Holly     (A cappella SATB)   4’

 

On 28^th November 2020, my friend posted some Advent music on her Facebook page.

 

It was “Jesus Christ, The Apple Tree”, one of my favourite pieces. As I listened to it, I became aware that I wanted to write something for Advent, using a poem I had written a week before called “Thoughts on Holly”. I felt it needed a setting for a solo counter tenor, so went to the piano and began to write…. but the piece had other ideas and before very long, a choral piece for SATB began to emerge. I completed it in the “small hours”. A few days later I wrote the piece for counter tenor. 

 

There are a few bars for solo soprano that may easily be taken by a capable choir member.

 

The piece reflects on the different aspects of holly and is based on this text: 

 

Thoughts on Holly

Ace-like spears of Passion-tide

With scarlet crowns that will reside

Well beyond the pagan year.

And who can wear your crown of spears

That call our thoughts to time of year 

In spring, when church bells, 

Silenced for the day of God,

Will now ring to celebrate the way He trod?

So, as we gather in the hall,

Will we still hear the distant call

Of passion-tide?

Or as we walk in winter ancient wood,

Will we spare a thought for berries red

That represent where Christ stood afoot His tree, 

As we stand beside the ancient holly?

 

Suzanne Munro 21-11-20

 

 

Please note: the sound file here is an electronic file, but feel free to download for rehearsal purposes.

 

Permission to print as many copies as required by your choir.

 

Price:

Score £10.00

mp3 FREE

 

Look inside:

 

 

 

Listen here: