Christmas Card Carol 2019: City of David
This year’s Christmas Card Carol was inspired, in a roundabout way, by this book:
It’s called “Stone Manger,” by Jeffrey R. Chadwick.
The book is a fascinating look at what the first Christmas wasn’t, and what it might have been, as seen through the eyes of a professional archaeologist. It did something that I love in a good book: it made me curious.
I’ve never been to Bethlehem, nor am I likely to ever attempt that trip. (MS is kindof a beast.)
So I took the tour digitally, courtesy of Google Earth, and wandered around modern Bethlehem to see what I could see. (I must be in great shape, because I wasn’t tired at all by the end of it!)
Everywhere I looked was stone, and stone-like material, and more stone. Most of what I could see was a beautiful pale color, which made even the smallest streets very striking. As I wandered, this couplet sang itself at me:
City of David; city of stone
Arise from your slumber and welcome your own
I rather liked the way that little couplet sounded, singing in my head. So I started writing the rest of the song. And in the end my beloved little couplet didn’t make the cut. 🙁 So sad. I so wanted it to work, but … hard choices.
The song is called “City of David.” It’s set for solo voice and for SATB choir.
Here’s a rendition of the solo version, with vocals by James Loynes:
There are also accompaniment track and piano track recordings available.
If you want to sing my poor, abandoned couplet in your head while you listen to this song, I’m sure it would be very grateful.
Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a happy November!
Links to material in this post
City of David (Solo and SATB)
“Stone Manger” by Jeffrey R. Chadwick
Google Earth (in case you want to wander)
Handy info…
Since you asked: How to Find Translations on This SiteFinding translations here is super easy. This is what you do: […]
Resizing Scores Using the Personal Composer DemoStep by step instructions on resizing scores or text using the Personal Composer demo. […]- Transposing Using Personal ComposerHow to transpose .pc scores using the Personal Composer Demo. Step by step instructions. […]
What a beautiful song! Thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas.
Sally, thank you so much! You’re a true inspiration to me. May your Thanksgiving and Christmas be all your heart could desire of them.
Love,
Koleta Wells
I have listened to this four times already for the first time! I love it, the melody, the context, the sweet message, and of course, your presentation of it, and making it available for us poor choir conductors. Thank you, Sally (and James!)
Merry Christmas and other holidays
Tammy V
Mesa, Arizona
So beautiful, very inspiring.
Ohhh beautiful! I love singing your music. It speaks to my heart and soul! Thanks for sharing your beautiful musical gift with us. May you have a beautiful Holiday Season. Thank you for uplifting and inspiring ours!!
Wonderful! I love it!
Do you have a piano solo of “In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions”?
Gorgeous! Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your talent with us all!!!!!
BEAUTIFUL!!!
Oh how moving and beautiful your new hymn, “The City of David”. I will pass this along to our choir director and organist. You are a gifted talent. Thank you for this sacred music.