A Christmas Peace
PEL2030SATB

3’00”

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PEL2030SSA

SATB or SSA and piano, optional organ or strings

A lyrical and poignant arrangement combining ‘America The Beautiful’ with ‘Silent Night’ created in memory of September 11, 2001. A beautiful conclusion to any American Christmas program.

Instrumental Part: Organ
Full Score and String Parts (Special order)

Level: Moderate
PEL1000 Single Track CD

A House In Heaven   

5’30”

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PEL2026
SATB/Treble

SATB with treble choir and piano, flute, organ

Commissioned by The Peterborough Singers and dedicated to James Birrell.  Texts include Psalm 8, M. Babcock’s ‘This Is My Father’s World’, and poetry by H.C. Beeching and B. Carman. A beautiful, broad, and poignant setting centered around the words of young James Birrell, dying of neuroblastoma, “Jesus is building me a house in heaven”.
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Flute and organ

Level: Moderate
 

A Letter from Giocondo   

20’00”

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PEL2022SATB

SATB and orchestra or wind ensemble

Commissioned by Juniata College on the occasion of the retirement of President Neff. A letter from a 15^th century Italian monk serves as the basis for a gorgeous work in three movements for choir and orchestra or wind ensemble.  Melodic interplay, rich choral textures and exciting rhythmic accompaniment perfectly reflect the gracefulness and uplifting beauty of the text. 
 

Full Orchestral Score & Parts (Special order)
 

Level: Difficult
Not yet recorded

Alleluias

4’00”

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PEL2042SATB

SATB and piano, bass, percussion, organ, optional soprano saxophone                               

A strong, lively, and rhythmic setting of a hymn of praise  to Mother Earth: “Eya Mater, mater terra, Eya sancta terra, sancta mater. Alleluia.” A fresh and striking arrangement, perfect for an Earth Day celebration.
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg: Bass/Guitar, Cello, Organ, Soprano Sax

Level: Moderate
Not yet recorded

Come Away To The Skies

4’30”

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PEL2037SATB

SATB and piano, optional bass, percussion, organ

Halley has created a new melody for Charles Wesley’s beautiful dedication to his wife on her birthday. Interwoven with the golden thread of this melody is the text of St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s “Jesu, Dulcis Memoria” creating a rich and colorful choral tapestry.
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Bass/Guitar and Organ

Level: Moderate
CD Sound Over All Waters

Discovery

7’30”

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PEL2046-III SATB

SATB and piano, optional bass, cello, guitar, keyboard, percussion, soprano sax

Discovery, the central movement of the five-movement work, In Sideribus Domi: At Home In The Stars, is a samba whose harmonies consist of the “star bridge” chords compressed. The ending affords all the instrumentalists an opportunity to improvise over the choir’s repeated figure. A new poem by David Densmore forms the text of the movement, beginning with the words, "Discovery belongs to those who are willing to be lost", and concluding, "The goal of the arts and sciences? To make us better dancers."  
 

Full Score and Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Small Ensemble of bass, cello, guitar, keyboard, percussion, soprano sax

Level: DIfficult
Archival Live Performance Recording

Freedom Trilogy
PEL2004SATB

8’00”

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PEL2004SSA

SATB or SSA and piano, optional bass, percussion, organ, or orchestra                            

An inspiring and exciting arrangement that has become an international festival favorite.  “’Trilogy’ here refers not to the individual tunes that are so magically blended, first sequentially and then simultaneously, but rather to the three sonic worlds that the tunes represent: Gregorian chant yields to the sounds of Africa before both are gloriously embraced by ‘Amazing Grace’. Halley’s vision of a world without boundaries is powerfully conveyed in a work that will continue to delight, inspire, and amaze after many repeated auditions.”  – Jennifer Kolmes, The American Organist Magazine
 

Available as Licensed Digital Download or Custom Print Order

Hold To God’s Unchangin’ Hand        

4’00”

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PEL2028SATB
PEL2028SSA

SATB with vocal solo and piano, optional bass, percussion

A hip, jazzy arrangement of a gospel classic.  “This music is wonderful.  It’s about time for some new flavors for the gospel genre.”  – Eliot Wadopian, bassist
 

Instrumental Part:
Bass/Guitar         

Level: Moderate
CD Sound Over All Waters

In Sideribus Domi: At Home In The Stars

30'00"

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PEL2046SATB

SATB and piano, bass, percussion, guitar, cello, keyboard, soprano saxophone, or orchestra.

Commissioned by The Clay Center of Science and Art for the Continental Harmony Project of American Composers Forum. A broad reflection on the themes of discovery, creativity, the arts and sciences, centering on the night sky. Five movements. Gorgeous melody lines and inventive jazz harmonies abound, with rhythmic complexity for singers and instrumentalists.  A new poem by David Densmore forms the core of the work, beginning, "Discovery belongs to those who are willing to be lost", and concluding, "The goal of the arts and sciences? To make us better dancers." 
                                                                                         

Full Score & Small Ensemble           
Full Orchestral Score & Parts  (Special order)             

Level: Difficult
Not yet recorded

Jubilate Deo          

6’30”

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PEL2029SATB

SATB and piano, optional bass, percussion

A piece that really swings, where Gospel meets Cathedral with a little dose of Latin! Rich choral textures, fluid solo lines, and upbeat rhythms.  “Paul Halley’s synthesis of classical forms and idioms with jazz harmonies and textures is so creative. Thanks for keeping the bar raised high in the world of contemporary church music.” – Mark Hayes
 

Instrumental Part:
Bass/Guitar

Level: Moderate
CD Sound Over All Waters

Laudate Dominum
PEL2048SATB

3’30”

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PEL2048SSA

SATB or SSA and piano, optional bass, percussion, organ                                    

“O Praise the Lord” - the text of Psalm 150 is set to a melody from Northern Brazil giving the work a lively, rhythmic feel.  True to the exhortation to “praise with the sound of trumpet, harp, cymbals, and dance”, this piece really dances!  “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah!” 
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Bass/Guitar, Organ, Sax, Cello

Level: Easy
Not yet recorded

Love Songs For Springtime - Song Cycle
for SATB choir and piano or optional brass quintet
CLICK ON INDIVIDUAL TITLES BELOW FOR INFORMATION
ON EACH SONG.

The six-song cycle 'Love Songs For Springtime', composed 1986 for the Ottawa Choral Society, Brian Law, director. The works in the song cycle are the settings of anonymouse English folk texts and each song describes a different perspective on love.
The Maypole  - No. I
The Despairing Lover - No. II
Soldier, Won't You Marry Me? - No. III
The Bailiff's Daughter of Islington - No. IV
The Seeds Of Love - No. V
The Lover's Arithmetic - No. VI
and Maypole Reprise
                     

Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Brass Quintet  

Missa Gaia/Earth Mass

45'00"

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HL08744396

SATB and piano with bass, percussion, organ, soprano sax,
cello, oboe/English horn

Composed by Paul Halley, Jim Scott, Kim Oler, Oscar Castro-Neves, and Paul Winter with the voices of Humpback Whale, Tundra Wolf, and Harp Seal.

Originally performed by the Paul Winter Consort, Missa Gaia is a contemporary ecumenical and ecological Mass celebrating the Earth. Paul Halley’s trademark lyrical melodies are featured, with dynamic rhythms from African, Brazilian and American Gospel traditions. The work incorporates traditional Mass and Biblical texts with the voices of wolf, whale and harp seal.  Contains newly edited versions of the seven original choral movements set for mixed choir and keyboard with optional instrumental parts. Other Halley titles may be added to round out your concert.
                                                                 

HL08744600
HL08745156

Sound Cues (Animals) CD
Instrumental Score & Parts                 

Level: Easy
CD Missa Gaia/Earth Mass

She Moved Through The Fair

5’00”

PEL2101 SATB

SATB and piano - optional cello

'She Moved Through The Fair" is a beautiful arrangement by Paul Halley of selected verses from two traditional Celtic folk songs, woven together in quintessential Halley style. The subject of love is the underlying theme, as in many folk songs, and Halley evokes the sound and patter of a country fair as the stories unfold.
                     

Full Score and Instrumental Part Pkg avail.  

Level: Moderate

Soldier, Won't You Marry Me?
from ‘Love Songs for Springtime’

3’00”

LL-VG441 SATB

SATB and piano - optional brass

Commissioned by the Ottawa Choral Society, Brian Law, director, this whimsical piece tells the story of a soldier who tricks a female admirer into buying him clothes for a wedding before she discovers that he is already married. Text anon.
                     

Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Brass Quintet  

Level: Easy
CD Wondrous Love

Song For Canada
(Un Chant Canadien)

4'00”   

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PEL2083 SATB
PEL2083 SSA

SATB or SSA with vocal descant and piano

 
New
Pelagos
Imprint

Commissioned for 1989 Canada Day Celebrations and performed annually on Parliament Hill, this work extols the beauties of Canada’s landscape and the cultural richness of its people.  
 

Level: Easy
Video recording by
Capella Regalis Men and Boys Choir - Nick Halley, director

Sound Over All Waters   

4’00”

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PEL2081 SATB

SATB with vocal solo and piano, optional bass, percussion, organ

Written in honor of Coretta Scott King, this piece gives John Greenleaf Whittier’s text, “A Christmas Carmen”, broad expression in an upbeat setting featuring soprano solo and rich choral underlay. 
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Bass/Guitar and Organ

Level: Easy
CD Sound Over All Waters

Surgens Jesus (Alleluias)

4’00”

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PEL2041SATB

SATB and piano, bass, percussion, organ, optional soprano saxophone and cello                               

A strong, glorious, and rhythmic setting of this hymn of the Resurrection, this fresh and striking work is perfect for your Easter celebrations, when you can finally sing 'Alleluia!' 
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg: Bass/Guitar, Cello, Organ, Soprano Sax

Level: Moderate
Not yet recorded

The Bright Daystar Is Comen Of His Heav'nly Towers

5’00”

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PEL2099
SSA or SATB/Treble

SSA or SATB/Treble with piano and organ

Scored for SSA or SATB/Treble choir with piano and organ, this arrangement combines the Advent Prose with a traditonal Scottish melody set to a text by William Dunbar for Christmas.

Commissioned by The New York City Children's Chorus to celebrate the choir's fifth anniversary, Mary Huff, Director.                                                        

Level: Moderate
Not yet recorded.

The Cherry Tree Carol

4’15”

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PEL2104SATB

Solo voice, SATB choir with banjo or guitar, organ and percussion

This traditional English & American (Appalachian) folk song is delightful in the simplicity of its tune and text. For the 2019 performance of "A King's Christmas", Paul Halley created an arrangement for guest singer/narrator "Old Man" (Chris) Ludecke to offer his signature laid-back vocal style, his inimitable banjo playing set against a lovely soundscape of SATB choir and organ. Percussion of shaker and bodhran highlight the folk origins of this beloved song for Christma.
 

Instrumental Parts: Organ, banjo, percussion included in vocal/choral score.

Level: Easy
Video recorded.

The Lover's Arithmetic
from ‘Love Songs for Springtime’

4’00”   

Click title and see inside.

LL-VG443 SATB

SATB and piano - optional brass - with optional segue to LL-VG442a 'The Maypole Reprise' - as heard on our Wondrous Love CD

Commissioned by the Ottawa Choral Society, Brian Law, director. An ironic portrayal of love from an arithmetical perspective. Text anon. 
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Brass Quintet                 

Level: Easy
CD Wondrous Love

The Maypole
from ‘Love Songs for Springtime’

4’00”   

LL-VG442 SATB

SATB and piano - optional brass

Commissioned by the Ottawa Choral Society, Brian Law, director. This work portrays a joyous Elizabethan-style gathering of country lads and lasses. Text anon. 
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Brass Quintet                 

Level: Easy
CD Wondrous Love

The Rain Is Over And Gone

5’30”

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PEL2009SATB

SATB with vocal solo and piano, optional bass, percussion, organ

With texts based on the “Song of Songs”, this work joyfully affirms “life, love, and laughter”. The soprano solo Is featured on the verses with the SATB choir forming a smoothly blended background at the refrain. “Conductors looking for an exciting closing number that showcases an exceptional soloist may find this work appealing. This gospel-style work builds from an unaccompanied solo to a full, passionate conclusion.” –The Choral Journal
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Bass/Guitar and Organ

Level: Easy
CD Sound Over All Waters

Ubi Caritas

8’00”

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PEL2003 SATB

SATB and piano with percussion, bass, and organ, soprano saxophone and cello.                                        

An innovative juxtaposition of ethereal Gregorian chant and rhythmic African song. With the rolling piano accompaniment that has become a Halley trademark.
 

Level: Easy
CD Angel On A Stone Wall

United In Song
PEL2023SATB/Treble

4’30”

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PEL2023SSA

SATB (opt. treble choirs) or SSA and piano duet, optional bass and organ, or orchestra                                          

Commissioned by Arts Bureau for the Continents for the International Millennium Unisong Festival, Paul Halley’s words and music express the unity of people everywhere through music and song. In English with French translation.
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg: Bass/Guitar and Organ
Full Orchestral Score & Parts (Special order)

Level: Easy
(Keyboard version -
CD Triptych)

Untraveled Worlds
PEL2025SATB

6’00”

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PEL2025SSA

SATB or SSA and piano, violin, optional bass, percussion, organ                   

Commissioned by Collegium Musicum of Taft School, Bruce Fifer, director, this piece has become a prominent festival work. With excerpts from Tennyson’s “Ulysses”, this is a dramatic and heroic setting of an inspiring text, with music that is innovative, affirmative and accessible.  “The sound of the full chorus just wraps around you like angel wings and lifts one’s spirits to a higher level.”
– Bonnie Beth Derby, Producer/host “Choral Traditions” WCNY-FM
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg: Violin, Bass, Drums, Percussion, Organ

Level: Moderate
CD Untraveled Worlds

Voices of Light
PEL2005SATB

8’00”

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PEL2005SSA

SATB or SSA and piano, flute,
optional organ                                                                           

Created for Chorus Angelicus by founder Paul Halley. Texts in Latin and English by Paul Halley. A musical expression of God as Light with ethereal harmonies and a dancing, intricate flute line. 
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Flute and Organ

Level: Easy
CD Voices of Light

Angelus Ad Virginem

3’30”

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PEL2058SATB

SATB and organ

Unison chanting of verses from the 13th century (Arundel MS), alternating between higher voices and lower voices. The organ accompaniment forms a rich background of harmony, and the descant soars.                                                         

Level: Easy
CD What Child Is This?

Agnus Dei (Winter’s Dream)
Companion to Sanctus & Benedictus

4’00”

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PEL2002SATB

SATB and organ, soprano saxophone

Originally an instrumental work Inspired by the simplicity of winter, this is a serene, lyrical setting of the text with unusual harmonies and the unique ‘voice’ of soprano saxophone. 
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Soprano Sax or C-inst.

Level: Moderate
Not yet recorded

Bring Us, O Lord God 

4’00”

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PEL2033SATB

SATB and organ

Commissioned by the Choir of Men and Boys, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. The primary text is taken from one of John Donne’s magnificent sermons in which he contrasts his characterization of the earthly life with his vision of heaven. The movement from earth to heaven is dazzlingly expressed through harmonic progressions and associations, and fluid ascending and descending lines. 
 

Level: Difficult
Not yet recorded

Christ, Whose Glory Fills The Skies

5’00”

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PEL2051SATB

SATB and organ

Commissioned by Noel Edison and the Choir of St. John's Anglican Church, Elora, Ontario on the occasion of the retirement of their Rector, The Reverend Robert Hulse, May 8th, 2005
 

Level: Moderate
Recorded on Naxos label

Christos Anesti

4’00”

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PEL2077SATB

SATB and organ, optional brass quintet and percussion

Commissioned by John Repulski, Director of Music, Christ Church, Cranbrook
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg PDF License Full Score/Brass Quintet/Percussion

Level: Moderate
 

Available as Licensed Digital Download or Custom Print Order

Gloria In Excelsis Deo

1’00”

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PEL2001SATB

SATB and organ, optional brass

Commissioned by the Choir of Men and Boys, St. Matthew’s Church, Ottawa, Brian Law, director. A short, jubilant choral fanfare that derives its energy from a recurring dotted quarter-note, eighth-note, quarter-note motive.  “Throughout the composition, Halley’s sense of drama and motion never falters; at one minute’s duration, it would serve as an enthusiastic and impressive opening in worship and concert settings.”  – Michael Braz, The Choral Journal  
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Full Score & Brass Quartet

Level: Easy
CD Wondrous Love

God's Grandeur

6’30”

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PEL2080SATB

SATB and organ

A gorgeous and powerful setting of Gerard Manley Hopkins immortal text.
Commissioned on behalf of St. James United Church, Montréal to commemorate the resoratioin of Casavant, opus 1608, 2011-2012
 

Level: Difficult
In The Wide Awe And Wisdom CD

Good King Wenceslas

3’30”

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PEL2045SATB

SATB and organ                                    

A fun arrangement of this traditional carol with dramatic roles for all, including solos for the robust but saintly King, his stammering Page, a choir of treble Angels, and storm effects for the rest. A warm-hearted rendition of the drama with Halley’s signature harmonies.  Great joy!                                       

             Level: Easy to Moderate
CD What Child Is This?

Il Est Né Le Divin Enfant

4’10”

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PEL2074SATB

SATB and organ                                    

A sprightly and joyful arrangement of this traditional French carol. Scored for choir and organ with brass sextet and snare drum, this arrangement has unexpected freshness. Changing tempos, key modulations, and Halley harmonies keep the choir on their toes, while the congregation joins in easily on the refrain. Great fun for everyone.
 

Full Score and Instrumental Parts: Brass Sextet and Percussion - $45.

             Level: Moderate
Can be heard on CBC Concerts on Demand

Infinite Light

3’00”

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PEL2039SATB

SATB and organ

A light and lively traditional English melody with a fluid yet rhythmic organ part, culminating in a soaring, signature Halley descant. A lovely setting of text for Epiphany.                                  

             Level: Easy
CD What Child Is This?

Jesu, The Very Thought Of Thee

5’30”

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PEL2007SATB

SATB and organ

Commissioned by the Elora Festival Singers, Noel Edison, director. Halley’s arrangement of Slater’s melody is lush and lyrical, a beautiful watercolor of vocal harmonies and organ line.                                                                                                                             

Level: Moderate
CD Wondrous Love

Magnificat - Tone II

6’00”

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PEL5028SATB

SATB and organ

Composed to Plainchant Tone II, this setting of the Magnificat (The Song of Mary) is seamless and ethereal, timeless yet restrained. Commissioned by All Saints' Kingsway Anglican Church, Toronto, to celebrate the installation of the new Casavant organ. Premiered in 2012 with the All Saints' Kingsway Choir, Shawn Grenke, Director of Music, and the Amadeus Choir of Toronto, Lydia Adams, Artistic Director.
 

Level: Moderate
In The Wide Awe And Wisdom CD

My Beloved Spake

4’00”

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PEL2032SATB

SATB and organ, optional trumpet

Commissioned for the wedding of Mary Wanamaker Huff and Andrew Elliott Henderson. The Song of Solomon is interpreted anew in sublime fashion with a joyful, uplifting melody, fluid organ accompaniment, and ethereal trumpet solos.
 

Instrumental Part: Trumpet

Level: Moderate
In The Wide Awe And Wisdom CD

PEL2056SATB

SATB and organ

Commissioned by the parishioners and choirs of Grace Church in thanksgiving for the dedicated and faithful ministry of the Reverend Donald S. McPhail, upon his retirement as the beloved ninth Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, Charleston, South Carolina. May 21, 2006.
 

Level: Moderate
Not yet recorded

Sanctus and Benedictus
Companion to Agnus Dei (Winter’s Dream)

4’00”

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PEL2024SATB

SATB and organ, soprano saxophone

Commissioned by the University of North Carolina at Wilmington Chamber Choir, Joe Hickman, director. Glorious harmonies filled with the light of the angels combine with beautiful melodic lines and interesting rhythmic features. As in Agnus Dei, the unique ‘voice’ of soprano saxophone is featured.  “Halley’s music is profoundly beautiful but is, at the same time, very vocally friendly so that it is as pleasurable to sing as it is to hear sung.” - Dr. Joe Hickman, UNC at Wilmington
 

Instrumental Parts:
Soprano sax Bb or C-inst.

Level: Moderate
In The Wide Awe And Wisdom CD

Summer Suns

2’30”

Click title and see inside. 

PEL2018SATB

SATB and organ

Created for a hymn festival, the gentle melody and warm harmonies of this new hymn-anthem reflect a lovely text by Bishop W.W. How, evoking the warmth and bounty of summer.                             

Level: Easy
Not yet recorded

Watts’ Cradle Hymn

4’00”

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PEL2055SATB

SATB and organ

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) lovely lyrics are set to a traditional American melody in an arrangement by Paul Halley that is simple, poignant, and hauntingly beautiful.                                            

             Level: Easy
CD What Child Is This?

What Child Is This?

3’30”

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PEL2038SATB

SATB and organ

Created for Gaudeamus, Paul Halley, director. The traditional English melody and William Chatterton Dix’s familiar text are presented in a fresh and dazzling new arrangement, with harmonies that are unmistakably jazz-inspired.                  

             Level: Moderate to Difficult
CD What Child Is This?

Wondrous Love  

8’30”   

Click title and see inside.

PEL2006SATB

SATB and organ, brass and tympani

Created for the Easter Day service of The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York, Paul Halley, Director of Music. A magnificent and powerful setting of the American folk hymn. With brass accompaniment, it is the perfect anthem for Easter Day or concert performance. “We sang it for three of our Easter services and each time numerous members of the choir had tears from the emotional drama of this powerful music.” – Terry Price
 

Full Score & Instrumental Pkg:
Brass Octet or Brass Quintet

Level: Moderate
CD Wondrous Love

Agnus Dei (Hodie Christus Natus Est)

2’00”

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PEL2057SATB

SATB unaccompanied

From Paul Halley’s Missa ‘Hodie Christus Natus Est’.  Opening with soprano solo intoning the Gregorian chant, the composition soon moves from simple to sublime with the lush harmonies and impressionistic colors for which Halley is known.                                                                                              

Level: Difficult
CD What Child Is This?

Beati Omnis Qui Timent Dominum

5'45”

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PEL2094SATB

SATB unaccompanied

Psalm 128 'Blessed are they that fear the Lord and walk in his ways' - created in honor of the wedding of Samantha Halley and Jonathan Suters. A promise of joy and fulfillment, abundance and grace. The psalm text is set in a rich SSAATBB a capella setting that is moving and lovely. Perfect for weddings or any occasion.   

             Level: Moderate
In The Wide Awe And Wisdom CD

Birds of Fire

3’30”

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PEL2027ATB

AATTBB and bass, percussion, Native American flute, optional keyboard

Commissioned by the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, Barry Oliver, director. A round for three equal voices. A Native American-inspired chant using vocables is overlaid with a chorale incorporating text from the Algonquin Indian heritage.
 

Instrumental Parts Pkg:
Percussion, Bass, Flute, Opt. Keyboard

Level: Moderate
Not yet recorded

Christe Qui Lux Es Et Dies

7’30”

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PEL2019SATB

SATB unaccompanied

Commissioned by Coit Johnson for the birthday of Pamela Morton, wife of Dean James Parks Morton of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York. Combines the sixth century Latin hymn “O Christ Who Art Both Light and Day” with traditional plainsong in an a cappella setting. Lively and rhythmic, jazzy and evocative, ultimately sublime.     

Level: Difficult
CD Wondrous Love

Go Tell It On The Mountain

3’30”

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PEL2044SATB

SATB unaccompanied                                  

“An exciting and quite challenging arrangement of the familiar text and tune. Rich, jazz-inspired harmonies, carefully scripted syncopations, and a couple of tricky modulations, will keep everyone on their toes, but could well also bring a congregation to its feet.” – The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians (Nov 2006)

             Level: Moderate to Difficult
CD What Child Is This?

Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head

  3’00” 

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PEL2020SATB

SATB unaccompanied

An a cappella arrangement of the traditional Appalachian Christmas carol which simply and poignantly describes the humbleness of Jesus’ birth.                                                                 

             Level: Moderate
CD What Child Is This?

O Magnum Mysterium 

3’10”

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PEL2075SATB

SATB unaccompanied

A moody and atmospheric setting of the text from the Matins Responsory for Christmas. The lyrical melody has Eastern overtones and nuances, very appropriate to the text. Mystery and wonder evoked in music. Commissioned for The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols.    

             Level: Moderate
 

Oculi Omnium

2'00”

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PEL2014SATB

SATB unaccompanied

'The Eyes of All Wait Upon Thee, O Lord' was created for The Chapel Choir of The University of King's College, Halifax. From The Grace Before Meals from the Statutes of King's College 1803, the text invokes Psalm 145, verses 16 and 17 with words of expectancy and gratitude. Lush and ethereal, this short work finds use as a grace, an invocation or an introit, in Advent or any season of the year.   

             Level: Moderate
In The Wide Awe And Wisdom CD

The Pulley

4'00”

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PEL2014SATB

SATB unaccompanied

Commissioned by the President and Board of the University of King's College, Halifax, NS in honour of George T. H. Cooper, CM. CD. QC. LL.D. (Hon.).   

             Level: Moderate
In The Wide Awe And Wisdom CD

'Tis Winter Now   

3’00”

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PEL2013SATB

SATB unaccompanied

“Longfellow’s poem is a richly atmospheric text not specifically tied to Christmas, but quite handy for a cold week sometime after Epiphany when a ‘general’ anthem seems to be in need. Global warming may soon put this piece out of business, but until it does, Halley’s setting evokes the frigid air as effectively as anything since Vivaldi’s fourth Season.” - The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians                                                                        

Christmas

             Level: Moderate
CD What Child Is This?

To My Old Brown Earth

3’00”

LL101SATB

SATB or SSAA unaccompanied

Words and music: Pete Seeger. Choral arrangement and harmonization by Paul Halley. A simple yet richly layered setting of Seeger’s humble ode to his beloved ‘old brown earth’ and ‘old blue sky'.
 

Level: Easy
CD Pete  

Verbum Caro Factum Est

6’00”

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PEL2012SATB

SATB unaccompanied

Commissioned by the Williams College Chamber Choir, Wayne Abercrombie, director. The Word made flesh, the mystical with the earthly, is suggested in the antiphonal nature of this work. The rhythmic and worldly immediacy of one choir is answered with the ethereal Alleluias of the other.                                  

Level: Difficult
CD Wondrous Love

We Wait For Thy Loving Kindness

3'00”

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PEL2067SATB

SATB unaccompanied

Composed for Vanessa Daborn Halley and Shaylan Wayne Burkhart
in honour of their wedding.                                  

Level: Moderate
In The Wide Awe And Wisdom CD

What Stood Will Stand

5'30"

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PEL2047SATB

SATB unaccompanied

Text by Wendell Berry.  Created by Paul Halley for the occasion of a sermon given by Wendell Berry at The Cathedral of St. John The Divine. Halley says "I was honored to compose an anthem for that occasion using one of Wendell's poems from "Sabbaths" and interpolating Alleluias and that part of the Nicene Creed which reads 'We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen'."    Also includes Alleluias and part of the Nicene Creed. A musical setting that is as powerful and moving as the words in this profoundly imagined poetry.  Sustained sound of the Berry text is made  vibrant by the light and rhythmic droplets of the 'Alleluias'.                                      

Level: Difficult
CD Wondrous Love