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Books > Arts & Architecture > Music > Other types of music > Sacred & religious music
for SATB and soloists (M-S, T, & B), with organ and flute or
small ensemble With this majestic work Chilcott takes on a landmark
of the choral repertory, the Christmas Oratorio. Words from St Luke
and St Matthew are intertwined with 16th-19th-century poetry to
create a compelling retelling of the Christmas story. Five hymn
texts are set to new, original melodies that take their place among
the season's tradition of great hymnody and enable the audience or
congregation to join in with the choir. As in the St John Passion,
much of the narrative is presented by a tenor soloist in the role
of Evangelist, with focal points such as the Magnificat and Nunc
dimittis and Rossetti's 'Love came down at Christmas' taken by
mezzo-soprano and bass soloists. The chorus is integral to the
storytelling, assuming small character roles and taking centre
stage in two unaccompanied movements. A solo flute characterizes
the angels, and the mellow tones of the brass ensemble evoke a
sense of festive tradition.
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