Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/674167
65/2073&74L-3 3 From the Composer It is Christmas again! Following the theme of Go Sing It on the Mountain, I've used several folk tunes to help us worship through the Christmas narrative: • Arise, O People – The energy of this Sacred Harp tune seems perfectly suited to Isaiah's call up to the mountain. • A Child Is Gonna Come – In the midst of strife and great change, every generation wonders what will become of the world. This original song echoes that concern and offers the promise of Advent. • Call His Name Jesus – The plaintive 17 th century folksong Barbara Allen invokes the quietness of worship as we journey to Bethlehem and call on the holy name of Jesus. • Angel Band – This old folk song's original text calls for the angel band to take us to heaven. Here, I've adapted the text as the angel band announces to the shepherds the news of Christ's birth. • Hush, Little Baby – This folk tune was the first song that I learned on the piano as a child. Its new text helps us experience the wonder and intimacy of mother and Child. • Sing It on the Mountain – Whether we sing it or tell it on the mountain, this spiritual is a vibrant Christmas expression. In this setting I offer a different tune to each voice and then bring them together to express the celebration party of the shepherds. • Star Eternal – When I peer into the sky, I often remember that the stars were there long before, and will be long after, our time on earth. It is almost a glimpse of the eternal. Rock of Ages seemed the perfect song for contemplating the eternal light of Christ. • Scottish Worship Song – The quiet nature of this folk song combines with a new text to create an anthem of heartfelt worship. • Joyous Nowell to the World – This is simply a boisterous celebration combining The First Nowell and Joy to the World. Enjoy the final hallelujah as you Go Sing It on the Mountain! On pages 90-92, you will find additional insights and rehearsal suggestions for each of these movements. Because of my experience as a church choir director, I always design my cantatas for performance by choirs both large and small. This worship experience is approximately 40 minutes long and includes narration for one or more speakers. Perform it with piano accompaniment, add a few winds and folk instruments, or use Michael Lawrence's captivating full orchestration, which includes a sprinkling of optional folk instruments including guitar, banjo, and/or mandolin. — Pepper Choplin & w b w œ b Soprano & w b w Alto ? w w Tenor ? œ w w Bass For Preview Only