SATB choir, organ, narrator
SKU: LO.65-1966S
Reflections on the Eve of Christmas. Composed by Gilbert M. Martin. Choral, cantatas. Advent, Christmas, Sacred. Choral score. Sacred Music Press #65/1966S. Published by Sacred Music Press (LO.65-1966S).
UPC: 000308098303.
The birth of the Holy Child is gently recalled in this serene and contemplative mini-cantata. This composer's familiar hallmarks of colorful organ sounds and expressive choral writing shine throughout this luminous work. An original, flowing setting of Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus leads off the Bethlehem journey, followed by the well-known Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming. The very first awe-filled visitors are in attendance with While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, and all adore the new-born King with a sumptuous choral arrangement of Away in a Manger, weaving both familiar melodies together in simple tranquility. A sensitive setting of the Christina Rossetti poem, Love Came Down at Christmas brings the entire work together, quietly heralding Jesus' peaceful arrival on earth. The narrator comments throughout with the familiar Christmas story from St. Luke. You will find this work to be suitable for the Sundays before Christmas, on Christmas Day, and especially, on Christmas Eve.
