S.A.T.B

Douglas Coombes [after G.F.Handel based on Hallelujah Chorus]
SATB with keyboard accompaniment, of moderate difficulty, but of maximum excitement, this re-working of Handel's best-known chorus by Douglas Coombes will have your audiences rocking in the aisles! There is a strong rock-gospel feel about this piece which choirs will love performing. The accompaniment works well on piano, but lends itself to electronic keyboard treatment too. A favourite at home and overseas.

Hot Hallelujah reviewed
Ever heard of Breezy Bach? Well this is a kind of Hurricane Handel. Using Handel's chorus "Hallelujah", Coombes has created a rock-style variation in 3 editions (SSA, SATB, TTBB).It starts deceptively calmly before breaking into a frenzy of syncopated "Hallelujahs" insterspersed with bits of the original. The piano accompaniment, although notated, is intended to be used freely, taking the notes supplied as a guide. A useful encore if you need one. Stephen Pusey - Sheet Music magazine

by Douglas Coombes
This is a continuous piece in which the story of the Annunciation right through to the flight from Egypt is told in 9 choral movements, linked with music and narration. The narration is based on chapters 1 & 2 from Matthew & Luke (New Testament) and the texts for the choral movements are traditional, 15th century and also by the composer himself.


The SATB edition was completed shortly after the original SSA version was created. Larry Dorminy, a church music director in Pennsylvania, USA, a close friend of the composer, was staying at Douglas Coombes' home and on hearing the work, immediately asked Douglas to make the SATB version. He then performed it with his church choir shortly after the SSA world premiere was done, in December 2000. In the SATB performance, it actually formed part of the Christmas Eve service and was acted-out in a series of tableaux while the choir and narrator performed the music. Duration 30 minutes.
For Narrator, SATB Choir & keyboard (organ/piano).