Donkey Carol

SKU: JK.00076

Luke 2.

A sweet Christmas meditation for mixed chorus (SATB) and piano, this gentle Christmas carol affirms that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Text asks the question: Did the Donkey know the plan?
Composer: Carolyn S. Stevens
Arranger: Carolyn S. Stevens
Lyricist: Carolyn S. Stevens
Difficulty: Medium
Performance time: 5:00
Reference: Luke 2.

SKU: CF.FPS163F

ISBN 9781491163894. UPC: 680160922680.

The melody of The Friendly Beasts (“Orientis Partibus”) originated in twelfth-century France and has been attributed to Pierre de Corbeil, Bishop of Sens. The song migrated to England by the thirteenth century, where its popularity grew and in the early twentieth century the familiar English words were added. The melody has been set in both quadruple and triple meter and is presented in both meters here. Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958) included the carol in his English Hymnal (1906).The words in both the original Latin and modern English versions pay homage to the place of animals in the Christmas story. The carol has also been known as The Donkey Carol and The Animal Carol.This setting is intended to reflect the Medieval origins of the melody. Some freedom of tempo would be appropriate during the “chant” version of the melody (mm. 6–18). Adding poco ritardando at m. 28, at the discretion of the director, should lead to a stricter tempo in mm. 31–53, in the manner of a medieval round dance. A gentle approach to the performance is appropriate. Finger cymbals could be added to or replace all or part of the triangle part, again at the director’s discretion.

SKU: GH.CG-6943

ISBN 9790070007658. Text: Jorgen Ralphsson (Swedish).

For blandad kor och piano eller orkester.

SKU: HL.14014431

ISBN 9781870997188. English.

An excellent set of carols for young children which work well individually or as a basis for a Nativity presentation, with all the traditional characters. Biblical texts are given. Suitable for children up to 8 years and for Sunday Schools. Arranged for piano, voice and simple percussion, with Guitar chords given. The percussion parts can be given to older children or to adults, but with patient help, the youngest of children with aptitude will enjoy mastering these parts. Duration: 25 mins . Script available in student book. If you need to license a school/youth theatre performance of this product, please use the online application form.