Christmas Music Sunday
On December 11, 2011 we will have what we call "Christmas Music Sunday." Our Sanctuary Choir, under the direction of outstanding Music Director Mark Graham, will present the Christmas Cantata: "Tapestry of Light: A Celtic Christmas Celebration."
Tapestry of Light: A Celtic Christmas Celebration By Joseph M. Martin
Directed by Mark Graham
1. Carols of Hope and Light by the Sanctuary Choir
Tunes: I Saw Three Ships (England), Sussex Carol (England),
In Dulce Jubilo
2. Longing for the Light by Olivia Countryman and the Sanctuary Choir
Tunes: Scarborough Fair (England), Greensleeves (England)
3. An Advent Garden by Alissa Taylor, James Goodley and the Sanctuary Choir
Tunes: Brother James’ Air (Scotland)
4. O Wondrous Night by Alissa Taylor and the Sanctuary Choir
Tunes: Londonderry Air (Ireland)
5. A Celtic Noel by the Sanctuary Choir
Tunes: Candler (Scotland), Forest Green (England)
6. Carols of the Quest by the Sanctuary Choir
Tunes: Gartan (Ireland), Irby (England), Kingsfold (England),
Dix, Forest Green (England)
7. Bethlehem Light by Larry Koonce and the Sanctuary Choir
Tune: Fare Thee Well (Ireland)
8. Carols of Celebration by the Sanctuary Choir
Tunes: Gloucestershire Wassail (England), Wassail Song (England),
In Dulce Jubilo, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (England),
I Saw Three Ships (England), Adeste Fideles (England)
First Christian Church Sanctuary Choir
Charlotte Stephens, Alissa Taylor, Connie Watson, Ann Winans, Debs English, Jacque Driscoll, Mamie Snead, Olivia Countryman, Jacque Walston, Pat Martin, Marina Greenhill, Russell Robertson, Larry Koonce, Jerry Dulin, Dan English, James Goodley, Roy Watson
The Celtic Consort
Flute: Laura Erickson
Violin: Beixi Gao
Cello: Yu-Ho Chan
Percussion: Michael Pluebold
Piano: Mark Graham
Location:
First Christian Church of Denton1203 Fulton StreetDenton, TX 76201The Cantata will take place on December 11, 2011 during the 10:50 a.m. worship service.
All of the music in “Tapestry of Light” was sourced from folk tunes of the British Isles, with the exception of In Dulce Jubilo and Dix which are traditional German melodies. Where new Christian themed lyrics were called for, Joseph Martin composed his own lyrics, with the following exceptions: Love Came Down at Christmas words by Christina Rossetti, Bethlehem Light words by Phillips Brooks.
The composer has taken beloved folk melodies from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and recast them into a musical narrative of Christ’s birth. In some instances, these traditional tunes are already well known as Christmas carols. In other cases, familiar melodies such as “Londonderry Air” or “Scarborough Fair” are set to brand new Christmas texts. The Sanctuary Choir is under the direction of our outstanding Music Director, Mr. Mark Graham.
There will be no sermon on this Sunday - we will allow the Spirit to speak to us through some of the great music of Christmas. Come prepared to be lifted up!