Guiding Star
This new setting of the Christmas/Epiphany words, “As with gladness, men of old did the guiding star behold” seeks to emphasize the joyful nature of the visit of the Magi to the Christ child. Set in a lively 7/8 time, it is mainly in four parts (SATB), although the 3rd verse, “As they offered gifts most rare” is for men’s voices only (TTBB). There is also a quieter, more meditative section, reflecting the words of verse 4, “Holy Jesus, every day…”
The accompaniment is for piano or organ, and the piece may be purchased in printed form or as a digital download via SwirlyMusic.org. An orchestration is now available from the composer. You can hear this version here, but please note it’s a private recording made with an iPhone, so the quality is not great, but it will give you an impression of how the piece sounds with orchestra.
| Voicing: | SATB |
| Instrumentation: | Orchestra, Organ, Piano |
| Language: | English |
| Sacred or Secular: | Sacred |
| Season or Event: | Christmas, Epiphany |
| Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Descriptive Tags: | Adoration, Carol, Celebratory, Christian, Magi - Wise Men, Music About Music, New Hymn Settings, Praise, Prayer, PROJECT : ENCORE, Star, Worship |
| Duration: | 1-5 Minutes |
$2.95
This title is available in print or for immediate download. For both options, there is a minimum required quantity of 8 copies for choral titles. Please support self-publishing composers by ordering the quantity according to the number of singers in the ensemble that will perform the work.
Print orders are printed on demand and shipped by our printing partner, and can be expected to be processed within a few days of the order. Please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] to follow up.
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| A setting of Robert Frost’s metaphorical rendering of feelings of depression, isolation and alienation. Rhythmic and thought-provoking. Medium difficulty, appropriate for high school, collegiate and community choirs. Commissioned by Penn High School Choirs, IN. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| This light-hearted holiday song was commissioned by a local community chorus, one of whose members wrote the words. I was asked to include a part for children’s choir, and I understand everyone enjoyed taking part. It has a simple message – to chase away the gloom, and spread light and happiness to all at Christmas […] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| A two part mixed voice anthem with keyboard accompaniment. The text is from the Biblical verse, 2 Samuel 18:33 which records King David’s reaction to the news that his son Absolom, who had rebelled against him, had been killed. When David heard that Absalom was slain He went up to his chamber over the gate […] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||