Two Songs for Christmas Eve
Patrick Castillo
About this work:
"Two Songs for Christmas Eve" was commissioned by Harold Rosenbaum for the Canticum Novum Singers, representing the first commission awarded in that ensemble’s 33-year history.
TEXTS
I. Gloria (Luke 2: 8–14)
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
[Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.]
II. Now burn (from “The Wreck of the Deutschland,” Gerard Manley Hopkins)
34
Now burn, new born to the world,
Double-naturèd name,
The heaven-flung, heart-fleshed, maiden-furled
Miracle-in-Mary-of-flame,
Mid-numberèd He in three of the thunder-throne!
Not a dooms-day dazzle in his coming nor dark as he came;
Kind, but royally reclaiming his own;
A released shower, let flash to the shire, not a lightning of fire hard-hurled.
Copies for performance are available directly from the composer.
Year composed: 2005
Duration: 00:06:30
Ensemble type: Voice, Solo or With Chamber or Jazz Ensemble:Unknown
Instrumentation: 2 Soprano,1 Soprano soloist(s), 2 Alto,1 Alto soloist(s), 2 Tenor,1 Tenor soloist(s), 2 Bass,1 Bass soloist(s)