Can Love Be Found in a Manger?

Description

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, Piano — The text Can Love Be Found in a Manger? was inspired by the four candles of the Advent Wreath which symbolically represent: hope, peace, joy, and love.xa0 Can we still find these emotions in an event of long ago? Yes! We find them in the manger, in a star’s bright light, in a baby’s first cry, and even “tonight” as we both sing and reflect.The questions asked by the text give an opportunity for the choir to sing beautifully arched phrases with the emphasis on the word found. Do not be reluctant to bring down the dynamics at the end of these phrases. It will be important for the singers to carefully follow the dynamic indications throughout the piece. Be especially careful of intonation and balance in measures 54-56. In measures 87-90, avoid singing the Stille Nacht fragment too loudly.xa0 In the last two measures, sopranos, tenors, and basses should yield to the altos as they move up on the final “tonight.”When sung with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, it is the composer’s wish that hope, peace, joy and love be found by singers and listeners. With an original text inspired by the four candles of the Advent Wreath representing hope, peace, joy, and love, Peterson's setting is both lovely and accessible. For SATB choir and piano, it is sure to connect singers and their audiences emotionally to the most special season of the year!

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