When Christ Was Born of Mary Free

Use: Christmas
Required Resources: unison choir, organ
Optional Resources: 3-pt choir, handbells
Language: English

Dr. Greene, a strong proponent of the "craft" of music composition, writes, "We need as much practical music as we can get!" He has shown in his other pieces with CanticaNOVA Publications that his "craft" is truly elevated to the level of "art." He consistently produces fine quality choral, instrumental and organ music that is not only practical for the average parish, but is also well-written, imaginative and worthy of frequent use in our liturgies.

When Christ Was Born of Mary Free sets a traditional Christmas text to a new, modal melody. The flexibility of the piece is apparent: it can be sung simply by unison children's choir and organ, or it can be embellished (as the composer indicates and notates) by two added canonic voice parts and a handbell ostinato. While the simple version is beautiful and effective, the canonic version has the added advantage of introducing young choristers to the joys and skills of part-singing, in a clever and unintimidating way.

When Christ Was Born of Mary Free would make a perfect anthem for your young choir's next Christmas!