Christ-child, The (2nd edition) cover image

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Christ-child, The (2nd edition)

Publisher: LAH Publications and Oxford University Press

Catalogue Number: LAH 59-1

Year: 2019

For: SA or SATB with Organ

Duration: 3:30

Rehearsal tracks available for the SA edition!
See below for a bundle of parts-weighted MIDI tracks to assist your singers with their practicing. This bundle includes soprano with top notes in divisi, soprano with bottom notes in divisi, and alto.

This piece was originally commissioned by the Metropolitan United Church Choir School in London, Ontario, for their 2019 Lessons and Carols Service.
I incorporated some additional Latin text alongside the beautiful poem by Chesterton and my hope is that this added text not only highlights the poem but also points to connections with other parts of the Liturgy and Liturgical year. I created a new SATB edition in the summer of 2022 for publication in “Carols for Choirs 6” (Oxford University Press). This second edition of the SA version aligns with changes made to the piece for the SATB version now published in “Carols for Choirs 6.” The SATB version is also available as a single copy.

COMMISSIONER’S NOTES:

“The Christ-child was commissioned for The Metropolitan United Church Choir School’s 2019 Service of Lessons and Carols and it exceeded our expectations in every way. Laura Hawley has brought a fresh voice to this much beloved poem and the setting while challenging, is imminently singable. The use of mixed metre gives a sense of freedom and propulsion to the stunning melodic line. [note from Laura: the mixed meter does not appear in the second edition of this piece]. The work’s climax on the final verse is and always will be one of our Choristers’ favourite moments to sing, I can’t recommend this wonderful, fresh and innovative setting to you with anything but the greatest enthusiasm. May it challenge your young singers as much as it did ours, and may it bring you just as much joy!” ~Gregg Redner

Also available for SATB with organ in “Carols for Choirs 6” (Oxford University Press)

Purchase

Works are charged per person. Please enter the number of performers

$3.50 per copy. Minimum of 6.

$35.00 per copy.

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View perusal score

Watch a performance of the SA version by the Cantiamo Girls and Apprentice Choirs
Artistic Director, Jackie Hawley

A Christmas Carol Poem

The Christ-child lay on Mary’s lap,
His hair was like a light.
(O weary, weary were the world,
But here is all aright.

The Christ-child lay on Mary’s breast
His hair was like a star.
(O stern and cunning are the kings,
But here the true hearts are.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary’s heart,
His hair was like a fire.
(O weary, weary is the world,
But here the world’s desire.)

The Christ-child stood on Mary’s knee,
His hair was like a crown,
And all the flowers looked up at Him,
And all the stars looked down.

~Gilbert Kieth Chesterton (1874-1936)

With additional Latin text:

Et in terra pax [and on earth, peace]

Replecordis intima [fill the inmost heart]
Tuorum fidelium [of your faithful]

Veni Sancte Spiritus [Come, Holy Spirit]

Adoramus te [We adore thee]

Alleluia