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 forcefully dramatic tenor recitative, movement 27 of Handel's Messiah. Only a minute in length, it can also be performed by a soprano soloist.
Bbm
A quiet, simple solo for tenor (or soprano), movement 30 of the Messiah is under two minutes long, and labeled an "arioso" (little aria) by Handel. The lyrics speak of Christ's sorrow, and tempos follow the London Philharmonic Orchestra recording.
Em
Movement 33 of Handel's Messiah is celebratory and challenging, with a strong Amen ending, a great choral work for Christmas or other holidays. This SATB (and at times, SSATB) chorus that features strong unison rhythms alternating with quiet fugal sections. Full orchestra accompaniment that follows Handel's original score.
F
An exciting aria for bass soloist, movement 40 of the Messiah. Furiously bowing strings mirror the nations and kings in the lyrics, which "furiously rage together".
C
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
The massive final movement of Handel's Messiah, scored for SATB chorus and full orchestra, includes unison rhythm choruses, four part fugal sections, a big ending, and a four-minute Amen section that could be considered a separate movement. Trumpets and kettledrums boost the energy of this truly grand finale.
D
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 soft, solemn orchestral karaoke arrangement of the military "lights out" bugle call. Often sung at military funerals, or on Memorial Day, to honor fallen soldiers. Prominently features strings, harp, and trumpet. Instrumental verse out front, and then three verses for singing.
C F Bb
A beautiful and well-known soprano aria from Bach's Hunting Cantata that sets a gentle, peaceful mood. Recorded here from Bach's original score with two flutes, solo cello, and harpsichord. This version is intended as a backing track for a soloist. For a complete instrumental version that includes the melody on violin, see track 1303.
Bb C G
An bouncy acoustic version, featuring acoustic guitars, piano, fiddle, bass, and percussion. Fun for children and adults too! Six verses.
C D A
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
Arrangement of the classic hymn Silent Night for string quartet and accoustic guitar. Three verses, with 8-bar interludes between each verse. Time signature 3/4, moderate tempo. Quicktime Karaoke Video download also available (Item ID 1162).
A Bb B C Db D Eb E
Contemporary arrangement of the Christmas hymn. Features a mellow percussion groove using tablas, shakers, and congas, layered with piano and guitar.
F Gb G A Ab Bb Db D Eb C E
