Christmas Music for Chorus and Orchestra
Unless specified otherwise, all titles listed below are for SATB chorus and full orchestra (WW: 2/1-2/1-2/1-2/1; Brass: 4-3-3-1; Percussion: Timp + 3 players; Harp; Keyboard (piano/celesta); and Strings. Most orchestra scores and parts available as rentals from the Alfred Rental Library, others directly from the composer. Click on the title to listen to a recording and access a reference score.
ANGELS AND BELLS. [9:00] For SATB Chorus with orchestra, organ, and handbell choir. Includes "The First Noel," "Carol of the Bells," and "Angels We Have Heard on High."
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH. [4:00] For children (unison), SATB chorus, and orchestra. An ethereal, highly unusual setting that packs an unexpected emotional punch.
BELIEVE. [4:15] Adapted from the original soundtrack score for the motion picture The Polar Express. For full orchestra and vocal (performable in many optional combinations of vocal soloist, children's choir, and SATB chorus).
CAROL OF THE BIRDS. [6:50] For soprano soloist, chorus, and orchestra. An extended setting of the traditional Catalonian carol.
A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES. [15:45] For narrator, chorus, and orchestra. A setting of excerpts from Dylan Thomas's famous recollections of childhood Christmases.
A CHRISTMAS GLORIA. [6:45] For SATB Chorus with orchestra (organ optional). A grand and majestic setting of texts in English and Latin mostly taken from the traditional 'Gloria' and 'Hodie' texts. May be used in sacred or concert settings.
DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? [6:30] A unique, impressionistic setting filled with text painting of this contemporary carol, which builds to a powerful close.
HOLY NIGHT OF ANGELS. [6:45] For tenor soloist, SATB and children's choirs, orchestra, and organ. Works well as a grand closer, beginning with O Holy Night (tenor solo) and concluding with Angels We Have Heard on High.
I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY. [5:35] For SATB Chorus, with orchestra (2-2-2-2, 4-3-3, timp +3, hp, celesta, organ, opt. piano, opt. handbells, strings). A dynamic setting of the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow text, suitable for a first act or concert closer.
JORNADAS. [7:00] A Suite of Three Spanish Carols.
JOY! [5:45] A concert finale on "Joy to the World." Requires organ; optional children's choir.
MY DANCING DAY, ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT. [6:00] Celtic-influenced setting of familiar carols. Optional children's choir.
THE NATIVITY. [3:00] A chamber orchestra accompaniment for the reading of the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter II.
O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL. [4:30] A processional, with some choir members playing simple handbell parts. Requires organ in addition to the orchestra and chorus.
O HOLY NIGHT. [5:30] A dramatic arrangement and extremely popular rental. Optional children's choir.
SANTA CLAUS: THE OPERA (The Santa of the Opera). [11:30] A comedic treatment of some of the most familiar opera arias of all time, with new lyrics. Requires tenor (Santa), mezzo-soprano (Mrs. Santa), and baritone (the Head Elf) soloists.
SING WE JOYOUS! [3:30] An audience sing-along with a bit of a twist at the end, this medley features Deck the Hall, Joy to the World, Up on the Housetop, and Jolly Old St. Nicholas.
SONGS IN THE AIR [5:45] For orchestra, chorus, soprano solist, and children's choir. Written as a concert closer, this medley includes The First Noel (featuring soprano solo), There's a Song in the Air (featuring children's choir), and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Includes organ.
STILL, STILL, STILL. [4:30] The traditional Austrian carol receives a fresh setting for chorus, strings, and harp.
THE TWELFTH ELF. [4:10] For children's choir and chamber orchestra. A children's choir feature telling the story of Sammi, the smallest elf. Though too small to help load Santa's sleigh, Sammi ends up saving the day!
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS. [1:45] A short, dynamic treatment suitable for concert opener or encore.
WINTER WONDERLAND. [4:00] For vocal soloist and orchestra. This familiar tune gets a fresh and lushly romantic treatment.
A WORLD OF JOY. [5:30] For orchestra, chorus, soprano soloist, and children's choir. Commissioned as a concert finale, this exciting and extremely unusual piece takes "Joy to the World" around the world, beginning with an African segment and first verse sung in Swahili and English; a second verse in Spanish style and sung in Spanish; and finally an energetic Celtic reel for the third and final verse.
