This Time is Born a Child
For SATB Choir
(2014) 2 minutes
Anonymous 15th Century text
Written for En Bethlehem, the Cadenza Music Carol Book in 2015
Text
This time is born a child full good,
He that us bought upon the Rood;
He bound the devil that is so wode,
'Til the dreadful Domesday.
When the child of mickle might,
Would be born of Mary bright,
A token He sent to king and knight,
A star that shone by night and day.
The star it shone as bright as fire,
Over all the world both far and near,
in token he was without peer,
And peerless shall He listen ay.
Amen
Anonymous, 15th Century
Review(s)
"This Time is Born a Child had the purity and simplicity of a carol but established fully the expressive individuality of its composer during its short duration." Paul Conway, Musical Opinion
"Cheryl Frances-Hoad’s This Time is Born a Child is an essay in how to do quiet simplicity, with enough harmonic individuality to avoid being a medieval pastiche." Christian Morris, Composition Today
Performance history (post-premiere)
30th November 2018 - The BBC Singers conducted by Ben Palmer at St. Giles' Cripplegate, London, UK
Listen
Buy The Silver Stars at Play, the Kantos Chamber Choir's CD featuring This Time is Born a Child