This anthology of ten mixed-voice anthems by Alan Bullard combines new material written specially for the collection with established favourites from the Oxford catalogue, some of which appear here for the first time with SATB scoring.
Including the joyful Cantate Gloria and the beautiful From the break of the day, Alan Bullard Anthems contains an attractive selection of works suitable for a variety of liturgical seasons and will appeal to all mixed-voice choirs.
Alan Bullard (b.1947)
Alan Bullard was born in London, and studied with Herbert Howells at the Royal College of Music, and at Nottingham University. He enjoyed a successful career in music education, most recently as Head of Composition at Colchester Institute, and is currently an examiner for ABRSM. He now devotes most of his time to composing, editing, and arranging. His music unfailingly appeals to both performers and audiences; he has written for all kinds of choirs, with instrumental works for a variety of ensembles and orchestras. Alan is also a respected writer of music for examination syllabuses and educational albums. His major publications include the inspirational Oxford Book of Flexible Anthems and Oxford Book of Flexible Carols, Alan Bullard Carols, and Alan Bullard Anthems, and the three cantatas Wondrous Cross, O Come Emmanuel, and A Light in the Stable. He and his wife Janet also write the Pianoworks series for the older beginner.
"The composer clearly realizes that in church we need to learn music fairly quickly but that the music still needs to be of good quality. His well-crafted anthems have practical use. All are tuneful and accessible, yet reflect the mood of the words and shape of the poetry . . . The unaccompanied Cantate Gloria was written for an Association of British Choral Directors convention and first performed by the delegates. They would have enjoyed mastering the rhythmic patterns (actually very straightforward, once learned). This exciting setting would be a great encore at a Christmas concert. The whole anthology is highly recommended, for large or small choirs." - Gordon Appleton, Church Music Quarterly, June 2011
"If you are not familiar with the choral music of Alan Bullard, this is a wonderful introduction. He writes music that is delightful to learn and a pleasure for the listener. This collection contains ten anthems . . . all in wonderful settings that will hold your interest. Definitely worth considering for your choir." - Philip Brunelle, The American Organist, July 2012
"Bullard writes beautifully for voices. Take a look also at his [Alan Bullard] Anthems, as well as his [Alan Bullard] Carols - this is a composer whose settings are charming, not difficult, and well conceived!" - Philip Brunelle, American Guild of Organists Journal, Sept 13
"One-time pupil of Herbert Howells, Bullard shares a commitment with his erstwhile teacher to writing music for performance in church or liturgical contexts . . . Bullard's essential atmosphere is amiable, warm and unassuming, as is evidenced by the opening number, From the break of the day, with its graceful easy melody and satisfying changes of key . . . Yet each of the anthems is easily assimilable, and without breaking any boundaries, achieves its aims with charm and a good deal of natural lyricism. You rather get the sense that Bullard might be temperamentally disinclined to showbiz. Rather, he sees his role as quietly getting on with the vocation of writing music that people will want to sing and play on the everyday, as well as the special occasion." - Matthew Greenall, Classical Music, November 2010
"This is a beautifully produced volume of ten of Alan Bullard's anthems for mixed voices, and is an attractive addition to a music library. Bullard's writing always suits voices well . . . The difficulty levels are from easy to moderate, and these are lovely, expressive pieces." - Francis O'Gorman, Organists@ Review, February 2011
Contents:
From the break of the day
Sursum corda (Lift up your hearts)
Jesus Christ, we bow before thee
Let the people praise thee, O God
Hail the day that sees him rise
O Saviour of the world
Cantate Gloria
Prayer for Peace
God in Mine Eternity
We thank you, Lord
