On Christmas Night: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words adapted from "As With Gladness Men of Old" by William C. Dix / music, and additional words, by Ruth Morris Gray
Item: 00-PO-0006639
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
This sweet setting is an adaptation of the "As with Gladness Men of Old" text about those who followed the star. Concise vocal ranges, sensible phrasing, and a naturally flowing poetic meter make for manageable preparation during the busiest time of year. Ruth's ability to construct a lyrical melody, memorable piano motives, and logical voice parts shines clearly through. Several satisfying suspensions and a momentary tonal shift provide a warm harmonic backdrop. Be sure to observe the expressive dynamic and tempo markings to shape the most musical performance. A lovely selection for both concert and worship.
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006639
More about this title
About the Composer: Ruth Morris Gray
Ruth Morris Gray serves as Director of Choirs at Rosemead High School in California, a position she has held since 2004 while also maintaining an active piano teaching studio. Her compositional output exceeds 100 published works, demonstrating sustained engagement with choral literature across multiple voicings and styles.
Gray holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance and Composition from Biola University and earned a Master of Arts in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. She completed her California Single Subject Music Credential at California State University, Northridge, formalizing the pedagogical expertise she brings to her choral writing.
Why we love this
Gray constructs genuinely singable melodies that stick with singers without condescension. The harmonic language rewards careful attention to dynamics and tempo, with suspensions and tonal shifts that create warmth without complexity. For busy December rehearsal schedules, the logical voice parts and manageable ranges mean your singers can prepare confidently in limited time while still delivering an expressive performance.
What to expect
Warm and contemplative, with the gentle reverence of followers gathering to witness something sacred. The harmonic suspensions create moments of quiet tension that resolve into peaceful resolution, while the lyrical melody carries the text with grace rather than drama. The piano accompaniment glows beneath the voices, creating an intimate rather than grand soundscape.
Who it's for
Directors programming 2-part choirs during the December concert season will find this setting both spiritually substantial and rehearsal-efficient. Singers with developing vocal ranges and musicianship thrive with clearly constructed voice parts and intuitive text painting. This works equally well for concert and worship settings.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the dynamic markings deliberately. The expressive indications aren't decorative; they're integral to how the harmonic suspensions land and resolve.
- Observe the tonal shift carefully during rehearsal so singers understand where the color change occurs and can adjust their vowel placement accordingly.
- Balance the memorable piano motives so they anchor the choral texture without overwhelming the voices. The accompaniment provides both support and musical interest.
- Approach the tempo markings as essential to phrasing. A natural, unrushed tempo allows the poetic meter and lyrical melody to breathe.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece for a choral concert's carol or sacred section, or anchor a worship service's choral offering. Its moderate length and accessible vocal demands make it an ideal pairing with longer, more technically demanding Christmas repertoire on the same concert. The concert and worship flexibility means you can use it multiple times across different settings without overexposure.
Skills your students will build
- Observing dynamic markings to shape musical phrasing
- Understanding harmonic function through suspensions and resolution
- Hearing and singing tonal shifts and key relationships
- Balancing unison and 2-part writing with clear voice independence
- Connecting poetic text to melodic contour and phrasing