A lush middle section contrasts with the rhythmic excitement of the opening theme.
Strong dynamic contrasts (from "Whisper, whisper, tiny baby in a manger lay" to "Shout it out from the hills and valleys baby born today") make this a winner for your choir. " Whisper! Whisper!" - Another memorable Christmas spiritual from Jay Althouse. It features contrasting dynamics (excellent for teaching phrasing), male and female solos, and a tender middle section which contrasts with the hushed excitement of the opening and closing melody. "Have you heard the story of the baby boy, born in Bethlehem?" From that simple question Jay Althouse has crafted another superb, original Christmas spiritual. Jay Althouse : Christmas Spirituals for 3 Part Mixed Voices Songlist: Merry Christmas Madrigal, A Merry Madrigal, A Holiday Madrigal, A Joyful Madrigal Voicing: SAB | 8320b | Octavo Package | $7.40 | A Cappella Add the optional sleighbells and it's ready to go for Christmas.
The guys sing in their easiest range the sopranos, a mostly step-wise melody and the altos, intuitive harmonies. Welcomed repetition and smart voice leading pave the way to success for developing 3-part choirs. Use it in concerts and at festivals and adjudications. Don Moore is a master at creating works that develop choral singing, teach a classic choral style and, most importantly, sound great. It's a fine learning piece in the madrigal style, yet the singable melodies make the independent vocal lines easy to learn. A "fa la la" section in the joyful number "A Merry Madrigal" makes it appropriate for both Christmas and general use. A festive feature for holiday concerts and Madrigal feasts, with just enough optional bass notes in the 3-part mixed/SAB for your developing men's section. Characteristic counterpoint makes this original Donald Moore piece a familiar form but, unlike many Renaissance chorals, the vocal ranges, subject matter, and number of voice parts have been specifically designed for developing choirs. A merry madrigal will be a nice addition to your 3-part choir's a cappella seasonal repertoire.