Sing We now of Christmas

Sing We now of Christmas

Kyle Pederson (2022)

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Voicing: SATB
Accompaniment: piano with optional oboe (or C instrument) 
Music: traditional melody
Text: Kyle Pederson
Commissioned by The Master Singers, Gary Schwartzhoff, conductor

LYRICS

Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel;
hearts in expectation, Noel drawing near. 
Sing we Noel, Noel, Noel;
sing we now of Christmas,
Noel sing we here. 

In stillness waits the world
in silent reverie--
longing for the birth of love and mercy.
Yearning for hope, good news to fill our soul;
turning to the manger that grounds all mystery.

Angels bending low and shepherds bend their knee;
wisemen from the east have come the child to see.
All of creation where love has come to dwell--
sing we now of Christmas, 
the good news now we tell.

Sing Noel, sing Noel, sing we now Noel.

About the piece:

I have always loved this traditional French carol melody (Noel Nouvelet). Most arrangements of this carol are up-tempo and quite energetic. In my own arrangement, I seek to create a different aural experience for the listener (and singer). 

The melody sneaks in gradually, supported by a hypnotic pattern in the piano. The tempo, harmonies, and dissonances throughout the piece are designed to create a sense of yearning--and of anticipation.  Our "hearts of expectation" look ahead to the good news that peace, hope, and love are born among us. 

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