Inspired by the tragic events in Aleppo, Syria, this is a sombre work for strings and bells.

Aleppo

Inspired by the many adaptations of the William Shakespeare play published in 1597. Especially enjoyed the Romeo + Juliet (1996) film directed by Baz Luhrman, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Clare Danes. The 1968 Franco Zeffirelli film, starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey is also superb.

Romeo And Juliet

The New Moon

Weep No More By David N  Childs

The Moon Is Distant From The Sea - David N. Childs

Clouds is based upon a simple melody (mostly in unison) with an added descant in the final section. There is the option for a little humorous moment (using a play-on-words), where the choir stops to whisper to each other. Your audience and singers alike will enjoy this charming and capricious piece!

Clouds (for two-part treble choir and piano)

A simple opening piano accompaniment (reminiscent of Childs’ Song of Ruth) begins this very accessible work, composed for CODA Concerts, New York. Choirs ranging from high school to community at large will enjoy the depth of meaning of the text. The piano accompaniment provides an additional voice.

There Is A Pleasure (for SATB choir and piano)

La Monja Blanca is a flower found in a small part of Guatemala, and is also called the ‘adorable white nun’. This simple, mostly homophonic work, features a tenor soloist for the middle section, and is nostalgic throughout. Suitable for all choirs.

La Monja Blanca (for SATB a cappella chorus)

Based on the very familiar anonymous Middle English poem, this version of Adam Lay Ybounden has energy from beginning to end, with a concluding ‘Deo gracias!’ Suitable for most church and high school/college choirs.

Adam Lay Ybounden (for SATB choir, a cappella)

A Robe of Spotless Snow is a simple but engaging anthem for Christmas, which will appeal to all ages and levels of singer. There is nothing complicated about the work, and if you have a harpist on hand, the accompaniment is very accessible for that instrument.

A Robe Of Spotless Snow (for SATB choir and harp or piano)

Gloria begins very simply with a tenor soloist singing a brief chant-like melody, before handing over the reins to the sopranos, then the altos, and finally the full choir. The work builds to a climax, before transitioning to a more sombre and serene middle section. It then concludes with the opening soprano and alto melody. This piece is sure to please!

Gloria (for SATB a cappella choir)

Make a Joyful Noise employs mixed meter in the opening and closing sections, which sandwich a slower, poignant middle section. Upbeat and spirited, this piece will enliven your audience or congregation. The text is based on Psalms 100 and 150.

Make A Joyful Noise (for SATB a cappella choir)

Composed for high school singers as a commission by CODA Concerts, New York, this piece will appeal to all ages. Typical Childs melodies gently weave throughout this beautiful work set to the poem of Rumi. The refrain ‘My heart is a pen in your hand’ provides for a change in tempo.

Write On My Heart (for SATB choir and piano)

Commissioned by St. Mary’s International School, Tokyo, this powerful work will strike the singers and audience to the core. The text is based on the Manyoshu collection, and depicts two individuals separated (in this instance by physical death), who yearn for each other. Based on actual events surrounding the disappearance and tragic murder of a young woman. Chime tree and vocal wind effects (or wind machine) are employed at the beginning and conclusion of this piece.

Aitai (for SATB choir, two soprano soloists, and piano)

An extended work (9 minutes) for SATB, strings, harp, timpani, two soloists, and handbells. Based on the texts of WWI poets, this was composed for the 100 anniversary of the WWI Armistice.

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