Christmas Oratorio - Vocal Score

Forces or Category: SATB & soloists (mezzo-soprano, tenor, bass), with organ & flute/small ensemble

Orchestration: fl, 2tpt, hn, tbn, tba, timp, hp, org

A compelling retelling of the Christmas story
Words from the Gospels of St Luke and St Matthew intertwined with a diverse selection of sixteenth- to nineteenth-century poetry
Four well-known hymns with original melodies for audience or congregation to join in with the choir
Tenor soloist assumes the role of Evangelist, with focal points such as the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis taken by mezzo-soprano and bass soloists
Two poignant unaccompanied movements for the chorus, who also assume small character roles
Sensitive orchestration that enriches the characterization

Contents:

PART 1
1. Hymn: Lo! how a Rose e er blooming (Chorus)
2. The Angel Gabriel (Evangelist, Gabriel, Mary)
3. Magnificat (Mezzo-soprano solo, Chorus)
4. Hymn: Thou whose almighty word (Chorus)
5. And it came to pass in those days (Evangelist)
6. A Boy was born (Chorus)
PART 2
7. And there were in the same country shepherds (Evangelist, Angel, Chorus)
8. Hymn: Shepherds, in the field abiding (Chorus)
9. And they came with haste (Evangelist)
10. Love came down at Christmas (Mezzo-soprano solo, Chorus)
PART 3
11. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Evangelist, Chorus, Herod)
12. A Carol to the King (Chorus)
13. Hymn: As with gladness men of old (Chorus)
PART 4
14. And when eight days were accomplished (Evangelist)
15. Nunc dimittis (Bass solo, Chorus)
16. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things (Evangelist, Simeon)
17. Hymn: A great and mighty wonder (Chorus)