A Christmas Carol (2015)
for SSATBB choir, a cappella
Text: Reginald Heber (1783-1826)
Duration: 3 minutes
Difficulty: 2/4
First performed in High River, Alberta by Spiritus Chamber Choir (Michael Zaugg, cond.) in December 2019.
This brief carol for unaccompanied choir was written for my own pleasure, to create a short, enjoyable Christmas carol, suitable for either church or concert settings. I aimed to write my carol in the vein of John Rutter or David Willcocks: a memorable melody, arranged in various ways and with satisfying parts for all voices, but which also contains some brief unexpected harmonic twists along the way.
Click here to see the complete score.
Live recording currently unavailable. MIDI available on request.
Full Text
Cold on his cradle the dewdrops are shining;
Low lies his bed with the beasts of the stall;
Angels adore him, in slumbers reclining,
Wise men and shepherds before him do fall.
Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would His favour secure;
Richer by far is the heart's adoration,
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Now low at his feet we in humble prostration,
Lose all our sorrow and trouble and strife;
There we receive his divine consolation,
Flowing afresh from the fountain of life.
And he is our friend in the midst of temptation,
Faithful supporter, whose love cannot fail;
Rock of our refuge, and hope of salvation,
Light to direct us through death’s gloomy vale.
O Star of the morning, thy brightness, declining,
Shortly must fade when the sun doth arise:
Beaming refulgent, his glory eternal
Shines on the children of love in the skies.
Hallelujah! Amen.