Composer

:

Bertram Luard-Selby

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

6:32

'A Christmas Pastorale' is a choral work composed by Bertram Luard-Selby, an English composer and organist. The piece was composed in 1919 and premiered on December 23 of the same year at St. George's Church in Hanover Square, London. The work is divided into three movements, each of which depicts a different aspect of the Christmas story. The first movement, titled "The Shepherds," is a lively and joyful depiction of the shepherds' journey to Bethlehem to see the newborn Christ. The second movement, "The Wise Men," is more contemplative and reflective, evoking the sense of wonder and awe that the Magi must have felt upon seeing the star that led them to the manger. The final movement, "The Angels," is a triumphant and celebratory depiction of the heavenly host announcing the birth of Christ to the shepherds. Throughout the work, Luard-Selby employs lush harmonies and rich textures to create a sense of warmth and intimacy, evoking the spirit of the season. The choral writing is often homophonic, with the voices moving together in block chords, but there are also moments of polyphony and imitative counterpoint that add depth and complexity to the music. Overall, 'A Christmas Pastorale' is a beautiful and evocative work that captures the essence of the Christmas story in a way that is both musically satisfying and spiritually uplifting. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to speak to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

More....