Holiday Pops Music ~
CHAMBER Orchestra & Chorus
“On This Day Earth Shall Ring”
(An arrangement of the ancient carol)
See Description, Instrumentation, and Text Info at bottom of page.
SOUND CLIP / FULL SCORE EXCERPT
SCORING: SATB (some divisi), acc. by chamber orchestra* and piano
* See the “Instrumentation” tab below.
Note: This piece will soon be available for chorus and FULL orchestra.
AUDIENCE: Suitable for a concert or church setting — DURATION: ca. 2:30
DIFFICULTY FOR CHORUS: 3/5 — DIFFICULTY FOR ORCHESTRA: 4/5
PDF PRICE: $200 / HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER
DESCRIPTION
This traditional carol was first published in the 1582 Finnish song book called “Piae Cantiones,” and has been much loved ever since.
In my arrangement, I wanted to highlight the Medieval flavor of the tune, so I created a dance-like arrangement featuring woodwind solos and a prominent tambourine part.
INSTRUMENTATION
CHOIR: SATB (some divisi)
WOODWINDS: 1 Flute (doubles on Piccolo), 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet in Bb,
1 Bassoon
BRASS: 1 Horn, 1 Trumpet in C
PERCUSSION: 1 percussionist on the following instruments: Glockenspiel, Chimes, Piatti, Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine, Triangle
HARP: 1 Harp
KEYBOARD: 1 Piano (acoustic or electronic)
STRINGS: 4,4,2,2,1, but the violins could be reduced to 3,3 or even 2,2
TEXT INFO
On This Day Earth Shall Ring
Words from “Piae Cantiones,” 1582 —
Translated by Jane M. Joseph, ca. 1924
Complete text:
On this day earth shall ring
With the song children sing
To the Lord, Christ our King,
Born on earth to save us.
Him the Father gave us.
Ideo, gloria in excelsis Deo! [Therefore, glory to God in the highest!]
His the doom, ours the mirth,
When He came down to earth.
Bethlehem saw His birth;
Ox and ass beside Him,
From the cold would hide Him.
Ideo, gloria in excelsis Deo!
God's bright star, o'er His head,
Wise men three to Him led,
Kneeling low by His bed,
Lay their gifts before Him,
Praise Him and adore Him.
Ideo, gloria in excelsis Deo!
On this day angels sing.
With their song earth shall ring,
Praising Christ, heaven's King,
Born on earth to save us.
Peace and love He gave us.
Ideo, gloria in excelsis Deo!
REVIEWS
Timothy Hankewich, conductor:
“Peter's version of 'On This Day Earth Shall Ring' is filled with lush harmonies and masterful orchestration that perfectly captures the joy of the carol. This piece is sure to add a terrific festive flavor to everyone's holiday programming!
The choral writing is inventive and dramatic, yet can be mastered by choruses of all abilities.”
— Timothy Hankewich, Music Director and Conductor of Orchestra Iowa
