Choral Choir,Choral,SATB Chorus - Level 3 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1496732
Composed by PERSONENT HODIE from the Piae Cantones, 1583. Arranged by Ken Litton. 20th Century,Advent,Christian,Christmas,Sacred. 19 pages. Artist of Note, Inc. #1073248. Published by Artist of Note, Inc. (A0.1496732).
Jazz Hodie (On this Day Earth Shall Ring)
PERSONENT HODIE arr. Ken Litton (ASCAP)
Those who have the good fortunate to hear Gustav Holst’s arrangement of PERSONENT HODIE as a choral processional with its engaging melody, measured gait and echoed text have never forgotten the magical moment—and were never really ready for it to end. Hailing from the The Oxford Book of Carols this German plainsong melody—from the Piae Cantones, 1583—has made its way into strong choral and worship traditions at Advent/Christmas.
Of all the current texts and arrangements available, this version honors Holst’s unison accompanied setting in an unexpected subtle jazz styling, with the hope of bringing additional range to its established place in advent literature (both in terms of style and in appeal to a variety of age groups).
And, On This Day Earth Shall Ring, translated by Jane M. Joseph (text in the public domain) gives it just the traditional touch needed for Jazz Hodie (On this Day).
This SATB setting of the tune offers accompaniment designed for piano or organ, optional acoustic/string bass and an optional part for a single player involving three of the percussionist section best friends in the : the suspended cymbal, mallets (vibraphone, marimba or bells or bell lyre), and a small triangle. It should be noted that an electronic piano/synthesizer voice could substitute well for the mallets and the use of handbells is also viable. Perfect for Lessons & Carols presentations!The unison singing and bell-tone echoes of the first stanza/refrain soon give way to smooth, contrasting jazz harmony. The choral ranges are very much within the reach of the average choir and the voicings vary from unison to three and four parts, followed by a return to the character of the opening. The piece builds toward a close with a choral ascent in the final bars and a bass line reminiscent of the first verse, but with an extra jazz twist. But, it can easily be restarted for processional use by simply dropping back into the C minor introduction’s bass line. Note: the String Bass/Electric Bass part is included!
Also available in a Hymn Sheet Version that includes everything needed for a small ensembe and/or the worshiping congregation.
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