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Christmas works around theme of 'light'Date: June 11, 2010 by Chris Fields  Views: 4557
Friends,
I have started the planning process of selecting music for the 2010 Christmas season concerts for my 75 voice professional choral ensemble. The theme that keeps coming to mind is 'light', pretty broad yes, but it is what I have this far. Here is what I need from you kind folks: 1) Can you suggest a major work with organ, orchestra or both that is NOT performed very often? It can be from any time period and of any length, but keep in mind I wish to program other selections with it and my concert should come in at 2 hours or under! I do adore Handel's Messiah, but have decided to put it away for a few years as I am sure there will be many performances of the work this season. 2) If you can't think of a major work, can you offer any other shorter pieces that can fit around the theme of light. Once again, any voice, instrumental combination is fine! Once again, thanks for your help and I look forward to hearing from you! Peace, Chris
Lee G. Barrow on June 11, 2010 7:23am
Two larger works that come to mind are Camille Saint-Saëns' Christmas Oratorio and Ottorino Respighi's Laud to the Nativity. Both are around 30 minutes and use smaller ensembles. With the latter work I have programmed a composition of mine on Isaiah 60:1 entitled "Light!", for SATB chorus, flute, oboe, bassoon, and organ. Let me know if you want further information.
Lee Barrow
North Georgia College & State University
Dahlonega GA
on June 11, 2010 8:58am
Chris,
I have a 20 minute cantata called Radiance of the Light. It has 10 movements. The text is in english and the vocal forces call for SATB chorus, with 1 movement for each for SSA and TTBB. There are two brief choruses for 2 part children's chorus. There are solo parts for Gabriel (tenor) Mary (soprano) and Joseph (Baritone) Mary sings a magnificat and Mary and Joseph sing a duet as they approach Bethlehem. The orchestration is 2222 2220 timp. +2, harp and strings. This was written as a labor of love. I would love to send you a score for your consideration.
Robert Howard, conductor Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale
director of choirs at Jefferson College
on June 12, 2010 4:31am
Chris:
I would highly recommend that you consider Morten Lauridsen's "Lux Aeterna", although it may not be considered a "Christmas" piece, it hits the theme of light right on the head.
While with the Master Chorale of South Florida, we performed that along with a few other pieces in April of 2009. It is absolutely beautiful, especially the fourth movement, "Veni, Sancte Spiritus". If you haven't heard it, the outstanding recording is by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Paul Salamunovich conducting (RCM 19705) I have just about worn out my CD
Best of Luck
Jim Filosa
on June 12, 2010 5:36am
Chris,
I have written a short, secular, a cappella SATB carol called "A Song of Light". You can hear a MIDI realization of it at http:bit.ly/hiltsCmas or on Youtube at http://bit.ly/SongOfLight. It is quite far from a major work, but might be the perfect freshening interim piece for small delights. I would be happy to send you a sample of the score.
Best wishes, Cynthia Hilts
on June 12, 2010 7:48am
For a smaller work, you could program Eric Whitacre's "Lux Aurumque" or any piece with that text, as it is very centered around light and the baby Jesus.
Light,
warm and heavy as pure gold
the angels sing softly
to the new-born babe
on June 12, 2010 11:28am
Several infrequently-performed major works with orchestra are listed below. (Caveat: I don't know most of these works very well, so can't attest to their musical quality or audience appeal.)
Some shorter works that might be appropriate include the following, all SATB a cappella unless otherwise noted. Items preceded by asterisks below are specific to light & Christmas; others are not specific to Christmas, but probably still appropriate. I believe that the "Nata Lux" settings are more specific to Transfiguration, but they apply well to Christmas.
I can also provide references to recordings and publishers if it would be helpful.
There are certainly other works as well, so feel free to contact me directly for additional titles. (www.johnmuehleisen.com)
All the best on choosing the rep for your concert!
John Muehleisen
on June 13, 2010 1:17pm
I can't help feeling light when I listen to sacred choral works of Kentaro Sato. Missa pro Pace (Sanctus movement) especially. Although it is a cappella work, I think you should consider...
Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna certainly fits your need, and it is one of my favorites.
Additionally, isn't there movements about fire (light) in Carmina Brana?
on June 13, 2010 6:48pm
Hello all, I didnt want to take the chance of missing someone when I respond but just in case i wanted to thank all who have responded to my request for Christmas works around the theme of light. I always am very happy with the knowledge of the choralnet community and I try to thank everyone personally who helps me out. Once again, thank you all and I enjoy being part of this wonderful community!
Peace,
Chris
on June 14, 2010 9:30am
My 3-movement cantata, Earthly Light (about 12-15 mins), for SATB divisi, fl,ob,cl,2hn,btbn,cel,org, does not have a Christmas theme, but might be appropriate. It was premiered by the Bagaduce Chorale last December on a program with Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna. I'm happy to send you a pdf perusal score and mp3 of a performance if you're interested.
best wishes,
Anna Dembska
on June 27, 2010 8:27am
Here is the program entitled "Voices of Light" that we
performed at Mansfield University in 2006.
Good luck! Peggy Dettwiler Prelude
Men’s Chorus
Hark, the Herald Angels Sing (Audience sing-along) Women’s Chorus
O Little Town of Bethlehem (Audience sing-along) Mansfieldians
The First Noel (Audience sing-along) Festival Chorus
We Three Kings (Audience sing-along) Concert Choir
Combined Choirs
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