"A Wreath of Carols" A collection of carols scored for SATB Choir with Soprano, Alto, and Tenor Soloists, with various accompaniments, including Organ and Strings (at least 3, 3, 2, 1, 1) Description of "A Wreath of Carols"A number of years ago, I gathered some of my miscellaneous original Christmas carols — along with several carols my mother and father had written many years before that — and formed an eclectic Christmas service called "A Wreath of Carols."

Scripture readings and congregational hymns were interspersed among the carols, and the text of each carol was read aloud (by professional thespians!) immediately before each carol was performed.  This method of presenting the carols made for a unique Christmas program and was quite effective.  

However, since each piece in this program is a very independent composition, I also encourage you to consider performing one or more of these carols individually, apart from the rather loose structure of the larger work.  

Carols Featured in "A Wreath of Carols""A Wreath of Carols" contains the following individual pieces, any of which may be performed independently:

1.  Gloria

(Also appropriate for a concert setting)

An energetic round by Ethel Bloesch (used here as an introit), written for SATB choir a cappella (or with strings);  Ca. 1 min.

2.  It Is Not Far to Bethlehem

(Also appropriate for a concert setting)

A reflective Christmas carol by Peter Bloesch scored for SATB choir and strings;  Text by Paul Wobus (1950);  Ca. 5 mins.

3.  O Jesu Sweet, O Jesu Mild

A neo-Baroque lullaby by Peter Bloesch based on the carol "O Jesulein Süss" (from Samuel Scheidt's Tabulatur-Buch, 1650), scored for soprano and tenor soloists and strings;  Ca. 4 mins.

4.  If I Had Been at Bethlehem

(Also appropriate for a concert setting)

An introspective folk-like Christmas carol written by Ethel Bloesch (and arranged by Peter Bloesch), scored for alto solo and strings;  Text by Paul Wobus (1956);  Ca. 2 mins.

5.  Sing, All Men! 'Tis Christmas Morning

(Also appropriate for a concert setting)

A jaunty Christmas carol by Peter Bloesch scored for SATB choir and organ;  Words are from a quaint traditional Kentucky text (which can be changed to "Sing We All...");  Ca. 3 mins.

6.  Hush! My Dear!

A neo-Baroque Christmas lullaby by Peter Bloesch scored for SATB choir, soprano soloist, and strings;  Words based on a text by Isaac Watts ("Watts's Cradle Song," 1715);  Ca. 6 mins.

7.  All Poor Men and Humble

(Also appropriate for a concert setting)

A gently flowing Christmas carol by Richard Bloesch, written for SATB choir a cappella;  Words based on an early Welsh text tr. by K.E. Roberts;  Ca. 2 mins.  

8.  A Christmas Interlude for Strings (offertory)

(Also appropriate for a concert setting)

A lush arrangement of "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "Quem Pastores";  Scored for strings (at least 3, 3, 2, 1, 1, with an optional version containing a divided cello part);  Ca. 3 mins. 

• Hear sound clip of the first carol ("In the Bleak Midwinter")  (Note: This is not a professional recording.)

9. Sing, My Soul, to God Thy Lord!

A neo-Baroque anthem scored for SATB choir, organ solo, and strings (at least 3, 3, 2, 1, 1);  Text:  Anonymous 16th (?) century poem;  Ca. 5 mins.  

10.  My Mouth Shall Speak the Praise of the Lord

A closing choral response scored for SATB choir, either a cappella, or accompanied by one of the following groups of instruments:

• 2 oboes and strings (at least 3, 3, 2, 1, 1), OR
• organ and strings (at least 3, 3, 2, 1, 1), OR
• 2 flutes, 1 bassoon, and organ

Ca. 2 mins.