Gifts Of The Magi - 2. Treasure Of Myrrh: SATB Choral Octavo

Reverent without sentimentality. The piece carries the contemplative quality of myrrh, its ancient association with mortality and preparation, while remaining lyrical and singable. There's a quiet dignity here that invites singers to think about meaning as they perform.

High school and adult community choirs seeking repertoire beyond traditional carols for the holiday season. Directors programming multi-part Christmas works will find this accessible for SATB groups with basic blend and intonation skills in place.

• Emphasize the text painting around "myrrh" itself; Johnson likely sets this word to underscore its significance as one of the three gifts, so vocal shape and phrase arc should highlight those moments.
• Balance the SATB blend by doubling the alto and tenor lines in rehearsal if your section sizes are uneven; six pages of music rewards careful voicing attention.
• Let the harmonic language breathe. If the piece uses modal or contemporary harmonic language, resist over-vibrato in favor of clarity and resonance.

Pair this with other movements from the Gifts Of The Magi cycle for a cohesive suite, or stand it alone as a centerpiece in a concert that explores different cultural and musical approaches to Christmas. It works especially well in programs that blend secular sacred repertoire.

• SATB blend and balance in a longer form work
• Text-based interpretation and phrase shaping
• Managing harmonic clarity across six pages
• Expressive singing rooted in lyrical content rather than volume