This soprano recitative comprises movements 14 and 15 of Handel's Messiah. It tells of the angel of God appearing to the shepherds. Very slow and rubato, with timings carefully matched to the London Philharmonic Orchestra recording.
C
Movement 17 from Handel's Messiah, this is a joyous SATB chorus, complete with trumpets, woodwinds, strings, and harpsichord. The text of "peace on Earth, goodwill towards men" is perfect for Christmas. Orchestral direction reflects the London Philharmonic Orchestra recording. Includes mvmnt. 16 (an 8-measure soprano recitative) as an introduction.
D
Movement 20 in Handel's Messiah is a gentle, flowing double aria for alto and soprano. The text describes how Jesus will protect his people. The alto sings the first half in F, and then the soprano takes over in Bb for the second half. Simple and beautiful. Could be done by one singer with a large range, but really perfect to feature two.
F
An exciting rendition of the American patriotic song by Irving Berlin. Full orchestra with a patriotic marching flavor, led in by gospel piano. Two verses, with the second modulating up a half step. Perfect for Labor Day, July 4th, Memorial Day, etc.
F Eb Ab
A dramatic orchestral rendition of the USA's most thoughtful and beautiful patriotic song, alternately somber, strong, and full of national pride. Easy arrangement to sing along with. Includes two verses, with the usual stretching of the last phrase at the very end.
Ab F C
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 bounding, joyous SATB chorus, movement 26 of Handel's Messiah. Ends with a slow quiet coda. Orchestral direction follows the London Philharmonic recording.
F
A country version of the classic hymn, with acoustic guitar, upright bass, piano, dobro, and drumset.
F A Eb
The Spiritrax.com Christmas Collection Vol. 1 includes 12 of our most popular Christmas songs in their most commonly sung keys. Each accompaniment background track comes with sheet music and a demonstration version.
A Spiritrax.com original contemporary praise band worship song about singing God's praises. Main themes include grace, freedom, love, praise.
G
A contemporary praise band arrangement of the classic hymn, featuring acoustic guitar, drums, bass, and hammond organ. Great uplifting hymn about love, peace, equality, and community in Christ. Great for Easter, too!
F Bb D
A slow, deliberate tenor recitative, movement 25 of Handel's Messiah, describing Christ's sorrow at being abandoned to his fate. String orchestra with harp and harpsichord, matching Handel's original score.
B
An ambient contemporary version of the classic Christmas carol. The sound of whistling wind brings out the cold, dark quality of this minor key carol, and an eclectic group of instruments (bass, piano, guitar, synthesizers, strings, and a variety of percussion) provide an easy background to sing over.
Am Cm Fm
A forceful, exciting aria for tenor, with lyrics describing God's wrath towards those who work against him. Orchestral direction follows the London Philharmonic recording. Movement 43 of Handel's Messiah, this aria occurs immediately before the famed Hallelujah Chorus.
Am
A majestic, triumphant aria for bass, featuring solo trumpet and full orchestral accompaniment. Movement 48 of Handel's Messiah, it speaks of the end of the world: how the dead will be raised, and the mortal will become immortal. Quite lengthy, as practically the entire four-minute aria is repeated after a short interlude.
D
