Discover the right music for your choir with help from the Choral Review Service. Highlighting songs of varying difficulty, instrumentation and style, the Choral Review Service will introduce you to inspiring, seasonal choral works from respected liturgical composers three times per year. Below are just a few examples of the music within Choral Packet 114 with titles for Advent, Christmas and general use, plus a detailed description and insight on how to use each piece.
Salve, Regina (Dominican Tone)
Alvez Barkoskie IV
Difficulty level: Medium/Difficult
Voicing: SATB Choir a cappella
Entirely in Latin, the phrases of this a cappella setting of the traditional Marian hymn alternate between sections of freely sung chant and metered passages. The chant segments feature tenors and basses in unison, while tenors and altos (either alone or in some combination) sing the descant line. As if in a dialog with the sparser two-part texture of unmetered chant, the contrasting metrical sections respond with full SATB parts that feature both rich added-note chords and planing harmonies.
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
Edward Eicker
Difficulty level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: Two-part Choir
Instrumentation: Piano, Oboe
The simplicity of this setting, for two-part choir and piano, mirrors the carol’s message of the simple setting of Christ’s birth: in a lowly manger amidst the oxen. An included oboe part references the pastoral topic of the second verse: the shepherd's vigil. Despite some independence of vocal parts, the piece will come together easily: choirs of all abilities can achieve a balanced, polished sound relatively quickly, which can be a real plus when facing limited rehearsal time.
Mary Had a Baby
Haig Mardirosian
Difficulty level: Difficult
Voicing: SATB Choir with divisi, Solo, a cappella
Instrumentation: Flute, Double Bass, Bongos
Although originating as a secular folksong, the text slowly gained a sacred interpretation and later became a “code spiritual.” That is, its text is metaphorically attentive to Christ’s Nativity with focus on the Blessed Virgin while still signaling information to enslaved people about the Underground Railroad. Composed to incorporate authentic materials from the African-American spiritual repertoire, it also incorporates instrumental forces already typically present for Midnight Mass (flute and double bass) and not so typical (bongos): a wonderfully unique and inspired blend of instruments and choral singing sure to enliven any Christmas service.
O Nata Lux
Luke Mayernik
Difficulty level: Medium
Voicing: SATB Choir, Soprano Solo, Tenor Solo
Instrumentation: Organ
Mayernik’s take on this beloved Latin Christmas hymn breathes new life to the text through a recurring musical motif that embodies the divinity of Christ as Light born of Light. The music masterfully echoes the text with a radiant climax affirming Christ’s worthiness of adoration, which is paired with hushed passages that express a sense of reverence and longing. Though an organ score is included, it can be equally effective when sung a cappella, giving the ensemble expressive freedom to bring the text to life.
O Little One Sweet
Robert G. Farrell
Difficulty level: Medium
Voicing: SATB Choir
Instrumentation: Organ or Piano
This gentle arrangement of the O Jesulein Süss chorale invites the listener into an intimate meditation on the nativity of the Christ Child. The first two verses alternate high and low voices; then the texture fills out in verse three through the use of denser harmonies before concluding with the beloved traditional chorale harmonization by J. S. Bach on the final verse. Suitable for the Christmas season, this accessible setting is of easy/medium difficulty, making it ideal for ensembles of any level.
We Shall Know Him When He Comes
Angela Birkhead-Flight
Difficulty level: Medium
Voicing: SATB Choir
Instrumentation: Piano, Solo Instrument in C
Inspired by an anonymous poem contrasting the fleeting power of earthly kings with the enduring peace of Christ, this choral anthem interweaves the modernized text with imagery from O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. The music journeys from storm to stillness with voices rising like wind, breaking into light, and settling into lush harmonies that echo the "holy harmony" of Christ’s coming. With its expressive textures, moments of radiant joy, and prayerful calm, this piece is fitting for Advent liturgies inviting singers and listeners alike to experience the peace of Emmanuel anew.
Maria Walks amid the Thorn
Beth Elston
Difficulty level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: SA Chior or SSA (a cappella) or SSAA (a cappella)
Instrumentation: Piano
This German carol is beautifully set here for treble choir, in three distinct but interchangeable settings of differing voicings, which will aid choirs of varying forces or ability levels. Additional flexibility comes from the piano accompaniment, which can be coupled with any of the three settings to provide an introduction and one or more interludes between verses.
O Ancient Love, Processing through the Ages
Katie Wills and Michael Joncas
Difficulty level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: SAB Choir, Descant
Instrumentation: Keyboard, Guitar, Solo Instrument
The text of “O Ancient Love, Processing through the Ages,” is a lovely reminder that Jesus was revealed to us in human form; it expresses how the living Love of God comes close to us in all aspects of our humanity. The melody of this beautiful Christmas hymn is composed in such a way that the last two lines of each stanza act as a refrain—a part of the hymn that can be easily learned by your congregation. While simply constructed, the lush harmonic progression supports the sophistication of the text. Set for SATB choir, the typical accompaniment for keyboard and guitar can be enhanced by the included oboe part.
Soon (The Dawn of Christ)
Sarah Hart
Difficulty level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: SAB Choir
Instrumentation: Keyboard, Guitar, Cello
With lyrics that contrast darkness and yearning with expectancy and hope, this poignant contemporary song suits the anticipatory mood of Advent, or other occasions centered around longing for God or the light of Christ. In addition to SAB choral parts and keyboard and guitar accompaniments, the included cello part provides opportunities to feature an instrumental soloist on the interludes between verses.
Madre de la Iglesia/Mother of the Church
Juan J. Sosa and Bernardo Velado
Difficulty level: Easy/Medium
Voicing: Two-part Choir
Instrumentation: Keyboard, Guitar
This joyful, vibrant song of praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the guaracha folk style highlights her intercession and her role as a model of faith for the Church. Fully bilingual (Spanish/English), it is ideal for diverse congregations seeking unity in worship. Perfect for use as an entrance or sending forth song during Advent or Christmas Solemnities of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this piece also fits beautifully during the Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts.
Explore more music from this season's edition
Choral Review Service
These songs can be found in Choral Packet 114 from the Choral Review Service. Offering music for traditional and contemporary choirs, children’s voices and intercultural ensembles, the Choral Review Service is the best way to find something new for your choir and community.