Christmas Collection
Cantate! Sing Joy!
This song of celebration is rhythmic and syncopated with effective use of mixed meter. Using just a touch of Latin with the word "cantate," the text is mostly in English. Plenty of unison and two-part writing makes this piece easily learned and sets your choir up for success. With a dynamic yet accessible piano part adding the final touch, this piece would make a wonderful festival or concert opener.
-J.W. Pepper
This, This Is Christ, the King
Inspired by William Dix's What Child Is This, this joyful Christmas original brings a fresh approach to the ageless message. Characteristic folk gestures in the piano provide a Celtic flair, enhanced by the optional included violin part and separate instrumental parts.
-J.W. Pepper
Baby in Bethlehem
This anthem is a gentle up-tempo original spiritual celebrating the newborn King of kings. Enlivened with regular syncopation and a touch of mixed meter, it boasts a choral texture that alternates between homophonic and unison passages, and a chorus of "Noels" full of Christmas joy.
-J.W. Pepper
Morning Star
This anthem is a gentle up-tempo original spiritual celebrating the newborn King of kings. Enlivened with regular syncopation and a touch of mixed meter, it boasts a choral texture that alternates between homophonic and unison passages, and a chorus of "Noels" full of Christmas joy.
-J.W. Pepper
hope of christmas light
This multi-generational pieces provides the narrative backdrop and staging prompts for creating a simple Nativity scene with unison children’s and SATB choirs. The adult choir introduces the characters of the story as they arrive. When everyone reaches their places around the manger, the children’s choir joins in singing, “Here we are, with joy celebrating! Here we are, let’s praise and sing!”
-J.W. Pepper
Holy Night of wonder
Faye Lopez skillfully weaves a classic Chopin melody with the lyrics of O Little Town of Bethlehem in this hauntingly beautiful meditation on the Incarnation. Conveying the peace and wonder of the night, this anthem is an ideal selection to enhance Christmas Eve worship. Lovely.
- J.W. Pepper
Ah, dearest child
Springing from the words of Martin Luther, this newly composed anthem uses mostly unison and two-part writing in the verses, opening up to richer four-part writing in the refrains. The piano accompaniment supports the voices while adding subtle color and line to this charming Christmas lullaby.
- J. W. Pepper
In a Manger
"Composer Patricia Mock has teamed with arranger Richard Nichols to create a lovely Christmas anthem. The story begins gently and simply then crescendos steadily into a strong chorus of praise and thanksgiving. The melody line is tender and captivating, cleverly hooking back to the title phrase whether describing the scene or rejoicing in full."
- J.W. Pepper
Song of Mary
"Faye Lopez and Patricia Mock skillfully combine words from Luke's Gospel with a well-loved Rachmaninoff melody to create a distinctive setting of the Magnificat. A soprano solo and optional violin obbligato also weave into this beautiful musical tapestry. Highly recommended!"
- J.W. Pepper
Sing This Night with Joy
"Patricia Mock and Faye Lopez creatively tell the story of Bethlehem using the classic melody God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. This lively anthem can be performed with SATB or two-part choirs and has optional parts for cello and handbells. Interesting and useful!"
- J.W. Pepper
Angel Song
"The music dances off the page in this sprightly seasonal offering! A fresh theme written in a classic carol style creates instant joy with its tuneful invitation to the manger. A well-placed hide-a-hymn, the B section invokes the angelic chorus from Angels We Have Heard on High, completing the effect. Crafted with limited vocal demands, this festive anthem is a brief yet effective offering!"
- J.W. Pepper
Child of Promise
"Let Christmas begin with this soaring Nativity anthem! Rich with a memorable melody and engaging harmonies, this message in song can be a crowning moment for your Christmas worship. A lush orchestration offers instrumental and track options, creating a cinematic sweep to this choral offering."
- J.W. Pepper
Come Abide With Us
"The echoes of the romantic piano classic Un Sospiro usher in this hymn adaptation with tender emotion and elegant styling. The piece evolves organically, allowing for directors to focus on the expressive potential of each phrase. Quality part-writing is an encouragement to the learning process. Beautiful!"
- J.W. Pepper
In the Beauty of His Grace
"This gentle Christmas choral is a cradle song, opening with a new and captivating tune. By the end, we hear the refrain "O Come, Let Us Adore Him," gracefully tying everything together."
- J.W. Pepper
This Night in Bethlehem
"Imagine seeing the nativity through the eyes of Mary and Joseph as the great mystery, foretold by ancient prophets, unfolds before them. This charming Christmas anthem features a children's choir throughout, complemented and supported by SATB voices, and fully supported by the piano accompaniment. A good multi-generational choir for Christmas."
- J.W. Pepper
Who Would Have Thought
"The title poses the question of surprise at the many things God has done for us. This delightful children's Christmas song celebrates God's wonders, especially the gift of God's Son at Christmas. The 2-part writing sings easily through the creative harmonic sections of the piece."
- J.W. Pepper
Born Today, Hodie
"From the first leaping melodic interval, this enjoyable flourish for Christmas encourages and delights. This anthem is one of those rare pieces that works equally as well with smaller ensembles as it does with large choral groups. Announcing the birth of Christ with a cheerful lilt, you will find the part-writing well crafted and the piano supportive and filled with colorful impact. Add the handbells for color and a sense of joy!"
- J.W. Pepper
The Christmas Lamb
"The anticipation of the Lamb of God's crucifixion is woven throughout this tender ballad of devotion. The music is simple yet poignant, well crafted and thoughtful. This cradle to cross text is useful year round. Pretty."
-J.W. Pepper
An Etude Carol
"This highly expressive original Communion anthem features a text inspired by the beloved Bread of Heaven, on Thee We Feed. It can be accompanied with piano, string quartet, or digital strings. Don't miss this lyrical and meaningful piece."
- J.W. Pepper
This Silent Night
"This quiet celebration of God's great gift of love is the quintessential Christmas Eve anthem. The gentle transition into STILLE NACHT provides an appropriate ending to this inspiring selection. A part for optional cello is available. Highly recommended!"
- J.W. Pepper
The Winter Night Was Dark and Still
"This beautiful meditation on the birth of Christ contains hushed moments of awe and grand "alleluias" of celebration. The inclusion of an oboe makes this piece all the more engaging. This anthem will be a great addition to a concert or service."
- J.W. Pepper