James Woodhall

Composer, Conductor, Teacher

Choral Music

When Darkness Descends

Click here to hear and/or order Full of Grace, James’ debut choral music album https://listn.fm/fullofgrace/

An encouraging piece for double choir which does not shy away from life’s ups and downs, but reminds listeners to have hope, even in dark times.

The Shepherds’ Carol

This beautiful carol reflects on the shepherds’ relationship with their sheep and mankind’s relationship with the Almighty.

Canterbury Canticles

I recently set the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis for Upper Voices for Canterbury Cathedral. I then created this SATB version.

Ave Maria

This beautiful lullaby-like setting of the Ave Maria features the wonderful Felicity Hamilton singing the soprano solo with organ accompaniment from Will Warns and the Cantabo Diem Choir.

Jubilate Deo

This joyful setting would be suitable for choral Mattins or as an anthem for a celebratory service, or indeed as a concert piece.

St Edmund’s Mass

This is a setting of the Mass in English and is suitable for congregation. It is reverent and worshipful; full of warm harmonic colour and engaging rhythmic interest. It was written for the College Comunity of St Edmund’s College, Ware and has been sung as part of Feast Day Masses.

Psalms

The Psalms are a rich source of wisdom, comfort, celebration and James has recently set a group of three for unaccompanied choir (with optional organ). Recordings of Psalm 121, 130 are below (98 to follow).

Other piecces

James’ Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis have been sung on a number of occasions including for Evensong at Waltham Abbey. He has written a variety of pieces suitable for remembrance, Christmas and other occasions in the Church year. His large scale setting of the Gloria, beautiful remembrance hymn ‘Greater Love Hath No Man‘ and Christmas Carol ‘Wise Men‘ have all been warmly recieved by audiences and the choirs that have sung them.

James is an experienced choral conductor and his affinity with choirs, particulary younger voices, enables him to write vibrant and engaging pieces which are enjoyable to sing.

James Woodhall