For SATB Choir with Harp or Keyboard

“My goal with this arrangement was to set the 14th century French, melancholy tune over an accompaniment that painted a wintery landscape. Mary must have been scared, unsure, lonely… at least in the beginning. But she must have also felt joy and elation at the prospect of carrying the Son of God - in the fourth, verse the harp accompaniment becomes florid and the melancholy nature of the minor tune is overcome by the major sonority. For the final iteration of the word “Gloria” the piece returns to the original key of a minor - a proleptic foreshadowing of her pain and heartbreak at Christ’s crucifixion.”

Gabriel’s Message was written in Advent of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Christ Church was only allowed 4 singers, who had to be masked and spaced at intervals of 15ft. Naturally, because of this, there is no divisi in this setting.

This is the full score with a set of string parts for David Jernigan’s choral and congregational arrangement of silent night. The arrangement is for string quartet, organ, and choir and features a jazzy a cappella harmonization of verse 1, a more traditional harmonization with string accompaniment and violin descant on verse 2, and a kaleidoscopic introduction and verse 3 accompaniment that brings new life to this iconic Christmas carol. To perform the full arrangement with the harmonizations for verses 1 and 2, you will also need the choral score.

A paired down arrangement for keyboard, solo violin, and choir is also available in The Ecclesial Press shop.

“Amazing Grace” is one of the church’s most loved hymns. This elegant arrangement for choir (verses 2, 4) and congregation (verses 1, 3, 5), works in either liturgical or concert settings. An alternative setting of verse 4 has been provided at the end of the score for choirs with more modest forces.