I Sing the Birth – Carol Barnett

Composer: Carol Barnett Text by: Ben Jonson (1572-1637), Soterios Stavrou, Wedderburn (1567), Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953), Charles Wesley (1707-1788). Instrumentation: SATB divisi, percussion Duration: c. 14:00    -- 1) I Sing the Birth  [c 3:45]    -- 2) Quem Pastores  [c 2:00]    -- 3) Balulalow  [3:45]    -- 4) The Birds  [c 2:00]    -- 5) Inextinguishable Blaze  [c 4:00]  Date Written:  2003 Composer’s note:   I Sing the Birth was written in 2003 for the South Bend Chamber Singers, Nancy Menk, director. It begins as a traditional celebratory Christmas suite, joyously announcing the birth, telling of the shepherds and wise men, singing a lullaby. It goes on to tell of four-year-old Jesus and the miracle of the birds, and ends with a prayer to keep the ardent joy of Christmas in us always. The first two movements share the jubilant sound of A major. The last two movements flow together, connected by the spirit of prayer and the key of B major. The lullaby stands alone, a peaceful inte