Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/520461
2 65/2066&67L-2 Foreword Stars of glory shining brightly from the heart of timeless space, singing sweetly, chanting nightly all His mystery, all His grace, bring the light so long awaited, seen but dimly from afar. Bring the One anticipated! Bring the Bright and Morning Star! (Ken Bible, 2015) Inspired by an ancient Celtic Christmas carol, Stars of Glory radiates the promise of the Light of God's Salvation, fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the Bright and Morning Star. A short, ethereal introduction invites our gaze heavenward in anticipation; then the choir bursts forth in joyous expectation, singing a lively traditional carol paired with Charles Wesley's celebrated text, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus. This first movement sets the stage for the cantata's inspiration, the second movement: Stars of Glory. Sung by a beautiful pairing of duo voices complemented by choir, the ancient Celtic carol conveys all of the starry images that blazed on that most holy of nights, in the manger, on the hillside, and in the angel-filled skies. Tom Fettke and Thomas Grassi have selected a brilliant mix of eleven traditional carols, including traditional Irish melodies with inventive text pairings, and beloved favorites such as What Child Is This? and Love Came Down at Christmas. Variously tender and introspective or joyous and infectious, the music is filled with Celtic highlights serving as a connecting thread throughout the work. Ken Bible's readings illumine the central theme and can be spoken by one or more narrators. Key to the success of any Christmas musical is its craftsmanship for church choirs large and small. Approximately 30 minutes long, Stars of Glory is available for SATB voices and features superb choral writing that is enhanced by duet and optional solo, child's solo, and women's trio. Perform it with the highly effective keyboard accompaniment or Michael Lawrence's brilliant orchestration. -The Publisher Contents Companion Products, Vocal Ranges, Production Notes ..................................................................................... 3 1. Christ Is Come Choir ................................................................................................................................................................ 4 2. Stars of Glory Duet with Choir .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Narration 1 ..................................................................................................................................................... 24 3. What Child Is This? and Lullaby Choir and Solo Trio ........................................................................................................................................ 26 4. Great God of Heaven Choir .............................................................................................................................................................. 37 5. Gloria Fanfare and Light Is Shining All Around Narration 2 ..................................................................................................................................................... 45 Choir .............................................................................................................................................................. 46 6. The Shepherd's Carol and In the Lonely Midnight Narration 3 ..................................................................................................................................................... 55 Solo and Choir ............................................................................................................................................... 56 7. Love Came Down at Christmas and Love Has Come Solo and Choir ............................................................................................................................................... 65 8. Good Christians All, Rejoice Narration 4 ..................................................................................................................................................... 74 Choir .............................................................................................................................................................. 75 For Preview Only