Product Description
Comments by the composer:
My setting of Reginald Heber’s Epiphany poem was originally written for choir and orchestra, and dedicated to the Nidaros
Cathedral Boys’ Choir in Trondheim, Norway. This transcription by Paul Noble may be performed by concert band alone, or for maximum impact with the addition of a choir. The vocal score is shown as reference only, but not included in the download of parts. Vocal parts are available from Oxford University Press or their affiliates.
The original setting, to quote OUP’s description, “makes effective use of arching melodies and a variety of choral textures. The piece builds to a dramatic final verse with a soprano/tenor descant, before a gentle ending. The accompaniment features bell effects and quotations of Gruber’s famous ‘Silent night’ melody. For choirs who are low on male numbers, there are options for omitting tenor and bass divisi parts.”
Contrasts of texture, harmony and dynamics within the piece aim to reflect the beauty of the poetry, which depicts the Wise Men offering their precious gifts to the Christ Child, having been led by a star.