These strange and lovely anonymous words haunted me for
some years, and I hope this setting does them some
justice. The middle section is as loud as the choir can
reasonably sing it; while the opening and closing
sections are as quiet as possible, remote without being
chill. The quaver motif in the accompanimenet is
integral to the piece, suggesting the cracking and
tinkling of ice and (in the middle) the quickening
heartbeats of the shepherds as the light bursts upon
them. I have included some ...(+)
These strange and lovely anonymous words haunted me for
some years, and I hope this setting does them some
justice. The middle section is as loud as the choir can
reasonably sing it; while the opening and closing
sections are as quiet as possible, remote without being
chill. The quaver motif in the accompanimenet is
integral to the piece, suggesting the cracking and
tinkling of ice and (in the middle) the quickening
heartbeats of the shepherds as the light bursts upon
them. I have included some dynamics, but prefer to
leave most detail to the conductor's interpretation of
the piece. Please do let me know if you sing it.