What Child is This? (Full Score) (download)

Description

Voicing: SATB choir, handbell choir, full orchestra
2.2+opt.ca.2+bcl.2+cbsn. / 4.3.2+btbn.1 / timp.3perc / hp.pno.hbchor /str.

duration: 5-10 minutes

Commissioned by Gustavus Adolphus College for the 50th anniversary Christmas in Christ Chapel, Jocelyn Hagen’s arrangement of “What Child is This” winds through the mystery and wonder of this well-known text. The setting, which includes orchestra and handbell choir, becomes magnificent and celebratory as the choir reaches their joyful proclamation.

View the perusal score here.

level: 4

Text:

What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

-W. Chatterton Dix