Welcome all wonders
The genesis of this carol was inspired by the shepherds reaction to the angels message of Christ’s birth. The first section of the carol attempts to convey the “all embracing” nature of the text with it’s distinct contrasts. The carol has a concluding section which begins with a distant choir of angels to the text “Gloria in Excelsis Deo”. This section is announced with a fugato, the subject of which is derived from the opening section “Welcome” and which after the words “Pax” returns with the added emphasis of the angels to conclude with a climactic a climactic “Gloria”.
Related pieces
Swing Low Sweet Chariot
SSAATB
One of the arrangements of three spirituals. in John Smith’s Opus 5. “Swing low, sweet chariot” was written for St George’s day service at Grosvenor Chapel Mayfair. “Let us break bread together” is intended as a communion anthem and begins with the simple basic harmonisation of the tune before the melody diffuses into the other voices. “The Virgin Mary had a baby boy” is much lighter in character and was originally written for a choir in the Netherlands. Each verse transposes up a semitone in order and a high soprano solo is added in the third verse.
Ubi Caritas Et Amor
SSAATB
This setting of Ubi Caritas et Amor is scored for SATB without divisi. It is suitable for parish church choir as a communion motet or occasional anthem. This setting was composed by John Smith in 2016 for the wedding of Laura Wadsworth and Archie Montgomery.
It is one of three communion motets influenced by plainsong
These 3 short motets for parish choir were influenced by gregorian chant. The compositions make initial reference to the respective chant before evolving in sympathy with the text and chant style. The style pervades all four voices and the method of performance should reflect something of the rhythm and style of the chant.