A fresh arrangement of the classic Christmas carol for choir and orchestra. The piece features a new yet intuitive melody for two of the six verses.
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 Amazing Grace (The Sounds of Christmas), in addition to others.
Words & music from the traditional English carol
Arranged by Paul Cravens
Lyrics
The first noel the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay—
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
REFRAIN
Noel, noel! Noel, noel!
Born is the King of Israel!
They lookéd up and saw a star
shining in the east beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so continued day and night.
REFRAIN
And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went.
REFRAIN
The star drew nigh to the northwest;
o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay,
right o’er the place where Jesus lay.
REFRAIN
Then entered in those wise men three,
full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
REFRAIN
Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood mankind hath bought.
REFRAIN
Paul Cravens 