arr. Charles Maggs
4 octaves, Level M
The familiar Christmas carol, based on the tune of "Greensleeves", has been given a unique setting that will draw the performer and the listener into the music. The soft, lilting movement of the arrangement mirrors the wonder of Christ's birth, while the somber character of the harmonies reflects the agony that lay before Him at the end of His earthly ministry. The piece begins with quiet, mysterious harmonic progressions, then moves into a more agitated, ever pressing chromatic development, driven forward by an incessant inner eighth note pattern. The high point is then reached with triumphant, resounding chords that, as the piece comes to a close, fade away into nothingness. The music will provide a dramatic emphasis to any Christmas program as well as a thought-provoking offertory to any Advent church service.