All Good Shepherds

- Daniel Mitsui / Gary D. Penkala

PDF Sample

Use: Christmastide
Required Resources: SAB choir, organ
Language: English

Prominent Catholic artist Daniel Mitsui is described in a National Catholic Register article as a "Spirit of Nicaea II" Catholic. He uses gothic art symbolism and styles in his contemporary artwork. His pen-and-ink works appear in churches and private collections throughout the world. In 2011 he was commissioned by the Vatican to supply artwork for the newly revised Roman Pontifical.

Expanding from his broad background as a visual artist, Mitsui recently began writing poetry. He recounts: "My approach to poetry is like my approach to visual art; I want my verse to be detailed, learned, and vigorously medieval in spirit." One of his carol texts, Good Shepherds, is the basis for this composition.

Scored for SAB choir and organ, All Good Shepherds is an easy Christmas motet that is medieval in flavor, both in text and in music. Four chant-like modal verses are set for unison men, unison women, 2-part mixed choir, and melody with men's ostinato. Each verse deals with one shepherd in Scripture:

1. Abel, son of Adam, brother of Cain
2. Jacob, son of Isaac, famous brother of 11 in Egypt
3. Moses, great prophet of the Lord
4. David, the musical Shepherd-King

This original Christmas carol on the topic of shepherds makes a fine prelude to those rejoicing shepherds on that first New Testament night in Bethlehem.