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: HL.1437163

UPC: 196288204466. 6.75x10.5x0.019 inches.

A placid accompaniment figure reminiscent of falling snow opens this setting, providing a serene sound world for the beloved SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT. As the upper voices disappear with the first verse, the lower voices enter above a slightly more stirring accompaniment pattern. The third verse opens the heavens to reveal the radiant beams in rapturous glory before returning us to the tranquil opening night scene. The optional string orchestra adds depth and texture to the backdrop, offering a meaningful expression to any concert.

SKU: GI.WW1937

UPC: 785147041269. English. Text by Alec Powell.

Melodically, rhythmically, and lyrically rich, In Love with You expresses the way that the world looks different when one is falling in love. Leaning into a neo-Broadway style, composer Alec Powell's unique point-of-view paints a beautiful picture here.

SKU: HL.35032508

UPC: 888680893118. 6.75x10.5 inches. Pamela Stewart/John Purifoy.

In this anthem, we discover a call to holiness spoken as a prayer from the contrite heart. The music speaks as a love song, rising and falling with charm and nuance. The piano is simple yet effective and supportive yet colorful, giving the piece a calmness that lends itself to services of contemplation or reflection. An anthem for seekers!