SKU: CA.966400
ISBN 9790007167691. Text language: Danish/German/English. Text: Grundtvig, Nicolai Frederick Severin.
Ayres set two verses from a children's poem by the Danish lyric poet and theologian N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783-1872). It tells of the shining star of Christmas. In double-choir structure, alternating between female and male-voice choir, Ayres depicts the shining of the star leading in a great intensification to a magnificent radiating effect. The mainly homophonic work remains in a tonal A major throughout, but contains surprises with some abrupt individual modulations which require secure intonation. It is suitable for both Advent concerts and for Christmas or Epiphany services. For ease of performance the whole piece contains a singable German and English translation.
