[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Choir leaders often ask me where I source my songs. I’ve written about this in previous posts: Finding songs for your choir and Easy songs for ...

An a cappella setting for SATB choir of French poet Theophile Gautier's text. written by Canadian composer Jeff Smallman. Please leave a comment.

Our SAB Mag and Nunc Canticles (which were written for a UK Midlands Church Choir) are proving very popular because (a) they are appealing both to performer and listener; (b) SAB Canticles are seemingly rare and (c) they are available as a PDF download as...

Co-cheòl, performing In This Heart (written by Sinead O'Connor) at the A Cappella State Championships at Deakin Edge Theatre, Federation Square, Melbourne on 16/5/14.

In its 26 years, The VOCAL Octet has brought polyphonic a-cappella singing in Israel to a fine art. The ensemble has a fascinating and diverse repertoire, most of which is original arrangements written by its members, some with humorous texts. The differe...  moreIn its 26 years, The VOCAL Octet has brought polyphonic a-cappella singing in Israel to a fine art. The ensemble has a fascinating and diverse repertoire, most of which is original arrangements written by its members, some with humorous texts. The different programs also consist of traditional a-cappella arrangements. Among our different programs there are "Misa Criolla" with an authentic South American band; "Le Bouquet de Swing", rich harmonies and jumpy rhythms, well known jazz standards and new arrangements to pop songs; "American Harmony", in which the Israel Chamber Orchestra joins the octet in an American themed program; and our new program, Sgt. Pepper and the Fabulous Four. The VOCAL Octet has collaborated with Israel’s top musicians, and has performed with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Israel Chamber Orchestra, Israel Borochov & East-West Ensemble, composers Sasha Argov, Yoni Rechter and Menachem ...    less

Short motet written for an Icelandic choir

"O Fortuna" is a medieval Latin Goliardic poem written early in the 13th century, part of the collection known as the Carmina Burana. It is a complaint about Fortuna, the inexorable fate that rules both gods and men in Roman and Greek mythology.

[This article is a summary of a series that was first posted on my blog Chorus of aproval] Step 1 - Write it! A friend and I have written a Christmas song for choir. It all started from a throw away comment by a choir member just befor...

To celebrate the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton on 29th April 2011 international award winning a cappella group VOCES8 recorded a commemorative single. 'This Marriage' is written by Ed Rex and is a setting of text by the 1...  moreTo celebrate the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton on 29th April 2011 international award winning a cappella group VOCES8 recorded a commemorative single. 'This Marriage' is written by Ed Rex and is a setting of text by the 13th-Century poet Rumi, in which blessings are wished on the married couple.  

This piece was written as a little “thank you” to el Coro de Cámara del Instituto French de Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, and their conductor, Marcelo Valva. The choir had recently given the first South American (and second overall) performance of my “Al...  moreThis piece was written as a little “thank you” to el Coro de Cámara del Instituto French de Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, and their conductor, Marcelo Valva. The choir had recently given the first South American (and second overall) performance of my “Alleluia! O virga mediatrix”. Along the way I'd been chatting with a choir member about Pope Francis' Argentine heritage – a setting of text from an Argentine translation of the Bible seemed especially fitting. I'm happy to share the sheet music free of charge – please contact me for the PDF. • Facebook: david.basden.9 • New email: deebee123 [at] bigpond.com  less