God The Spirit Comes To Stay
Composer: Tune: McAloon
Arranger: Norman Morris
Author/Lyricist: John 14
Voicing: SATB
Season: Pentecost
Released: April 1996
Difficulty: Medium Easy
The melody is called McAloon but no one seems to know where it came from. But it is delightful and flows along in a lilting 9/8 meter. The text used is from john 14, “If you love me keep my commandments,” but they have been paraphrased in modern day language. Altogether it makes for a very pleasing anthem.
Let It Shine!
Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Norman Morris
Author/Lyricist: Traditional
Voicing: SATB
Released: April 1997
Difficulty: Medium
English composer and conductor Norman Morris has made a splendid arrangement of that old Sunday School favorite LET IT SHINE. The writing is fun and intelligent, and the English touch adds a bit of class to a very friendly little tune.
Oh Dear, What Can The Matter Be?
Composer: English Folk Song
Arranger: Norman Morris
Author/Lyricist: English Folk Song
Voicing: SATB
Released: January 2005
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
Norman Morris is a conductor and arranger in England who knows how to make an entertaining choral piece. Including a few cleverly choreographed instructions, this a cappella setting is absolutely delightful.
Open The Window Mister Noahy
Composer: African American Spiritual
Arranger: Norman Morris
Author/Lyricist: African American Spiritual
Voicing: SATB
Released: April 1996
Difficulty: Medium
The English are great fans of Spirituals and they have unapologetically offered their renditions for many years. They may not capture the authenticity of the piece but they are clever folks and do provide us with renderings that are a pleasure to sing and hear. The title alone lets us know we are in for a treat. An excellent closing or encore number.
Silver Trumpet
Composer: Gospel Spiritual
Arranger: Norman Morris
Author/Lyricist: Gospel Spiritual
Voicing: SATB
Released: March 2000
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
Four years in a row Norman Morris has produced a spiritual arrangement that is fantastic. OPEN THE WINDOW MR. NOAHY, SOMEBODY'S KNOCKIN' and YOU'D BETTER RUN are the winners that precede this latest release. Wonderful music for church or school.
Somebody's Knocking At Your Door
Composer: African-American Spiritual
Arranger: Norman Morris
Author/Lyricist: African-American Spiritual
Voicing: SSAATBB
Season: Spiritual
Released: April 1999
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
It is fairly well known that the British love American Negro Spirituals. English Conductor Norman Morris has successfully arranged many such spirituals for choir, and this setting displays his latest release. The tasteful addition of an occasional woodblock and an animated piano part complement the ''knockin''' choral ostinato (a technique for which Mr. Morris is already famous). Great fun to hear or perform, excellent for church or school, this arrangement brings a new spark to a great classic.
The Love Of God
Composer: Tune: Melanie
Arranger: Norman Morris
Author/Lyricist: John Bell
Voicing: SATB
Released: April 1995
Difficulty: Medium Easy
The poem is by John Bell, the famous Scottish hymn writer. The theme is God’s love and grace for all. The tune is Melanie and arranger Norman Morris has honored us with a poignant anthem.
Walk In The Light
Composer: English Hymn Tune
Arranger: Norman Morris
Author/Lyricist: Anonymous
Voicing: SATB, Divisi
Season: Pentecost
Released: April 1995
Difficulty: Medium
This piece is simply too much fun. The “walking” is musically realized in an almost humorous fashion. The English hymn tune has no known source, but it has survived because of its buoyancy and because it has captured our spirits for years. Ready for some imaginative fun during a worship service? Then walk this piece in now.
You'd Better Run
Composer: African-American Spiritual
Arranger: Norman Morris
Author/Lyricist: African-American Spiritual
Voicing: SSAATB
Released: April 1998
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
This selection is an absolute blast - it starts off running and never lets up. Although for 8 parts, they are mainly easy ostinato patterns that scamper through the piece. Excellent for festivals, concert and church use. After racing and running to a furious conclusion the final word is ''phew!''