Choir:

Matin Responsory: I look from afar (adapted from G P da Palestrina c.1525-94)

Reading:

Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7 The people that walked in darkness

Choir:

Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht - from "Christmas Oratorio" (J S Bach 1685-1750)

Audience:

Once in Royal David's City

Reading:

This winter night - Anon

Choir:

Capriol Carol (Brian Kelly b.1934)
A new carol composed for Peter Leech and the Bristol Bach Choir, using an anonymous medieval text and based on a theme from Peter Warlock's Capriol Suite

Reading:

A wise man and the star - U A Fanthorpe

Choir:

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh (Christopher Stunt, 1939-2008)
Christopher was a member of Bristol Bach Choir from 1998 to 2006

The Shepherds' Farewell - from "The Childhood of Christ" (Hector Berlioz 1803-69)

Readings:

The Crib - Robert Findi

Lucy's Carol - Lucy (aged 4) heard by her mother as she talked to her dolls

Choir:

O Little Town of Bethlehem (H Walford Davies 1869-1941)

Quem vidistis, pastores? (Richard Dering c.1580-1630)

Audience:

Unto us is born a Son

Choir:

Bogoroditsye Dyevo (Arvo Pärt b. 1935)

Hodie Christus natus est (J P Sweelinck 1562-1621)

PART 2

Choir:

In dulci jubilo (H Praetorius 1560-1629)

Reading:

What Every Woman Knows - Phyllis McGinley

Everyone:

O come, all ye faithful

Choir:

O magnum mysterium (Morten Lauridsen b.1943)

What sweeter music (John Rutter b.1945)

Reading:

Carol Singing - from "A Child's Christmas in Wales" - Dylan Thomas

Choir:

Silent Night (Franz Gruber arr. Alan Ridout)

Ding dong merrily on high (French 16th cent., arr. William LLewelyn)

Reading:

The Wisest of Men Make Lists - Oliver Pritchett

Everyone:

Hark! the herald angels sing

Reading:

Reginald's Christmas Revel - Saki (H H Munro)

Choir:

Benedicamus Domino (Peter Warlock 1894-1930)

We Wish You a Merry Christmas (traditional, arr. Arthur Warrell)