The Ivy and the Holly

14 Contemporary Carols

Vocal score

Forces or Category: SATB unaccompanied & with organ

New Horizons

Includes composers' notes, liturgical table, and translations
Carols in a variety of styles and sonorities

The Ivy and the Holly

14 Contemporary Carols

Vocal score

Oxford

Description

The Ivy and the Holly is a superb collection of carols and motets for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany by contemporary composers. Scored for mixed voices - a cappella and with organ - the anthology embraces a range of styles and sonorities. Here are plainchant lines, lilting melodies, and overlapping phrases; lively, energetic settings and soft, reflective ones; dancing rhythms and rich, sumptuous harmonies. Encompassing a variety of texts, with settings of medieval English verse and biblical passages alongside poems by celebrated writers, this collection will be welcomed by concert and church choirs alike.

The Ivy and the Holly

14 Contemporary Carols

Vocal score

Oxford

New Horizons

Kerry Andrew: The Contest of the Ivy and the Holly
Basil Athanasiadis: Antiphon to Mary
Alan Bullard: And all the stars looked down
Richard Causton: Cradle Song
Bob Chilcott: The Shepherd's Carol
Michael Finnissy: Telling
Gabriel Jackson: The Magi
Cecilia McDowall: Now may we singen
Terry Mann: Gabriel fram Hevene-King
Joseph Phibbs: St Margaret's Carol
Francis Pott: Mary's Carol
John Rutter: Dormi, Jesu
Howard Skempton: Rejoice, rejoice
Andrew Smith: Veni, redemptor gentium

The Ivy and the Holly

14 Contemporary Carols

Vocal score

Oxford

New Horizons

Reviews and Awards

"This splendid anthology covers a remarkably wide spectrum of composers . . . Yet all are united in being true carols with a simplicity at their core, however sophisticated the treatments." - Stephen Patterson, Church Music Quarterly, December 08

"Don't be put off by the title - there's a lot that's very accessible here, though also plenty that will stretch your choir. There's inspiratioin by the yard . . . It's also a good and unscary introduction to a number of composers' oeuvres . . . There's plenty here to serve several years of carol services and more than enough interest to warrant buying copies for your choir. The edition provides helpful notes and translations/transliterations." - Jonathan Wikeley, Music Teacher, Sept 09

"Some beautiful and imaginative settings of familiar texts." - Sue Anderson, Singing Summer 09