The Wexford Carol

This native Irish piece dates back to the 12th century. Its short verses focus on the scenes surrounding the birth of the Messiah heralded by the prophets as a gift from God "to end all strife." The traditional Irish melody shines forth in this atmospheric setting scored for solo tenor, choir, strings, and continuo. Its beguiling beauty is simply expressed throughout by the solo tenor, but for the evocation of the apparition of the angel to the shepherds, the choir weaves its lines in a free rendition.