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
This well-known soprano aria is movement 52 of the Messiah. Follows Handel's original orchestral score. A beautiful number for solo performance.
Gm
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 stirring arrangement of the USA's national anthem. Natural slowing at the end gives a singer room to show their stuff. Full orchestra captures the drama of the words, with strings and harp in the quieter sections, adding horns and winds as it builds energy, and climaxing with trumpets and marching drums.
Bb G C Ab F
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
This quiet alto aria about Christ's generosity towards his abusers is the B section of movement 23 of the Messiah. It was recorded separately so that it can be used alone, as a short and simple aria, or as a bridge to "He Was Despised" (Spiritrax 1208) as per Handel's original instructions.
Cm
A powerful, strong SATB choral work, movement 24 of Handel's Messiah. In only 19 measures, the choir sings powerful unison rhythms, soft contrapuntal entrances, and a forceful antiphonal ending. Beautiful and recognizable.
Fm
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 contemplative arrangement for Viola, Piano, and acoustic bass of the traditional high holy day song Kol Nidre. Instrumental intro, followed by one time through the song, and a tag instrumental ending. Kol Nidre means "All Vows" and is a flat statement that no promise of any kind will be kept for the coming year. Note, this arrangement is a shortened version of the full prayer, and is designed to allow for cantorial singing prior to chanting or speaking the full prayer -- an effective High Holiday congregational technique.
Abm Fm Cm
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
