Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/529578
THE SILENCE AND THE SOUND - SATB Sleeping Adonai Start this piece immediately at the end of Luke 2. This song is a lullaby, so the soloist should not "over-sing" it. Allow the piece to breathe, and sing it gently as if you were holding a sleeping infant. Angels Sing The narration leading up to this piece serves as a bridge, transitioning from the previous lullaby to angels singing joyfully. The narrator should build excitement in his/her voice to set up "Angels Sing." The children's chorus is the anchor for this piece. If you do not have a children's chorus, a child soloist will work fine. The song was written in simplicity to teach children the story of Christmas, as well as introduce them to traditional Christmas carols. If you wish, the children could all be dressed in Biblical costumes: shepherds, wise men, Mary and Joseph, animals, and the star. Who doesn't love kids in costumes at Christmas?! Unto Us The narration leading into this song has an underscore that helps create an intimate setting. The narrators should read warmly and conversationally. This alto/tenor duet creates a powerful moment of personal reflection in the cantata. Because the piece is somewhat more contemporary stylistically, the soloists should feel free to ad-lib if they would like, although that is not necessary for the success of the piece. Shout! Sing Hallelujah! In the narration leading up to this song, it is critical that the narrators build excitement in their voices all the way to the end. An underscore begins halfway through the narration, and helps to build momentum.When Narrator 1 enters with "Our Christmas silence has ended," he/she should enter with the same excitement level that Narrator 2 has ended, so that there is no dip in energy. Continue building excitement from there. This is the "Sound" moment in The Silence and the Sound, so don't let it fall flat! Worship Christ the King Start this piece immediately after "Shout! Sing Hallelujah!" If you wish, you may end the cantata with this piece. The last portion of the medley is a reprise of "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence," creating a full-circle moment with a natural finale. A Tribute of Carols This piece is an optional choir and congregational sing-a-long (program inserts for congregation are on pages 111-112). I find that many congregants are in such a state of worship at the end of cantatas that they want to join their own praise with the choir. This carol medley gives them that perfect opportunity. If you prefer to end the cantata with "Worship Christ the King," you may wish to open your cantata service with "A Tribute of Carols" instead, for a time of corporate worship with your congregation. 3