This brilliant, dance-like setting of the fifteenth-century carol “Puer Nobis Nascitur” contains solid expert vocal writing that makes this piece great for church and school choirs. The accompaniment is wonderfully conceived and complements the vocals nicely, but it’s not hard to play–even at the brisk tempo.
This anthem is also available for download here.
Instrumental parts and score are available here. (2 tpts, 2 tbns, French horn, timpani, snare drum)
An accompaniment CD is available here.
What star is this, with beams so bright, more lovely than the noonday light?
It shines to herald forth the King, glad tidings of our God to bring.
See now fulfilled what God decreed: "From Jacob shall a star proceed."
And lo! the eastern sages stand to read in heaven God's command.
The guiding star above is bright; within it shines a purer light
That leads them on with force benign to seek the Giver of the sign.
True love can brook no dull delay though toil and danger lie their way;
And yet, their home, their friends and all they leave at their Creator's call.
O while the star of heavenly grace invites us, Lord, to seek Thy face,
May we no more that grace repel, or quench the light that shines so well
!
To God the Father, God the Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One,
May ev'ry tongue and nation raise an endless song of thankful praise.
Let ev'ry tongue and nation raise an endless song of thankful praise!
Let ev'ry tongue and nation raise a song of praise!
