Click on the music note by selected titles for a sample audio file, closer look at the sheet music, or both!
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 The Simple Gifts cd won the 2009 Grammy for Best Classical Crossover Album!!
Reviews:
"Philip Lawson wrote the plain, chordal arrangements of the English folk song "The water is wide" and Billy Joel's "Lullabye (goodnight my angel)", the latter exceeding the composer's original in smoothness and sheer beauty".
San Francisco Classical Voice (David Bratman February 2010)
"Philip Lawson's plangent and imaginative harmonisation of "Veni, veni Emmanuel", which both mingled the subtle tones and tints of the [King's] Singers' palette and set them apart in telling contrast".
London Times (Hilary Finch, Nov. 23rd) for the King's Singers concert in Cadogan Hall November 23, 2009.
John Rutter chose "Born on a New Day" as one of his 5 top carols from the last 20 years. He writes: "This simple, touching carol came into being when King's Singer Philip Lawson wrote a Christmas text to John David's 1990 song "You are the New Day". With Peter Knight's perfect choral arrangement, a new Christmas classic was born."
John Rutter. BBC Music Magazine, December 2008
"(The) arrangements (on "Simple Gifts") are typically first-rate, owing primarily to the expertise of current ensemble member Philip Lawson and former King's Singer Bob Chilcott, both of whom have long experience supplying the group with fresh, original musical creations."
ClassicsToday.com
"A refreshing and revitalised Veni, Veni Emmanuel...one of several perfectly calculated arrangements from the group´s baritone Philip Lawson"
International Record Review (David Vernier)
"..his work is unfailingly sensitive. There is simple integrity to the basic melodies which resists sophisticated "interpretation", yet Lawson manages to introduce variety: neat dynamic detailing... and intriguing use of unusual harmonies."
BBC Music Magazine (Terry Blain September 2007)
Title
Author
Voicing
Publisher
Notes
CD
Africa 
David Paich/ Jeff Porcaro arr. PL
SATTBB
Hal Leonard
HL 02500884
Toto's hit song. Also in 40th Anniversary Songbook HL 08748224.
Agnus Dei
Philip Lawson
SATB and Organ
Alliance Music
Publications
AMP 0570
Taken from the Jazz Mass commissioned by Salisbury Cathedral for their Millenium celebrations. "Steal away" is woven into the piece at various points.
Ah, Dearest Jesu, Holy Child
Philip Lawson
SATB a cappella
Lorenz
10/1863R
Suitable for Thanksgiving, Communion or general use - the melody is built onto a lilting ostinato. The middle section sets "The eyes of all wait upon thee" to a simple plainsong melody, which returns at the end after the original tune is complemented by a descant.
NEW! April Come She Will
Simon and Garfunkel arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08751289
This is a transcription of the Paul Simon song and it appears on our Grammy-winning album "Simple Gifts".
Simple Gifts
The Ash Grove
Old Welsh Air arr. PL
2-part and Piano
Hal Leonard
HL 08745703
Ave Verum Corpus
Philip Lawson
SA and SATB and Piano/Organ
Lorenz
10/3226R
Both versions are included under one cover.
Away in a Manger
Traditional arr. PL
SATB divisi
Hal Leonard
HL 08744049
In King's Singers Christmas Song Book
King's Singers Christmas
Bohemian Rhapsody
Freddie Mercury arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08745310
Queen's 1975 smash hit
Born On A New Day
John David
arr. Peter Knight
Christmas text by PL
SATB divisi
Hal Leonard
King's Singers signature song "You are the New Day" to Christmas words with 2nd choir parts. In King's Singers Christmas Song Book HL 08744049.
King's Singers Christmas
Cambridge
Singers
Bread of the World
Philip Lawson
SATB and Organ
Lorenz
10/3226R
Suitable for Communion or general use. Simple SATB setting of this lovely text by Bishop Heber.
Bring Back
That Leroy Brown
Freddie Mercury arr. PL
SATTB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08202060
Fast and funny song from Queen commissioned by Calmus.
Calmus
Carol
Philip Lawson
SATB a cappella
Banks Music
Publications
ECS 243
Suitable for Easter or Christmas. Powerful text by Norman Nicholson. Music builds to a canon in three parts, then dies away in the final stanza: "Mary nursed her child beside the gardens of a grave; And by the death within His bones the dead became alive."
The Carol Singers
William Sterndale Bennett
arr. PL
SATB a cappella
Banks Music
Publications
PCS 14
Highly amusing little Victorian song about the local carol singers ("We sings forte, sounded like a hundred"!), here in a simple four part setting with minor divisi.
Close Every Door
Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd Webber arr. PL
2-part and piano
Hal Leonard
HL 08621460
Simple version of the Rice/Lloyd Webber hit song from "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat." The melody weaves from one part to the other.
Corpus Christi Carol
Philip Lawson
SATB and Organ/Piano
Alliance Music
Publications
AMP 0567
Suitable for Easter, Corpus Christi, or general use. Famous medieval text.
Cradle Song
Philip Lawson
SATB and Organ/Piano
Lorenz
10/1647R
Suitable for Christmas or Easter. Words by the composer. Three unison verses (one with descant) and an SATB unacc. stanza.
Danny Boy
Traditional Irish arr. PL
SSAA a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08742857
Deep River
Spiritual arr. PL
SATB
Hal Leonard
HL 08743912
From the Grammy Award winning album.
Also in King's Singers Spirituals Song Book
Available now in HL Simple Gifts Collection songbook HL 08749091.
Simple Gifts
Diary
David Gates arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08744325
The 1972 pop hit by Bread, arranged for The King's Singers.
Dindirindin
Trad. Spanish
English Text by PL
SATB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08740424
In King's Singers European Renaissance Song Book
Domine Dilexi (Lord I Have Loved You, Your Church, Your Holy Temple)
Philip Lawson
Unison and SATB both with Organ/Piano
Lorenz
10/1568R
Suitable for Dedication/Anniversary of buildings or general use. Words adapted by the composer from Psalm 26. Both versions available under one cover.
Don't Know Why
Jesse Harris arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08745543
The recent Norah Jones hit song.
Down To The River
Spiritual arr. PL
SATB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08744684
Featured on the King's Singers album "Six" and the DVD "From Byrd to the Beatles". Available either as a single or in the King's Singers Spirituals Song Book HL 08743912 or 40th Anniversary Songbook HL 08748224.
Six
Eternal Ruler of the Ceaseless Round
Philip Lawson
SSAATTBB unacc.
Alliance Music
AMP 0719
Simple setting of a lovely hymn text by John Chadwick.
Everything I Own
David Gates arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08201928
Hit song by Bread
Fairest Isle
Henry Purcell arr. PL
SATBBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08745728
Famous melody taken from Purcell's drama "King Arthur".
Fire and Rain
James Taylor arr. PL
SATBBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08749542
Five Chinese Folksongs
Traditional arr. PL
SAATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08749550
Incorporating the Two Chinese Folksongs (HL 08745593) this little set provides a variety of folksong arrangements from China, including a Taiwanese song in the Hakka dialect, and the wistful "Zai na yao" ("In the distant place") from the Xinjiang province.
Fix You
Cold Play arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08750524
Coldplay's haunting ballad featured in the documentary "Young at Heart" and on the tv series "The OC" complete with the middle "instrumental" break".
Furusato (Homeland)
Japanese Folk Song
arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08744610
A wistful melody set to both original Japanese lyric and a new English translation, this piece describes the longing for one's homeland that can come from long periods away.
Gaelic Blessing
Philip Lawson
SATB and Organ/Piano
Hal Leonard
HL 08711309
Flowing piece suitable for Baptism, Confirmation, Ordination etc. Combines the two famous Irish blessings ("Deep peace of the running wave to you" and "May the road rise up to meet you") with optional descant at the end.
Gloria
Philip Lawson
Double SATB and organ
Alliance Music
Publications
AMP 0571
From the Jazz Mass commissioned by Salisbury Cathedral for their Millennium celebrations.
The Glory Of This Night
Philip Lawson
SATB and Organ/Piano
Hal Leonard
HL 08743750
Suitable for Christmas or Epiphany. A simple setting with two verses of text by Constance Barbour and one by the composer.
Glory To Thee, My God, This Night / Awake, My Soul, And With The Sun
Philip Lawson
SATB and Organ/Piano
MorningStar
MSM-50-8952
Suitable for Morning or Evening. Two contrasting texts set to the same simple music, both ending with a canon setting (not Tallis's!) of "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow".
Grandfather's Clock
Henry C. Work arr. PL
SATTBB
Hal Leonard
HL 08744697
An entertaining arrangement done for The King's Singers, with several appropriate quotations!
Greensleeves
Trad. English arr. PL
SSA and piano
Hal Leonard
HL 08744602
A Groovy Kind of Love
Toni Wine/ Carol Bayer Sager arr. PL
SATTB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08741182
Arranged for the King's Singers' 1996 Grammy-nominated album "Circle of Life"
Haec Dies
William Byrd
English Text PL
SSATTB
Hal Leonard
HL 08741999
Text says "This is the day which the Lord has made" (psalm 118). Fast exciting motet.
Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08744412
As featured in the Dreamworks movie "Shrek" here in an arrangement mostly based on sustained chords.
Helpessly Hoping
arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08745311
Lovely Crosby, Stills and Nash song from the
Grammy Award winning album.
Available now in HL Simple Gifts Collection songbook HL 08749091.
Simple Gifts
I Dreamed A Dream
Claude-Michel Schönberg arr. PL
SATB divisi a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08621504
Lovely ballad from the musical "Les Misérables".
I Knew A King Was Born
Philip Lawson
2-Part Treble and Piano/Organ
Hal Leonard
HL 08742355
Delightful Christmas poem by Sue Cowling - "Walked on the crusted grass in the frosty air. Blackbird saw me; gave me a gold-rimmed stare....Walked on the midnight hills till the star-filled dawn. No-one told me - I knew a King was born"
I Love My Love
Traditional English arr. PL
SATB Divisi
Hal Leonard
HL 08742000
Old English folksong arranged for The King's Singers on the Grammy Award winning album.
Available now in HL Simple Gifts Collection songbook HL 08749091.
Simple Gifts
I Sing Of A Maiden
Philip Lawson
SATB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08501459
Suitable for Christmas. Simple setting of this famous medieval text.
I Wan'na Be Like You
Richard M. Sherman/ Robert B. Sherman arr. PL
SATB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08743840
From The Jungle Book. Arrangement in 3 sections - slow intro; slowish jazz swing with drum effects; and a longer fast jazz swing section as in the original classic from The Jungle Book.
I Will Give My Love An Apple
Traditional English arr. PL
SATB a cappella
Lorenz
15/1504R
A straightforward setting of this lovely English folksong.
I Will Go Sailing No
More
Randy Newman arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08745312
From the movie "Toy Story".
If Ye Love Me
Philip Lawson
SATB a cappella
Pavane Publishing
P1241
Suitable for general use. Easy setting of this text from St. John's Gospel.
In A Starlit Stable
Philip Lawson
SATB with Organ/Piano
SA with Organ/Piano
Hal Leonard
HL 08742661
HL 08742662
Suitable for Christmas. Words by the 17th century poet William Canton. Simple chordal setting, descant in last verse.
Joy to the World
GF Handel arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08749579
A sparkling new take on this Christmas classic.
King Of Glory, King Of Peace
Philip Lawson
2-pt Treble and Piano
MorningStar
MSM-50-7061
Suitable for general use. Modern setting of George Herbert's hymn, mostly unison, with descant in last verse.
Legend
Philip Lawson
Unison or SSA and Piano
(with optional organ part)
Banks Music
Publications
ECS 226
Suitable for Christmas or Feast of St. Mary Magdalene. Fine text by the late Cornish poet Charles Causley, on the legend that Mary Magdalene visited Jesus' stable as a young girl.
Litany to the Holy Spirit
Philip Lawson
SATB and Organ
Encore Pub.
Lullabye (Goodnight,
My Angel)
Billy Joel arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08743239
The 1994 pop hit by Billy Joel. This arrangement features on the recent King's Singers album "SIX". Also in 40th Anniversary Songbook HL 08748224.
Six
NEW! Lullabye (Goodnight,
My Angel)
Billy Joel arr. PL
TTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08751288
By popular request Philip has done a re-voicing for lower voices of this great Billy Joel ballad.
Lullay My Liking
Traditional arr. PL
SATB
Hal Leonard
HL 08744953
Beautiful Christmas text. Featured on the King's Singers album "Christmas". Available as a single or in King's Singers Christmas Song Book HL 08744049
King's Singers Christmas
Maria Durch Ein Dornwald Ging
Traditional German arr. PL
SATB
Hal Leonard
In King's Singers Christmas Song Book HL 08744049
King's Singers Christmas
Mary's Song
Philip Lawson
Unison and Piano
(with optional organ part)
Banks Music
Publications
ECS242
Suitable for Christmas. Another imaginative poem by Charles Causley.
Memory
Andrew Lloyd Webber
arr. PL
SSAA a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08621353
Classic from the musical "Cats".
Mercy and Truth
Philip Lawson
SATB divisi, a cappella
Morningstar
MSM-50-5303
Short and easy introit on words from Psalm 85. Commissioned by The Friends of Salisbury Cathedral.
Molly Malone
Traditional Irish arr. PL
SATB
Hal Leonard
In King's Singers Irish Song Book HL 08741652.
Noel Nouvelet
Traditional French arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08742854
Traditional French carol, here in a jaunty, folky setting for the King's Singers, and featured on their 2003 "Christmas" album.
King's Singers Christmas
O Be Joyful In The Lord
Philip Lawson
SATB and Piano/Organ
Pavane Publishing
P1229
8301702
Suitable for general use. Bright, mixed-metre setting of Psalm 100.
O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
Philip Lawson
2-Part and Piano
Hal Leonard
08745105
Poppy setting of Charles Wesley's famous text. Suitable for general use.
O Thou Who Camest From Above
Philip Lawson
SATB and organ
Morningstar Music
MSM-50-3068
A stirring setting of Charles Wesley's text, incorporating both unison and SATB textures, with a soprano descant for the last verse.
On My Own
Claude-Michel Schönberg arr. PL
SATB divisi
Hal Leonard
HL 08621505
This is an a cappella arrangement of the famous love song from the musical "Les Misérables".
One More Night
Phil Collins arr. PL
SAATBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08744609
Unusual plainsong-like section begins and ends this setting of Phil Collins' song commissioned by Calmus.
Calmus
Our Town
Randy Newman arr. PL
SATBBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08750522
Lovely Randy Newman song from the Disney movie "Cars".
Piano Man
Billy Joel arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08748631
Billy Joel's lilting ballad in an easy arrangement.
NEW! Pie Jesu
John Brunning arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08750526
The Classic FM presenter John Brunning contacted me to say that he thought his very popular setting of Pie Jesu might work well for the King's Singers in a reworked version. Here is the result as recorded on the CD "From The Heart".
From The Heart
Psalm 150
Philip Lawson/Cowling
2-Part and Piano
Hal Leonard
HL 08741997
Suitable for general use. Chirpy, modern setting of text adapted from Psalm 150.
Rejoice And Be Merry
Philip Lawson
SATB and Piano/Organ
Hal Leonard
HL 08743194
Suitable for Christmas. Rhythmic, mixed-metre setting of this anonymous text.
The Riding Of The Kings
Philip Lawson
2-Part Treble and Piano
Hal Leonard
HL 08744451
Suitable for Christmas or Epiphany. Simple setting of Eleanor Farjeon's lovely words.
Seven Bridges Road
Steve Young arr. PL
SATTB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08749541
This is the Steve Young ballad with the outer sections set as sung by The Eagles in their famous live version, and a contemplative middle section.
She's Always A Woman
Billy Joel arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08744689
The Billy Joel hit arranged for The King's Singers on the Grammy Award winning album.
Available now in HL Simple Gifts Collection songbook HL 08749091.
Simple Gifts
Sing A New Song - 17 Descants For The Church Year
Philip Lawson
Solo Treble
Lorenz
70/1228R (organ part)
10/1823R (choir part)
17 descants for the Church year (including 8 for Christmas).
Stille Nacht (Silent Night)
Traditonal arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
SSAA a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08742855
HL 08742867
Arranged for The King's Singers
Sun and Moon
Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg
arr. PL
SATB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08621567
Tender ballad from "Miss Saigon"
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08750523
Lullaby written by James Taylor for his baby nephew.
Take My Life
Philip Lawson
SATB and Organ/Piano
MorningStar
MSM-50-8827
Suitable for Confirmation, Ordination etc., or general use. Rousing setting of Havergal's words "Take my life, and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to thee..."
Teach Your Children
arr. PL
SSATB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08749544
The 1970 hit by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young in a new version with the melody set over sustained chords.
Thank Thee Lord For
This New Day
Philip Lawson
SATB and Organ/Piano
Lorenz
10/2704R
As performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Suitable for general use. Poem by William Canton. First television broadcast by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir conducted by Mack Wilburg.
Thanksgiving Song (We Plough the Fields)
Philip Lawson
2-Part and Piano
Hal Leonard
HL 08551382
Suitable for Thanksgiving (Harvest). Modern setting of Matthias Claudias' text.
This Is The Place Of My Song-Dream
Philip Lawson
SATB and Organ/Piano
Hal Leonard
HL 08703255
Suitable for general use. Text from the wonderful Kenneth Grahame novel "Wind in the Willows". Rat and Mole encounter the Friend and Helper on their search for Portly, the missing baby otter. "Here, in this holy place, here, if anywhere surely we shall find Him".
Three British Folk Songs: The Water is Wide, The Turtle Dove, 'Tis the Last Rose of Summer
British Folk Songs
arr. PL
2-Part and Piano
Hal Leonard
HL 08551826
Adapted for upper voices from the arrangements done for The King's Singers.
'Tis The Last Rose Of Summer
Trad. Irish arr. PL
SATB a cappella
Hal Leonard
In King's Singers Irish Song Book HL 08741652
To Us A Child Is Born
Philip Lawson
SATB divisi a cappella
MorningStar
MSM-50-1710
Introit commissioned by the Friends of Salisbury Cathedral. Words taken from Isaiah Chap. 9 verse 6
Try To Remember
Harvey Schmidt arr. PL
SATB a cappella
Banks Music
Publications
PCS 12
From Fantasticks as sung by Tom Jones, here in a simple arrangement.
The Turtle Dove
Trad. English arr. PL
SATB divisi
Hal Leonard
HL 08742001
Wistful English folksong arranged for The King's Singers on the Grammy Award winning album.
Available now in HL Simple Gifts Collection songbook HL 08749091.
Simple Gifts
Two Chinese Folksongs
arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08745593
Diu diu tang, song about a train going through a tunnel is framed by the beautiful "Hsiao cheng" about the welcome visitors receive in the typical Chinese village.
Under The Sea
Alan Menken/ Howard Ashman arr. PL
SSATTB
Hal Leonard
HL 08742358
Great song from Disney's "The Little Mermaid", arranged for The King's Singers. Incorporates humorous quotations from famous orchestral pieces in the middle section where Sebastian describes all the instruments to be found under the sea. Also in 40th Anniversary Songbook HL 08748224.
Unity of the Spirit
Philip Lawson
SATB and Organ
Encore Pub.
Ebullient...full of rhythmic punch and determination but also with contrasting smooth phrases and good distribution of parts...an excellent anthem for an adventurous choir and organist. R.R. "The Organ"
Valparaiso
Sting arr. PL
SATB divisi a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08201980
An easy arrangement of this haunting melody by Sting on the Grammy Award winning album.
Available now in HL Simple Gifts Collection songbook HL 08749091.
Simple Gifts
Veni, Veni Emmanuel
arr. PL
6-Part divisi
Hal Leonard
In King's Singers Christmas Song Book HL 08744049
King's Singers Christmas
Walking on the Moon
Sting arr. PL
SATTBB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08748633
The first UK hit for Sting's Police band and an iconic 80s pop song.
The Water Is Wide
Trad. English arr. PL
SATB a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08740985
Beautiful English folksong in a lilting setting on the Grammy Award winning album. Also in 40th Anniversary Songbook HL 08748224.
Simple Gifts
Welcome All Wonders
Philip Lawson
SATB a cappella double choir
Hal Leonard
HL 08501458
Suitable for Christmas. Expansive setting of Traherne's lovely text.
When She Loved Me
Randy Newman arr. PL
Hal Leonard
HL 08749091
From the Grammy Award winning album. Available now in HL Simple Gifts Collection songbook HL 08749091
Simple Gifts
Who Are These Like
Stars Appearing
Philip Lawson
SATB and Organ
MorningStar
MSM-50-8115
Commissioned by the Chancel Choir of Trinity English Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Suitable for any Saint's Day. Incorporates the tune Dundee to the words "Let saints on earth in concert sing".
You are the New Day
John David arr. PL
SSA a cappella
Hal Leonard
HL 08740432
The King's Singers have adopted this John David song as their signature tune in the USA. This is the very popular upper voice version.
You Can Close Your Eyes
James Taylor arr. PL
Hal Leonard
HL 08749091
From the Grammy Award winning album. Available now in HL Simple Gifts Collection songbook HL 08749091.
Simple Gifts
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