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About the Composer
David von Kampen
David von Kampen
Christmas Cantata (Vocal and Piano score)
A musically accessible, theologically rich Christmas Cantata for church and school choirs.
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Christmas Cantata
SATB, piano, optional string quartet, optional soloists
Composed in 2019, this 5-movement Cantata sets texts from the German hymnodist Paul Gerhardt in addition to passages from Isaiah and John. These settings deliberately avoid particularly “Christmasy” sounds, instead focusing on pairing these sturdy sacred texts with new melodies, interesting harmony, and colorful, supportive string accompaniment.
This is the vocal and piano score.
Composer’s Notes
Directors, this piece is very approachable harmonically and rhythmically. The choral writing frequently utilizes unison and two-part textures in addition to the SATB passages, which rarely divide beyond four parts. If you have access to a strong pianist and string quartet, the choir will slide into the musical texture easily. These movements can be performed as a complete work or excerpted throughout the Advent and Christmas season.
-David von Kampen
Text
Movement 1: “O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is” | Text by Paul Gerhardt (1607-76)
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is
My paradise at which my soul reclineth.
For there, O Lord, Doth lie the Word Made flesh for us;
here-in Thy grace forth shineth.
Movement 2: “A Great Light” | Isaiah 9:2,6 (KJV)
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light:
they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them hath the light shined.
For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counsellor, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
Movement 3: “He Whom the Sea and Wind Obey” | Text by Paul Gerhardt
He whom the sea and wind obey
Doth come to serve the sinner in great meekness.
Thou God’s own Son, with us are one,
Dost join us and our children in our weakness.
Movement 4: “The Word was Made Flesh” | John 1:14 (KJV)
And the Word was made flesh,
and dwelt among us,
and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,
full of grace and truth.
Movement 5: “How Greatly God Must Love Thee” | Text by Paul Gerhardt
Thou Christian heart, Whoe’er thou art,
Be of good cheer and let no sorrow move thee!
For God’s own Child, In mercy mild,
Joins thee to Him; how greatly God must love thee!
The world may hold Her wealth and gold;
But thou, my heart, keep Christ as thy true treasure.
To Him hold fast Until at last
A crown be thine and honor in full measure.
$5 per licensed PDF
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