2222 – 4321 – timp – 3 perc – hp – Sop solo – SATB chorus – strings
5 minutes
excerpt performed here by the CUA Orchestra and Chorus, directed by David Searle, with Crossley Hawn, Soprano
About:
Apparition: A Christmas Prelude, was premiered in the awe-inspiring sanctuary of the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. The piece was commissioned by Catholic University for their annual Christmas charity concert event. Knowing that my piece was opening the program, I chose to make a setting of the following well known passage from Luke 2:9-14:
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
