JOHN PETLEY
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Note: the dates on this  page refer either to the year(s) of composition or of major re-workings.
​ Some of these pieces have also been subject to a few small tweaks at a later date

Music Works

Sacred Choral Music

Liturgical Music

  • Missa Finis Terrae for SSATB (1976, revised 1978, largely re-written 2018).
  • Congregational Gloria for unison voices and organ (1980).
  • The “New Forest” (or Phrygian Mode) Preces and Responses for SATB (2019).
  • Evening canticles (Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis) for SSATB (2024-2025).

Psalms

  • The Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23) for SSATB, solo flute, 2 violins, viola, and cello (2019).
  • Lift up your heads, O ye gates (Psalm 24:7-10) for SSATBarB, 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, and timpani (2023).
  • Hear my cry (Psalm 61) for SSATB (2024).
  • Save Me, O God (verses from Psalm 69) for SATB and 3 trombones (2018).
  • They that go down to the sea in ships (Psalm 107:23-26, 28-31) for SATB and organ (2021).
  • This is the day (Psalm 118:24) for SSATTB (2018).
  • Out of the Depths (Psalm 130) for SSATBarB (1977, largely re-written 2019).
  • O Lord our Lord (Psalm 8) for SSAATB (2023).

Advent/Christmas Pieces

  • Behold, a virgin shall conceive (Isaiah 7:14) for SSATB (2018).
  • Hark, the glad sound (words by Philip Doddridge) for SATB (2018).
  • Verbum caro factum est (John 1:14) for SATB (2019).
  • Hodie Christus natus est for SATB+SATB (double choir) (2022).

Passiontide/Easter Pieces

  • O Vos Omnes (Lamentations 1:12) for SSATBarB (1977, largely re-written 2019).
  • Hosanna to the Son of David (Matthew 21:9, Luke 19:38) for SATB (2021).
  • O Domine Jesu Christe for SSATB (1975, largely re-written 2023-2024).

Other

  • I heard a voice from Heaven (Rev 14:13) for SSATBarB (2022).
  • The Lord bless thee and keep thee (Numbers 6:24-26) for SATB (2023).
  • See, Gracious God, before Thy throne (words by Anne Steele) for SATB+SATB (double choir) (2023).

Songs

Solo Songs

  • Futility for tenor and piano (words by Wilfred Owen) (1981).

Music in a Pastiche Style

  • Te Deum & Jubilate (late 17th century Anglo-French baroque) for SATB, solo soprano, 2 trumpets, timpani, strings & continuo (1974/1980; Jubilate re-written 2018).
  • Little Willie (A piece of pure fun – a setting of a light-hearted early 20th-century rhyme in the style of a late 16th-century English madrigal) for SATB (1974).
  • Hymn tune Wadhurst (Early 17th-century Scottish Psalter style, 8-6-8-8-6) (2018).
  • Hymn tune Polegate (18th-century “West Gallery” style, 10-10-10-10 + refrain – written for *Sing we the King who is coming to reign*) (1984).
Picture

John Petley

Composer and organist based in the East Sussex High Weald
“This gifted composer's work certainly needs greater exposure, as the audience's reception demonstrated.”
​​Musical Opinion, issue 1540, July-September 2024, following the performance of my Concerto Grosso by the Musicians of All Saints in Lewes. ​
Contact me
  • Home
  • My Musical Journey
  • My Music & Faith
  • Instrumental Works
  • Choral & Vocal Works
  • Listen
  • Get in Touch