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About the Composer
Jocelyn Hagen
JH Music (Jocelyn Hagen)
What Child is This? (Full Score & Parts)
A magnificent and celebratory setting of a well-loved text with orchestra and handbell choir.
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What Child is This?
SATB choir, handbell choir, full orchestra
This is the Full Score and Parts.
2.2+opt.ca.2+bcl.2+cbsn. / 4.3.2+btbn.1 / timp.3perc / hp.pno.hbchor /str.
Commissioned by Gustavus Adolphus College for the 50th anniversary Christmas in Christ Chapel, Jocelyn Hagen’s arrangement of “What Child is This” winds through the mystery and wonder of this well-known text. The mysterious opening of the piece features the orchestra, creating a shimmering atmosphere from which the choir emerges. The setting, which also includes handbell choir, becomes magnificent and celebratory as the choir reaches their joyful proclamation.
Text
What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary.
-W. Chatterton Dix
$35.00 per licensed PDF
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