Review
"MacDonald sets a fascinating text by Welsh cleric and metaphysical poet Roland Watkyns in traditional carol attire. A refrain in lilting 6/8 begins the work and reappears in varied form marking the structure of the poem. The refrain's tonal gravity alternates between E-flat major and G-flat major, using the third relationship as a launching point for the musical rhetoric. The "verses" move in mainly homophonic duple meter with half-note beats, offering an interesting contrast to the burden. The equal weight of E-flat and G-flat as key areas continues in the verse passages, creating a satisfying homogeneity of effect. Treble voices divide freely throughout, while tenors and basses divide only in the final cadence, making this an option for choirs that tend to be top-heavy. This joyous work with a fascinating text characteristic of metaphysical poetry would be an excellent addition to carol services as well as other seasonal concerts and liturgies." --AAM Journal, May/June 2025

Anthem text
The angels sing this day, and so will I.
Now in a manger lies the eternal Word:
the Word he is, yet can no speech afford;
he is the Bread of Life, yet hungry lies;
the Living Fountain, yet for drink he cries;
the angels sing this day, and so will I.
He cannot help or clothe himself at need
who did the lilies clothe and ravens feed;
he is the Light of Lights, yet now doth shroud
his glory with our nature as a cloud.
The angels sing this day, and so will I.
Christ had four beds and those not soft nor brave:
the Virgin’s womb, the manger, cross, and grave.
The angels sing this day, and so will I
that have more reason to be glad than they.

--Rowland Waykyns (ca. 1614-1664), from "Upon Christ’s Nativity"