While Shepherds Watched (SSA choir and piano)

This is a dramatic and attractive setting of the traditional text by Nahum Tate (1652-1715). Tate was an Anglo-Irish poet, hymn writer and lyricist, who became Poet Laureate in 1692. He's best known for The History of King Lear, his 1681 adaptation of Shakespeare's play. He also wrote the libretto for Henry Purcell's timeless opera, Dido and Aeneas. The traditional melody of While Shepherds Watched is well-known, but this new setting brings in a wealth of new musical material. This is a tuneful work and is sure to be enjoyed by your singers and audiences alike. It is in 2/2 time throughout but journeys through several contrasting keys. It's also available for SAT and SATB choirs with keyboard accompaniment. There's an a cappella section in the middle and more suited to experienced singers. The piano part is not difficult and should be within the reach of any competent pianist. This piece would be ideal for Nativity presentations or would make an excellent addition to your Christmas service or concert. With a duration of 03:05 the vocal ranges in this SSA version are as follows: Soprano 1: D4 G5; Soprano 2: C4 F5 and Alto G3 D5. If you like this choral piece, you might also be interested in other Colin Kirkpatrick Nativity Anthems in this series "And a Star is Shining in the East", "See this Little Town", "I Saw Three Ships", "Sing! For a Boy has been Born" and "Rejoice and Sing on Christmas Morn".