Gabriel! A Tennessee Christmas Cantata

Scoring

SATB choir, Soprano Solo

Details

Duration:8:00

Year Composed:1984

Premiered by:

Lehigh University Choir
Jeanette Thompson, soprano
Steven Sametz, director

Recorded:

Lehigh University Choir
Jeanette Thompson, soprano
Steven Sametz, director

Publication Information:

Steven Sametz Publications

Program Notes

Gabriel! A Tennessee Christmas Cantata combines elements of country and blues with a virtuoso jazz soprano solo to portray the appearance of the angel Gabriel to the shepherds.

Text

Gabriel!
Gabriel, spread the word
I am sending onto Earth
A Child for all the world to love
Whom I myself adore”

Gabriel danced for the Lord

Danced for the love of God

Gabriel took a mighty task

Of how to spread the word

For truths be told in different tongues,

Yet messages are not heard.

The angels clapped for joy

Halleluia! Glory!

The echo ran the heavens round

And shook a star or two aground

The shepherds sang,

The angels sang

The Magi saw a star fall down

And Glory Halleluia sounded all around the earth!

The spirit moves the ear to hear

The heart and mind perceive

On might rush of angel wings

The love of God through heaven rings

And Glory Halleluia sounded all around the earth!

–Deborah Sakarakis