For many of us, Christmas is the busiest time of the year, and singing is always such an important part of it. I’ve been involved as singer/director in a couple of carol services, and also been to several others, each with their own individual flavour and character. It’s been lovely to be part of the joyful time of Christmas worship and celebration, and wonderful to hear of performances of my music in many parts of the UK and the USA.
Several of my Advent pieces have appeared in my ‘Piece of the Week’ recently, and in this newsletter I thought I would just share a few other performances of my Christmas carols.
Candle Carol – welcoming Christmas through the four candles of Advent and their traditional associations. In ‘Carols for Choirs 6’ (OUP)
Sweet babe, sang she – the words of the traditional ‘Lute Book Lullaby’ turned into a slow and expressive carol for solo soprano and choir (published by Colne Edition)
Angel Alleluias – lively and rhythmic setting of a mediaeval text (OUP)
And all the stars looked down – contrasts the cold world outside with the warmth and hope of the stable (OUP)
What child is this? – the nativity scene – peaceful and calm, but with an exciting hope for the future (GIA Publications)
Shepherds, guarding their flocks – a gentle and flowingly expressive setting of a Victorian text, building up to joyous alleluias (OUP)
Merrily did the shepherds blow – a lively opening and closing section surrounds a peaceful centre in which the shepherds praise and wonder at the birth of Jesus. (Encore Pulications)
Let me give you our very best Christmas wishes, and hopes for a peaceful New Year. I plan to continue the ‘Pieces of the Week’ on my website, resuming in the New Year, and to introduce some new pieces as well as some older ones. And the attached image will give the opportunity for a do-it-yourself carol as well. Happy Christmas!!