ISBN 600313450600. Text: Philip Littell.
Available Editions: Full Vocal Score, 5059 Choral Score, 5060 Audience Parts (pack of 50), 6548 Instrumental parts available for rental from the publisher. Libretto: Written by Philip Littell Synopsis: A Christmas Mystery Fable. Led by a tri-partite star, the Wise Men (Youth, Husband, Old Man), followed by the women (Maiden, Goodwife, Crone), rest at an oasis. Discussion of their trip causes disagreement between the men, who insist they seek an adult king, and the women, who are certain the monarch will be a baby. Deciding to leave the women behind, the men proceed with their entourage following the impatient star. Disappointed, angry and confused, the women lament their fates and retire. As the women sleep, the Holy Mother and Child appear to them in a vision, allowing them to see the baby before the men do. As the shepherds descend on Bethlehem to worship the Child, the Wise Men arrive and question the regality of the Child. A host of unusual angels addresses these doubts in a unique version of the angels' message. During the singing of the Gloria, the Wise Men offer their gifts and retire; th`e shepherds return telling others the good news and the Holy Family is transported to the oasis of the Wise Women. The star invites "children" of all ages to come to the oasis to see the baby. These children and the women fall asleep as the Holy Family leaves. The disappointed and confused Wise Men return. In riddle, the women help the men to understand that the best gift for this King is one which recognizes divinity in every child: love. Satisfied, they all return to their home following the star. Duration: ~ 45 to 55 Minutes Roles: THE YOUTH, a wise man - Tenor THE HUSBAND, a wise man - Baritone THE OLD MAN, a wise man - Bass-Baritone THE MAIDEN, a wise woman - Soprano THE GOODWIFE, a wise woman - Soprano THE CRONE, a wise woman - Mezzo-Soprano MARY - Soprano JOSEPH - Silent BABY - Silent SHEPHERDS AND THEIR FLOCKS - Chorus(SATB) RETINUE OF THE WISE MEN - Chamber Choir (SATB) HOST OF ANGELS - 9 Solo voices CHILDREN (volunteers from the congregation) - Silent THE CONGREGATION - Sings along periodically Premier: 1994, American Guild of Organists Convention Notable Performances: Civic Opera Theater of Kansas City University of North Carolina, Greensboro Augustana College, Sioux Falls Winter Opera St. Louis.
