Christmas Angels & Kings
Amy Mills
About this work:
“Christmas Angels and Kings” is an orchestral setting of traditional songs that describes the coming of Messiah, from prophetic expectation through His birth to joyful rejoicing.
A simple gong evokes the feel of Ancient Israel as “Ma Navu” (Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one who proclaims good tidings of peace and salvation”) intertwines with “O Come, O Come Emanuel.
Joyful “Angels We Have Heard on High” disappear leaving the question, “What Child is This?” Rejoicing at Messiah’s birth, “Ding Dong Merrily on High” is a celebration that grows as “We Three Kings” dance until the orchestra exclaims, “Joy to the World, the Lord has Come!”
Year composed: 2007
Duration: 00:14:00
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Standard Orchestra
Instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 2 Flute, 2 Oboe, 1 English Horn, 2 Clarinet, 1 Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 4 Horn in F, 3 Trumpet, 2 Trombone, 1 Bass Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 3 Percussion (General), 1 Celesta, 1 Strings (General)
Instrumentation notes: EH solo, great mallet percussion parts, celesta solo, trombone trio featured