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Program
Oy Es Dia De Placer Tomas Pascual (1595-1635)
(sung in Spanish)
Terry Lillis and Clare Chapman, percussion
Tomas Pascual, a Mayan composer from Guatemala, was trained by a
Spanish chapelmaster and later became a chapelmaster himself. When
rediscovered, his works were still wrapped in their original deer-skinned
bindings within the cathedral archives. “Oy es dia de placer y de
cantar” translates to “today is a day to rejoice and sing”.
Jesu, joy of man’s desiring
Vonnie Elker, organ
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
This beloved work is from Bach’s Cantata 147, BWV 147, “Herz Und
Mund Und Tat Und Leben”. The Chorale will sing the original German
text and the English text by Robert Bridges.
Lo, How a Rose/The Rose
Arr. Craig Hella Johnson
This work was created in preparation for the” Christmas at the Carillon”
concert series performed by the critically acclaimed chorale group
Conspirare and founding Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson. These
concerts explored the rich territory found on the borders between
classical and popular music. A special discovery was made when the
lines of Amanda McBroom’s timeless song were set next to the pristine
beauty of the “Lo How A Rose” chorale tune.
Waltz For An Open Sleigh
Text by James Lord Pierpont (1822-1892)
Dan Davidson
Evan Bierer, alto saxophone
Adam Maurer, bass
Terry Lillis, percussion
“Waltz” is written with a jazz waltz swing beat. The delightful lilt
and goal of this piece is to put the audience in a horse-drawn sleigh,
affectionately seated next to a friend, all while feeling the cold rush of the
winter wind.
The University Chorale
Rodney Urtel, conductor
Clare Chapman, accompanist
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Three Spanish Carols
from Villancicos de diursos Autores, Venice, 1556
(sung in Spanish)
Anonymous
I. E la don don, Verges Maria (E la don, don, Sweet Virgin Mary)
Andrew McCormick and Hazen Roller-Olson, soloists
Jesse Beulke, percussion
This first of three anonymous Spanish carols from the Renaissance
celebrates the Virgin Mary and her role in the Christmas story.
II. Dadme albricias, hijos d’Eva (Sons of Eve, Reward My Tidings)
Kelsey Letourneau, Kristen Lucas, and Michael Atwood, soloists
The second carol refers to Adam and Eve and ties
the Christmas story to the characters from the book of Genesis.
III.Riu, Riu, Chiu
Nathan Amundson and Andrew McCormick, soloists
Spencer Buss, percussion
The best known of the three villancicos, this piece tells of
God protecting a lamb from a black wolf in reference
to keeping the Christ-child safe for the sake of all humanity.
Ave Maria: O Auctrix Vitae
Roland E. Martin
Text by Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)
Kristen Lucas and Baylee Obermeier, soloists
The composer beautifully captures the ecstatic mysticism of this medieval
text. The poem is a song of praise to the Virgin Mary and her role in
bringing Jesus to Earth.
Al Rorro (The Babe)
Johnathon Moeller, guitar
Arr. Jeffrey Van
This simple and beautiful Spanish lullaby is sung to the baby Jesus in the manger.
In the Moon of Wintertime
Arr. Paul Brandvik
Paul Brandvik was a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead
and enjoyed a long and notable career as a choral conductor
at Bemidji State University. This setting of the traditional French Folk Song
tells the well-known Christmas story.
Norwegian Lullaby
Arr. Gunnar Erikson
Kristen Lucas, soloist
The Swedish arranger perfectly captures a pristine Scandinavian snowscape.
What Child Is This?
Baylee Obermeier, soloist
Arr. Craig Courtney
Based on the melody Greensleeves, this arrangement uses a medieval drone
and jazz harmonizations to depict the timeless quality of the story it tells.
The Chamber Singers
David Dickau, Conductor
Hodie Christus natus est
(sung in Latin)
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J.P. Sweelinck (1562-1621)
The exuberant text announces “Today Christ is born.” Jan Pieterzoon Sweelinck
then goes on to tell the Christmas story with varied contrapuntal treatment
in each of the four sections of the piece. Each segment ends in a
joyful response to the new part of the story.
There Is No Rose of Such Virtue
Michael Larkin
This piece features a beautiful a cappella choral writing setting of the well-known
medieval text. Each verse ends with a Latin phrase which means in turn
“a wonderful thing,” “of the same form,” “let us rejoice,” and “let us go.”
Love Came Down at Christmas
David C. Dickau
Based on a beautiful poem by Christina Rossetti, this simple setting
uses the lower voices as a recurring accompaniment to the soprano melody.
Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind
John Rutter
The text comes from Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” It was originally
sung to a prince who had lost his castle and was living in the forest and
living with the winter wind. The text is ironic, expressing
disappointment in feigning friendship and loving that is mere folly.
Christmas Comes Anew (Noel novelette)
(sung in English and French)
Arr. Mark Riese
A brilliant piano accompaniment supports the singers in this vigorous setting
of a holiday favorite. Changes of meter bring varied emotions to the music.
Jingle Bells
J. Pierpont
Arr. Ralph Allwood
We conclude with an upbeat setting of this holiday favorite.
The Concert Choir
David Dickau, conductor,
Vonnie Elker, accompanist