A slow, moving aria for alto, Movement 23 of Handel's Messiah, describing Christ's sorrows. Strings gently weep in the accompaniment. As the A section is over five minutes in length, Handel's instructions to continue with a bridge and then repeat the A section in its entirety are rarely followed. This recording ends, like most, at the end of the A section; the bridge is available separately as Spiritrax 1209, "He Gave His Back to the Smiters".
Eb
A very brief accompanied recitative from Handel's Messiah for tenor (or soprano). Only 30 seconds long, movement 31 forms a bridge between two short tenor arias, "Behold, and See if There Be Any Sorrow" and "But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul in Hell", so a recital soloist might perform all three as a set. Very slow and rubato, with tempos following the London Philharmonic recording with Walter Susskind conducting.
E
A contemporary arrangement of this Easter hymn, featuring guitars, organ, piano, bass, and drums. Direct, easy-to-understand lyrics and an easy melody to sing make this a great choice for a large Easter service.
D A F
A quiet, contemplative jazz quartet arrangement of the french folk tune, featuring piano, bass, brushes, and a mellow jazz guitar. Original text by Jean de Brebeuf, this Christmas hymn celebrates the birth of the king on a cold winter night. Great for Christmas Eve services and Xmas worship. Three verses, each with a refrain, and an extra refrain at the end.
Gm Cm Dm Em
A contemporary arrangement of the classic hymn Rock of Ages, with a slightly jazzy and pop infused sound. Features piano and acoustic guitar with bass and drums and light synths. Originally by Augustus Toplady, the setting was first written by Thomas Hastings in 1830. This arrangement features 4 verses.
Bb D G
Wintery and flowing, this full and lush orchestral arrangement of the Christmas hymn The Bells of Christmas will transport your congregation or audience back to the manger where Jesus was born. Features full orchestra, bells, and strings for an unforgettable Christmas eve hymn. Three verses.
Eb F Ab C
