Composer Alfred
V. Fedak Text
Carl P. Daw,
Jr. Voicing SATB and keyboard Church Season Christmas Length 3' 25" Price $1.50 (U.S.) Released
6/92 Catalog no. 405-214 Difficulty Moderately difficult
WhenGods
Reviews
"The piece has an absolutely beautiful tune (Fedak's ROSE
OF BETHLEHEM, composed in 1990), and imaginative, ingratiating
choral part-writing, reminiscent of Rutter at his very best (and
including a bass part which is occasionally independent rather
than slavishly doubling the organ pedals!). The accompaniment
is easy yet interesting. Not the least part of the beauty of
the piece is the wonderful text by Carl P. Daw, to whom it is
also dedicated. In general it is easy but of substance, and gives
a feeling of quiet rapture and ecstasy, somewhat like Rutter's
WHAT SWEETER MUSIC. It reminds one of the best of the pop composers,
such as Bernstein or Sondheim. I cannot recommend the piece highly
enough. It's one of those pieces a choir and congregation instantly
love-a sure winner!"Journal of The Association
of Anglican Musicians, Jan./Feb. 93
"Recommended"The American Organist
4/93
"An original carol with poetic beauty
and theological challenge is linked to a lyrical original melody
written in the style of the lovely carol settings by John Rutter
and Andrew Carter. This arrangement uses direct canon, simple
four-part harmony, and a solo soprano in a manner accessible
to many youth choirs, yet also interesting for adults. A wonderful
new carol for churches in any denomination. Daw's text is pithy
and interesting, but it is Fedak's music that will make this
a new favorite of many congregations." Creator, Sept/Oct
'93
Description
This exquisite anthem will quickly become a staple in your Christmas
repertoire. It begins with a solo baritone (or all baritones)
and moves into two-part and then four-part harmony. In the middle
of the piece, a solo soprano introduces a contrasting melodic
line, and the piece returns to the original melody in strong
and deliberate four-part harmony. Fedak's rich and expressive
style is in great evidence here.
Anthem Text When God's time had ripened,
Mary's womb bore fruit,
scion of the Godhead,
sprung from Jesse's root:
so the True Vine branches
from the lily's stem,
the Rose without blemish
blooms in Bethlehem.
More than mind can fathom,
limit or untwine,
this mysterious yoking,
human and divine,
but what reason fetters
faith at length unlocks,
and wise hearts discover
truth in paradox.
As the Bread of heaven,
that we might be fed,
chose a manger cradle
in the House of Bread,
so has Life Eternal
mingled in the womb
with our mortal nature
to confound the tomb.
For this swaddled infant
in a humble place
holds our hope of glory
and our means of grace;
in the Love enfleshed
here dawns the world's rebirth,
promise of salvation,
pledge of peace on earth.
Reviews