Soft, On That Night: Advent & Christmas Anthems Tuesday, September 24, 2019
recommended by Judy H. and Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialists
Prepare for Christmas with your church choir with one of these outstanding anthems, carefully selected by our experienced Sacred Choral Music staff.
The Angel Gabriel arr. John Leavitt, SATB with piano & optional chamber orchestra
This lesser-known carol receives special treatment in an artful rendition. Offered with the option of a charming chamber orchestration, the seasonal offering is ideal for community choir concerts or lessons and carols programs. The text presents the angelic visitation to Mary and fills an important liturgical slot for church choir directors.
Of the Father’s Love Begotten arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano & optional 2-octave handbells
This Christmas Quick Study Choral is easily learned and has a simple accompaniment, and a part for optional 2 octave handbells, which is included.
Light in the Heart of Winter arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
This memorable Advent anthem perfectly pairs the gorgeous Irish melody, SALLEY GARDENS, with a picturesque lyric by Nancy Middlemas: “The golden glow of autumn has left us long ago. The gathering clouds of winter have touched the pines with snow. The wind sings a song of longing, as the sky turns cold and gray. But a Light in the heart of winter will warm the chill away.
Soft, On That Night arr. Howard Helvey, SATB with piano
This beautifully crafted, sweet-sounding anthem is in a slow and gentle 6/8. The recurring “sing Noel” motif is passed to each voice part and appears in the piano accompaniment. The meaningful text is sensitively set in this elegant offering.
Behold a Savior! by Jay Rouse, SATB with piano
Encourage your congregation to behold the Savior with this energy filled selection from Jay Rouse and Rose Aspinall. With a robust, fanfare introduction, powerful music from Jay that includes a brief passage from “O Holy Night,” and inspired text that only Rouse can provide, this unique anthem is sure to intensify your Christmas worship!
What Did You Say Was the Baby’s Name? arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano & optional rhythm
Get ready for a gospel celebration! Easily learned, with a laid-back groove, this arrangement of the Bill and Gloria Gaither tune pulls out all the stops with well-placed key changes, a cappella breaks, some stylized vocals, and a big ending. The optional rhythm parts enhance this gospel roof-raiser. Very well done!
There Is No Rose of Such Virtue by Beth Kenreich, SATB a cappella
A sensitive, lyrical setting of the well-known 15th century English carol. This music is accessible to most choirs and provides lots of opportunity to practice legato singing, phrasing, word stress, and tuning.
Patapan arr. Howard Helvey, SATB with 4-hand piano
This rousing rendition of the traditional French/Burgundian Carol begs to be sung by an ambitious SATB choir accompanied by two capable pianists. This anthem will make an exciting festival or concert presentation, church or school, and is also suited for any service of celebration during the Christmas season.
The Journey arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
A thought-provoking retelling of the story of the Magi quotes KINGS OF THE ORIENT by John H. Hopkins, with text based on Matthew 2:1-12. It is well within the reach of the typical church choir.
Find more options for your church choir on our website, or contact us for more information. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Judy H. has been working in Stanton’s Choral Department since 1975. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University. A member of the Grove City Chamber Singers, Judy also enjoys reading and spending time with her four grandchildren.
Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 15 years specializing in Sacred Choral, Classical Vocal and Handbell music. Jennifer is Director of Handbells at Worthington Presbyterian Church and sings in the First Church Choir at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio, and is also the founder, Artistic Director and bass bell ringer for Handbells Columbus.