We Happy Hirdes Men Heere
(SATB, organ) 3'30"
Joyful shepherds proclaim the miracle of Christ's birth in this ecstatic up-tempo setting for advanced choir and organ.
Listen (mp3, 4.1 MB; I Cantanti Chamber Choir, Northfield, MN, Wayne Kivell conducting)
Choral Score: $2.05 Add to Cart
Composer's Notes:
I received a commission in the summer of 2007 to compose a new choral work for I Cantanti, the adult chamber choir in my hometown of Northfield, Minnesota. The ensemble was in its 20th season under founder and music director Wayne Kivell. In my search for a text, I came across a wonderful Christmas poem in Early Modern 16th century English. It tells of the shepherds' joyous reaction to the events surrounding the birth of Christ. I have tried to capture that exuberant spirit in this setting for SATB and organ. (The world needs more up-tempo sacred Christmas choral music, don't you think?) Current and past members of the ensemble donated to support the commission. I also was asked to rehearse the work secretly with the choir, so that we were able to present it to Wayne at a surprise party in his honor. The public premiere took place on November 25, 2007, in Skinner Chapel, Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota.