Wexford Carol
for SATB Chorus & Piano
Optional String Quartet / Quintet, Oboe & Percussion
Traditional Irish, 12th Century
Published with Beckenhorst Press
A haunting arrangement of the familiar Wexford Carol for SATB choir and piano becomes increasingly rich and textured with the addition of oboe, percussion and string quartet/quintet. The Christmas story unfolds with the contrast of increasing intensity and quiet wonder.
Good people all, this Christmas time
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done
In sending His beloved Son
With Mary holy we should pray
To God with love this Christmas day
In Bethlehem upon that morn'
There was a blessed Messiah born
Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep
To whom God's angels did appear
Which put the shepherds in great fear
"Prepare and go", the angels said
"To Bethlehem, be not afraid
For there you'll find this happy morn'
A princely Babe, sweet Jesus born"
With thankful heart and joyful mind
The shepherds went that Babe to find
And as God's angel had foretold
They did our Savior Christ behold
Within a manger He was laid
And by his side the Virgin maid
As long foretold upon that morn'
There was a blessed Messiah born
