We know many of you begin planning and rehearsing for Christmas as soon as choir season begins. Here’s a look at some of our best-selling Christmas songs you may have missed from the catalog.
Christmastime Alleluia
Based on ADESTE FIDELES this joyous alleluia arrangement for Christmas is easy for your assembly to learn but packs a festive punch. The simple handbell part, along with the orchestrations for strings, brass, timpani, and glockenspiel, make this an alleluia that will triumphantly announce the birth of the Savior. Not to be missed!
Festival First Nowell
A glorious arrangement of this beloved 17th-century English carol. The orchestration adds rich texture to this piece, making it truly regal. Original melodic material in the introduction and interwoven throughout implores the voice to join in the joyous strain and soars to a triumphant conclusion.
Christmas Gloria
Arranged for cantor, unison choir, or SATB choir this delightful and flexible setting uses the refrain from “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Uses the new text from the Revised Order of Mass.
For Unto Us a Child Is Born
We know this Isaiah 9:6 text well, thanks to G. F. Handel, but this music could not be more different from the Messiah version. The composer has given us a lilting 3/4 tune stated by the entire choir and then sung in canon. “And his name shall be called . . .” returns to unison, and then it is repeated in canon. Finally, the opening material returns, but with a 2-part coda. This is clearly the kind of piece than can make two voices sound like a choir.
Gaudete
This lively and dancelike little gem packs a lot of punch. Handbells, finger cymbals, and hand drum enhance the simplicity of this beautiful Renaissance melody. It is a perfect choice for choirs of any skill level. Include the SATB harmonies on the repeat of the refrain and alternate men and women’s voices on the verses for even more variety. This piece is very effective when used in procession.
Night of Silence
One of GIA’s top-sellers across the entire catalog (not just Christmas), Daniel Kantor’s “Night of Silence” is a permanent fixture in Christmas liturgies all over the world. This stunning quodlibet on “Silent Night” works beautifully with ensembles and choir of all abilities and sizes. Additionally, be sure to check out the myriad arrangements we have of this beloved song.
