I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY
[5:35] 2-2-2-2, 4-3-3-1, timp+3, hp, cel, org, opt. piano, opt. handbells, strings
Commissioned by the First Presbyterian Church of Davenport, IA.
Suitable for a concert closer or first half closer, in either a concert or church service setting.
An extended treatment of all five verses of the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow text. Bells open the piece with the motif from "O Come, All Ye Faithful," followed by a grand entry with full chorus and orchestra. Each verse receives a unique arrangement appropriate to its text, including an a cappella third verse. After the urgent, pensive fourth verse, the orchestra and chorus burst into a joyful, rhythmic interlude that includes the melody of "Carol of the Bells," concluding with an exciting, energetic fifth verse and big ending.
Commissioned by the First Presbyterian Church of Davenport, IA.
Suitable for a concert closer or first half closer, in either a concert or church service setting.
An extended treatment of all five verses of the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow text. Bells open the piece with the motif from "O Come, All Ye Faithful," followed by a grand entry with full chorus and orchestra. Each verse receives a unique arrangement appropriate to its text, including an a cappella third verse. After the urgent, pensive fourth verse, the orchestra and chorus burst into a joyful, rhythmic interlude that includes the melody of "Carol of the Bells," concluding with an exciting, energetic fifth verse and big ending.
Video presentation of piano-vocal score: