IV. A Day In A Manger
SDG 94-101 $1.25
Mixed Chorus, a cappella 4’ 8 pgs.

A Day in a Manger is a contemporary setting of the popular carol, Away in a Manger. What we now understand as the standard American tune was first offered in Cincinnati in 1887 in the collection Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses by James R. Murray. You will delight in Jackson Berkey’s unusual a cappella arrangement of this carol.

V. The Silent Word
SDG 94-102 $1.35
Mixed Chorus, a cappella
Baritone Solo, Treble or Soprano Solo 4’ 12 pgs.

The Silent Word is based on the famous English melody Greensleeves and is written in the “tintinabulistic” style of the contemporary Estonian composer, Arvo Pärt. It distinguishes itself from many settings of the familiar tune by its lilting 5/8 meter coupled with the appearance of a verse in a major key. Also present are all of the refrain texts originally penned by the English writer, William Chatterton Dix in his 1865 Christmas carol What Child Is This?

VI. Joy To The World
SDG 94-103 Mixed Chorus $1.35
SDG 03-403 Male Chorus
a cappella 2.5’ 8 pgs.

Joy to the World is a Christmas hymn familiar to all of us in spite of its somewhat confusing history. With importance of text constantly in mind, this setting makes use of Isaac Watts’ words and the tune usually known as Antioch. In this arrangement, the third verse words appear at the outset in a modal treatment which is fast overcome by 20th Century rhythms and a polymetric combination of ostinato and hymn tune. Word painting occurs as we “repeat the sounding joy,” but the “wonders of His Love” eventually surface triumphant.

VII. Il est né le divin enfant
SDG 95-101 Mixed Chorus $2.40
SDG 03-402 Male Chorus
SDG 03-302 Treble Chorus
Chorus, Tambour, Bass, Harp 4’ 20 pgs.

Il est né is a traditional French melody with a text which first appeared about 1875. The decision to set this familiar tune in English left enough to be desired that the composer decided to maintain some of the French style lost in the lingual translation. Historically, this arrangement also compares nicely with the old Normandy hunting tune’s original appearance in 6/8 meter. The “tambour” is a drum similar to our snare drum but played without the snares on.

VIII. Still, Still Night
(Silent Night)
WW 1255 Mixed Chorus, Mezzo-Soprano Solo
W 5035 Treble Chorus, Mezzo-Soprano Solo
W 9005 Male Chorus, Baritone Solo $1.40 Chorus and Harp or Keyboard 6’ 12 pgs.
(Walton Music)

Still, Still Night (Silent Night) is a carol known the world over. Its music by Franz Gruber and text by Joseph Mohr have been translated into virtually every language where Christmas is celebrated. As an expression of love and thanks, this setting intentionally emulates, in key and feeling, the wonderful arrangement of Still, Still, Still by the composer’s mentor, Norman Luboff. In fact, the arrangement bears a dedication to Norman and his wife, Gunilla. Contact Hal Leonard, Walton Music distributor, to order.

IX. Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus
SDG 98-101 Mixed Chorus $1.35
SDG 98-301 Treble Chorus
SDG 03-401 Male Chorus
Chorus and Harp 4.5’ 12 pgs.

This famous Christmas hymn is introduced by a beautiful harp solo and then delicately voiced throughout, sometimes venturing into the Lydian mode. The middle section intersperses the chorus with double glissandi in the harp, followed by another solo instrumental statement of the lesser known Away in a Manger tune. The choir chants the end of the arrangement with a hushed, “Ivesian” combination of the hymn and the carol.

X. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
SDG 98-102 $2.00
Mixed Chorus, Tambour, Finger Cymbals, Triangle, Bass, Harp 4’ 12 pgs.

The famous carol opens with a cappella chanting in the choir and, following a short harp solo, turns into a rhythmic, joyous dance. The familiar tune is coupled with a not-so-familiar one as the textual meaning is highlighted through Berkey’s particular wit and wisdom. Tonal shifts and modal modulations take us on a whirlwind trip, accompanied by harp, tambour, triangle and finger cymbals.