Publications by AESS
Published by Thames (Vol. 1-7) and Goodmusic for AESS (Vol. 8 -10) over several years.
All volumes have been reset and edited by Michael Pilkington. [Death announced | external link | January 2025, at age 96.]
A Century of English Song | Index to Volumes 1 - 10
Online Listing [coming soon]
A Century of English Song
Series of 10 Volumes
This series includes songs by composers who may be little known outside specialist circles but who have achieved something distinctive in this field. Many of these songs, and some by well-known composers, have long been out of print. Although several publishers now offer an authorised photocopy service, the problem is often knowing of the existence of a song, rather than of obtaining a copy of it.
To keep costs to a minimum, use has in many cases been made of the original engraving (corrected where necessary), even where this may lead to a somewhat uneven result visually. The intention is to get these volumes into the hands of performers of all ages at an economic price. There is, above all, a simple missionary purpose: to enthuse, encourage and (in the best sense) educate.
(Notes on Publisher’s website)
Buy ‘A Century of English Song’ | An anthology for Singers
Volume I
Ten songs for soprano
and piano
Volume II
Ten songs for baritone
and piano
Volume III
Ten songs for tenor
and piano
Volume IV
Ten songs for medium/low voice (female)
and piano
Volume V
Soprano voice
and piano
Volume VI
Ten songs for baritone
and piano
Volume VII
Ten songs for tenor
and piano
Volume VIII
13 songs for medium/low
female voice
and piano
Volume IX
12 songs for high voice
and piano
Volume X
14 Songs for medium/low voice
and piano
Several songs from Volumes 1 – 10 are currently in the ABRSM’s singing syllabus
Grade 5
The Early Morning, Graham Peel – Volume 8
Grade 6
A Melancholy Song, Anthony Hopkins – Volume 1
How should I your true love know? Roger Quilter – Volume 1
Pot and Kettle, Clive Pollard – Volume 10
Grade 7
Love is a sickness, Patricia Williams – Volume 10
Grade 8
Mother I will have a husband, Gordon Jacob – Volume 4
Notes on the publication of Volumes 8 -10
It is with great pleasure that the AESS is able to announce that the last three volumes in the Century of English Song series are now available online from Goodmusic.
The AESS is immensely grateful to all those who have been involved in the long period of preparation for the new volumes; Michael Pilkington, Garry Humphreys, Sarah Leonard, David Good.
The volumes include the winning songs by Michael Betteridge and Rose Miranda Hall from the 2013 AESS Centenary Song Composition Prize.
We trust that all teachers and performers will find the volumes to be of great use in creating recitals and examinations.
Volumes 1-7, originally published by Thames, can be purchased at Musicroom.com.
The last three volumes are now available online from Goodmusic.