What Child is This?

This impressionistic fantasia on the familiar tune Greensleeves makes use of extended triadic harmony and modal shifts giving it the virtuosity and expression of Debussy combined with the ever-changing color of Ravel.

Text

What child is this, who laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies he in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear for sinners here,
The silent Word is pleading.

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold and myrrh;
Come, peasant king, to own Him.
The King of Kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary

What child is this?
The Son!

SATB & Piano
$2.30 #C-1011CH

Orchestral Score and Parts 
$190.00 #C-1011FS

Orchestration: 2111 2000  str., 3 perc., hp.