It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

By Edmund H. Sears and Heather Sorenson

From the cantata Little Lion, Little Lamb, the contours of this reimagined carol are fashioned with beautiful arching leaps, instantly endearing it to the listener. A good balance of unison and four-part writing expresses the miracle of the incarnation with sensitivity and sincere devotion. The B section offers some theater with distinctive layers of “Gloria” that crescendo with impressive impact. The final angelic proclamation fades into the Christmas sky with delicate and artful sonority.