SEPTEMBER 2022 How Far Is It to Bethlehem?
Arranged by Christopher Walker. Text by Frances Chesterton. Two-part choir, descant, keyboard, solo instruments in C, assembly. OCP 30149012, $2.85.
Te classic English carol is arranged here for treble voices in three parts, although it could be presented in unison. Te lilting keyboard accompaniment maintains forward motion and support of the voices above, as “God in his mother’s arms” and “babes in the byre” rock to sleep.
Un Niño Nos Ha Nacido / A Child Is Born unto Us
Alberto Taulé. SATB choir, keyboard, guitar, two trumpets in B-flat, assembly. OCP 30101895, $2.65.
Here is a majestic processional piece for the Christmas season. Tis edition contains the original Spanish language text and English text by Barbara Bridge and Estela García-López. An easily learned melody makes the refrain instantly accessible to assemblies. Te brief verses could be sung by all, or by a cantor or choir. Textual themes of light shining through darkness are amplified by the lively trumpet parts, included in the octavo. Very useful for bilingual celebrations.
Psalm 98
Bob Hurd. SAB choir, keyboard, guitar, assembly. OCP 30114523, $2.85.
From the collection Grail Psalms for Sunday Worship, this presents settings of three different antiphon texts, along with psalm verses for Psalm 98. Included is the antiphon text for Christmas Mass During the Day: “All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.” Te antiphon is appropriately majestic, and verses are a combination of chant and metered singing. Can be effectively accompanied both by piano-based and organ-based ensembles.
Still
Kathleen M. Basi. SAB choir, piano, guitar, flute, cello, assembly. OCP 30148986, $4.25.
Te composer writes beautifully in her notes of the “magical as well as exhausting” experience of nursing a baby in the still of the night. She invites us, “weary wanderers, restless seekers,” into that stillness with our God. Despite the world’s brokenness, and “overshadowed by lost innocence,” our call is to live in the hope that is given us in the Incarnation. A beautiful meditation on the season for contemporary ensembles.
Meg Matuska is the Director of Music Ministries at Communion of Saints Parish in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. She serves as the Vice Chair of the NPM Board of Directors.
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