Mark Keane

The Oxford Book of Upper-Voice Polyphony is a collection of carefully curated and edited Renaissance works. Scholarly yet practical, this volume is an invaluable addition to the library of any choir l...

Palestrina's setting of the Marian motet Alma Redemptoris Mater seamlessly interweaves each of the four independent voices based on the solemn tone of the corresponding chant. Offprinted from The Oxfo...

In this compelling motet for the Feast of the Holy Trinity, Handl artfully embodies symbolism of the Trinity within the motet's structure. The three verses surrounded by a refrain of 'O beata Trinitas...

This motet in two parts is devotional in character, with each section opening with homophonic writing before elaborating on close imitative polyphonic lines. The motet demonstrates a mature writing st...

Consisting of two sections, this large-scale Christmas motet opens with a rich homophonic texture that is synonymous with Victoria's compositions. This is followed by imitation in the vocal lines befo...

This Marian text for Eastertide, Regina caeli, was set four times by Morales. This setting for four voices was first published in the Spanish composer's 1543 collection and notated in high clefs. The...

Recent scholarship postulates that this anonymous motet for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was in fact written by Leonora d'Este, daughter of Duke Alfonso I and Lucrezia Borgia...

The opening of this motet displays Massaino's skill in the art of word-painting with soaring lines that play on the word 'arise' (Surge). Punctuated with occasional homophonic writing, the beautiful m...

Clemens composed two settings of the Marian text Ego flos campi, one scored for mixed choir of seven voices and this other, more intimate, setting for three voices. Here the voices weave beautiful cou...

This simple, charming two-part motet features long melismatic phrases that reflect the text (1 Corinthians 2: 9), such as the rising melodic line over three bars on the word 'ascended' (ascendit).

This three-part hymn of thanksgiving is predominantly homophonic and more reminiscent of Lassus's madrigal style. The use of short note values and syncopation brings life and energy to the piece befor...

In this motet, long melismatic lines on one syllable navigate to a cadence. Taverner's choice of an upper-voice scoring may come from a tradition of five boys singing the responsory at Matins for All...

John Rutter's much-loved setting of the Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6: 24). Compatible with SATB and SAB versions.

A baby so small, a message so great is an expressive Christmas song setting a text by the composer. Contrasting gentle melodies and sparse piano writing with richly dramatic chords, it creates a real...

God of creation sets an English translation of a Latin hymn attributed to St Ambrose. Smith employs a mixture of homophony and independent part-writing, along with a range of dynamic effects, to creat...

The compositional style of this motet demonstrates word-painting and madrigal-like features. It opens with a duet that may reflect the word 'Duo' in the title, and the use of three voices at the start...

O fear the Lord sets two verses from Psalm 34. A controlled organum-style opening gives way to a more fervent, harmonic middle section. An approachable and beautiful piece.

This a cappella anthem, suitable as an introit or call to worship, was inspired by Celtic folksong and is available here in German translation.

Setting inspiring words by James Weldon Johnson, My heart be brave is an ideal choice for choirs looking to address issues of social justice in their programming. Also available in mixed- and lower-vo...

This is a substantial setting of the canticles of Mary and Simeon, suitable for both concert and liturgical settings The choral writing features fugal counterpoint and a chromatic soundworld rooted ar...

The polyphonic writing in this joyous motet for Eastertide includes both rhythmic and melismatic passages to reflect the celebratory text. The piece concludes with a brief section in triple metre, and...

Snow Angel is an evocative five-movement work exploring themes of love, rebirth, and beauty. It may be performed with narration and features a haunting cello line. The emotive and pictorial musical la...

Three songs make up this cycle entitled Western Songs - 'Buffalo Gals', 'Green Grow the Lilacs', and 'Ol' Chisholm Trail'. The arrangements by turn spin contrapuntal and antiphonal textures then relax...

This lyrical setting of a text by Colin Coppen has an elegant melody and flowing piano accompaniment. It would make a charming addition to any concert or service, and is also available in a version fo...