Breath of Song brings together ten exquisite works by contemporary women composers. Compiled and edited by Sarah Quartel, the collection features an eclectic mix of styles and colours, specially selected with modern concert programming in mind - from settings of hymn-like simplicity and a rich choral sound to works featuring theatrical body percussion and a fresh close-harmony style. Secular and sacred texts from across the centuries are given fresh life, and new words and sounds are introduced to the repertoire, including the onomatopoeic echoes of Hindustani classical instruments in...

for SSAA, piano, and cello This bright, sparkling celebration of nature is inspired by the snowy and icy winters of the composer's native Canada. The text, by Lucy Maud Montgomery, is brought to life through vibrant melodies, a rippling piano part, and a rich, poignant line for solo cello. This piece was originally published in a version for SATB, solo cello, and piano as part of the five-movement work A Winter Day.

for SSATBarB unaccompanied Setting words by the composer, One of these days is an affirmatory piece with pop-inspired rhythms and harmonies. The scat syllables and repeating patterns of the lower parts provide a rich cushion for the lilting melody of the soprano lines, with lyrics that encourage us to seize the day!

for SSAA, violin, and piano This uplifting piece sets a text inspired by Julian of Norwich, with additions by the composer. Quartel's intertwining vocal lines are beautifully combined with a soaring violin part and flowing piano accompaniment, illustrating the joy and power of song.

The Sarah Quartel Songbook brings together a selection of the composer's best-loved pieces for mixed voices, including favourites such as Sing, my Child, Voice on the Wind, and Swept Away. This is an invaluable resource both for choirs looking to explore the work of this fine choral composer for the first time and for admirers of Quartel's style hoping to find staple repertoire conveniently gathered together in one volume.

The Sarah Quartel Songbook brings together a selection of the composer's best-loved pieces for upper voices, including favourites such as The Birds' Lullaby, I remember, and All the way home. This is an invaluable resource both for choirs looking to explore the work of this fine choral composer for the first time and for admirers of Quartel's style hoping to find staple repertoire conveniently gathered together in one volume.

for SSAATTBB unaccompanied The Island Itself is a setting of the poem Homage to Omey by Irish poet, Joan McBreen. The imagery of the sea conveyed in the text is reflected through lilting, syncopated rhythms. The melody is supported by a bed of ostinati sung with vocables. The swelling dynamics and long, held notes create an immersive wash of sound.

for SATB (with SAT semi-chorus) and cello Quartel has chosen a powerful combination of texts by Hildegard von Bingen and Mother Teresa for this emotive choral work. The main choir is accompanied by a small ensemble singing the word 'love' with rippling ostinati that reflect the title of the work. The solo cello line contributes lyrical melodic lines, moving into triplet rhythms and broken chords as the piece progresses to its emotive climax.

for SATB and piano The wind is my shepherd was commissioned by National Concerts for 'Canada at Carnegie' and premiered at Carnegie Hall in April 2023. The text, by Steven Heighton, is a secular rewriting of Psalm 23 'The Lord is my shepherd'. Quartel pairs the contemplative message with powerful textures and driving triplet rhythms.