Infant lowly, infant holy

Scoring: SATB choir and piano

Date: 2026

"Infant lowly, Infant holy" is a traditional Polish Christmas carol with a very beautiful, simple melody. David Willcox's arrangement in OUP's "Carols for Choirs" with its slightly complex cross-rhythms is well known. In this setting I have re-cast the carol in three verses with a piano accompaniment and a more straighforward rhythmical structure. However, it includes a richer harmonic accompaniment and a running piano line over the top of the melody. It should be played and sung with a lilt, as indicated by the dynamic hair-pins so that it retains its rocking gentleness.

The words were translated into English by Edith M Reed in the early twentieth century.

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

How beautiful upon the mountains (Stainer)

Scoring: SABar choir and organ

Date: 2023

A simple reduction of John Stainer's "How beautiful upon the mountains" from SATB and organ to SABar and organ, to make it more accessible particularly to church choirs with few tenors and basses. 

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Words (from Isaiah 52:7):

How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him

that bringeth good tidings,

that publisheth peace;

that saith unto Zion,

Thy God reigneth!

Weary World

Scoring: Treble recorder, baroque bassoon and harpsichord

Date: 2022

A composition for this standard baroque ensemble in a modern idiom! The inspiration for the work is a poem by G K Chesterton entitled "A Christmas Carol" (see below), contrasting the tranquility and brilliance of the Christ-child lying on his mother Mary's lap with the "weariness" of the rest of the world. The music draws on a simple setting I wrote of these words ("The Christ Child") but disrupts the flow with occasional non-harmonic notes and some surprising key changes, gradually shifting the tonality downwards to a more peaceful ending.

Links: pdf (score) - pdf (parts) - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

A Christmas Carol poem by G.K.Chesterton

The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap,
His hair was like a light.
(O weary, weary were the world,
But here is all aright.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary's breast
His hair was like a star.
(O stern and cunning are the kings,
But here the true hearts are.) 

The Christ-child lay on Mary's heart,
His hair was like a fire.
(O weary, weary is the world,
But here the world's desire.)

The Christ-child stood on Mary's knee,
His hair was like a crown,
And all the flowers looked up at Him,
And all the stars looked down 

In Dulci Jubilo

Scoring: SABar choir and organ
Date: 2019 (updated 2022)
An arrangement of the wonderful old German carol "In Dulci Jubilo" made popular in an English version by R.L. Pearsall (1795-1856), mixing English and Latin words, for 8-part choir and organ. Here I have reduced the parts to three (soprano, alto, baritone) so that it can be sung by choirs for whom 8 parts is too ambitious! Perhaps surprisingly, the carol retains much of its interesting counterpoint and tuneful lyricism; I hope both singers and listeners will enjoy it equally.

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Words:

1. In dulci jubilo
Let us our homage shew:
Our heart's joy reclineth
In praesepio;
And like a bright star shineth
Matris in gremio,
Alpha es et O!

2. O Jesu parvule,
I yearn for thee alway!
Hear me, I beseech Thee,
O puer optime;
My prayer let it reach Thee,
O princeps gloriae.
Trahe me post te.

3. O patris caritas!
O Nati lenitas!
Deeply were we stained.
Per nostra crimina:
But Thou for us hast gained
Coelorum gaudia,
O that we were there!

4. Ubi sunt gaudia,
Where, if that they be not there?
There are angels singing
Nova cantica;
There the bells are ringing
In Regis curia.
O that we were there!

March of the Kings (Bizet)

Scoring: SABar choir and organ

Date: 2022

An arrangement of a thirteenth century French Christmas carol from Provence harmonized by Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-87, attrib.) and, more famously, by Georges Bizet (1838-75, in his L'Arlesienne Suite of 1872). In France the melody is still tightly associated with Christmas, and French audiences start singing their own Christmas words whenever they hear the melody (I have heard them!) The English translation used here is adapted from a variety of sources. The three kings (or more precisely the "magi" from St Matthew's gospel) are seen marching towards Bethlehem with their fantastic golden wealth and grandeur. But why are they going to see a low-born baby and why do they worship this child who will die on a cross?
The organ sets the scene from the beginning with its marching accompaniment, and the first verse is sung in unison by all three parts. The second begins with a canon, as used by Bizet, and then breaks into harmony. The first section of the third verse is much quieter and legato, sung by the sopranos and altos, using wonderful chromatic harmonies based on another section from Bizet's suite. The lyrics express wonder at the beautiful music heard from the camp of the kings. The second section, sung in differentiated unison then begins to wonder why the kings "stoop so low to a baby in a manger". Finally the fourth verse, sung in full harmony, returns to the marching accompaniment and reiterates the amazement of meeting these kings with their mysterious mission.

Files: pdf  - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Cradle Song

Scoring: Unison voices (with occasional divisi) and piano

Date: 2022

A new Christmas carol, setting the words of William Blake's poem "A Cradle Song" from his collection entitled "Songs of Innocence".

The very title of Blake's poem calls out for it to be set to music. Indeed the poem is a straightforward lullaby for the first few stanzas, sung softly by a mother over her sleeping baby, as she marvels at the wonder of this beautiful infant and expresses her love for the child. Her own anxieties and weeping for the child remind her of the Christ-child who also wept as a vulnerable baby. But as God incarnate he "wept for me, for thee, for all", and brought peace to heaven and earth. (Blake perhaps uses the word" beguile" to indicate the paradoxical nature of a weeping God bringing redemption to a suffering world by becoming a vulnerable human baby himself.)

The composition aims to avoid unnecessary complexity in the vocal parts, so that it can be sung easily particularly by a parish choir. However, it also attempts to capture some of the beauty, drama and mystery of the scene expressed by Blake. The piece begins and ends in stillness, and there are gentle climaxes here and there, reflecting some of the rise and fall of the poem's lyrics.

It could be sung by a mixed or single-voice choir, but note should always be taken of the predominantly quiet dynamics of the piece, especially in the first half.

Files: pdf  - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Words:

A Cradle Song
from Songs of Innocence
by William Blake (1757-1827)

Sweet dreams, form a shade
O'er my lovely infant's head!
Sweet dreams of pleasant streams
By happy, silent, moony beams!

Sweet Sleep, with soft down
Weave thy brows an infant crown!
Sweet Sleep, angel mild,
Hover o'er my happy child!

Sweet smiles, in the night
Hover over my delight!
Sweet smiles, mother's smiles,
All the livelong night beguiles.

Sweet moans, dovelike sighs,
Chase not slumber from thy eyes!
Sweet moans, sweeter smiles,
All the dovelike moans beguiles.

Sleep, sleep, happy child!
All creation slept and smiled.
Sleep, sleep, happy sleep,
While o'er thee thy mother weep.

Sweet babe, in thy face
Holy image I can trace;
Sweet babe, once like thee
Thy Maker lay, and wept for me:

Wept for me, for thee, for all,
When He was an infant small.
Thou His image ever see,
Heavenly face that smiles on thee!

Smiles on thee, on me, on all,
Who became an infant small;
Infant smiles are His own smiles;
Heaven and earth to peace beguiles.

The cold winds are blowing (Ave Maria)

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!

At present there are two versions of the piece: SATB/organ and a hymn-style single sheet (see below.)

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

VERSION 2: 

Scoring: Hymn sheet

Date: 2021

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Words:

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. 

by Christian W J Catsanos, 2021

The Shepherds' Cradle Song

Scoring: SABar unaccompanied choir

Date: January 2021

A popular version of this carol by Karl Leuner (originally called "Wiegenlied", written in 1813) and arranged by Charles Macpherson (1870-1927) is published in Carols for Choirs 1 for SATB choir. However, with the lack of tenors and basses in many parish churches, the carol can often lie beyond the ability of many. Hence this arrangement for three-part choir: the range of the baritone part is from low A to high E flat, which should be achievable by most men (or women singing lower parts) in amateur choirs. Being such a beautiful, gentle and touching carol, this arrangement retains its original, simple a cappella nature, although a piano reduction is provided for practice purposes.

Choir version:

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Practice version with piano:

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Eight Easy Christmas Carols for Bassoon Duet

Scoring: two bassoons

Date: 2020

Seven traditional and one original Christmas carols arranged for bassoon duet for beginning bassoonists of grades 1-3 standard. This collection contains carol arrangements of varying degrees of difficulty and in various keys. They can of course be played fast or slow. The aim is to provide material that is fun to play, recognizably familiar, yet with a high standard of musical integrity and encouraging some independence of the two parts.

1. Away in a manger
2. God rest you merry, gentlemen
3. Hark, the herald angels sing
4. Jingle bells
5. O come, all ye faithful
6. Silent night
7. Watt's cradle carol
8. While shepherds watched

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6 - sib 8

Troika (Prokofiev)

Scoring: Wind sextet (flute/piccolo, oboe, clarinet in B flat, bass clarinet in B flat, horn in F, bassoon) and optional percussion (tambourine, triangle, sleigh bells)
Date: 2020
A thoroughly reduced arrangement of "Troika" from the orchestral suite "Lieutenant Kije" by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) for wind sextet. The name means "Sleigh Ride" and so this piece is often associated with Christmas. However, the whole suite is actually a satirical story for an early Russian film, and a sleigh ride was simply a method of moving around in the depths of a Russian winter. The piece does however capture all the excitement of galloping horses and the swishing of snow as the sleigh hurtles along. The arrangement here is intended to encourage audience participation, perhaps by adding the jangling of keys to the percussion parts!

Links: pdf score - pdf parts - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Six Bells

Scoring: Unaccompanied SABar choir
Date: 2019

A new composition of mine setting words of an old favourite carol: "The angel Gabriel from heaven came". It emerged from a brief set by Morley College for a Christmas piece scored for their SABar a cappella choir in 2019. The title refers to its accompaniment based on a few simple change-ringing sequences for six church bells. The rhythm is jaunty and challenging, but the overall effect is intended to be joyful and exciting!

Links:  pdf (score) - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Words:
1. 
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame.
'All hail', said he, 'thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favoured lady!'
Gloria!

2.
'For known a blessed Mother thou shalt be;
All generations laud and honour thee:
Thy son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold.'
Most highly favoured lady!'
Gloria!


3. 
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head.
'To me be as it pleaseth God,' she said.
'My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name.'
Most highly favoured lady!
Gloria!


4.
Of her Emmanuel, the Christ was born,
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn;
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:
Most highly favoured lady!
Gloria!

English words by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924), translated from a traditional Basque carol

The Seven Joys of Mary (2 versions)

Version 1
Scoring: SABar choir and piano (+ optional flute, clarinet, horn and bassoon)

Date: 2019
A new setting of the ancient carol "The Seven Joys of Mary" (or "Joys Seven", or a variety of other possible titles.)
Since medieval times the number of "Joys of Mary" has varied between five, seven, ten and twelve, but the the current number of seven has become popular, especially since the basic harmonization of R.R. Terry published in 1833 and the contemporary version for 8-part choir by Stephen Cleobury in the OUP's "Carols for Choirs" series. (A history of the carol can be found in the New Oxford Book of Carols, edited by H Keyte and A Parrott, p.462f.)
The versions presented here are kept relatively simple to perform, being scored only for three-part choir (SABar - soprano, alto, baritone) and piano, but with plenty of interest including changes in voicing, changes of rhythm (especially verse 6) and two key changes. The optional instruments provide extra variety and colour. The arranger hopes performers and listeners will find the carol energetic and fun! It should certainly be sung in that spirit!
Although often associated with Christmas, it could in fact be performed in any season, including Easter, referring as it does to the whole life, death and resurrection of Christ.

Links: pdf (score) - pdf (parts) - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Video Score:

Version 2
Scoring: SABar choir and piano (+ optional flute and clarinet)

Date: 2019 (updated 2023)
(See below for an Easter Sunday live recording )

Links: pdf (full score) - pdf (parts) - pdf (vocal score) - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6
Video Score:

YouTube Practice Video Scores:
Full version
Sopranos
Altos
Baritones

Live performance at Seal Church, Easter Sunday 2019: mp3

Words:

1  The first good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of one; To see the blessed Jesus Christ, When He was first her son. When he was first her son, good man; R:  And blessed may he be; Both Father, Son and Holy Ghost To all eternity. 2  The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of two; To see her own Son Jesus Christ, To make the lame to go. To make the lame to go, Good man; R:  3  The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of three; To see her own Son Jesus Christ, To make the blind to see. To make the blind to see, Good man; R:   4  The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of four; To see her own Son Jesus Christ To read the Bible o'er. To read the Bible o'er, Good man; R:  5  The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of five; To see her own Son Jesus Christ, To raise the dead to life. To raise the dead to life, Good man; R:   6  The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of six; To see the blessed Jesus Christ Upon the Crucifix. Upon the Crucifix, Good man; R:   7  The next good joy that Mary had, It was the joy of seven; To see her own Son Jesus Christ To wear the crown of Heav’n. To wear the crown of Heav’n, good man; R:

The Holly and the Ivy

Scoring: SATB choir a cappella
Date: 2015
A simple arrangement of the well-known Christmas carol for SATB choir and organ (or piano), so that it can be sung in a fuller way than straight unison singing, but more accessible than some of the more complex settings, such as in "Carols for Choirs"!
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

A Child is Born in Bethlehem

Scoring: SATB choir and West Gallery Band
Date: 2017
A simple arrangement of Samuel Scheidt's Christmas carol "A Child is Born in Bethlehem" for SATB choir and a group of instruments (here: flute, violin, clarinet in Bb, bassoon), originally written for double SATB chorus.
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

A Baby Crying

Version 1 scoring: SATB choir and piano
Date: 2015
Setting of "Carol of the Seekers" by Philip Britt (1917-1949)
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Version 1 scoring: SSA choir and piano
Date: 2015
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:

CAROL OF THE SEEKERS

We have not come like Eastern kings,
With gifts upon the pommel lying,
Our hands are empty, and we came
Because we heard a baby crying.

We have not come like questing knights,
With fiery swords and banners flying.
We heard a call and hurried here--
The call was like a baby crying.

But we have come with open hearts
From places where the torch is dying.
We seek a manger and a cross
Because we heard a baby crying.

Philip Britts, Christmas 1939

Rorate Coeli

Scoring: SATB choir and organ

Date: 2017

This setting of the traditional Advent plainchant is based around a harmonized refrain using the original Latin words: "Rorate coeli de super et nubes pluant justum" ("Drop down, O heavens, from above and let the skies pour down *justice".) The music and the words express the Advent theme of a cry for justice and salvation in the midst of despair. The traditional verses making up the Advent Prose, based on various parts of scripture, are sung in English unison plainchant, and they express the feelings of one living through a disaster (specifically the fall of Jerusalem in the sixth century BC.) The third and fourth stanzas become more hopeful in their words, especially the famous words (from Isaiah 40) "Comfort, O comfort my people," Here the setting introduces some gentle harmonization, leading to a final return of the "Rorate" chorus in unison and a harmonized hope-filled coda. 

Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:

Rorate coeli de super et nubes pluant justum

1.
Turn your fierce anger from us, O Lord,
and remember not our sins for ever.
Your holy cities have become a desert,
Zion a wilderness,
Jerusalem a desolation;
our holy and beautiful house,
where our ancestors praised you.

2.
We have sinned and become like one who is unclean;
we have all withered like a leaf,
and our iniquities like the wind have swept us away.
You have hidden your face from us,
and abandoned us to our iniquities.

3.
You are my witnesses, says the Lord,
and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know me and believe me.
I myself am the Lord,
and none but I can deliver;
what my hand holds, none can snatch away.

4.
Comfort, O comfort my people,
my salvation shall not be delayed.
I have swept your offences away like a cloud;
fear not for I will save you.
I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel,your redeemer.

Arise, shine, for your light has come

Scoring: SATB choir a cappella
Date: 2016
Setting of Isaiah 60:1-6 by Philip Le Bas for unaccompanied SATB choir. Particularly suitable for the feast of Epiphany.
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:

Arise…

1.
Shine, for your light has come, 
and the glory of the Lord has appeared. 
For darkness shall cover the earth, 
and deep, thick darkness the peoples. 

2.
The Lord will arise upon you, 
and his glory will be seen around you. 
For nations shall come to your light, 
and kings to your dawning brightness. 

3.
Lift up your eyes and look around; 
they all gather together, they come; 
your sons are brought from afar, 
your daughters nursed at your side. 

4.
You shall see and be radiant, 
your heart shall thrill and rejoice, 
for the sea's abundance shall be brought to you, 
and the wealth of the nations. 

5.
Riches from Midian and Ephah, 
and the camels of Sheba shall come; 
they shall bring you gold and frankincense, 
and proclaim the praise of the Lord. 

(Freely adapted from several biblical translations)

O Holy Night (two versions)

Version 1 scoring: SATB choir and organ
Date: 2018
A simple arrangement of Adolphe Adam's "O Holy Night". The setting aims to enable choirs to sing this lovely piece of music without the need for excessive length or complexity, while retaining a degree of variety and passion.
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

For a really excellent performance (December 2023) see https://youtu.be/JuvyjtaP2j0?t=2591 (starting at time 43:17)

Version 1a scoring: SATB choir and organ (adapted)
Date: 2021
This version is slightly adapted for choirs with fewer tenors and basses
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib - sib 6

Version 2 scoring: SSA choir and organ
Date: 2018
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:

1  O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born.

2  Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, he guardeth us from danger.
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend.

3  Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever,
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim.

The Christ-Child (3 versions)

Version 1 scoring: SATB choir and piano
Date: 2015 (revised 2017)
G K Chesterton's Christmas Carol Poem is full of contrasts between the peace and beauty of the Christmas Nativity scene and the turmoil and "weariness" of the world. This original setting for for SATB choir and piano accompaniment brings out these contrasts in a simple but dramatic way.
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Version 2 scoring: SSA choir and piano
Date: 2015 (revised 2017)
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Version 3 scoring: TBB choir and piano
Date: 2015 (revised 2017)
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words: 1  The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap, His hair was like a light. (O weary, weary were the world, But here is all aright.) 2  The Christ-child lay on Mary's breast His hair was like a star. (O stern and cunning are the kings, But here the true hearts are.) 3  The Christ-child lay on Mary's heart, His hair was like a fire. (O weary, weary is the world, But here the world's desire.) 4  The Christ-child stood on Mary's knee, His hair was like a crown, And all the flowers looked up at Him, And all the stars looked down.

Silent Night

Scoring: SATB choir and organ
Date: 2018
A very straightforward arrangement of a very well-known Christmas carol!
Links: pdf - mp3 - midi - mxl - sib

Words:
1. Silent night, holy night, 
All is calm, all is bright 
Round yon virgin mother and Child. 
Holy Infant, so tender and mild, 
Sleep in heavenly peace, 
Sleep in heavenly peace. 

2. Silent night, holy night, 
Shepherds quake at the sight; 
Glories stream from heaven afar, 
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! 
Christ the Savior is born, 
Christ the Savior is born! 

3. Silent night, holy night, 
Son of God, love’s pure light; 
Radiant beams from Thy holy face 
With the dawn of redeeming grace, 
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, 
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. 

4. Silent night, holy night 
Wondrous star, lend thy light; 
With the angels let us sing, 
Alleluia to our King; 
Christ the Savior is born, 
Christ the Savior is born!