You are here: Music    Printed music    Joseph’s Carol

Joseph’s Carol

Accompanied; SAATB

Dedicated to the Oxford Vaccine Team, Joseph’s Carol sets words by the composer that recount the Christmas story from the perspective of Joseph. The two expressive verses are taken by the solo baritone, with the chorus performing a macaronic refrain infused with expectancy and wonder, as well as taking on the role of the angels in a soft accompaniment to the closing words of the second solo verse. The upper three voice parts are designed to be approximately equal in strength, and the carol may be accompanied by organ, piano, or small orchestra.

The carol was premiered in the city’s Grade I listed Sheldonian Theatre, performed by Sir Bryn Terfel, the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra and the Choir of Merton College.

An audio learning guide for this title is available from ChoirGuides

Buy from OUPJohn's music is available to buy or hire from OUP (or other publisher), but not directly from this site. Click this button to link straight to the relevant page for this piece on their site.

 

Duration: 4.5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Published: 15 April 2021
Paperback | 12 pages
254 x 178mm
ISBN: 9780193551459

Programme notes

Joseph’s Carol was written in 2020 as a tribute to the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine team.

Download John's programme notes on this piece

Joseph's Carol

video
play-sharp-fill

WordPress Image Lightbox