A fresh arrangement of a classic Christmas carol for choir and orchestra. Newly composed material—in the form of a haunting solo piano intro/coda and a dramatic orchestral interlude—joins with a reharmonization of the traditional carol melody to convey a deep sense of mystery.
Choir and Orchestra | Grade 3 | 6:00
Performance materials available through:
For the 2022 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 10th, 2022. The performance also included At the Feet of Jesus, in addition to others.
Words by William Chatterton Dix, set to ‘Greensleeves’
Arranged by Paul Cravens
Lyrics
What child is this, who laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and lamb are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe the Son of Mary!
Paul Cravens 