He Comes At Christmastide (arr. Stephen M. Heyde): Choral Instrumental Pak
By Robert H. Young / Arranged by Stephen M. Heyde
Item: 35-PK01312151
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Description
Robert Young is renowned for his gorgeous a cappella writing. Orchestrator Stephen Heyde has created what he calls "a medley of Advent and Christmas Anthems by Robert H. Young." Using the rich textures of the string orchestra, he has exploited Dr. Young's affinity for choral elegance in this 20-minute Cantata.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01312151
More about this title
About the Composer: Robert H. Young
Robert H. Young has established himself as a distinctive voice in choral music, particularly known for his sophisticated a cappella compositions that prioritize harmonic richness and lyrical beauty. His work consistently demonstrates deep understanding of vocal writing across all voice types, making him a respected choice for directors seeking music that challenges singers while remaining genuinely singable.
Why we love this
Heyde's orchestration transforms Young's elegant choral writing into something that feels both expansive and intimate, giving your singers the support of strings while preserving the intricate harmonic vocabulary Young is known for. The 20-minute arc allows you to program substantial seasonal music without overshadowing other concert elements, and the medley format creates natural momentum across multiple texts.
What to expect
The piece unfolds with the warmth of a traditional carol merged with the harmonic sophistication you'd find in a chamber cantata. Rich string textures create an almost orchestral intimacy, inviting listeners into the spiritual contemplation of Advent and Christmas rather than celebratory fanfare.
Who it's for
This arrangement suits concert choirs and worship ensembles with access to string players or professional orchestras, particularly those looking for holiday repertoire that rises above the seasonal standard. Directors seeking 20 minutes of thematically cohesive music that showcases sophisticated writing without requiring massive forces will find this invaluable.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the string accompaniment carefully during the softer passages; this orchestration lives in detail, and microphone placement matters if you're amplified at all.
- Let the choral phrasing guide the strings rather than forcing them into mechanical alignment; Young's harmonic motion often breathes naturally, and too rigid a tempo will flatten the elegance.
- Prepare your singers to hear the string textures as extensions of their own voice leading, not as background; this is collaborative writing that rewards thoughtful rehearsal of how the layers interact.
How to use it
Consider this as your centerpiece for a holiday concert, allowing it to anchor the first half and set a reflective tone before lighter seasonal pieces follow. It also functions beautifully as a festival selection for choirs with orchestral accompaniment, or as the thanksgiving anthem in a Christmas Eve service.
Skills your students will build
- Singing sustained lines within complex harmonic progressions
- Balancing individual voice parts while listening to orchestral textures
- Interpreting multiple harmonic movements across a 20-minute extended work
- Responding to string accompaniment cues and conducting gestures across a larger ensemble