The Christ-child

Instrumentation

Soprano, Alto and Piano

Other Information

A carol set to words by G K Chesterton [A Christmas Carol] for soprano, alto and piano. Written specifically for Dame Emma Kirkby and Herr Joachim Diessner von Isensee. The carol was performed at the Evangelische Vers hnungskirche, Ehrenfeld, K ln on December 16th 2012 by the dedicatees with Markus M rkl at the organ. Versions are available in G minor and A minor and Dame Emma and Joachim Diessner sing the G minor version on the recording. It was performed at Leicester Cathedral on October 12th 2013 as part of the Leicester Cathedral Legacy Concert.

"A Christmas Carol," by G.K. Chesterton [1874-1936], was first published in "The Wild Knight" in 1900.

A Christmas Carol

The Christ-child lay on Mary s lap, His hair was like a light. (O weary, weary were the world, But here is all aright.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary s breast, His hair was like a star. (O stern and cunning are the kings, But here the true hearts are.)

The Christ-child lay on Mary s heart, His hair was like a fire. (O weary, weary is the world, But here the world s desire.)

The Christ-child stood at Mary s knee, His hair was like a crown. And all the flowers looked up at Him, And all the stars looked down.