This Is Christmas: New Cantatas for 2024 Wednesday, September 25, 2024
recommended by Jennifer F., Sacred Choral Music Specialist
This Is Christmas (Celebrating the Heart of Christmas) by Mary McDonald
Every Christmas, we celebrate the birth of a Child. With this breathtaking work, legendary composer Mary McDonald invites us to truly remember what is at the heart of Christmas: this Child, this King, this Savior who was sent to earth to redeem the world. THIS is Christmas.
In this cantata, Mary tells the story of Christmas through familiar carols, inspired original melodies, and thoughtful narration. This year, may we all take a few moments to reflect on the reason we celebrate, for this is great news: This Is Christmas!
Love Is Born (Celebrating the Mystery and Wonder of Christmas) by Lloyd Larson
“Love is Born!” draws a correlation between the Old Testament prophecies of anticipating and preparing for the promised Messiah and the New Testament fulfillment of those prophecies that still found the people of God amazed and surprised when Emmanuel did arrive. The fact that He arrived in such an unexpected manner merely enhances the mystery and wonder of Christ’s birth. The cantata presents the four traditional themes of Advent to tell the Christmas story: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The work can be presented in different segments during Advent and Christmas, or as an entire cantata with narration. From the brisk, exciting instrumental prelude to the powerful conclusion, here is a work that is as beautiful as it is unforgettable. 35 minutes.
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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.