2019 Christmas Cantata
from the Choirmaster's desk...
Central United Methodist Church and guests are in for a treat this Sunday. On Sunday, December 15th during the 11:00 am service, the Chancel Choir will present John Rutter's Christmans cantata, Gloria. The cantata is scored for brass octet (4 trumpets, 3 trombones, & tuba), percussion, and organ. Larry Black, who played trumpet for 30 years with the Atlanta Symphony under Robert Shaw, will anchor a superb brass ensemble. Adena and Matt McDaniel and our own Nicholas Rawlinson will make up the percussion section, and Brian Dailey will play organ. Vocal soloists include Anna Neely, Perry Henson, and Sarah Monroe.
The text of the Gloria is the whole "Gloria" movement of the mass, beginning with the familiar words, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to people of good will." The 17-minute cantata will be sung in Latin, but a translation will be provided. The three movements follow the fast-slow-fast plan common to many 3-movement forms, like the sonata and concerto.
We have had to be creative in getting such a relatively large instrumental ensemble close to the singers and organ. The "gaggle of percussion instruments" will be located just to the left of the Christmas tree in the sanctuary. It is advised that congregants not sit directly in front of the percussion section, but move further back and closer to the piano side of the sanctuary.
Keith Jones
Central United Methodist Church and guests are in for a treat this Sunday. On Sunday, December 15th during the 11:00 am service, the Chancel Choir will present John Rutter's Christmans cantata, Gloria. The cantata is scored for brass octet (4 trumpets, 3 trombones, & tuba), percussion, and organ. Larry Black, who played trumpet for 30 years with the Atlanta Symphony under Robert Shaw, will anchor a superb brass ensemble. Adena and Matt McDaniel and our own Nicholas Rawlinson will make up the percussion section, and Brian Dailey will play organ. Vocal soloists include Anna Neely, Perry Henson, and Sarah Monroe.
The text of the Gloria is the whole "Gloria" movement of the mass, beginning with the familiar words, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to people of good will." The 17-minute cantata will be sung in Latin, but a translation will be provided. The three movements follow the fast-slow-fast plan common to many 3-movement forms, like the sonata and concerto.
We have had to be creative in getting such a relatively large instrumental ensemble close to the singers and organ. The "gaggle of percussion instruments" will be located just to the left of the Christmas tree in the sanctuary. It is advised that congregants not sit directly in front of the percussion section, but move further back and closer to the piano side of the sanctuary.
Keith Jones
