Christmas Vespers

Christmas Vespers is a festive work that incorporates two hymns typically sung

at Christmas time: the 6th-century "Christe redemptor omnium" and the 18th-century

"Adeste Fideles", commonly known in English "O come, all you faithful".

The piece opens with a passage of brilliant light which makes its descent into the full ensemble.

The 6th-century chant is then presented twice in unison by the woodwinds,

followed by the trombones intoning the melody as a joyous dance.

After several iterations, the rising opening fragment of the chant

forms the basis for a section celebrating the breaking dawn,

this then transformed into a royal march.

The full chant melody is re-introduced and

Adeste Fideles integrated into the musical texture.

Together, the 6th-century chant and 18th-century carol lead

to a luminous conclusion.