The Angels' Song

This carol sets the final three verses of Sara Teasdale’s light-hearted retelling of the nativity story, in which a host of angels arrive at the stable, and herald the birth with their joyful song. This piece is characterised by a buoyant ‘Alleluia’ motif, lifted staccato notes, and by the lively rhythm which is constantly alternating between 7/8 and compound time.

Each verse ends with a sequential refrain beginning in the upper voices in a nod to the structure of traditional Christmas carols. The ending of the carol, using silence and repetition, is intended to bring the last line of poetry to life in a humorous way!