Bernard Sexton takes the exquisite pairing of Christina Rosetti’s text and Gustav Holst’s iconic tune and reimagines the work for 2-part choir, piano and optional woodwind solo. The result is stunning! The piano accompaniment has a graceful and soothing character and deftly supports the choral lines throughout. Both vocal parts present the tune during the first verse, with the last two verses featuring a harmony line in the lower part, which compliments the tune wonderfully. Where a woodwind instrument in C is available to the ensemble there is scope for even more timbre, melodic interest and harmonic colour.

A special and evocative piece suitable for all Christmas services and concerts.