Christmas Anthems for the Church Choir

This Ukrainian folk tune is well known as Carol of the Bells, but this setting employs new lyrics that reflect its true heritage as a New Year's song. This text combines the narrative of the

A beautifully interpreted arrangement of the Appalachian folk carol, this a cappella setting written for the Tabernacle Choir provides a gentle harmonization suitable for a lullaby to the Christ child. A

Breathing new life into a Christmas classic, this arrangement features playful rhythmic alterations between 3/4 and 6/8 meter. The syncopated vocal lines are underpinned by a supportive, bouncy piano

Effectively combining an ancient Latin text and three traditional Christmas spirituals (Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow; Mary Had a Baby; What You Gonna Call Your Pretty Little Baby?), this a

An easy and original setting of the well-known Rossetti text, with a very memorable tune. Set for mixed, treble or unison choirs with piano accompaniment; additional instrumental parts for flute and harp

In this original carol by John Rutter, a lilting 3/4 meter carries the listener gently through the familiar Christmas story, beautifully depicted in a text by the composer and expressed through artful

Based on the tune CRADLE SONG, this wordless piece (the choir hums over lush accompaniment) was written as underscoring for a reading of the Nativity story (Luke 2:1, 3-14). In the tradition of incidental

This original carol joyfully describes the Nativity story with a lilting melody in 3/4 time. The voices culminate in a powerful unison statement with an angelic descant, all the while underpinned by flowing

Intricate counterpoint and a continuo-style bass line bring a medieval flavor to this arrangement of the much-loved carol. The gentle vocal lines build in texture throughout. The flowing accompaniment may

This well-known Irish carol is given fresh treatment characterized in part by its charming and sparkling piano accompaniment. The middle section offers an opportunity for both the choir and pianist to shine

This arrangement of the popular German carol is given a modern twist with fresh harmonies but still captures the tranquility found in more traditional settings. Supported by sustained "oohs" and "ahs"

With a text by Eugene Field, Higgins's charming melodies gently rock in compound time and begin in unison before growing into a simple two-part texture. Supported by a busy piano part that mimics the

A jubilant setting of Fanny Crosby's Christmas text, this is scored in lively compound meter with a sensational piano accompaniment. In the vocals, the carol explores one melodic refrain through numerous

This delightful setting of a popular traditional carol boasts a really nice variety of textures, rhythms, and keys as the setting builds verse by verse. The mimicking of bells in the vocals contributes to a

This is a high-energy, foot-tapping original setting of a well-known Christmas text. The bluesy melodies, jazzy harmonies, and swing rhythms give the piece a gospel feel that is festive and fun. Powerful

Higgins' arrangement of this traditional carol is beautiful and delicate. The first verse is sung by unison voices, the second is a cappella with an optional soloist or small group and features sustained

A great rhythmic ostinato unifies this energetic a cappella setting of a Jennifer Thorpe text that celebrates the festivities of the Christmas season. Toby Young's lively melodies are full of syncopated

This bright and exultant arrangement of Michael Praetorius' melody PUER NOBIS NASCITUR is presented with two text options for programming throughout the church year. The main text can be used for Christmas

Originally published in the Carols for Choirs 2 collection, Rutter's classic arrangement of this well-known carol is energetic and joyful. The memorable and buoyant melody is supported and driven by lively

This sprightly setting of a sixteenth-century English text tells the tale of a jolly shepherd named Wat. With upbeat triple meter and a joyous message, this John Rutter carol features imaginative,

This declamatory Christmas piece provides a fresh take on the Nativity story. The cacophony of choral sound in the middle section is akin perhaps to the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth, leading to an

Although first published in 1974, the John Rutter carol, Jesus Child, remains just as fresh today as it was when first issued.