While we may have dreams of large choirs and instrumental choirs for our Christmas liturgies, we know that is not always possible. Perhaps it is a year when more people are going out of town, or perhaps you work in a small parish and have always had a smaller choir. A choir does not need a large number of voices to offer something beautiful and meaningful during the season.
These recent GIA releases offer smaller ensembles music worth exploring as you plan for Christmas. Each brings something different to the celebration, with opportunities for your singers to lead the assembly in prayer and share in the joy of Christ’s birth.
As Lately We Watched
Voicing: SAB
This graceful setting of the traditional Austrian carol unfolds with a gently flowing keyboard accompaniment and lyrical choral writing. Contrasting sections bring growing urgency and fullness before a serene, unexpected conclusion. Warm and distinctive, it is a lovely choice for Christmas worship or concert programming.
What Is the Star
Voicing: Two-part
Inspired by the Magi and the shepherds who followed the star to find the infant Jesus, “What Is the Star” asks “What is it now that guides us to Jesus?” Written during the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate smaller ensembles and minimal rehearsal time, this piece offers the assembly an immediately singable ostinato in the form of the familiar “We Three Kings” refrain. This also makes it a great selection for use with children’s choirs. “What Is the Star” is appropriate throughout Advent and the Christmas season.
He Whom Shepherds Once Came Praising
Voicing: Two-part
The earliest versions of the “Quempas Carol” (named for the eliding of the first words of the Latin text, Quem pastores laudavere) originated in the fifteenth to sixteenth centuries, with Michael Praetorius’ version (1607) being the most famous. Envisioned as a dance-like setting of the carol for two contrasting voices, this arrangement is best sung by a mixed chorus of trebles and low voices.
Peace Carol
Voicing: Two-part (also available in SATB & SAB editions)
This recent best seller is now available in two-part and SAB voicings.
“Peace Carol” is a simple plea that the season of Christmas will bring peace, hope, and joy. The ancient refrain “Dona nobis pacem” (“Grant us peace”) returns after each stanza to link our present-day voices with those of the past. Inspired by events in Ukraine, and based on a motive from a well-known Ukrainian carol, “Peace Carol” expresses our solidarity with all those around the world who are touched by war and oppression.
*The recording is the SATB edition
In the Bleak Midwinter
Having wanted to arrange this hymn for quite some time, a snowy winter day became the inspiration to finally begin the work. Each stanza is uniquely composed with the cello and piano playing a duet around the choir and solo. There is plenty of imagery to be found, reflected by the change in dynamics and phrasing, as the snow is layered “snow on snow” and singing angels hover above a mother softly kissing her beloved babe. Dramatic dynamic changes in the new sections of the piece enhance and intensify the meaning of the repeated text that evokes the emotion of Christ’s birth. Taking liberties in tempo through these sections is encouraged, depending on the ability of the ensemble. -Jen Wagner
Voicing: Two part (also available in SATB & SAB editions)
