MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS
The Apple Tree
Boosey & Hawkes 48023940
J.W. Pepper Editor's Choice
Voicing: SATB chorus with piano
Duration: c. 3'25"
First Performance: University of Central Florida Chamber Singers, David L. Brunner, conductor, St. James Cathedral, Orlando, FL, December 3, 2015
Text: Anonymous, 18th century
The tree of life my soul hath seen,
Laden with fruit, and always green;
The trees of nature fruitless be,
Compar'd with Christ the Appletree.
This beauty doth all things excel,
By faith I know, but ne'er can tell
The glory which I now can see,
In Jesus Christ the Appletree.
For happiness I long have sought,
And pleasure dearly I have bought;
I miss'd of all; but now I see
'Tis found in Christ the Appletree.
I'm weary'd with my former toil—
Here I will sit and rest awhile,
Under the shadow I will be,
Of Jesus Christ the Appletree.
This fruit doth make my soul to thrive,
It keeps my dying faith alive;
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the Appletree.
Beautiful Star of Bethlehem
Boosey & Hawkes 48019783
Voicing: SSA chorus with violin and piano
Composer: R. Fisher Boyce
Duration: c. 3'
Text: Adger M. Pace (1882-1959) & R. Fisher Boyce
O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem
Shining far through shadows dim
Giving the light for those who long have gone.
Guiding the wise men on their way
Unto the place where Jesus lay.
O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem shine on.
O Beautiful Star, the hope of life.
Guiding the pilgrims through the night.
Over the mountains til the break of dawn.
Into the land of perfect day
It will give out a lovely ray.
O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, shine on.
O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem
Sine upon us until the glory dawns.
Give us a lamp to light the way
Unto the land of perfect day.
O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem shine on.
O Beautiful Star the hope of grace
For the redeemed, the good and the blest
Yonder in glory when the crown is won.
Jesus is now the star divine
Brighter and brighter He will shine
O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem shine on.
I’ve loved Adger M. Pace and R. Fisher Boyce's Beautiful Star of Bethlehem each time I've heart it, from recordings as diverse as Chanticleer to Naomi and Wynonna Judd (which I particularly like!), and have always wanted to set this tune.
This arrangement gives homage to the pure harmonies of the folk and gospel traditions and the rural flavor of the violin (or do we call it a fiddle?). It moves in an easy tempo, has an uncluttered texture, and a countermelody that I found myself harmonizing each time I sang along with the melody. I hope I’ve captured some of its charm.
I like the bright quality of this key, though if the lowest notes prove problematic for young singers, it could be transposed up, G major also having a nice ring.
The singing should be straightforward with a simplicity and clarity.
Chauntecleere
Boosey & Hawkes 48019725
Voicing: 2-part treble chorus with tambourine, finger cymbals and piano
Duration: c. 2’20”
Text: William Austin (1587-1634)
All this night, shrill Chauntecleere
(Dayes-proclaiming Trumpetere)
Claps his wings, and lowdly Cryes,
(Mortals, Mortals) wake and rise.
See a wonder
Heaven is under.
From the Earth, is risen a Sunne,
Shines all Night, though Day be done.
Wake (oh Earth), wake (everything)!
Wake, and heare the joy, I bring.
Wake, and joy; for, all this Night,
Heaven, and every twinckling Light...
Angels, Powers, and all that bee,
Wake; and joy, this Sunne to See.
The Girl Choir of South Florida
Wallis Peterson, conductor
There's something wonderful about William Austin's bold words of Chauntecleere clapping his wings and trumpeting the dawn. This short poem has an urgency for us to awaken and see the wonder, hear the joy that's brought by the rising of the Sunne.
Angular melodies suggest the fanfare calls and asymmetrical rhythmic and percussion propel the music forward. Sing with strength and authority.
"Wake and heare!"
Christmastide
Boosey & Hawkes 48004847
Voicing: 2-part treble chorus with piano
Duration: c. 3'
Text: Janet Lewis (1899-1998)
Lullee, lullay,
I could not love thee more if thou wast Christ the King.
Now tell me, how did Mary know
that in her womb should sleep and grow
the Lord of everything.
Lullee, lullay.
An angel stood with her who said,
"That which doth stir like summer in thy side
shall save the world from sin."
Then stable, hall and inn shall cherish Christmastide!
Lullee, lullay.
And so it was that day.
And did she love Him more
because an angel came to prophesy His name?
Ah no, not so, she could not love Him more,
but loved Him just the same.
The focus of this poetic text is on the mother, and the special feelings of mothers worldwide. It is a simple lullaby, but with a profound sense of awe.
Creator of the Stars of Night
TBA
Voicing: Unison voices with piano
Original melody: Conditor alme siderium, 9th c.
Duration: c. 3'
Text: Conditor alme siderum, 9th c., trans. J. M. Neale (1818 - 1866)
Creator of the stars of night,
Thy people's everlasting light.
O Christ, thou Saviour of us all,
We pray thee, hear us when we call.
And when the world drew on toward night,
Thou camest, not in splendor bright
As monarch, but the humble child
Of Mary, blameless mother mild.
To God, the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
Laud, honor, might, and glory be
From age to age eternally.
Down in Yon Forest
Shawnee Press A-1707 (POP)
Voicing: SATB chorus a cappella
Duration: c. 2'15'
Recording: University of Illinois Graduate Choral, Harold Decker, conductor.
Text: Traditional English Carol
Down in yon forest there stands a hall:
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
It's covered all over with purple and pall
And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.
In that hall there stands a bed:
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
It's covered all over with scarlet so red:
And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.
At the bed-side there lies a stone:
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
Which the sweet Virgin Mary knelt upon:
And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.
Under that bed there runs a flood:
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
The one half runs water, the other runs blood:
And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.
At the bed's foot there grows a thorn:
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
Which ever blows blossom since he was born:
And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.
Over that bed the moon shines bright:
The bells of Paradise I heard them ring:
Denoting our Saviour was born this night:
And I love my Lord Jesus above anything.
The Friendly Beasts
Shawnee Press 35007345
Voicing: SSA chorus with piano, shaker, claves and congas
Duration: c. 1'54"
First Performance: The Orlando Children's Chorus, Carolyn Minear, conductor,
Orlando, Florida, December 12, 1998
Text: Traditional carol
Jesus our brother, kind and good
was humbly born in a stable rude,
and the friendly beasts around Him stood,
Jesus our brother kind and good.
"I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown,
"I carried His mother up hill and down;
I carried His mother to Bethlehem town."
"I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown.
"I," said the sheep with the curly horn,
"I gave Him my wool for His blanket warm;
He wore my coat on Christmas morn."
"I," said the sheep with the curly horn.
"I," said the dove from the rafters high,
"I cooed Him to sleep that He could not cry;
We cooed Him to sleep my mate and I."
"I," said the dove from the rafters high.
Thus ev'ry beast by some good spell,
in the stable dark was glad to tell
of the gift he gave Emanuel.
This arrangement uses a rhythmically interesting calypso feel to bring a fresh perspective to this familiar carol tune and charming text. Appropriate for treble voices of all ages. The piano accompaniment is supportive of the voices.
In the Bleak Midwinter
TBA
Voicing: SATB chorus with piano or guitar
Text: Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)
Duration: c. 3'
First Performance: Gloria Musicae, David L. Brunner, conductor, Sarasota, Florida
This familiar carol, with its less familiar tune, consists of three verses of increasing complexity, for mixed chorus with guitar or piano. The interest lies in the harmonic treatment of each verse and the independence of the delicate accompaniment -- a constant filigree on notes of the supporting harmony. It is a gentle and expressive setting of a well-known Christmas carol, appropriate in range and difficulty for both high school and church choirs.
Never a Child as He
Boosey & Hawkes 48004588
Voicing: unison chorus with piano
Duration: c.1'50"
First Performance: Gloria Musicae Young People's Choir, David L. Brunner, conductor,
Sarasota, Florida, December 1991
Text and melody: James Niblock
Never so lovely a child as he,
Born in a stable lowly.
Never a face so fair to see,
Child of all Most Holy.
Humble His Birth, yet King to be,
Never a child as He.
Out on the hillside shepherds did pray;
Wise men their gifts were bringing,
Led by a star to where he lay,
Child of the angels singing,
Never a child as He.
Never on Earth a night like this,
Angles and men in chorus.
Never a birth awesome as His;
Heaven is open'd before us.
God's own son abiding here,
Never a gift so dear.
Never a child as He.
Never a Child as He is an arrangement for unison voices over a gently undulating piano accompaniment. Each verse of the modal melody is set over a differing accompanying texture. The innocence of the text coupled with the simple, folk-like character of the melody results in a charming lullaby, appropriate for children or adult voices in unison.
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Boosey & Hawkes 48004883
For my dear niece,Kendal, her mother and grandmother, with love at Christmas
Voicing: SA chorus with piano
Text: Phillip Brooks (1835-1893)
Duration: c. 3'50"
What a beautiful melody! The traditional text is enhanced by flowing melodic lines, warm harmonies, and a gently rhythmic accompaniment that aptly depicts the glow and tenderness of Christmas.
J. W. Pepper & Son, Inc.
An expansive and charming new melody, unfolding through a series of modulations, brings these familiar words to life. Sing long melodic lines with a lyric ease and sense of shape.
O Magnum Mysterium
Boosey & Hawkes TBA
Voicing: SATB divisi chorus a cappella
Duration: c. 3'15"
First Performance: VanderCook College of Music Concert Choir Robert Sinclair, conductor, Nativity of Our Lord church, Chicago, IL, December 1, 2022
- Text: Traditional Latin
O magnum mysterium,
et admirabile sacramentum,
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum,
iacentem in praesepio!
Beata Virgo, cujus viscera
meruerunt portare
Dominum Iesum Christum.
Alleluia!
- English translation
- O great mystery,
and wonderful sacrament,
that animals should see the newborn Lord,
lying in a manger!
Blessed is the virgin whose womb
was worthy to bear
the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Alleluia! -
I have always felt that I wanted to compose music to the O Magnum Mysterium text. I’ve studied, conducted and loved settings by Gabrieli, Pinkham and Lauridsen but waited a long time to write my own. It was not until the Covid-19 pandemic shut down choral music in March of 2020 -- and my own writing also stopped until November of that year – that I turned to this text for my re-emergence.
This setting is characterized by gentle dissonance and full harmonies in an SATB divisi texture.
On Christmas Morn
Boosey & Hawkes 48004712
For the Children's Aid Society Chorus of New York City, Francisco J. Nunez, director
Voicing: unison chorus with piano
Duration: c. 3'
First Performance: Children's Aid Society Chorus, Francisco Nunez, conductor,
St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York, New York, December 19, 1996
Text: Ruth Sawyer (1880-1970)(adapted from an old Spanish carol)
Shall I tell you who will come
to Bethlehem on Christmas morn,
Who will kneel them gently down
before the Lord, new-born?
One small fish from the river,
with scales of red, red gold,
One wild bee from the heather,
one gray lamb from the fold,
One ox from the high pasture,
one black bull from the herd,
One goatling from the far hills,
one white, white bird.
And many children, God give them grace,
bringing tall candles to light Mary's face.
The words of this old Spanish carol tell of the scene around the manger in Bethlehem, an assembly of gentle creatures and many children of all backgrounds. It should be sung gently, with sincerity and warmth.
Shall I Silent Be
Boosey & Hawkes HL 48022757
Commissioned by the Mississippi College Singers on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Festival of Lights at Mississippi College in honor of Dr. James Richard Joiner, who began the cherished Festival tradition in 1985
Voicing: SATB divisi chorus with piano and orchestral bells
Duration: c. 3'22"
First Performance: Mississippi College Singers, James M. Meaders, conductor, at the 2010 Festival of Lights, Mississippi College, Clinton, Mississippi, December 2-4, 2010.
Text: George Herbert (1593-1633)
The shepherds sing; and shall I silent be?
My God, no hymne for thee?
My soul's a shepherd too: a flock it feeds
Of thoughts, and words, and deeds.
The pasture is thy word; the streams, thy grace
Enriching all the place.
Shepherd and flock shall sing, and all my powers
Out-sing the day-light houres.
Then we will chide the same for letting night
Take up his place and right.
We sing one common Lord; wherefore he should
Himself the candle hold.
I will go searching, till I finde a sunne
Shall stay, till we have done;
A willing shiner, that shall shine as gladly,
As frost-nipt sunnes look sadly.
Then we will sing, and shine all our own day,
And one another pay;
His beams shall cheer my breast, and both so twine,
Till ev'n his beams sing, and my musick shine.
We were looking for a composer to set a treasured poem with graceful melodies, textual sensitivity, and vibrant harmonic language. We found that person in David Brunner. David graciously worked with us to create a setting that immediately captured the singers' imaginations and inspired their performances. Key relationships, accompanying lines, and choral parts are masterfully interwoven to communicate the beauty and depth of George Herbert's metaphysical text.
James M. Meaders
Director, Mississippi College Singers
In 1985 Dr. James Richard Joiner began the tradition of the Festival of Lights at Mississippi College. In 2010 Dr. James M. Meaders wished to honor him on the 25th anniversary of this tradition. Shall I Silent Be is the result of this special commemoration. George Herbert's text from the poem Christmas, also used in Vaughan Williams' Hodie, has a pastoral quality (flocks, shepherds, pastures, streams) and a personal association ("My soul's a shepherd too"), the concluding stanza culminating in strong and joyful conviction ("Then we will sing, and shine all our own day..."). Lyrical solo phrases, homophonic and animated passages all serve to illuminate the text and there are many tempo related opportunities for expressive singing.
The Mississippi College Singers premiere occurred December 2-4, 2010 in Provine Chapel on the Mississippi College campus, under the direction of James Meaders. Both the composer and honoree were present.
The Shepherd's Carol
Boosey & Hawkes 48018988
Voicing: Unison chorus with piano
Duration: c. 3'
Text: Anonymous
We stood on the hills, Lady,
Our day's work done,
Watching the frosted meadow
That winter had won.
The evening was calm, Lady,
The air so still,
Silence more lovely than music
Folded the hill.
There was a star, Lady,
Shone in the night,
Larger than Venus it was
And bright, so bright.
Oh, a voice from the sky, Lady,
It seemed to us then
Teling of God being born
In the world of men.
And so we have come, Lady,
Our day's work done,
Our love, our hopes, ourselves
We give to your son.
The sentiment of this anonymous text is one of simple wonderment. This night was different than others: the stillness of the air, a lovely silence, the brightness of the star, a voice from the sky. Respect for the Lady is brought by hardworking shepherds, who offer themselves in homage to her son.
The tempo is unrushed, the singing pure and honest.
Sing, Hevin Imperial
TBA
Voicing: SATB chorus with piano
Duration: c. 2'
Text: William Dunbar (1460 - 1520?)
Sing, hevin imperial, most of hicht!
Regions of air mak armony!
All fish in flud and fowl of flicht
Be mirthful and mak melody!
All Gloria in excelsis cry!
Heaven, erd, se, man, bird, and best,
He that is crownit abone the sky
Pro nobis Puer natus est!
Sir Christemas
Boosey & Hawkes 48019826
For the Children's Chorus of Washington, Joan Gregoryk, Founder and Artistic Director
Voicing: SSA/SSA choirs, organ, trumpet I and II, horn, trombone, tuba, timpani, triangle
and orchestra bells. Full score and parts available for purchase from the
publisher #48019827.
Duration: c. 3'51"
First Performance: The Children's Chorus of Washington, Joan Gregoryk, conductor,
Washington D. C., December 15-16, 2007
Text: Anonymous c. 1500
Nowell, nowell.
Who is there that singeth so,
I am here, Sir Christemas.
Welcome, my lord Sir Christemas!
Welcome to all, both more and less.
Come near, come near.
Nowell, nowell.
Dieu vous garde, beaux sieurs,
(God keeps you, beautiful sirs)
Tidings I you bring:
A maid hath born a child full young.
Which causeth you to sing:
Nowell, nowell.
Christ is now born of a pure maid:
In an oxstall he is laid,
Wherefore sing we all a brayde:
Nowell, nowell.
Buvez bien, buvez bien par toute la compagnie.
(Drink well, drink well by the whole company)
Make good cheer and be right merry,
And sing with us now joyfully:
Nowell, nowell.
Order brass, percussion and organ parts
Our Holiday Concert traditionally includes organ, brass quintet and percussion, and for the 2007 concert we wanted to feature a new work that combined those forces with two or more of the four CCW ensembles. David chose the poem Sir Christemas and wrote a celebratory and joyful piece with resounding bells, organ and brass interludes, and sections for unison, two and three part chorus. It begins with a triumphant "Nowell" and ends with a spirited "Welcome" sung by the tutti choruses. The more contemplative middle section featured the youngest singers proclaiming in the purity of their unison voices: "Christ is now born of a pure maid; in an ox-stall he is laid." David has written a stirring piece that will become a standard in the repertoire for treble voices and brass quintet.
Joan Gregoryk
Founder and Artistic Director
Children's Chorus of WashingtonThe opportunity to write something for treble chorus and brass for the Christmas season came at the invitation of Joan Gregoryk, Artistic Director of the Children's Chorus of Washington, whom I have been delighted to hear on a number of occasions. What has resulted is a fanfare of welcome for the season.
The festive and cheerful nature of the anonymous Renaissance text Sir Christemas, in English and French, was the perfect impetus. It first appears in a manuscript of English and Latin songs, dating probably from Edward IV to the early years of Henry VIII. An early appearance as a carol is attributed to Richard Smart, rector of Plymtree, Devon, from 1435-1477.
The chorus alternately sings in unison, three parts and antiphonal double choir. Brass, organ and percussion combine to bring color and brilliance to the texture, and there is, at times, a vaguely Medieval feel to the music, characterized by the Lydian modality (raised 4th), open sonorities, angular rhythms and the quotation of the Puer Nobis theme.
The singing should be bold and joyful. Welcome Sir Christemas!
Still, Still, Still
Boosey & Hawkes 48004509
Voicing: SATB chorus with piano
Duration: c. 3'
First Performance: Gloria Musicae, David L. Brunner, conductor, Sarasota, Florida,
December 1992
Text: Traditional Austrian carol
Still, still, still,
Let all the world be still.
For Mary lays her son to rest,
Sings to Him softly at her breast.
Still, still, still,
Let all the world be still.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
My dearest baby, sleep,
The angels all rejoice and sing,
Heav'n for your delight shall ring.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
My dearest baby, sleep.
Joy, joy, joy,
My heart is filled with joy!
The God of love has left his throne,
Made this humble world his own.
Joy, joy, joy!
My heart is filled with joy!
The piano accompaniment provides a colorful harmonic underlay and feeling of momentum in this sensitive setting of the familiar Austrian carol. The rich, four-part choral texture is especially noticeable in a highly effective a cappella section.
J. W. Pepper & Son, Inc.
The tuneful melody of this lovely Austrian carol is the focus of the choral texture, the piano accompaniment providing a colorful harmonic underlay and gentle feeling of momentum. It should not feel rushed, however, but relaxed enough to make clear and express the sometimes subtle inner harmonic movement. Although scored for SATB voices, unison children's voices may effectively be substituted for or double the soprano line.
Welcome All Wonders
Boosey & Hawkes 48019534
Voicing: SA chorus with piano
Duration: c. 2'20"
Text: Thomas Traherne (1637-1674)
Welcome all wonders in one sight.
Eternity shut in a span.
Summer in winter, day in night;
Heav'n in earth and God in man.
Great little one, whose all embracing birth
Lifts earth to heav'n, stoops heav'n to earth.
There's something magical about these gentle words by Thomas Traherne. There is a wonderful sense of the non-duality of all things. In this moment eternity and the present, the seasons, day and night, heaven and earth, God and man become one. The strength and vulnerability of the "great little one" are also one and link our experience of heaven and earth.
One can sing these words as a lullaby, and can find additional meaning as we open ourselves to and welcome the wonder of this moment and the oneness of all things.
This lyrical melody and gently unfolding harmonies should be sung expressively, with warmth.
