Peter Bloesch Listen

Choral ~ Holiday ~ with Keyboard



“The First Nowell”  (original composition)

(An original setting of the text, not an arrangement)



SOUND CLIP   /   WATCH VIDEO ON VIMEO   /   SCORE SAMPLE

SCORING:  SATB (some divisi), acc. by piano

DURATION:  ca. 4:40   —   DIFFICULTY:  3/5   —   PAGES IN PDF SCORE:  11

HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER   —   PDF:  $50 (for all the copies you need)

NOTE:  This piece is an original composition — an original setting of the traditional English text.



DESCRIPTION

This piece is a fresh new setting of the familiar text, and seeks to give new life to the words.

The musical climax is the final verse, where the altos and basses sing the melody in octaves, and the sopranos and tenors provide a descant. The piece ends quietly, reminding us of that “cold winter's night that was so deep.”

My original music is written in an accessible, contemporary style, and features an interesting and independent part for the piano.

TEXT INFO

The First Nowell

Traditional English text

Complete text:

The first Nowell the angel did say,
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

      Nowell!  Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star,
Shining in the east, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.

      Nowell!  Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star,
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.

      Nowell!  Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heav'nly Lord,
That hath made heav'n and earth of nought,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.

      Nowell!  Born is the King of Israel!

Watch video below!