singers bring their beautiful tone, balance and synchronization with equally marvelous effect.

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Growing up in the rarified collegiate church music atmosphere at Oxford or Cambridge, the all male sextet The King's Singers, who would go on to re-define a cappella choral perfection, made their debut in London in 1968. In 1970 the acclaimed Viennese-born composer Joseph Horovitz wrote 'Captain Noah and His Floating Zoo, a vocal work in 10 parts for chorus and lead singer, piano, bass and drums. Similarly, British arranger/composer Chris Hazell wrote the music and lyrics for 'Holy Moses,' an accompanied jazz-pop cantata, in 1971, telling the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The King's Singers were invited to make the first recordings of these two new works in 1972, which were issued on either side of an lp issued by Decca/Argo. The group's ability to adapt their vocal approach to new rhythmic frameworks is clear here, and they prove to be the perfect choice to record this spirited, whimsical material. Listen to 'The People of Fun City,' 'It Looks Like Rain,' 'Forty Days and Nights,' 'Oh What A Wonderful Scene,' 'The Bull Rush Song,' 'The Promise,' 'The Chase' and 'Freedom,' all new to us, to see how listeners of all ages continue to love this recording. And we see a whole new facet to one of our all-time choral group favorites, the King's Singers!

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The King's Singers present a disc of some of their best and most requested repertoire. We are all shaped, perhaps unconsciously, by the landscape and time in which we live. This evocative and spiritual programme, which contains five King's Singers commissions, explores the links between human life and it's surroundings through the different personal languages of poets and composers. Music from the Orkneys to the American desert, from Finland, Estonia and England to Hungary and Japan makes this one of the King's Singers finest recordings in years.

'For a group like ours the choice of repertoire for recording often seems bewilderingly large. So why did we choose Portugese, Spanish and Mexican music from the period known as the Siglo de Oro - the Golden Age? The idea came from our church concert programs, where acoustics, space and atmosphere allow great scope for drama. Beginning at the back of the church with Crux fidelis and slowly moving eastwards as the piece unfolds has proved to be a magical way to start. More than one audience member has told us that if the concert had ended after that one piece, they would have gone home happy. But that would have denied them the chance of hearing one of the most famous pieces from this era - Alonso Lobo's incredible version of Versa est in luctum, which often closes the first half of the concerts.' - The King's Singers

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Considering the longevity of the King's Singers' career (which began in the 1960s with performances of the Schola Cantorum Pro Musica Profana, or, as they were more casually known, the Cam River Boys), it's only natural that a greatest-hits album would require two discs, each crammed full of arrangements of popular songs and vocal pieces from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. Whether performing infectious versions of songs by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, smooth standards by Cole Porter and Harold Arlen, sublime motets by Adrian Willaert and Orlande de Lassus, or lush fin de siecle classics by Gabriel Faure and Edward Elgar, the King's Singers always deliver entertainment first and foremost, and make their virtuosic repertoire fully accessible to audiences. Of course, their singing varies from classically polished formality to a more relaxed, even humorous glee club delivery. Fans who appreciate their amazing sound and enjoy their lively manner will appreciate this generous retrospective, which brings together recordings made between 1974 and 1990. 48 songs in all.

Based on their Grammy Award-winning album, this compilation by The King's Singers features an eclectic collection of songs. A stunning variety of folksongs, spirituals and pop songs.

'Simple Gifts' is a very rare and special gift to us, as it represents the first full a cappella studio album by the legendary King's Singers in 10 years. Arguably the most popular a cappella group of all time, whose flawless harmonies grace over 30 finely-crafted CDs and a slew of songbooks in the Primarily A Cappella online catalog, we will assume that you know how good these six British men really are. So let's talk about some of the 16 carefully-selected songs: Billy Joel's classic 'She's Always A Woman,' James Taylor's sublime 'You Can Close Your Eyes,' the traditional joyous round 'The Gift to Be Simple,' Stephen Stills' harmonic CSN&Y gem 'Helplessly Hoping,' some wonderfully-arranged spirituals, 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,' 'Deep River,' 'The Water is Wide' and 'Steal Away,' all of which feature some sweet deep bass leads. Randy Newman's poignant 'When She Loved Me,' Sting's 'Valparaiso,' Paul Simon's 'April Come She Will Come' these are some of our picks for the most beautiful songs of all time. They are arranged by group member Phillip Lawson, Bob Chilcott and Peter Knight, and then sung as beautifully as you can imagine by the King's Singers. The King's Singers incredible blend and tuning goes to ensure that this is probably their finest recording in a long time. Enough said!

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The popularity of Chinese folk music makes this King's Singers collection especially useful by choirs worldwide. Includes English translations and pronunciation helps.

This collection of selected songs from the King's Singers album Swimming over London is a mixture of King's Singers pop favorites and brand new songs and arrangements.

A collection of five of their EMI releases at a budget price. A great way to add to your collection.

'Rejoice and Be Merry!' is the 2007 Christmas concert recorded in Salt Lake City by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and special guests, The King's Singers. Recorded in high-definition video and 5.1 Surround Sound, this CD is a smorgasborg for the ears. These massive concerts, given as a free gift to the community each year, and broadcast by PBS, are both joyful and reverential. This CD offers the full experience of the concert, with a 'you-are-there' viewpoint and behind the scenes interviews that can be viewed again and again. The choir is joined by the 120-member Orchestra at Temple Square, as well as The Bells at Temple Square, plus a score of dancers who perform an opening processional, and take part in the charming, complete presentation of 'The Twelve Days Of Christmas' which has to be seen to be believed.

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'Rejoice and Be Merry!' is the 2007 Christmas concert recorded in Salt Lake City by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and special guests, The King's Singers. Recorded in high-definition video and 5.1 Surround Sound, this CD is a smorgasborg for the ears. These massive concerts, given as a free gift to the community each year, and broadcast by PBS, are both joyful and reverential. This CD offers the full experience of the concert, with a 'you-are-there' viewpoint and behind the scenes interviews that can be viewed again and again. The choir is joined by the 120-member Orchestra at Temple Square, as well as The Bells at Temple Square, plus a score of dancers who perform an opening processional, and take part in the charming, complete presentation of 'The Twelve Days Of Christmas' which has to be seen to be believed.

Listen to Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow! in RealAudio.

The King's Singers celebrated their 40-year anniversary in 2008 with a live BBC Proms performance from the Royal Albert Hall. This disc demonstrates the skill, flair, versatility and on stage charm you would come to expect from a King's Singers performance, sampling the best from their vast repertoire. The King's Singers have maintained their place at the apex of a cappella singing and are amongst the world's elite classical performers. This disc also includes interviews with the members, a glimpse into the King's Singers' past, and a special audition for the group! Reviewing this concert, The Daily Telegraph said 'every edge was bevelled smooth', and the Guardian described it as 'flawlessly realized'.

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The King's Singers celebrated their 40-year anniversary in 2008 with a live BBC Proms performance from the Royal Albert Hall. This disc demonstrates the skill, flair, versatility and on stage charm you would come to expect from a King's Singers performance, sampling the best from their vast repertoire. The King's Singers have maintained their place at the apex of a cappella singing and are amongst the world's elite classical performers. This disc also includes interviews with the members, a glimpse into the King's Singers' past, and a special audition for the group! Reviewing this concert, The Daily Telegraph said 'every edge was bevelled smooth', and the Guardian described it as 'flawlessly realized'.

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Combining perennial favorites with wonderful new discoveries, these immediately appealing pieces reflect the much-loved repertoire at the heart of a King's Singers program with the skill and flair that distinguishes the group as one of the world's most popular a cappella ensembles. Includes works by Elgar, Schumann, Schubert and Saint-Saens, as well as a new piece by popular American composer Libby Larsen. This latest venture between Signum Classics and The King's Singers follows hot on the heels of a Live DVD and CD release of their 2008 performance for the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert hall and the 2008 Grammy-nominated album Simple Gifts.

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Join the King's Singers as they celebrate an English Christmas Eve service. Taken from their album of the same name, these beautiful arrangements will certainly help spread the Christmas message.

This gently flowing setting of the traditional Scottish folksong 'Loch Lomond' is a perpetual favorite in King's Singers' concerts. This arrangement by David Overton is simple and straightforward offering contrasts between the flowing interludes and the homophonic choruses. The haunting melody of the Canadian folk song ' She's Like the Swallow' is accented by a lyric vocal accompaniment. Perfect for large group or ensemble use. This lilting English folksong ' I Love My Love' is one of a group of great arrangements in the King'singers' repertoire. 'Furusato (Homeland) is a tender tribute to home, this Japanese folk song's sentiment is touching to all. Includes Japanese and English lyrics. ' Grandfather's Clock' - This childhood favorite still delights listeners of all ages. Cleverly arranged, it makes a great closer or encore.

A lush a cappella setting - Billy Joel's hit ballad 'And So It Goes,' arranged by Bob Chilcott, is one of the King's Singers' most requested arrangements. 'Lullaby,' now available in a revised edition with optional parts for a second choir, this sweet and simple lullaby by Billy Joel on his River of Dreams album is stunning. Lush harmonies and challenging vocal lines will inspire singers to do their best in the new arrangement of the Billy Joel classic 'She's Always a Woman.'

From the King's Singers' Beatles album, 'Penny Lane' has been one of the most requested by choir directors. The excellent writing of Chilcott breathes new life into this favorite. From the King's Singers and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra 'Music of the Beatles' album, 'When I'm 64' is a fun and swinging arrangement of the Lennon and McCartney classic. Featuring inventive jazz band-style vocal accompaniments throughout, everyone gets their turn singing the clever lyrics of the melody. From their recording, Beatles Connection, the often-requested arrangement of 'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da' is available for the first time. The setting of the heart-felt Lennon and McCartney ballad, 'Here, There and Everywhere' is featured on the King's Singers and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra 'Music of the Beatles' album. In this Paul Hart arrangement, the melody is supported by gentle rhythms and countermelodies in the other voices. A perfect opportunity to feature soloists.

Enjoy the applause as your group performs some of the most often requested King's Singers selections in a variety of styles.

To celebrate their 40th anniversary the Kings Singers compiled a collection of their most-requested arrangements from the past 15 years since the release of the still best-selling 25th anniversary songbook. Some. like 'Danny Boy', 'All I Ask Of You' and 'Blackbird' date from earlier in the group's history but are still performed regularly by the group and choirs all over the world. Others, such as 'Down To The River To Pray', 'Under The Sea' and 'Africa' have already established themselves in the repertoire of many groups they come in contact with on their tours. Here, then, is a carefully selected mix of folk songs, pop songs and spirituals plus the exquisite Victorian parlor song 'The Long Day Closes'.

From the King's Singers' exquisite album The Quiet Heart - Choral Essays Volume 1, drawn from the sacred repertoire of the Salvation Army, these 13 selections are a reflective musical journey into the spirit. The invitation to perform in March 2005 as guest of the marvellous Hendon Salvation Army Band in heir special concert 'Hendon Highlights' at London's Royal Festival Hall led to a relationship which resulted in the re-arranging and recording of 19 beautiful hymns for the CD, The Quiet Heart, on the SP&S label.Rather then just perform what were in many cases simple four-part hymns, they decided to take advantage of their six-part status, and so the hymns were mostly re-arranged with the inclusion of low 5ths to complement bass notes, double tunes (soprano and baritone) and the occasional extra harmony note. Some had Piano accompaniment, so for these they either converted them into vocal accompaniments or wrote a new vocal pattern to go with the tune. So here is the companion volume to the CD, in which we have included 13 of the tracks in the exact voicings as heard on the album. They work equally well in a concert hall or in a church.

The first new Christmas CD from the King's Singers since their popular 2004 release 'Christmas', this new disc sets an eclectic assortment of modern Christmas classics with special arrangements of some much loved favourites. 'Precise intonation, instinctive articulation, a downy, luxuriant tone, all captured in an excitingly lifelike recording' - International Record Review. 'The King's Singers' style is beautifully detailed, and even the most familiar carols sound fresh.' - Classic FM Magazine

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