An original composition by James Kennerley for SATB choir and organ that sets the familiar and beautiful poem by Christina Rossetti (1830–1894). The piece was composed in 2021 for the Choir of Saint Paul’s, Harvard Square and was first performed directed by the composer in December of that year.

I established an annual composition traditional for the Christmas concerts, and this year tasked the choristers with determining the text that I would use. I was delighted that they chose this one, which offers so very many possibilities for imaginative and colourful musical responses. At the reprise of the opening melody, I combined original material with the ancient plainsong melody and text, Ubi caritas et amor (“Where charity and love are, God himself is there”), which serves as a fitting counterpoint to both Rosetti’s text (“Love shall be our token”) and the opening melody.

Listen to the première performance by clicking here.

This is a digital download. You will be contacted within 24 hours with the download information. Minimum order is 5 copies. Please order the appropriate number of copies for your ensemble.

Duration: 5 minutes