And He Shall Come: 2023 Advent & Christmas Anthems Wednesday, October 11, 2023
recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist
And He Shall Come (Service Music for Advent) arr. Don Hart, SATB with piano
These four choral miniatures are designed for use during Advent. Each piece centers on each of the four Advent candle themes. There are multiple in-service usage options throughout Advent: as introits; with candle lighting, choral responses, and/or benedictions. They’re easily prepared during the busy Advent/Christmas singing season.
Angels Preparing the Song by Mark Burrows, SATB with piano
Mark Burrows looks at the Christmas story, and the second coming, from a very unique perspective in this beautiful new anthem. As the world awaited the birth of Christ, Mark examines how the angels were preparing to sound forth the Good News. A beautiful melody is combined with evocative harmony and shimmering choral textures to make this an anthem you won’t soon forget.
Away in a Manger arr. Peter Latona, SATB a cappella
The tenderness of the carol is heightened by this arrangement, and choirs that take time to explore its expressiveness will benefit. While not difficult, an effective performance requires control and attention to phrasing. The melody is taken up by the tenors in the middle verse.
Candlelight Benediction arr. Benjamin Harlan, SATB a cappella
Benjamin Harlan’s a cappella creative setting of this classic and loved text and tune is transparent and simple. Beginning quietly with women’s voices then adding rich SATB scoring with some subtle harmonic surprises, the setting is perfect for closing any Christmas worship service or concert.
Carol of the Child arr. Brad Nix, SATB with piano
Diane Hannibal has written a beautiful Christmas lyric and paired it with the well-known folk tune, “Star of the County Down.” In Brad Nix’s arrangement, the beauty of the Christmas story comes to life in a new and fresh way. Opening with a haunting choral introduction, the verses tell of the holy couple’s journey to the stable in Bethlehem, and the star that led the shepherds to the Child. Following a majestic section in F minor, the piece reprises the opening introductory material, giving the final measures a sense of mystery and awe.
Come, Come, Emmanuel arr. Joel Raney, SATB with piano and optional instrumental ensemble
Driven with rhythmic energy and set in 5/4 meter, this is a dynamic Advent setting based on the familiar VENI EMMANUEL. Choirs will enjoy the exuberance and drive that is created in this inventive setting from Joel Raney. This piece comes from Joel’s top-selling Christmas musical, “Let the Whole World Sing.”
Comfort, Comfort Now My People arr. Brenda Austin, SATB with piano and optional 10 handbells
This peppy arrangement is accessible and upbeat. Combined with “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” it makes the perfect Advent anthem. The parts are accessible and will come together quickly.
For Unto Us by John Randall Dennis, SATB with optional flute
There’s a real delicacy about this lovely text and tune…yet the anthem contains the depth and breadth of the magnificent Christmas story. The addition of an optional children’s choir will underscore the childlike and lilting nature of the song. The optional flute obbligato will add the perfect final touch. Truly original and refreshing!
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing arr. Jay Rouse, SATB with piano and optional brass & percussion
Jay Rouse has breathed fresh life into this classic carol! Beginning in a lightly rhythmic, almost contemporary style, this anthem gradually transitions into a powerfully majestic shout of praise. Jay’s signature arranging touches are all present, including beautiful re-harmonizations and a well-written piano accompaniment. A brass/percussion orchestration, by Stan Pethel, is also available.
How Dark the Night by Greg Habegger/arr. Molly Ijames, SATB with piano and optional string orchestra & percussion
Molly Ijames’ arrangement of this newly written Christmas hymn frames the nativity story in a haunting narrative about the darkness of waiting and the coming of Christ’s light. Each stanza explores different aspects and metaphors of the darkness/light themes, vividly brought to life by the musical text-painting of the setting. For SATB chorus and piano, with optional string orchestra and percussion.
In the Bleak Midwinter arr. Larry Shackley, SATB with piano and optional flute
The timeless Christina Rossetti text shines in this beautifully crafted anthem. A combination of original material and the traditional Gustav Holst tune make this a lovely offering for your Christmas season. The optional flute part adds a delightful, Celtic counter melody.
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear arr. Joel Raney, TTBB with piano
This lovely, artistic setting is sure to be a highlight of many Christmas concerts, school programs, and Christmas worship services. The piano part plays a significant role in creating an ethereal, peaceful, and solemn Christmas night building to the moment when “all the weary world rejoice!” – simply stunning!
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming arr. Joel Raney, SATB with piano (opt. 4-hand) and optional handbells, synthesizer, percussion & bass
The traditional German carol, ES IST EIN ROS’, is given an impressive treatment by Joel Raney with flowing triplet accompaniment and exquisite vocal writing. It may be realized with a single piano accompaniment, or with the 4-hand piano part. Additional options include handbells, synth strings, percussion and bass. This setting comes from Joel’s Christmas musical, “The Promise of Light.”
Noël Sing We Here! arr. Larry Shackley, SATB with 4-hand piano
Larry Shackley has brilliantly arranged two famous carols, “Sing We Now of Christmas” and “Masters In This Hall,” for SATB choir and piano four-hands. This piece will be the showstopper moment of any Christmas concert or festival. Larry’s penchant for writing exciting piano accompaniments is on full display, and each section of your choral ensemble is featured in always shifting vocal combinations. A two-hand accompaniment is also available. This one is not to be missed!
Rejoice! Your Light Has Come by Mary McDonald, SATB with piano and optional orchestra
“Children arise! Lift up your eyes! Darkness will turn to light!” With energy and great anticipation, this anthem soars with joy and hope. Perfect for Advent or anytime during the Christmas season, this is vintage Mary McDonald…creative, fresh, singable, inspired, and inspiring!
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day arr. Robert Lehman, SATB with organ
In this sprightly but approachable setting for SATB and organ, the organ supports and plays counterpoint above and around the melody, in one place even quoting the Sussex Carol. A contrasting middle verse is set for a cappella choir and the brighter tempo returns for the final verse, which is scored for unison choir with soprano descant.
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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.