Holiday Prelude Concert

Fall 2008 Concert Notes

Tina Johns Heidrich, Conductor
Joe Jacovino, Accompanist
Connecticut Master Chorale Holiday Brass and Steel

Sunday November 23, 2008 3:00pm
St. Mary Church, Bethel, Connecticut

- Review - CD -
  • Mack Wilberg

    Mack Wilberg

    Carol to the King - arr. Mack Wilberg

    We will open our program with this majestic, regal processional that has an air of grandeur and pageantry. Operating on the Bolero principle of a quasi-ostinato growing inexorably to a massive climax, starting out in the distance, and getting closer and closer 'to bring the world a newborn King!'. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir introduced this piece last year as their concert opener.

  • Mark Hayes

    Mark Hayes

    Mighty Fortress - arr. Mark Hayes

    A unique and exuberant arrangement of the classic Martin Luther hymn with vigorous rhythms and creative harmonies.

  • John Leavitt

    John Leavitt

    A Stable Lamp is Lighted - John Leavitt

    From the cantata "What Child Is This", this poignant original anthem for Christmas looks ahead to the events of Palm Sunday and Holy Week with richly scored chorals.

  • Tom Fettke

    Tom Fettke

    Wonder of the Star - Tom Fettke

    Based on a familiar Shaker tune, the captivating melody radiates with anticipation and life in the joyous journey of the Magi as they traveled in search of the newborn King.

  • Greg Gilpin

    Greg Gilpin

    Adeste Fideles - Greg Gilpin

    With beauty and simplicity, the familiar Latin text is set to new music for men's voices.

  • Don Sebesky

    Don Sebesky

    March of the Christmas Children - Don Sebesky

    A powerful Christmas piece destined to become a holiday classic. This sterling work begins from afar, in a majestic walking tempo. It builds and builds and finally fades into the distance.

  • John Gardner

    John Gardner

    Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day - John Gardner

    Original melody utilizing the text from the traditional carol. Fresh and lively approach with tambourine and mixed meters.

  • John Rutter

    John Rutter

    Dormi Jesu - John Rutter

    From the masterful pen of John Rutter, this haunting lullaby, skillfully arranged, contains warmth and an intensity of feeling, with lush choral harmonies.

  • Randol Bass

    Randol Bass

    Præludium Noël (Christmas Prelude) - Randol Bass

    This medley highlights colorful lesser-known carols that include “Masters in This Hall”, "Rejoice, Rejoice Believers", "Gentle Mary Laid Her Child", "In the Bleak Midwinter", and ending with a glorious rendition of “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”.

  • Glenn McClure

    Glenn McClure

    Two Selections from A Caribbean Christmas Mass - Glenn McClure

    A jazz waltz arrangement of "Silent Night" and samba arrangement of "Veni, Veni Emmanuel" - both with steel drums and Latin percussion.

  • David Lantz III

    David Lantz III

    African Christmas Spiritual - David Lantz III

    Exciting spiritual flavored with African and Latin percussion.

  • Martin Lunn Lantz

    Marti Lunn Lantz

    Lori Brownsey

    Lori Brownsey

    Japanese Snow Song - arr. Lori Brownsey & Marti Lunn Lantz

    A delicate melody that swirls and twirls like the drifting snow. Four short Japanese phrases, alternating with lines in English bring to mind images of wintertime, with Asian-inspired percussion.

  • Gordon Young

    Gordon Young

    Tambourine Noel - Gordon Young

    Also sung by the Mormon Tabernacle, the voices complement the tambourine in this lively carol.

  • Kirby Shaw

    Kirby Shaw

    Blue Christmas - arr. Kirby Shaw

    Gorgeous a cappella arrangement of this timeless classic for women’s voices.

  • Brant Adams

    Brant Adams

    Torah Orah - arr. Brant Adams

    Lively, bouncy arrangement of this traditional Hanukkah piece that will highlight our clarinetist extraordinaire - Claudia Mickelson.

  • Diane Wilkinson

    Diane Wilkinson

    That Little Baby! - Diane Wilkinson

    We will pull out all the stops for our concert finale. Opening with a quote from “Joy to the World’, it explodes into a rousing and infectious gospel number. Absolutely riveting!