It all began with the idea one morning that the "other tune" for Nahum Tate's carol "While shepherds watched" is, of course, the Yorkshire ditty "On Ilkley moor bar t'hat". Well, as the day progressed to afternoon, other tunes got added, resulting in ...  moreIt all began with the idea one morning that the "other tune" for Nahum Tate's carol "While shepherds watched" is, of course, the Yorkshire ditty "On Ilkley moor bar t'hat". Well, as the day progressed to afternoon, other tunes got added, resulting in a curious potpourri for Choir and piano. The Choir gets to sing "On Ilkla Moor", the Este psalter tune known to all, and also Auld Lang Syne. The second voice, in its madrigalian way, gets a sly English cadence!. Meanwhile, the piano also gets some sly references to "Sing a song of sixpence" and "Scotland the brave". I sang it in G (ATBB) on this video, to fit my multitrack range, but mixed Choir versions are also available on musicaneo: in C (SATB) (fairly high for the sopranos) http://www.musicaneo.com/sheetmusic/sm-196257_while_shepherds_watched_-_in_various_melodies.html#196258 and in Bflat (SATB) (fairly low for the basses) http://www.musicaneo.com/sheetmusic/sm-196257_while_shepherds_watched_-_in_various_melodies.html#196257  less

This chant, harmonized beautifully by Swedish composer Oswald Jaeggi, was recorded in November of 2019 before the pandemic. It is a reminder of the peace that prayer and beauty can provide. Mater Dei, ora pro nobis! Translation Refrain: Hail, Mother o...  moreThis chant, harmonized beautifully by Swedish composer Oswald Jaeggi, was recorded in November of 2019 before the pandemic. It is a reminder of the peace that prayer and beauty can provide. Mater Dei, ora pro nobis! Translation Refrain: Hail, Mother of mercy, Mother of God, and Mother of pardon, Mother of hope, and Mother of grace, Mother full of holy joy, O Mary! 1. Hail, honor of mankind; hail, Virgin worthier than others, who surpass all virgins and in heaven occupy the highest seat of honor, O Mary! 2. Hail, happy child-bearing Mother, for He Who sits at the right hand of the Father, ruling heaven, earth, and sky, didst enclose Himself within Thy womb, O Mary!  less

For those of you who missed the cahnce to hear Albion on Meet the Choir on Radio 3, Sunday afternoon Choir programme with Sara Mohr-Pietsch there is a second chance on Sunday 5th July. Don't say you have not been warned - chance to catch up with a litt...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Sometimes in a small group there is just one person out of step with everyone else.   Photo by Trish Steel   In a large Choir, it&rsq...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   This post is part of a series of occasional Questions and Answers. Just use the contact form if you want to submit a question.     Lind...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Last week I wrote about how, as a singer, you can pace yourself in Choir rehearsals and singing workshops.     This week I want to con...

We have a passion for choral music and Choir members

Video by Tim Limberger of Derbyshire Community Male Voice Choir's Annual Charity Concert at St Nicholas church Derby April 6th 2019.

Prima Choir Bulgaria Pomorie

Zumbro Lutheran Choir Tour Concert. Zumbro invited us to be their special guests at their Central London concert.