The Christ Child Lay
About: G.K. Chesterton wrote his poem “A Christmas Carol” in 1900, and in 2012 I wrote my own Christmas carol, setting his text. I revised the piece in 2013 while studying with the great choral composer Conrad Susa. A strophic dorian melody seemed to fit the timeless mood of the poem. Finger cymbals give each verse a sparkle, and a shepherding oboe line weaves between the verses, finally joining the choir for the last stanza.
Premiere: The Paul Delgado Singers, conducted by Paul Delgado, and oboist Aubrey Jones on December 6th, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church of Fullerton, Fullerton, CA.
Instrumentation: SATB choir, oboe, finger cymbals
Duration: ca. 3 minutes
Text: “A Christmas Carol” by G.K. Chesterton
