The traditional carol "Sing We Now of Christmas" emerges from centuries of European Christmas music, passed down through generations of singers and musicians. This melody carries the warmth of communal celebration, shaped by countless arrangements and performances across cultures and time periods. Robert Sterling's SSA voicing brings this beloved tune into the modern rehearsal room with accessibility and musicality intact.
Why we love this
Sterling's arrangement sits at that sweet spot where the carol feels fresh without losing its essential character. The SSA voicing opens this staple to a wider range of choirs, and the 10-page score suggests substantial musical development that rewards singers beyond a simple arrangement. It's a carol that works equally well as a concert opener or a moment of reflection within a larger holiday program.
What to expect
Warm and grounded, with the kind of timeless quality that feels both ancient and immediate. The carol invites singers into a shared tradition while offering enough harmonic interest to keep ensemble focus engaged throughout the piece.
Who it's for
Directors seeking a substantial yet accessible holiday piece for SSA or SSAA ensembles. This arrangement works for high school choirs, community choirs, and college groups looking to expand beyond unison carols. It's ideal for choirs with developing musicianship who benefit from a recognizable melody paired with thoughtful harmonization.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the phrases through breath placement rather than dynamic contrast; this keeps the carol's inherent dignity intact while preventing it from feeling monotonous across longer sections.
Balance the upper voices with care in passages where the soprano line carries the melody; the alto and second soprano parts should support without overshadowing.
Consider the text setting at sectional breaks; Sterling likely crafted transitions that benefit from a slight breath or ritard to let the words land.
Encourage singers to connect emotionally with the carol's message rather than treating it as rote holiday material; this intention shows in tone quality and phrase direction.
How to use it
Open a holiday concert with this carol to establish a welcoming tone before moving into more complex repertoire. Alternatively, place it midway through a program as a moment of clarity and reflection between contrasting works. The 10-page length suggests it can anchor a holiday set without requiring additional padding.
Skills your students will build
Balancing melodic and harmonic voices in three-part writing
Sustaining musical shape across longer phrases with limited dynamic contrast
Text declamation in traditional sacred music
Reading SSA voicing with independent alto lines
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