Carol for the Birth of Christ

SKU: HL.35028368

UPC: 884088651671. 5.25x7.5 inches. Joseph M. Martin.

Uses: Advent, Christmas

Scripture: Luke 2

From the composer of Tapestry of Light and The Winter Rose comes a new major work that is based on the traditional “Lesson and Carols” service. Filled to overflowing with beloved carols and original seasonal songs, this cantata tells the story of Christ's birth adorned with beautiful arrangements and meaningful Scriptures. The work includes optional moments for congregational participation, handbell ringers, and children's choir, if desired. Stunning orchestrations and a full line of support products are available to support your presentation. Titles include: A Christmas Overture; O Come, All Ye Faithful; A Prayer for Advent; People of Promise, Arise!; Song of Hope and Joy; O Little Town of Bethlehem; My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord; Lullabies of Bethlehem; Angels We Have Heard on High; Carols for Seekers; Let Christmas Begin; A Christmas Trilogy. Available separately: SATB, SAB, iPrint Orch CD-rom, Printed Orchestration, iPrint Consort Orch CD-rom, iPrint Handbells CD-rom, StudioTrax CD, Listening CD, 10-Pack Listening CDs, Preview Pack, RehearsalTrax CDs, Digital Resource Kit (Power Point, Poster/Program PDFs, Rehearsal Tips, Choir Devotionals, Children's Program, Composer Bios). Duration: ca. 59:21 (full performance) or ca. 48:37 (w/o opt. congregational anthems).

SKU: HL.294951

UPC: 888680944490. 5.0x5.0x0.145 inches. Luke 2:14, Matthew 2:10.

This dazzling menagerie of festive carols from the cantata And There Was Light will add sparkle to your Christmas program. The seasonal spirit is alive and well from the first notes of the extended introduction to the final triumphant chords. Arranged for success, these colorful carols celebrate the birth of Christ with a glorious sweep of sound and message. A must-do finale for Christmas concerts! Songs include: Ding Dong! Merrily on High; While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; Joy to the World. Score and Parts for Full Orchestra (fl 1-2, ob, cl 1-2, bn, hn 1-2, tpt 1-3, tbn 1-2, tba, timp, perc 1-2, hp, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) available as a digital download. Score and Parts for Consort (fl, cl, tpt 1-2, tbn, perc, kybd) also available as a digital download.

SKU: BT.YE0075

Four Double Basses. Eight well-known Christmas carols in a new guise. Score and parts.

The Programme of Christmas Carols was first performed in New Orleans in 1976. In its original version, the players were required to wear Dickensian costume and a seasonal narrative preceded each of the carol arrangements. The texts appear below.

Duration without text: c.20 minutes
Duration with text: c.45 minutes

Introduction by Robert Rohe

The introductory text, assembled with the kind assistance of Father Peacock of Loyola University of New Orleans, was designed for use where the receptivity of the audience warrants. So little is known about thebeloved Christmas carols, it is fitting that a brief sketch of the carols' past be used to enhance the familiar music.

If desired, the introductory text may be omitted at the discretion of the performers.

The brief text preceding each carol should be used to acquaint the audience with what to expect, from a quartet that will be playing the unexpected. The text also will pace the program and will extend performance time to around 45 minutes.

In performance, the bass viol quartet of New Orleans wore peaked caps, and turtle necked sweaters to simulate the street performers of Dickens' time. The choice of four string basses for this program was to bring the closest relatives of the true viol into play.

History and development of the Christmas Carol

The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ has been observed for nearly 2,000 years, through the ritual of the Christian Church, with part of that ritual being devoted to celebration in song. In those early days, church music was sung only, no musical instruments taking part in the service.

The type of song used by the church had the name 'plain-song'. It was a single line of melody, plain and unadorned, sung by one or more voices. By the year 1660 A.D., it had developed a second name, 'The Gregorian Chant', after Pope Gregory, who encouraged the use.

SKU: OU.9780193530348

ISBN 9780193530348. 10 x 7 inches.

For SATB (with S. solo) unaccompanied This thought-provoking carol takes up the topical theme of the plight of refugees, drawing parallels with the stories and reception of Christ's birth. The text, by the composer, alludes to familiar lines from the Coventry Carol, rooting the piece in tradition while encouraging us to consider our present.

SKU: JK.00668

Luke 2.

Christmas carol anthem set at the time of Christ's birth, for a cappella mixed chorus (SATB). Highest soprano note: F. Highest tenor note: E (above middle C).
Composer: Robert P. Manookin
Lyricist: Ted L. Gibbons
Difficulty: Medium
Performance time: 2:30
Reference: Luke 2.