What’s the upside of being a church choral director in July when there’s a heat dome melting the sidewalks? It’s Christmas in July! Plan your Christmas and Advent music selections now – the editors at Pepper have reviewed a fantastic array of music for Advent and Christmas from a variety of publishers this year, all to help you stay cool while getting ready for winter in the summer heat!
Timestamps:
O Come, Emmanuel
arr. Mary McDonald – Jubilate Music Group
Opening with an optional duet, this piece presents a song of pure longing for Emmanuel’s arrival. It builds slowly and steadily, then tapers to a hushed conclusion. Pairing the gorgeous KINGSFOLD tune with a beloved Advent text is creative and inspired, resulting in an unforgettable Advent offering.
Starts at 1:06
Come, Lord Jesus
Jon Paige – Shawnee Press
An original Advent text is paired with the hymn tune HYFRYDOL, while strains of The First Noel can be heard in the introduction. The piece eventually gives way to The First Noel refrain. The lush choral writing has options for including children’s voices. Score and parts for flute, oboe (flute 2), percussion 1 & 2, harp, violin 1 & 2, viola, cello, and string bass, (string reduction), and piano (opt. rhythm) are available separately.
Starts at 2:52
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
Robert Neumeyer – GIA Publications
This 13th-century traditional Basque carol is paired with the Annunciation text found in Luke 1:26-38. The choral texture varies by verse, with sectional contrast and women’s divisi highlighting the lyrics.
Starts at 3:54
Away in a Manger (Forever Amen)
arr. Phil Wickham & Molly Ijames – Beckenhorst Press
A tender setting with a gentle instrumental motif that unifies the steady growth between stanzas. Alternate lyrics for stanzas 2 and 3 provide an opportunity for an even richer moment of reflection. Parts for optional C instruments add even more color and impact to this piece.
Starts at 4:46
In the Bleak Midwinter
arr. Dan Wells – Choristers Guild
An absolutely lovely setting of the beloved carol for Advent and Christmas. It flows delicately from duple to triple meter, features beautiful choral writing throughout, and includes an opportunity for a tenor soloist. This arrangement is a stunning selection for worship and concert settings.
Starts at 5:34
I Heard the Bells
Brenda E. Austin – Hope Publishing Company
This delightful Christmas anthem is inspired by Longfellow’s text and celebrates the joy of singing and ringing to proclaim “peace on earth, goodwill to all.” Choral echoes are used to “repeat the sound,” and the optional 3-octave handbells add the perfect holiday sparkle.
Starts at 6:34
The Holly and the Ivy
arr. Benjamin David Knoedler – Lorenz Corporation
Discover a fresh take on this classic Christmas carol. The familiar melody is adorned by a graceful piano accompaniment, and shimmering vocal textures abound from start to finish. This anthem is useful throughout the Christmas season but is particularly appropriate for Hanging of the Greens services.
Starts at 7:29
Joy to the World
Artist: VOCES8 arr. Taylor Scott Davis – MorningStar Music Publishers
A very accessible setting of the traditional Christmas carol highlighted by a wonderful orchestral arrangement – just the right mix of traditional and something new to marvel at. One of the featured carols in the VOCES8 album A Choral Christmas.
