Golden Rose Carol
02:52 duration|Composed in 2024|Difficulty: Intermediate|First performed: December 2024
Commissioned by Ben de Souza for Clare Hall Choir, Cambridge, generously supported by Eric Nye, Carol Frost & Per Reiff-Musgrove.
The simple text holds a deep meaning, which transcends time and space, bringing comfort, joy, and peace. I tried to convey these ideas in my setting, with a simple tune but rich harmony.
Text
When the herds were watching
In the midnight chill,
Came a spotless lambkin
From the heavenly hill.
Snow was on the mountains
And the wind was cold,
When from God’s own garden
Dropped a rose of gold.
When ’twas bitter winter,
Homeless and forlorn
In a star-lit stable
Christ the Babe was born.
Welcome, heavenly lambkin;
Welcome, golden rose;
Alleluia, baby
In the swaddling clothes!
William Canton (1845-1926)
