This engaging major Christmas work features three carols or songs associated with the place of Christ’s birth: Once In Royal David’s City, O Little Town of Bethlehem (Forest Green) and How Far Is It To Bethlehem?
During Old Testament times, the city of Jerusalem had been considered the ‘City of David’, as the political and spiritual capital of Israel. However, after Christ’s birth, that name was given to the town of Bethlehem - a quiet farming village in the countryside. This new designation is first mentioned in the Gospel of Luke: ‘‘For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.’ (Luke 2:11)
A variety of moods are used to express:
- The crowds of people arriving in Bethlehem to be taxed, overtaking the town, leaving no room for a young, pregnant Mary and her husband.
- The stillness of the countryside on the eve of Christ’s birth.
- The excitement of worshippers celebrating the birth of a Saviour.
To view performances of the work please visit:
Canadian Staff Band: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UC-j9jBsx4
Five Lakes Silver Band: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCn4JjQCe9A
Duration: 7.30 minutes approx.
Difficulty Level: 2nd Section +
PDF download includes parts and score.
Sheet music available here.
Instrumentation:
Soprano Cornet Eb
Solo Cornet Bb
1st Cornet Bb
2nd Cornet Bb
Flugel Horn Bb
Solo Horn Eb
1st Horn Eb
2nd Horn Eb
1st Baritone Bb
2nd Baritone Bb
1st Trombone Bb
2nd Trombone Bb
Bass Trombone
Euphonium Bb
Bass Eb
Bass Bb
TimpaniPercussion 1-3