Before the Marvel of This Night: Anthems for Advent and Christmas Monday, October 03, 2022
recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist
Before the Marvel of This Night by Carl Schalk, SATB with organ
Published in 1982, this setting of Jaroslav Vajda’s wonderful text has become Augsburg’s best-selling seasonal anthem.
Come, Emmanuel arr. Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional cello
Creatively pairing the traditional words from the Latin hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” with the tune O WALY WALY, this beautiful piece moves with rich simplicity. Optional solo cello, piano accompaniment, and long, flowing choral textures highlight the pairing of the well-known text and melodies.
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence arr. Larry Shackley, SATB with organ and optional clarinet or viola
This new piece from Larry Shackley features a hauntingly beautiful accompaniment for organ with optional clarinet or viola obbligato. An abundance of unison and two-part choral textures, with full four-part harmony reserved for moments of special interest, make this easy to learn and accessible to all choirs. Ideal for Advent, Epiphany or general occasions.
Of the Father’s Love Begotten arr. Larry Shackley, SATB with organ and optional clarinet or viola
Larry Shackley has taken this beloved Christmas chant and put it into a magnificent strophic choral setting. The addition of the optional B-flat clarinet or viola provides an expressive counterpoint to the voices and keyboard. Simple unison lines for the men’s and women’s sections lead to a majestic four-part verse that calls all creation to worship the newborn King.
Lullaby by John Ness Beck, SAB with piano
John Ness Beck’s haunting Christmas anthem written for SAB choir. The simple piano melody provides an intimate introduction to one of Beck’s most effective Christmas pieces. A must-sing by your church choir.
I Saw Three Ships arr. Craig Curry, SAB with piano and optional handbells
Suitable for both church and school choirs, this setting of the traditional English carol is absolutely exquisite and extremely well crafted. Each verse has slight variations, and the use of optional handbells adds sparkle. Dramatic dynamic changes, stunning piano accompaniment, and accessible harmonies build to a climax exclaiming, “Let us all rejoice again on Christmas day!”
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear arr. Marianne Forman, SATB with piano and optional violin
The traditional carol is presented here in a new light from Marianne Forman’s gentle tempo, colorful piano accompaniment, optional violin, and contrasting original material. A compelling blend of comforting familiarity and fresh interest will make this a successful addition to your Christmas programming.
Glory to God in the Highest Heaven! by Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
You can almost see the angels singing in the skies in this energetic anthem of Christmas praise! Driving rhythms contrast with a brief legato section which gives way to a snippet of the beloved carol “Angels We Have Heard On High.” Shimmering with fresh music and lyrics, this anthem is a marvelous Christmas addition to any service or concert.
Away in a Manger arr. Paul Sjolund, SATB with organ or piano and optional flute
This setting for voices and optional flute was originally written for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir but is appropriate for choirs of any size. The well crafted harmonies portray the love and warmth of the first Christmas morn.
Caribbean Cradle Song arr. Jay Rouse, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
Jay Rouse brings his signature touch to a time-honored Calypso classic. The text has been given an infusion of some new words by Tom Fettke resulting in a captivating, toe-tapping new take on “The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy.” Easily learned and pure fun to sing!
Christmas Adoration arr. Tom Fettke, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
A treasured French Carol is paired with new words in this lilting anthem from Tom Fettke. With a neo-classical touch, the setting maintains its exciting praise to the Child in the manger throughout. “Unto us a Son is given by the love of God’s outpouring.” A singable and fitting celebration of the Incarnation!
Good Christian Friends, Rejoice arr. John Randall Dennis, SATB with piano
From the H.W. Gray catalog comes this dynamic arrangement of a cherished carol. Arranger Randall Dennis contrasts rich SATB writing with simple unison and two-part voicing…bringing a varied palette of choral textures to this anthem. The optional handbell and brass accompaniment will add a festive sparkle.
On This Day Earth Shall Ring arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano and optional 2 octave handbells
This historic English Carol derived from Piae Cantiones, 1582, with the tune PERSONENT HODIE, is set here in a buoyantly joyful manner to celebrate the birth of Christ our King. The story of Christmas told in the verses builds to the Latin refrain, “in excelsis Deo!” The optional handbells chime in as the lyrics extol, “on this day earth shall ring.”
Rise Up, Shepherd, Go Tell It! arr. Lloyd Larson, SATB with piano
Joy abounds in this creative pairing of “Rise Up, Shepherd” and “Go! Tell It on the Mountain.” Starting in a slow 12/8, it quickly shifts gears, settling into a nice gospel groove. Key and meter changes signal the entrance of the second carol, and the tag briefly combines the two spirituals. Expertly crafted, it’s great fun to sing.
Will We Know Him? by Don Besig & Nancy Price, SATB with piano
A classic anthem from experienced writers Don Besig and Nancy Price.
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About the Author:
Jennifer F. is a graduate of Otterbein College with a degree in Vocal Performance. She has worked at Stanton’s for over 20 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 and rings with the First Church Ringers at First Congregational Church in Columbus Ohio. When not singing or ringing, Jennifer can be found doing conformation and other competitive sports with her three standard long haired dachshunds, Fanny, Frenchie, and Lukas.