Composer

:

Geoffrey Shaw

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Carol

Average_duration

:

2:53

'How Far Is It to Bethlehem?' is a Christmas carol composed by Geoffrey Shaw in 1929. The carol is written for SATB choir and is based on a traditional English folk tune. It was first published in the Oxford Book of Carols in 1928 and has since become a popular Christmas carol. The carol is divided into three movements. The first movement is a gentle and reflective introduction, with the choir singing the opening lines "How far is it to Bethlehem? Not very far." The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with the choir singing "Mary and Joseph travelled on and on." The final movement is a peaceful and contemplative conclusion, with the choir singing "How far is it to Bethlehem? The way is hard." The carol is characterized by its simple and straightforward melody, which is easy to sing and remember. The harmonies are also relatively simple, with the choir singing in unison for much of the piece. The carol is also notable for its use of repetition, with the opening line repeated throughout the piece. Overall, 'How Far Is It to Bethlehem?' is a beautiful and timeless Christmas carol that captures the spirit of the season. Its simple melody and harmonies make it accessible to choirs of all levels, while its reflective and contemplative lyrics make it a perfect addition to any Christmas program.

More....