The Shepherd and the King
by J. William Greene
4-Part - Sheet Music

SATB choir, organ

SKU: C5.5040

Composed by J. William Greene. Text: Eleanor Farjeon. Jaunty carol in British style. Christmas. Octavo. Published by CanticaNOVA Publications (C5.5040).

The pleasant, angular carol melody Shepherd by J. William Greene is a setting of a 1927 text. In a manner coincident with the British carol, "The Holly and the Ivy," this piece recalls in prophecy the ultimate purpose for Christ's birth -- his Passion and Death for our salvation. The carol text sees Mary singing before her son, the Christ. First she sings a lullaby to her infant. Later she sings a dirge to her Savior. Each of the four verses ends, "Sing again, Sweet Mary, And we will sing with thee!" This precedes the refrain, "Earth bear a berry! Heav'n bear a light! Man, make you merry on Christmas Night." Using a variety of textures and styles, Dr. Greene has set the words of the author in a way that brings their meaning to life while presenting the singer and listener with interesting and worthwhile music. His skillful writing for organ makes the accompaniment an integral part of this anthem -- one might even envy the organist his bench.