In Dulci Jubilo

Program Notes:

We usher in the season and the concert with this cheerful, centuries-old melody, known in English as “Good Christian Men, Rejoice”, here arranged by one of Canada’s most esteemed composers. The text alternates between Latin and English.

Conductor Notes:

I programmed this simple, three-part a cappella arrangement of a familiar tune to open our 2010 Chez Nous concert. This is the first of “Three German Carols” by this fine Canadian composer. Most of his choral music is more challenging technically than this suite of 3 short pieces, but Holman was writing for the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus, not for adults, and the writing is perfectly suited to either children or adults.

Text:

Verse 1:

In dulci jubilo sing we with hearts aglow.

Our chief joy and treasure lies in praesepio

Whose radiance knows no measure matris in gremio.

Alpha es et O, alpha es et O.