XML Feeds[Christmas] Then I was Glad : a New Christmas Celebration in Song Arranged for Mixed Choir Acappella
Then I was Glad (PDF)
SSATBB acapella
Words based on an anonymous German carol; adapted by M Ryan Taylor
Music by M Ryan Taylor
"This is my version of “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks at Night” with a number of text changes as well as all new music. This piece is dancelike, contrapuntal, with many meter changes and fun modal harmonies. I meant to capture the magic of the phrase “Then I was glad for the morning of the Lord.” The first version of this was written for a children’s opera I was working on in 2002 and included a chamber orchestra. This new version is for a more advanced acappella choir.” ~ M Ryan Taylor
The Text:
While by my sheep I watched at night an angel brought this message bright;
Said he, “A little child is born and laid within an ox’s stall
at Bethlehem this very morn to lift us up from Adam’s fall.”
Then I was glad, glad for the morning of the Lord!
When I came to the manger bare, well found I could not go from there
He looked upon my careworn face, and and humbly I did kiss his feet;
my heart let loose to his embrace, my mouth became forever sweet.
Then I was glad, glad for the morning of the Lord!
This treasure I will guard with joy in mem’ry of this heav’nly boy!
Then I was glad, then I was glad! glad for the morning of our Lord!
