Christmas Angels, The

This quartet is in a solemn legato style throughout featuring melodic materials in each of the four parts. It is graced with gently moving accompaniment lines that further enhances the reflective spirit which is so evident in this hymn. It peaks in different portions of the composition and then reflects itself in a quiet repose to end.

Score for four flutes the piece openings with a quasi round device and then establishes a more straight forward rendition of the tune. The final section becomes quite florid with intricately woven countrapuntal voicing.

Scored for Saxophone quartet (A-A-T-B) with opt. Soprano for first Alto. The introduction starts with the First Alto playing a melodic motif, ever rising to a climatic point and then settling down to the theme- first presented in the First and Tenor parts weaving in and out producing a flowing texture, then joined by the Second Alto and eventually the Baritone. The chorus section of the hymn is a constant weaving of the four parts both harmonically and rhythmically. The next section becomes more active rhythmically adding tension until it settles down into a sweet aura of sound with gentle nudges of harmonic alteration. The final measures give an atmosphere of rest and solace.

A woodwind quartett scored for flutes, clarinets, and other woodwind instruments, this piece presents itself in a gentle, thought provoking manner. The middle section is faster, giving a heightened sense of thought worthiness.

(3-Bb/Bcl)