Work
Summer Christmas
for SATB choir (divisi up to 8 parts) and piano
Films, Audio & Samples
Borrow/Hire:
To borrow items or hire parts please email SOUNZ directly at info@sounz.org.nz.
About
Summer Christmas speaks in evocative settings of things relevant to New Zealand referencing beach scenes, the warmth of the summer sun, native birds, the mighty Kauri and ‘our very own Christmas tree’ the iconic Pohutukawa, whilst drawing comparisons with winter Christmas in ‘cooler climes’ (e.g. 'no chestnuts roasting on an open fire’ and a new setting of ‘O Magnum Mysterium’) closing with a choral representation of church bells.
My original text is a combination of English, Te reo Maori and Latin, incorporating translations by Honi Rawhiti. My new setting of the Latin text ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ is contrasted by alternating lines in English and Te Reo Maori.
Scored for choir and piano, it is envisioned that an enhanced accompaniment will be added for possible future performances with orchestral resources if required.
Score can be purchased from Really Good Music LLC.
Contents note
A single movement with varying rhythmic and melodic sections. It would be possible to perform the 'O Magnum Mysterium' section (bars 56-89) as a stand-alone piece (possibly jumping to the 'christmas bells' ending (115-120))
Text note
All English text written by Wayne Senior, except for the line 'No chestnuts roasting on an open fire' (borrowed and paraphrased from Mel Torme's 'The Christmas Song). Te Reo translations of original lyric (Senior) by Hori Rawhiti. 'O Magnum Mysterium' is an ancient Latin text used by the likes of William Byrd, Tomás Luis de Victoria, Giovanni Gabrielli et al.