This anthology explores the various genres, key composers, and influential works essential to the development of the western choral tradition.  Chester L. Alwes divides this exploration into two volumes which move from medieval music and the Renaissance era up to the 21st century.  Volume 1 surveys the choral music of composers including Josquin, Palestrina, Purcell, Handel, and J.S. Bach while detailing the stylistic, textual, and extramusical considerations unique to the topics covered. Readers will gain insight into major composers and works while providing a cohesive understanding of choral music's place in Western history.