Price codeC
Christmas, midwinter, New YearCatalogue no. 4077
Love came down at Christmas
Music: Trad. arr. Sheena Phillips, Words: Christina Rossetti
Voicing: SATB, optional guitar
Performance time approx: 2m 30s
Range S: e' – d'' / A: a – d'' / T: f – d'; / B: F – d'
Price code: C
Complexity:
The set includes:
Love as our plea, and our gift, and as the central message — and sign of — Christianity. Rossetti’s famous words are given a quietly floating backdrop of descending chords, above which two soloists deliver the verses, joined in the final two lines by the choir as a whole. A lovely piece to introduce a moment of stillness in a Christmas programme.
A lead sheet, and one possible realisation of the guitar part, are included. If using guitar, use the first two or four measures of the guitar part as an introduction (and then return to the beginning).
The recording is by the Magpie Consort, Ohio, directed by Sheena Phillips, from the album The Garden.
When you order this setting, we will also send – free – the a cappella version
Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas;
Star and angels gave the sign.
Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, love divine,
Worship we our Jesus,
But wherewith for sacred sign?
Love shall be our token;
Love be yours and love be mine;
Love to God and all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.
Christina Rossetti