ADVENT & CHRISTMAS Meg Matuska
Te Day of the Lord Music by Justin Wedgewood, arranged by Scot Crandal. Text by Harry Hagan, OSB. SAB choir, descant, keyboard, guitar, solo instruments in C, assembly. OCP 30147920, $2.85.
A lilting modal melody in 3/8 time gives this piece the sense of urgency that the text requires: “Te day of the Lord is coming, the day of the Lord is near!” Te refrain is set for SAB choir with descant, and the verses are in two parts (SB). Most appropriate for the early Sundays of Advent, although it would be effective as a common Entrance song throughout the season.
In Deepest Night Above the Earth
Music by Steven Ottományi. Text by M.D. Ridge. SSATB choir, harp or piano, cello, assembly. OCP 30145546, $2.85.
Te beautiful melodic arc of this D-minor melody elucidates the complexity of darkness and the wonder of the mystery of the Incarnation. Truly, “in deepest night” is where we can encounter the holy in ways that are not possible in brighter times. Harmonies are not complicated, but strong singers will be necessary, for example, when the women sing in three parts in verse 2. Scored for harp and cello accompaniment, this is a worthwhile addition to your Christmas Eve repertoire.
Hush You, My Baby
Music by Ephrem Feeley. Text by Timothy Dudley- Smith. SATB choir, descant, piano, flute, assembly. OCP 30148352, $2.85.
Te composer instructs that this piece be approached “delicately,” and indeed that will be necessary for a successful rendition. A gentle lullaby melody in D major carries a rich text that recalls the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ in the midst of the Christmas imagery of the newborn child. A wonderful piece for combined choirs of children and adults, as the first and last verses are in unison.
Far Away in a Manger
Kevin Keil. Two-part (SB) choir, keyboard, guitar, assembly. OCP 30148320, $2.85.
Tis piece skillfully combines the two tunes associated with the text “Away in a Manger,” CRADLE SONG and MUELLER, with original material. It is a good choice especially for the small choir returning from the pandemic, as it will be easy to put together and very effective for singers and listeners alike.
CHORAL MUSIC FOR
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