Discover the right music for your choir with help from the Choral Review Service. Highlighting songs of varying difficulty, instrumentation and style, the Choral Review Service will introduce you to inspiring, seasonal choral works from respected liturgical composers three times per year. Below are just a few examples of the music within the Winter 2024 packet with titles for general use and Ordinary Time, plus a detailed description and insight on how to use each piece.
Señor, Quiero Servirte/My Lord, I Want to Serve You
Santiago Fernández / Eng. tr. by Sarah Hart
Difficulty level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: SAB Choir
Instrumentation: Keyboard, Guitar, Assembly
This song of surrender—the abandonment of one’s self to the will of God—has been a beloved part of the Hispanic repertoire for years; this edition features a new English translation by Sarah Hart, which should broaden its appeal to an even wider audience. Because its lyrics emphasize discipleship, with a special emphasis on the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the song is appropriate for Masses with themes of giving thanks, like quinceaños celebrations.
For I Am Wonderfully Made
Christian Cosas
Difficulty level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: Two-part Choir
Instrumentation: Keyboard, Guitar, Assembly
This song, written for young people, is based on Psalm 139. It is delightfully arranged for two-part choir, keyboard, and guitar, engaging with topics of Christian life, comfort, faith, truth, and the love of God for us. The island feel of the Caribbean rhythms will be sure to draw the children of all ages into the music. Expressive portamento is a fun feature!
The Table of the Lord
Dana Catherine and Sarah Hart
Difficulty level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: SATB Choir
Instrumentation: Piano, Guitar, Assembly
A finalist for the 2024 ACP Song of the Year, this anthemic contemporary crossover song is sure to appeal to many different parishes. The largely pentatonic melody is reminiscent of Appalachian folksong and will seem instantly familiar, even upon first hearing. Its stately, soaring refrain is a fitting contrast to the more speech-like repeated dotted rhythms of the four verses (simpler two-part harmony).
Light of Pure Creation
Ephrem Feeley and Janine Applegate
Difficulty level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: SAB Choir, Descant
Instrumentation: Piano, Guitar, Clarinet in Bb, Assembly
This luscious setting employs constant harmonic extensions to highlight the beauty of Applegate’s text encouraging us to let God use us to serve his people. Scored for SAB choir, descant, piano, guitar, and B-flat clarinet, it serves as a lovely reminder of our true purpose in life.
We Sing of a Love
Anne Quigley
Difficulty level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: SATB Choir, Descant
Instrumentation: Keyboard, Guitar, Solo Instruments I & II in C, Assembly
Perfect for weddings, and appropriate for any celebration reflecting on love, this song extolls its power and virtues, and how it connects us to one another and to God. Your assembly and choir will sing out in confidence with the exuberant melody and straightforward, diatonic harmonies. Varying choral textures and an ever-changing keyboard accompaniment to the refrain and five verses maintain interest over the entire song.
Through Whom All Things Were Made
Ephrem Feeley and Janine Applegate
Difficulty level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: SAB Choir, Descant
Instrumentation: Piano, Guitar, Clarinet in Bb, Assembly
This luscious setting employs constant harmonic extensions to highlight the beauty of Applegate’s text encouraging us to let God use us to serve his people. Scored for SAB choir, descant, piano, guitar, and B-flat clarinet, it serves as a lovely reminder of our true purpose in life.
Explore more music from this season's edition
Choral Review Service
These songs can be found in Choral Packet 110 from the Choral Review Service. Offering music for traditional and contemporary choirs, children’s voices and intercultural ensembles, the Choral Review Service is the best way to find something new for your choir and community.