A dramatic SATB chorus, movement 46 of Handel's Messiah. Extremely slow and quiet sections describing death alternate with loud, upbeat sections describing resurrection. For this recording, organ quietly doubles the vocal parts in the a capella sections.
Am
A flowing duet for alto and tenor leads into a glorious SATB chorus thanking God. This track comprises movements 50 and 51 of the Messiah. Orchestral accompaniment is from Handel's original score.
Eb
A gentle, uplifting folk/classical version of this common Thanksgiving hymn. Cat Stevens used the same melody for his well-known song "Morning has Broken". Acoustic guitars, piano, string orchestra, and percussion. Four verses.
Bb C G
A light orchestral arrangement of the classic carol. Bells, celesta, and pizzicato strings give it a traditional Christmas ambience. Perfect for children's concerts. Three verses.
F D Ab
A contemporary version of this hymn about drawing strength from Jesus, with guitars, piano, and rhythm section. Uplifting and relaxed, perfect for Lent and Ash Wednesday services.
D F Ab
Sometimes used with children on Ash Wednesday because of the "ashes" in the lyrics, this is a light orchestral version of the traditional game. Brief introduction and interlude gives the kids time to get into position, and several repeats make it just long enough for a little performance.
C Bb D
A gentle orchestral arrangement of this classic Lent hymn. Soft strings, woodwinds, and horns anchor the simple melody and make it easy to sing.
F D A
A rollicking country gospel version of the old spiritual, with twangy guitars, honky-tonk piano, upright bass, and a train rhythm on the drums. Six upbeat verses, fun for children or adults.
G C E
A New Orleans brass band plays a joyous dixieland accompaniment track to this iconic spiritual. Upbeat and danceable, with a slow introduction and ending. Trumpet, trombone, clarinet, banjo, tuba and four marching drummers. Four verses.
C Eb A
A traditional solo piano accompaniment to the classic gospel hymn. Great for either a soloist or choir, and the verses have built-in call and response sections too. The pianist plays stride left hand during the choruses, often in a ragtime style.
C Eb G
A Spanish-inflected version of this popular Jewish hymn, featuring acoustic guitars, bass, piano, and drums. The lyrics translate as, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity." Mysterious and minor in tone, the two guitars evoke the sound of Ladino hymns and Sephardic Judaism.
Dm Fm Am
Movement 10 of Bach's Cantata 147, this famous hymn tune has one of the most beautiful orchestral accompaniments ever written. Recorded from Bach's original scoring for SATB chorus, full string orchestra, solo oboe, and solo trumpet. Intended as a sing-along track for SATB choirs performing this Cantata movement.
G
A dramatic orchestral backing track to the famous Christmas carol. Plenty of ringing bells and chimes create a shimmering Christmas spirit. Three verses with short interludes between then.
C G Eb
A contemporary orchestral accompaniment to this carol about charity and blessing the poor. Three verses, with the third verse up a step for dramatic emphasis. Thick orchestral writing combines with a pop rhythm section for a glorious Christmas ambience.
F C A
Made famous by Nat King Cole and Mel Torme, this is a classic orchestral arrangement, perfect for soloists. Lush, jazzy, and full of Christmas spirit. Used by permission.
C
