SKU: FG.55011-455-5

ISBN 9790550114555.

This cycle of carols, to the poetry of Christina Rossetti, was assembled piecemeal over a number of years, gradually acquiring a larger dramatic and harmonic arch shape as new settings were added. I was particularly attracted to Rossetti's conflation of the dark, fallow winter landscape with that of the soul waiting for salvation. The cycle traces the long nights of watchfulness before Christmas, with the great event constantly deferred, only glimpsed periodically in different visions before the music turns inward again to contemplation. The opening carol embodies this spirit, with passages of diffuse, roving harmony interspersed with meditative, lyrical pedals, calling out the night watch and dreaming of a far-off summer of the spirit. Earth Grown Old is a kind of double carol, setting two complete poems, their lines at first presented separately as a still, expectant chorale and a jubilant dance, then progressively interwoven toward a fervent climax before once again receding into quiet. In the bleak mid-winter, which sets a highly compressed version of Rossetti's original poem, presents an enfeebled landscape frozen in time, in dire need of deliverance. A gentle melody weaves its way through static drones, broken by an angels' chorus announcing the joy to come. Love Came Down at Christmas ends the waiting, with its gently falling, overlapping lines building to a final revelation, the mystery of Christmas at last made real.

SKU: MN.50-6124

UPC: 688670561245. English.

A brand new melody graces this beloved text. Four stanzas, the first two handled by the women and men, respectively.  The third stanza is contrasting material, in parts. The original melody returns majestically for the fourth stanza. This sensitive setting with approachable choral writing and a gorgeous piano accompaniment is sure to be a hit with your choir and listeners. Duration: 4:00.

SKU: HL.48024723

UPC: 888680955663.

This cycle of carols to Christina Rossetti's poems traces the long nights of watchfulness before Christmas, with the great event constantly deferred, only glimpsed periodically in different visions before the music turns inward again to contemplation. The carols can be performed separately, but they work the best as a cycle.

SKU: MN.50-0086

UPC: 688670500862. English.

This text found in the 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship has been given a new tune by the composer until the fourth stanza when the tune PICARDY takes over for a majestic ending, using the text King of Kings, yet born of Mary from a different source. Accessible unison and SATB writing with a few brief places where men's voices and women's voices sing alone. Duration: 4:00.