
Alan Bullard's A Light In The Stable tells the Christmas story through a blend of original settings and well-known carols and is suitable for both concert and church choirs. Scored for SATB with Organ or Piano accompaniment, this piece can also be performed with a small Orchestra or Chamber group and there are parts for optional Vocal solos. The familiar Gospel words (which may be spoken, sung, or replaced with other appropriate readings) are interspersed with a range of new material, including the lively Glory to God; Sing Lullaby, in which Mary foreshadows the events of Jesus' life; and the reflective A Light for Today, an evocation of the Nativity tableau. The audience/congregation are encouraged to join in for some carols and choir and listeners will delight in the new settings of familiar words. A wonderful companion to Bullard's Advent celebration, O Come, Emmanuel, this work is perfect for anyone looking for a new take on familiar Christmas words and melodies.
This work investigates how to synthesize traditional Christmas narratives with contemporary choral arrangements to create a cohesive, performative Nativity experience. Alan Bullard, a composer known for his extensive choral catalog, provides a structured framework that balances established carols with original compositions. The score is designed to function as a flexible liturgical or concert piece, utilizing a mix of spoken word and musical performance to guide the listener through the Nativity sequence.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Choral directors and church musicians frequently cite this work as a versatile resource for holiday programming due to its adaptable scoring. Experts highlight the balance between familiar melodies and new compositions as a practical solution for choirs seeking to refresh their seasonal repertoire.
Page Count:
64
Publication Date:
2014-06-05
Publisher:
Oxford University Press Music
ISBN-10:
0193402076
ISBN-13:
9780193402072
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