“Lo, a Rose,” arranged for SATB choir and piano, is a somber, contemplative setting of the incarnation of Christ described in the traditional German carol, “Es ist ein Ros entsprungen”. This arrangement is moderately easy but allows good musicianship to shine. The light and delicate accompaniment, with hauntingly beautiful harmonies, directs the focus onto the text while providing just the right amount of color and interest. Thus, “Lo, a Rose,” allows a choir to demonstrate artistic merit without enduring exhaustive preparations. The setting is meant to portray that the light and salvation brought to us by the Rose was achieved via a bitter and sorrowful path.
