The Merchants' Witness
4-Part - Sheet Music

Unison voices or SATB choir, organ or piano - Intermediate

SKU: MN.CH-1187

Composed by Hampson A. Sisler. Triduum/Three Days, 21st Century. Octavo. Duration 4 minutes, 10 seconds. Laurendale Associates #CH-1187. Published by Laurendale Associates (MN.CH-1187).

This verse-like anthem, conveniently designed to be sung either in unison or in parts - or a mix of the two, as the director prefers - is textually based on a fable of the Palm Sunday event. Adapted by the composer from Frank Kendon's The Merchant's Carol, found in the Oxford Book of Carols, #146. Oxford University Press, 1928 & 1964, it tells the story of merchantmen, selling their wares on a hillside near Jerusalem, who observed the entry of Christ, riding on a donkey, being cheered by wayfarers with palm branches strewn in his way. The music is singable, attractive melodically, and programmatic in harmonization. Frequent alterations in mood between elation and sorrow depict the ambivablent nature of the occasion. Your choir and congregation will like it and request it again next Palm Sunday. Duration 4:10.