Composer

:

Vaughan Meakins

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

4:11

"Stable Carol" is a choral work composed by Vaughan Meakins, a British composer and conductor. The piece was composed in 1954 and premiered in the same year. It is a four-movement work that is characterized by its use of traditional carol melodies and its incorporation of modern harmonies and rhythms. The first movement, "The Stable," is a gentle and reflective piece that sets the scene for the birth of Jesus. The melody is based on the traditional carol "Away in a Manger," but Meakins adds his own harmonies and rhythms to create a more modern sound. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, creating a sense of unity and simplicity. The second movement, "The Shepherds," is a lively and energetic piece that tells the story of the shepherds who were visited by angels on the night of Jesus' birth. The melody is based on the traditional carol "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks," but Meakins again adds his own harmonies and rhythms to create a more modern sound. The choir sings in harmony, with different parts of the choir taking turns to sing the melody. The third movement, "The Wise Men," is a more contemplative piece that tells the story of the wise men who followed a star to find Jesus. The melody is based on the traditional carol "We Three Kings," but Meakins again adds his own harmonies and rhythms to create a more modern sound. The choir sings in harmony, with different parts of the choir taking turns to sing the melody. The fourth and final movement, "The Manger," is a triumphant and joyful piece that celebrates the birth of Jesus. The melody is based on the traditional carol "O Come, All Ye Faithful," but Meakins again adds his own harmonies and rhythms to create a more modern sound. The choir sings in harmony, with different parts of the choir taking turns to sing the melody. The movement builds to a climax, with the choir singing in full voice and the organ providing a powerful accompaniment. Overall, "Stable Carol" is a beautiful and moving work that combines traditional carol melodies with modern harmonies and rhythms. It is a testament to Meakins' skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both timeless and contemporary.

More....