Arrangements of congregational hymns, songs and carols

These arrangements of established traditional hymns and "worship songs" are ideal for congregational use, led by the appropriate instrumentalists or singers. See also the descants.

They were made for our own small choir and music-group of amateur singers for leading our congregation. I have tried to ensure that the lines flow melodically, that entries are easy to pitch, and that they are not only well within range but also have comfortable tessitura.

The styles vary widely. Almost all the material would be ideal for both traditional and modern churches wishing to "bridge the gap" with minimal suspicion and alienation.

Of the Christmas carols many, now associated with organ and choir, started life as earlier folk-based tunes. So it seems legitimate, indeed meet and right, to reclaim them from choral exile, returning them home to the music-group succession of West Gallery tradition.


Title Occasion Score Audio Comments
All creatures of our God and King Creation PDF MP3 Last verse re-harmonisation for organ or piano.
Angels from the realms of glory Christmas PDF MIDI Traditional tune, recast in a lively 4/4 or 12/8 music-group setting. Optional backing vocals.
Be thou my vision (Slane)   PDF MIDI A most effective three-part reduction of this traditional tune.
Come, thou Redeemer of the earth Advent, Christmas PDF MP3 Straightforward SATB version with optional choral Amen.
Come, thou Redeemer of the earth Advent, Christmas PDF MP3 A through-composed processional arrangement, incorporating SATB version (above).
God rest you merry, gentlemen Christmas PDF MP3 Music-group arrangement: lively, with backing vocals (descants).
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord   PDF MIDI Unaccompanied four-part arrangement of this popular worship song for reflective leading.
Holy, holy, holy; my heart, my heart adores you Communion PDF MIDI An exquisitely simple song from Argentina, here in four-part arrangement.
In the bleak midwinter (Cranham) Christmas, Epiphany PDF MIDI Music-group arrangement; optional backing vocals and clarinet part.
It came upon the midnight clear Christmas PDF MIDI Music-group arrangement; optional backing vocals.
On Christmas night all Christians sing (Sussex carol) Christmas PDF MIDI Music-group arrangement; backing vocals. Text carefully made inclusive.
The first Nowell Christmas PDF MIDI Music-group arrangement; backing vocals; optional solo instrument (e.g. flute).
Thine be the glory (Maccabeus) Easter, general PDF (D)
PDF (E♭)
MP3 (D)
MP3 (E♭)
Music-group arrangement in driving "straight eight" rhythm.