Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/140147
4 PROGRAM NOTES nl y On This Shining Night is a 37-minute cantata featuring: • Narration, including scripture passages that can be read by one or two readers • Familiar carols and newly composed music • Upbeat tunes as well as slow, reflective pieces • 9 movements plus short reprise and underscore • Optional opportunity for congregational participation • Optional male and female solos r ute, • Accompaniment can be either piano or chamber orchestra for flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, timpani, percussion, handbells and strings. tic nding, • Option of two possible endings – a shorter more dramatic ending, or a slightly longer, more reflective ending that mirrors the cantata's opening. openi he O There are many possibilities to enhance the presentation of this cantata. The an tion f T following are some suggestions: Fo rP re vi e w "On This Shining Night" (opening piece) sa he ck sanctuar • Optional soloist may process from the back of the sanctuary, while singing, carrying a candle. the • 2 handbell players may follow, ringing as they enter. 42 the ng t • When the choir begins singing at measure 42, they may also process into the worship space. The instrumental ending of this piece should allow plenty of ntal umental thi time for the choir to get into place before "O Holy Night." be et to o ir y open • If possible, the choir may have this opening section memorized so that they may also enter with candles. egation appreciate lit • If your congregation appreciates liturgical dance, this would be effective during the interlude at measure 25, and also at measure 58 if choir is not mea 2 process. "The Long-Awaited" Awa ong-Awaited" m • The soloist may also enter from the back of the sanctuary, carrying a candle, to add to the imagery of "light" that is coming into the world. i image "The Journey" • This would be another opportunity to utilize liturical dance with either one dancer, or possibly two – a male and a female – to represent Mary and Joseph da making the journey to Bethlehem. maki "Carols of Joy and Adoration" • If the longer, more quiet ending is used, the soloist may recess while carrying a candle, with 2 handbell players following. Feel free to use any or all of these suggestions, or add your own ideas to further enhance this story to suit your own congregation's needs and tastes. May God bless you as you share the story of "this shining night."