A melancholic mood pervades throughout the setting, which is melodically rich, with subtle chromatic alterations colouring Paul Williamson's beautifully poetic text that evokes the genealogy of Christ, springing like a tree from the root of Jesse, King David's father. Long, legato lines are an integral part of this carol, emphasising the peaks and troughs of harmonic change and the dynamics underpin the twisting narrative of the text.

Composer: Thomas Hewitt Jones

Predating the well-known Bethlehem Down by just a few years, As dew in Aprylle is one of several choral works by Warlock to draw on texts from the 15th century Sloane Manuscript, yet musically this work demonstrates a similar mastery of part writing and fondness for chromatic harmonic language. First published on 12th June, 1924, following a period of unavailability this is now restored to the catalogue in a newly-prepared edition. For unaccompanied mixed voices, with occasional divisi.

Composer: Peter Warlock

Equally successful in concert or worship, this beautiful and short piece by Will Todd uses his characteristic rich, warm harmonies and shapely melodies. The piano accompaniment is supportive by never gets in the way of the subtle shifts of the melody.

Composer: Will Todd

Setting of the traditional vesper hymn (Hail, O Star of the ocean), commissioned by Christopher Gray and the Choir of Truro Cathedral. The texture is homophonic and sustained, with much use of pedal points in the chord progressions, and the closing amens bring a melodic flowering in the sopranos.

Composer: James MacMillan

James MacMillan (b. 1959) was born in Scotland, studied at Edinburgh and Durham Universities and now lives in Glasgow. His works feature Gaelic inflections and characteristic mixing of ancient and modern. This work, with text by St. Thomas Aquinas, translated by James Quinn, was first performed in 1980.

Composer: James MacMillan

Featured in the 2019 Christmas Concert from St Olaf college, this is a beautiful and lush setting of the Howard Thurman text. It reminds us that Christmas is a time of light over darkness. The message in the carol inspires us to become carriers of a light that brings joy, hope, courage, peace, grace, and love.

Composer: Kim André Arnesen

Beginning and ending quietly and with a sense stillness, this starkness is conveyed with gentle dissonances and slow, homophonic movement. Each verse is set to the same music but with the sense of climax in the final verse.

Arranger: Becky McGlade

Beginning from a place of rubato and allowing this ebb and flow of the music to inform the performance this is music for a celebration. An original poem by the composer is one of renewal and both the text and the music build to a thrilling climax at the final phrase.

Composer: Will Todd

Here is the first movement from Will's major work Jazz Missa Brevis. This music works equally well in liturgy or in concert ands can be performed with only piano, a jazz trio or a full jazz ensemble. All options are available from the publisher.

Composer: Will Todd

Lullay, my liking was commissioned by BBC Music Magazine for the publication's December 2014 issue. The brief was to compose a carol with simplicity of form, and this Middle English 15th century carol text lends itself to an expressive yet succinct setting. For unaccompanied mixed voices with no divisi, the carol works just as well with four solo voices as it does with a larger SATB choir.

Composer: Thomas Hewitt Jones

A setting of the Latin text from the Roman Missal, Requiem is the opening movement of a larger work entitled Songs of Peace, which was written in 2012 in memory of the composer's mother. Todd's gently chromatic, but undaunting, harmonic language combined with the powerful and personal text makes for a very effective piece, suitable for general performance as well as at sombre or memorial occasions.

Composer: Will Todd

Sweet was the Song is a traditional English carol dating from the 16th century depicting the Virgin Mary singing a lullaby to the new-born Jesus. This setting for mixed voices (no divisi) and organ reflects the text with gentle rocking phrases, static harmonies and a simple melodic line. The music is coloured by soft dissonances, conveying a sense of mystery and uncertainty.

Composer: Iain Farrington

Innovative jazz arrangements of three carols originally created for a service of Jazz Carols at St Martin in the Fields, London by Will Todd. Rich harmonies serve to bring new expression to familiar Christmas material which is written for SATB voices and piano, with scope for optional congregational singing. Includes: Silent Night, Once in Royal David's City, Away in a Manger.

Arranger: Will Todd

A second set of innovative jazz arrangements of three carols originally created for a service of Jazz Carols at St Martin in the Fields, London by Will Todd. Rich harmonies serve to bring new expression to familiar Christmas material, written for SATB voices and piano, with scope for optional congregational/audience singing. Includes: We Three Kings, In the Bleak Midwinter, Personent Hodie.

Arranger: Will Todd

Devised as a choral Christmas waltz, this carol for unaccompanied mixed voices (no divisi) by Welsh composer Gareth Treseder is a jolly setting of a traditional text. The work is structured in the manner of a hymn that becomes increasingly complex via different vocal textures. The catchy melody is passed around each part of the choir and interweaving textures should offer a welcome contrast to the common homophonic textures of Christmas music. A sure audience-pleaser, this carol will also be very rewarding for the singers and will add a jovial twist to a Christmas concert of service.

Composer: Gareth Treseder

Composer: James MacMillan