Bob Chilcott
Christmas Oratorio
Vocal score on hire
Forces or Category: SATB and soloists (mezzo-soprano, tenor, and bass), with small ensemble (fl, brass, org, timp, hp)
Orchestration: brass, organ, timps, fl, and harp
- A compelling retelling of the Christmas story
- Words from the Gospels of St Luke and St Matthew intertwined with a diverse selection of sixteenth- to nineteenth-century poetry
- Four well-known hymns with original melodies for audience or congregation to join in with the choir
- Tenor soloist assumes the role of Evangelist, with focal points such as the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis taken by mezzo-soprano and bass soloists
- Two poignant unaccompanied movements for the chorus, who also assume small character roles
- Sensitive orchestration that enriches the characterization