SATB a cappella
Duration: 5 min
Text: 16th Century
Boosey & Hawkes (April 2017) 979-0-51-48382-2
YouTube: https://youtu.be/enOjtz6w5GY
Winning entry in the Amadeus Choir Seasonal Song Writing Competition, Professional Category. Winning entry in the Brazos Valley Chorale Composition Competition.
A Boy Is Born is a lyrical anthem for the Christmas season. The work is built on a melodic gesture first found in the opening Soprano melody. This gesture is then passed between all voices throughout the piece. The middle section of the work is marked by a slower passage, with the Basses singing the melody and the Soprano, Alto and Tenor ‘floating’ above as if they were angels gathering to witness the miracle birth. A flowing, lyrical melody enwraps each verse marked by an Allelujah refrain motive. The song speaks to the serene and delicate moments inspired by the original latin text Puer Natus
A Boy is Born in Bethlehem!
Allelujah! Allelujah!
And joy is in Jerusalem,
Allelujah! Allelujah!
And there He lay in manger poor,
Allelujah! Allelujah!
Whose rein shall last for ever-more,
Allelujah! Allelujah!
And kings from out the East there were,
Allelujah! Allelujah!
With gold and frankincense and myrrh
Allelujah! Allelujah!
He came our souls to purify,
Allelujah! Allelujah!
and bring us safe to bliss on high
Allelujah! Allelujah!
Themes: Holiday, Christmas, Birth, SATB, Mixed Choir, Christmastide
Dr. Matthew Emery 