These arrangements were written for a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation television
program called "Christmas on the Prairies". It was filmed at Fort Edmonton,
with members of Da Camera Singers dressed in 19th century garb (I was a coureur
de bois). All of my arrangements were not used, however, and I was disappointed
that the stirring March of the 3 Kings
did not appear, even though the equally lusty Les Anges
dans nos Campagnes did. Later I re-did Les Anges in English, as "Angels We Have
Heard on High", and it works equally well with men's voices and with mixed choir. I
became quite enchanted with the Irish Carol
, so much so that I later rewrote it for fuller forces, and in that form
it has also been performed, to my knowledge, by groups in Canada and Germany. Click on the titles above to hear MP3s.
These carols require strong voices and are well suited to a good amateur choir.
The Birds however, a charming Czech carol, is a very simple unison setting and has been done by a
children's group. If you wish to view the scores please visit the Canadian Music Centre, or send me an email by clicking below, requiring only that you inform me of any performances so that I can keep this website up-to-date.
