The Birds (from I Sing the Birth) – Carol Barnett

Composer: Carol Barnett

Text by: Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953)

Instrumentation: SATB divisi, percussion

Duration: c 2'00"

Date Written:  2003

Composer’s note:  I Sing the Birth was written in 2003 for the South Bend Chamber Singers, Nancy Menk, director. It begins as a traditional celebratory Christmas suite, joyously announcing the birth, telling of the shepherds and wise men, singing a lullaby. It goes on to tell of four-year-old Jesus and the miracle of the birds, and ends with a prayer to keep the ardent joy of Christmas in us always. The first two movements share the jubilant sound of A major. The last two movements flow together, connected by the spirit of prayer and the key of B major. The lullaby stands alone, a peaceful interlude in the midst of deeply felt emotions.

“The Birds” – This account of Christ as a young child breathing life into small birds of clay features percussion evocative of a child at play: lively rattles, thoughtful fragments on the marimba, and a sudden burst of cymbals when the birds come to life. The song ends with a prayerful meditation.

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text

When Jesus Christ was four years old,
The angels brought Him toys of gold,
Which no man ever had bought or sold.

And yet with these He would not play.
He made Him small fowl out of clay,
And blessed them till they flew away:
Tu creasti Domine.

Jesus Christ, Thou child so wise,
Bless mine hands and fill mine eyes,
And bring my soul to Paradise.
– Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953)