A Light in the Stable

Vocal score

Forces or Category: SATB & organ/piano/small orchestra/chamber group

Orchestration: fl, ob, cl, bcl (opt), bn, hn (opt), tpt, perc (opt), hp (opt), either string quintet or string orchestra or keyboard (pno/organ). The keyboard part is an alternative to the string parts, and not the same as in the vocal score.

for SATB (with opt. solos) and organ or piano, or with small orchestra or chamber group
A Light in the Stable tells the Christmas story through a blend of original settings and well-known carols, and is suitable for both concert and church choirs. This work is perfect for anyone looking for a new take on familiar Christmas words and melodies.

A Light in the Stable

Vocal score

Alan Bullard

Description

for SATB (with opt. solos) and organ or piano, or with small orchestra or chamber group
A Light in the Stable tells the Christmas story through a blend of original settings and well-known carols, and is suitable for both concert and church choirs. This work is perfect for anyone looking for a new take on familiar Christmas words and melodies.

Programme Notes:

A Light in the Stable is designed for church or concert use. The audience or congregation may join in the well-known carols in movements 5 (first verse only), 8, 16, and 19, as indicated, and optional readings are suggested. The choir parts are designed with some flexibility in mind. They may be sung entirely by SATB choir, but movements 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, and 17 may be sung by soloists, a semi-chorus, or all voices, as shown. Alternatively, these movements may be omitted and

A Light in the Stable

Vocal score

Alan Bullard

Prologue: Of our Maker's love begotten
As Joseph was a-walking
The Shepherds
Go tell it on the mountain
While shepherds watched
The Angels
Glory to God in the highest
Hark! The herald angels sing
The Manger
The little Lord Jesus
The shepherds visit the stable
He is born (Il est né)
Mary ponders these things in her heart
Sing lullaby!
The wise men
As with gladness men of old
The wise men offer their gifts
A Light for Today
Of our Maker's love begotten

A Light in the Stable

Vocal score

Alan Bullard

Composer Information

Alan Bullard (b.1947)

Alan Bullard was born in London and studied with Herbert Howells at the Royal College of Music, and at Nottingham University. He enjoyed a successful career in music education; for many years he was Head of Composition at Colchester Institute, and is currently an examiner for ABRSM. He now devotes most of his time to composing, editing, and arranging. His music unfailingly appeals to both performers and audiences; he has written for all kinds of choirs, and instrumental works for a variety of ensembles and orchestras. Alan is a respected writer of music for examination syllabuses and educational albums. His major publications include the four inspirational Oxford Flexible Choral Anthologies, Alan Bullard Anthems, and the five cantatas Wondrous Cross, O Come Emmanuel, A Light in the Stable, Psalmi Penitentiales, and Images of Peace. He and his wife Janet also write the Pianoworks series for the older beginner. Alan Bullard's website