Brightest and Best

SATB, 3'45" (2015)

“Brightest and Best” is a contemporary carol setting, appropriate for performance at Christmas or Epiphany. It is a musical reimagining of the nineteenth-century hymn of the same title, which describes the travels of the Wise Men to see the baby Jesus, following that brightest of stars in the sky all the way. e words use vivid imagery to create a strong sense of urgency, placed into an equally strong and regular four-bar hymn pattern. My setting uses lilting rhythms and a suspended harmonic backdrop to sonically paint the Magis’ journey for the listener.

Available on the “Evoking Sound” Series from GIA Publications.

Recording available on The Silver Stars at Play.