The Oxford Book of Flexible Anthems

‘Choral directors of choirs lacking certain voice parts or whose numbers fluctuate week by week will undoubtedly welcome this innovative new collection of church anthems from OUP. While there have been other publications with anthems written for sopranos, altos, and ‘men’, this is probably the first compilation of new works and arrangements that aim to give the conductor the widest possible range of scoring options … Helpful performance suggestions areprovided, together with a useful listing by liturgical year and themes which also gives an indication of scoring options … Clearly some good research has gone into finding existing pieces fromlesser-known composers for inclusion.’ Rupert Gough, Choir & Organ, May 08

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; for many years he was 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, and instrumental works for a variety of ensembles and orchestras. Alan is a respected writer of music for examination syllabuses and educational albums. His major publications include the four inspirational Oxford Flexible Choral Anthologies, Alan Bullard Anthems, and the five cantatas Wondrous Cross, O Come Emmanuel, A Light in the Stable, Psalmi Penitentiales, and Images of Peace. He and his wife Janet also write the Pianoworks series for the older beginner.