Joseph’s Carol Sheet Music

John composed a new carol in 2020, Joseph’s Carol, as a musical tribute to the accomplished team of scientists at the University of Oxford who worked on the Covid-19 vaccine. 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 (watch on YouTube).

The sheet music has been published for Joseph’s Carol, and is available to order from the Oxford University Press website, ready for Christmas. The carol is scored for baritone solo, SAATB, and organ or piano or small orchestra.

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Here is John speaking about his new carol:

The lyrics are as follows:

1. Long and weary was the journey,
   Hard and dark the road we trod;
   Deep enfolded in the stillness of the night
   It seemed I heard the voice of God:
   ‘Fear not, Joseph, weep not Mary,
   Travel onward through the darkness of night;
   Bethlehem will see his glory:
   Christ, Emmanuel, the Lord of light.’

Ecce miraculum, ecce miraculum
Here in a stable lies your heav’nly King,
Ecce miraculum, ecce miraculum,
Alleluia, alleluia hear the angels sing.

2. Journey’s end was just a stable bare,
   Cold and lonely for a birth;
   Ox and ass were our companions there
   When God revealed himself on earth.
   Shepherds came in awe and wonder,
   Kneeling low beside his manger stall;
   Angels singing,
   Wise men bringing
   Gifts to lay before the Lord of all.

Ecce miraculum, ecce miraculum
Here in a stable lies your heav’nly King,
Ecce miraculum, ecce miraculum,
Alleluia, alleluia hear the angels sing.