The composer clearly realizes that in church we need to learn music fairly quickly but that the music still needs to be of good quality. His well-crafted anthems have practical use. All are tuneful and accessible, yet reflect the mood of the words and shape of the poetry . . . The unaccompanied Cantate Gloria was written for an Association of British Choral Directors convention and first performed by the delegates. They would have enjoyed mastering the rhythmic patterns (actually very straightforward, once learned). This exciting setting would be a great encore at a Christmas concert. The whole anthology is highly recommended, for large or small choirs. * Gordon Appleton, Church Music Quarterly, June 2011 *
If you are not familiar with the choral music of Alan Bullard, this is a wonderful introduction. He writes music that is delightful to learn and a pleasure for the listener. This collection contains ten anthems . . . all in wonderful settings that will hold your interest. Definitely worth considering for your choir. * Philip Brunelle, The American Organist, July 2012 *
Bullard writes beautifully for voices. Take a look also at his [Alan Bullard] Anthems, as well as his [Alan Bullard] Carols - this is a composer whose settings are charming, not difficult, and well conceived! * Philip Brunelle, American Guild of Organists Journal, Sept 13 *
One-time pupil of Herbert Howells, Bullard shares a commitment with his erstwhile teacher to writing music for performance in church or liturgical contexts . . . Bullard's essential atmosphere is amiable, warm and unassuming, as is evidenced by the opening number, From the break of the day, with its graceful easy melody and satisfying changes of key . . . Yet each of the anthems is easily assimilable, and without breaking any boundaries, achieves its aims with charm and a good deal of natural lyricism. You rather get the sense that Bullard might be temperamentally disinclined to showbiz. Rather, he sees his role as quietly getting on with the vocation of writing music that people will want to sing and play on the everyday, as well as the special occasion. * Matthew Greenall, Classical Music, November 2010 *
This is a beautifully produced volume of ten of Alan Bullard's anthems for mixed voices, and is an attractive addition to a music library. Bullard's writing always suits voices well . . . The difficulty levels are from easy to moderate, and these are lovely, expressive pieces. * Francis O'Gorman, Organists@ Review, February 2011 *
