This simple melody is Poland’s best known Christmas lullaby. It was even adapted by Chopin and incorporated into his Scherzo in B minor (op.20) as a subsidiary theme. In Polish it is called Lulajze Jezuniu, a lullaby for the baby Jesus. Unaccompanied – English. Cat.no 1572 – price code B – duration 2’.

This exhilarating spiritual looks forward to the Day of Judgement with eager enthusiasm and a confident sense of readiness. "I'm gonna ride in the chariot to see my Lord".  Piano. Cat no 1502 - price code D - duration c.2'25"

"My soul got happy and I stayed all day" when  I rocked my soul "in the bosom of Abraham". A rocking arrangement, too!  Piano. Roberton Publications 53102 - price code X - duration c.2' 45"

A rarely-heard, ebullient spiritual, and one that deserves to be better known. Its TTBB chorus provides a very different setting of the celebrated words "Rock of Ages, cleft for me", and the tune was used by the folk singer Woody Guthrie for his song This Land Is My Land.  Piano. Cat no 1525 - price code C - duration c.1'20"

God be with you and this hymn both come from the American church of the late 19th century. The two composers were contemporaries and the hymns written within four years of each other. Robert Lowry was a Baptist minister in Pennsylvania and a prolific hymn writer. He produced over 150. Shall we gather.... remains his best-known one. The river notion is of course borrowed from the spirituals.  Piano or organ. Cat no 1558 - price code C - duration c.3'25"

Sing Praises, Allelujah!

Written by Gwyn Arch to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the founding of Reading Male Voice Choir, this composition in calypso style has three objectives. 1) Use as few words as possible - in this case only the three words of the title; 2) Make it progressively more and more exciting rhythmically  as it works towards a big finish; 3) persuade the TTBB choir to clap now and then in the right places!  Piano (optional percussion). Cat no 1545 - price code C - duration c.2'30"

Standing in the Need of Prayer

"Not my brother nor my sister but it's me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer". The slave is realistically aware of his own shortcomings, but nevertheless he expresses them with infectious rhythm and good humour.  Piano with soloist (or group). Cat no 1556 - price code C - duration c.2'20"

There Is a Balm in Gilead

The world-famous gospel singer Mahalia Jackson said that There is a Balm in Gilead was her all-time favourite. In Biblical times the area of Gilead (north of the Dead Sea) was well-known for the export of balm and aromatic spices. The mood of this TTBB setting is appropriately soothing.  Unaccompanied. Cat no 1519 - price code B - duration c.2'25"

The idea for This Little Light comes from John's gospel. "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works". However, the unknown poet develops his own special slant, with no reference at all to theology. The light may be little, but it seems to penetrate everywhere, and the memorable and much-loved tune shines brightly.  Piano. Cat no 1548 - price code C - duration c.2'30"

The words of spirituals are not always what they seem. In this case they appear to be yearning for freedom. However, these verses convey a hidden meaning. The escaping slave is told to Wade in the Water  because then the pursuing police bloodhounds would lose his scent.  Piano. Cat no 1554 - price code D - duration c.2'10"

Another little-known spiritual, and set in a blues style, but the message is very positive. "Brother/sister/father you ought to be there when the love comes trickalin' down".  Piano. Cat no 1522 - price code D - duration c.2'45"

Two spirituals, both about Noah's Ark, are combined, allowing the vessel to be both built and then moved. It sails at a fair rate of knots, too!  Piano (possible audience participation).  Cat no 1555 - price code B - duration c.2'10"