Sing Alleluia to the People is a Christmas Cantata in 10 sections. The total running time is aproximately 25 minutes. Following is an explanation of the different sections found in this Christmas Cantata. Some sections have mp3 sound samples. The samples are from the New York Premier at St. Michael’s Church in New York City with the combined St. Michael’s Choir and Camarata, with soloists Gale Lamanski and Beverly Myers sopranos, Michael McGuire tenor, and Gary Holcombe baritone.
1. The Setting – Oboe, Flute, SATB and Tenor solo
The Opening of the cantata is set in the hillside of the country. The time is late afternoon or evening when the stars are the just beginning to show in the sky. While most of the shepherds and their sheep are sitting down for the evening, we focus on two who are amusing themselves with ‘pipe’ and ‘horn’. Eventually our ‘Personal narrator’ joins the activities with his own description. Interlude One – Recitative for Baritone
2. The Interruption – Organ solo
This section represents the following rather famous scripture: And suddenly, there was with the angels a multitude of heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the heights…. A sudden ‘multitude’ from heaven is likely to have been frightening.
3. Gloria Sing – SATB with tenor (Michael Maguire) and Baritone (Gary Holcombe)
This section is the ‘multitude of angels’ – singing, of course. Our tenor is telling the story in the first person, as if he was there, and our baritone is serving as narrator.
4. Interlude Two – Recitative for Baritone
5. Fear Not – Soprano duet(Gale Limansky and Beverly Myers)
Realizing they had nearly scared the poor shepherds to death, a couple of angels appeared and told them not to be afraid… Fear not, for behold i bring you good tidings of great joy, Which shall be to all people.
6. We Go To See – SATB
The three kings come to mind as we embark on our journey. Many additional travelers were with the Kings. Some were attendants or servants of the Kings and other were on their own following star. I see a bright star leading the procession of persons, some riding camels and some walking, but all moving slowly across the horizon with a determined, methodical rhythm.
7. Bethlehem City Of David – Tenor and Baritone duet
At the start of the Kings journey, the destination was unclear, as they were inspired to follow a star in the sky. but now, with the help of our baritone and tenor soloists, we know we are going to Bethlehem.
8. Lullaby – SATB
We have found the newborn Jesus lying in a manger. We gently sing him a lullaby, since we know he is to change the word.
9. I Believe – Soprano and Flute duet
Having experienced the prior events, and now seeing the baby Jesus, we make a commitment of faith by singing I believe that He is the One.
10. Alleluia – SATB
As the story of the birth of Jesus is complete, a heavenly aura of atmosphere carries us to an emotional high. Alleluia
11. Sing Alleluia – SATB
The Final section is more a reflection of my personal beliefs than a direct interpretation of scripture. Go out to all the people of the world and demonstrate good will. We don’t blame, criticize, pass judgment, or threaten – we simply demonstrate (do unto others….) Alleluia