SATB
Arranger: Andrea Handley
Octaves: 3-7
Level: 3+
Difficulty: Medium
"Now Proclaim Messiah's Birth" combines two favorite carols, "Angels from the Realms of Glory" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" into a stirring arrangement that works well as a stand-alone handbell piece, a choral SATB anthem, or in a variety of other options using various combinations of the optional organ, brass quintet, and percussion parts. The refrains from both of the carols are combined creatively as the piece moves through exciting key changes. The final triumphant stanza features a descant from the refrain of "Angels We Have Heard on High" superimposed over the tune of "Angels from the Realms of Glory". This is a versatile and exciting work that can be used in many arenas throughout the Christmas season.