VERSION 1:
Scoring: SATB choir and organ
Date: 2021
Words: Christian W J Catsanos
This carol is the result of a kind commission by Christian Catsanos (Australia) to set the words of a Christmas poem of his own. It has three verses with a repeated refrain, and a straightforward meter.
To create interest the verse and refrain are set in different time signatures: 3/4 and 6/8. Verses are in a modal minor key, while the lilting refrain begins and ends in the relative major. The organ part is used to provide support for the choir and plenty of musical colour, especially in the arpeggiated accompaniments which characterize two of the three refrains. Harmonies are rich, allowing plenty of opportunity for the composer to vary the presentation of each section. The piece definitely has the feel of Christmas!
To create interest the verse and refrain are set in different time signatures: 3/4 and 6/8. Verses are in a modal minor key, while the lilting refrain begins and ends in the relative major. The organ part is used to provide support for the choir and plenty of musical colour, especially in the arpeggiated accompaniments which characterize two of the three refrains. Harmonies are rich, allowing plenty of opportunity for the composer to vary the presentation of each section. The piece definitely has the feel of Christmas!
At present there are two versions of the piece: SATB/organ and a hymn-style single sheet (see below.)
1. The cold winds are blowing, the stars shine so bright,
The angels are singing on this holy night;
A beautiful mother, so gentle and mild,
Now lays in a manger her heavenly Child.
Ave Maria, Ave Maria
Jesus thy Child is the hope of the earth.
Sancta Maria, Sancta Maria,
Sing we in chorus the joy of His birth.
2. A manger His cradle, the beasts pressing round,
In Him is no glory, no majesty found;
Yet Mary his Mother, so tender with bliss,
Adores her sweet Saviour and gives him a kiss.
Ave Maria, Ave Maria
Jesus thy Child is the hope of the earth.
Sancta Maria, Sancta Maria,
Sing we in chorus the joy of His birth.
3. His courtiers are shepherds and sages so wise,
Who found Him by starlight they saw in the skies;
Their gifts are so rare, yet His Mother most mild
Sees no greater treasure than Jesus her Child.
Ave Maria, Ave Maria
Jesus thy Child is the hope of the earth.
Sancta Maria, Sancta Maria,
Sing we in chorus the joy of His birth.
The angels are singing on this holy night;
A beautiful mother, so gentle and mild,
Now lays in a manger her heavenly Child.
Ave Maria, Ave Maria
Jesus thy Child is the hope of the earth.
Sancta Maria, Sancta Maria,
Sing we in chorus the joy of His birth.
2. A manger His cradle, the beasts pressing round,
In Him is no glory, no majesty found;
Yet Mary his Mother, so tender with bliss,
Adores her sweet Saviour and gives him a kiss.
Ave Maria, Ave Maria
Jesus thy Child is the hope of the earth.
Sancta Maria, Sancta Maria,
Sing we in chorus the joy of His birth.
3. His courtiers are shepherds and sages so wise,
Who found Him by starlight they saw in the skies;
Their gifts are so rare, yet His Mother most mild
Sees no greater treasure than Jesus her Child.
Ave Maria, Ave Maria
Jesus thy Child is the hope of the earth.
Sancta Maria, Sancta Maria,
Sing we in chorus the joy of His birth.
by Christian W J Catsanos, 2021
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