The Wessex Carol

I wrote a this Carol for performance in local churches, initially for guitar, recorders, and hand-bells. This piece has since been arranged in various formats and can be performed in different ways, based on the situation and the proficiency of the performers, ranging from a traditional version, suitable for schools with guitar and chime bars, through to an arrangement for choirs. These arrangements have been featured in several Christmas services in 1998-2000 throughout the Wessex area from Wiltshire through to the South Coast. It was used in hospital radio broadcast in 1999.  This piece is freely available if it is to be performed as an act of worship and admittance is unrestricted; please e.mail for details. 

 

Winter winds through Wessex flail,
Bringing snow and sleet and hail.
A world in wait, in a hopeful state,
For goodness to prevail.
Let these bells proclaim in sound,
Tales of a saviour found.
In a wooden crib in Bethlehem,
Ox, ass and sheep around.
Ring for equality, spread a message of peace.
Sing clear all Wessex folk, as sweet Jesus sleeps.

Across the world He claimed,
You are human all the same.
In the darkest night, seek redeeming light,
In the coming of the dawn.
Though these nights are cold and long,
Let us fill them with our song.
All ringers ring, and singers sing.
Jesus Christ is born.
Ring for equality, spread a message of peace.
Sing clear all Wessex folk, as sweet Jesus sleeps.

Though these nights are cold and long,
Let us fill them with our song.
All ringers ring, and singers sing.
Jesus Christ is born!

The Wessex Carol midi

Midi created by Jack Pritchard,
based on an arrangement by Helen E Porter.

Download this midi file
 

 

 

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