A fresh arrangement of the classic hymn for choir and orchestra centering on the story of Christ’s birth. The piece features mainly new lyrics in the verses while preserving the melody, as well as an entirely new chorus.
Choir and Orchestra | Grade 3 | 5:00
Performance materials available through:
For the 2023 Community Choir and Orchestra Christmas Cantata
NDSCS Cultural Center, Bremer Bank Theater, Wahpeton, ND
Kent Loken, Director
About the piece
The premiere was on December 9th, 2023. The performance also included Seeking a King and The First Noel, in addition to others.
Original Lyrics by John Newton
Music from the traditional American folk tune
Additional Music & Lyrics by Paul Cravens
Lyrics
When silent snow begins to fall
And covers all the earth,
It is the season we recall
Our Savior’s holy birth.
When to a manger He came down,
And, veiled in form of man
Was God Himself, forsaking crown
To keep His perfect plan.
CHORUS
The angels roar with sound of thunder
As we gaze in awe and wonder;
See the Lord of all Creation
Take our weaknesses upon Him
To redeem us from destruction
And restore with God communion;
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound is:
A baby’s cry means God is with us.
A child is born in Bethlehem
To be our Prince of Peace;
His righteous rule shall have no end,
And sin and death shall cease.
CHORUS
Amazing grace—how sweet the sound—
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
Paul Cravens 