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THIS SITE OFFERS SACRED CHORAL SHEET MUSIC IN A MIX OF STYLES.
All of the pieces are available for FREE DOWNLOAD. Some of the works, for instance "Missa Brevis," "Ubi Caritas," "Kyrie," "Sanctus," or "Agnus Dei," are intended to be used liturgically. Other works, such as "Trust in Me," "Communion," "Mainstream," "What A Wonderful World God Has Created," "Testimony," and "Amazing Grace," are a flavor of gospel jazz and would be more appropriately used in a concert or ministry (hey, just my opinion). A closer look at any of the pieces will help you to determine which piece is suited for your needs. Whatever the liturgical style, please know: we who serve Him in spirit and in truth, serve the same Lord. Soli Deo gloria! To God alone be the glory! You may download, copy, play, perform, or record (by both video or audio means) the pieces without limitations, save the following: The composer retains ownership of the works contained on this site. If use of one of the pieces is included as part of a commercial enterprise, a portion of the earnings shall be given as an offering to a church of your choosing. CLICK ON THE TITLE OF A PIECE or on DOWNLOAD / PRINT to view, download or print a score. (Free Adobe Acrobat Reader.) Click on LISTEN to hear an unedited MIDI mp3 of that piece. Vertical Divider
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The audio files are NOT a guide to interpretation as they are rather crude in that regard (though all the pitches ARE correct :>). Refer to the dynamic marks on the printed pdf file which you will download/print for tempi and dynamics.
I suggest you download both the audio and score versions of a given piece: performance practice has revealed that the occasional complexity of a piece may result in incorrect notes being played.
I suggest you download both the audio and score versions of a given piece: performance practice has revealed that the occasional complexity of a piece may result in incorrect notes being played.
Adoramus te, Christe (VERSION ONE) (SATB, a cappella)
DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN "Adoramus te, Christe" is a quietly intense work of sincere devotion to Jesus Christ which uses the latin text in a contemporary harmonic setting. Adoramus te, Christe (VERSION TWO) (SATB, a cappella) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN This brief meditation contains elements of a setting of "Adoramus te, Christe" by Palestrina which you may have sung. If you have ever sung Palestrina’s version, you will recognize the elements to which I allude: a cadential formula here, a rhythmic configuration there. Personally, I prefer this second version of "Adoramus te, Christe." Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) (SATB / Organ or Piano) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN Several things are accomplished in this setting of "Agnus Dei": it is simple enough so that any church choir can perform it; it is harmonically rich; and it gives the altos more to do than usual (alto lines can be tedious, at times). Amazing Grace (SATB, a cappella) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN A lusciously delicious a cappella arrangement of "Amazing Grace!" Of all of the hymns and songs of The Church, "Amazing Grace" may be the most universally well known. There are probably thousands upon thousands of arrangements, recordings, and transcriptions of the song. Well, here's one more! I think (I hope!) you will find some of the harmonic progressions quite beautiful. I never know where a piece is going to go when I engage in the creative process of composition. This one has been a pleasant surprise. To view the history of the song, click here. Ave Maria (SATB, a cappella) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN Whether your view of the text of "Ave Maria" is literary or devotional, it is hoped you will find this an honest, descriptive and even poignant setting. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (SATB, a cappella) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" is an ode to the generous gracious mercy of God. Mercy which is new every morning. A simple, yet challenging arrangement of this standard hymn. Scrupulously adhere to the dynamic markings to make this piece work. Communion (The Cream and the Dregs) (SATB / male or female solo / piano) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN This is the second version of this piece. A piano part has been added which features some low, walking-bass work. "Communion" is a thoughtful reflection on the all encompassing love of Christ--love which confounds barriers of economic class, race, the past, or excuse. The Coventry Carol (SATB / a cappella) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN I have not strayed too far from the well known harmonization of this beloved Christmas carol. Some drama has been injected while the simplicity is retained. Gloria (SATB / Organ) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN "Gloria" is an upbeat setting of this standard portion of the ordinary of the mass that exhibits the unbound joy of a people filled with the Holy Spirit(!) (well, it should, anyway). In this revised version the liturgical Latin text replaces the former English translation. I have attempted to make it more melodically user-friendly for the congregation, as well. That being said, this movement of the Missa brevis probably functions better as a performance piece rather than liturgically. To download the congregational part, click here. The congregational parts contain all of the sections of the Missa Brevis which is also available, below. How Rich Are the Depths of God (SATB / Organ / Soprano Solo) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN This sweeping anthem, taken directly from Romans 11:33-36, celebrates the mystery and wisdom of God. Ite Missa Est (SATB / Piano and/or Organ) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN How many versions of "Ite missa est" have you encountered in your lifetime? One or two? Maybe none? Personally, I think I ran across a setting once and don't even recall who the composer was. Be that as it may, what can you express to God, except, "thank You."(?) Thank You for dying for us, thank You for living for us, thank you for filling us with Your life--the Holy Spirit--and, thank you for giving us eternal life! Thank You(!), Jesus. A bit of a concept piece inspired by a short tenure as a sub at St. John's Episcopal in L.A. Jesu dulcis memoria / Jesus the Very Thought of Thee (SATB / Organ or Piano) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN One of the earliest memories I have from the days immediately after accepting the Lord is of the plainsong melody, "Jesu dulcis memoria." Even though I had no idea at the time what the Latin words meant, I was haunted by a sense of the longing in the plainsong melody. This melody is used in juxtaposition with "Jesus the Very Thought of Thee": the entire serving as a meditation on the unity/diversity of the Body of Christ. Kyrie (SATB / Cantor / Congregation / Organ) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN This piece is inspired by a Lenten mass of Russian origin that we sang regularly at the parish church I used to attend. Probably doesn't sound very Russian, though. Kyrie (Solo or Unison Choir / Piano or Organ) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN This setting of the opening penitential element from the mass employs a somber, descending ostinato. The piece may be sung by a solo vocalist or by unison chorus while being accompanied by either organ or piano. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (SATB, a cappella) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN An original adaptation of the text from the Liturgy of St. James of the 5th century. Excellent as an opening for Christmas Eve liturgy. Vertical Divider
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Litany of the Saints (chant)
DOWNLOAD / PRINT I couldn't find a version in the public domain, so I created one. You're welcome to it. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (SATB, a cappella) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN An original, sweet harmonization of this beloved Christmas carol. Lord, Have Mercy (SATB, a cappella) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN An a cappella piece that proceeds using increasing harmonic complexity to build upon the simple ostinato bass. Could be used as the "Kyrie," but that is not the original concept. The Lord's Prayer (SATB/a cappella) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN "The Lord's Prayer" utilizes a chant melody which will be familiar to many who have grown up in or experienced the Roman Catholic liturgy. This ancient melody is supported by richly colored harmonies. The Lord's Prayer (Solo Soprano or Tenor / Classic Guitar) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN This is a completely different version of the Lord's prayer than the choral version, above. This version is for solo high voice (soprano or tenor) and uses entirely different thematic material. Lush, warm harmonies predominate this solo offering of the Lord's prayer. Mainstream (SATB / Piano) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN Challenges the listener to assess his or her own disposition toward Jesus. An upbeat tune which incorporates the gospel classic "There's Power in the Blood." A fun one for the piano player, too! The piano part is easier than would appear at first glance. Missa Brevis (Cantor / SATB Choir (a cappella and accompanied) / Congregation / Organ) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN This mass is comprised partially of some of the standalone pieces from the Ordinary of the Mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus) which also appear on this page, as well as a newly written harmonization of the Agnus Dei chant. A liturgical Latin text replaces the former English translation. I have attempted to make it more melodically user-friendly for the congregation, as well. That being said, this movement of the Missa brevis probably functions better as a performance piece rather than liturgically. Give it a shot, though, and let me know how it goes. Other than the Credo, the only portions of the Ordinary of the Mass not set are the Acclamation of Faith and Great Amen. Two pages of the Missa Brevis download consist of the congregation's part provided as a teaching aid which can be printed to both the front and back of a standard 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper. O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden ("Oh, Sacred Head") (SATB, a cappella) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN A harmonization of the well-known Hans Leo Hassler passion chorale melody. This piece would be effective when sung during the Good Friday reading of the Passion According to the Gospel of John at the point where the scripture reads: "He gave up His Spirit." Prayer to the Holy Trinity: A Hymn (SATB, a cappella) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN A simple, sincere prayer to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Set to the hymn tune, "Prayermore" (I made that up) in classic hymn style in what is hoped is a beautiful harmonic arrangement. To my ears, a tempo of 80 beats-per-minute works well. My wife and I attended a hymn-sing during which our leader told us that Charles Wesley (English leader of the Methodist movement) composed a staggering 6,000 hymns during his life. I was inspired. There arose within me both words and melody to a portion of this hymn. My wife urged me to write it down immediately, which I did. So, now I have written a total of 1. Sanctus (Mass XVIII) (SATB / a cappella) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth! The hosts of Heaven declare Thy Glory! I encourage you, Sir, or Madam Director: be expressive. This setting of the "Sanctus" is entirely appropriate for liturgical use. Testimony (SATB / Piano) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN "Testimony" is an intimate look at one man's journey (mine) toward, and discovery of, God, vis a vis, Jesus. Holds universal appeal for any who have been through struggles and have come out stronger, wiser and free on the other side. Trust in Me (SATB / low-voice (male or female) solo / Piano) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN I would like to be able to report to you that the text of this piece is a result of the Holy Spirit speaking directly to my heart. It isn't. The lyrics are a result of deliberate creative processes combined with instances of inspiration. My hope is that God will honor my writing by speaking to the hearts of the listener. If you download no other piece, download "Trust in Me." As is the case with several of the works presented here, "Trust in Me" was originally a song that has been expanded into choral form. "Trust in Me" is a prophetic, soulful gospel ballad that gently offers a message of hope. May God speak to the hearts of your listeners! Add an upright bass or bass guitar and drums, and you've got something goin'! Ubi Caritas (SATB, a cappella) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN A little chant, a little organum, a little faux bourdon--and more! This harmonization takes some unexpected twists and turns which you may find appealing. What a Wonderful World God Has Created (SATB / Piano) DOWNLOAD / PRINT LISTEN Yes, He has, hasn't He? But if we don't listen to His still, small voice, we are going to miss it all! This rhythmic, gospel-style selection deals with the provocative notion of God speaking directly to the hearts of humans (uhm. . ., that would be you.) |