Description
Rossetti’s “Christmas Eve” is a poem of paradox and intrigue: i.e., the “darkness” of Christmas, yet is “brighter,” and the “chillness” of Christmas, yet is “warmer”, etc. This paradox is reconciled, and our intrigue satisfied, by this marked event: “Jesus, brought for us so low.” The background and meaning of the poem is profound yet the message is simple.
This musical setting seeks to express the profundity of Rossetti’s poem using a series of clustered chords, a combination of alternating rhythms, yet convey its simplicity with a congregational-accessible key: C-major.
The poem consists of two stanzas, each with three paired-sets of introductory and comparative clauses followed by a pair of concluding clauses. The syllabic meter of the poem is: 6.7.6.7.6.7 and 7.5.
To accommodate the syllabic makeup, a set of musical motifs consisting of three combinations of 4/4 and 3/4 time-signature measures are employed to accentuate the poem’s paired clauses. Syllabic rhythm is accommodated and enhanced through the use of alternating meters, all the while keeping the tempo consistent and unchanged. To convey mystery and suspense, chords are clustered and certain notes suspended. Suspended chords are resolved into the tonic for the ensuing descriptive clauses, as to convey resolution and completeness.
The second stanza of the poem lends itself best for congregational singing. “Earth,” collectively referring to all creation, including the “birds” and “angels,” and “bells” ringing, is summoned to “strike up” their refrain. A soloist or cantor introduces the tune to the congregation in which they subsequently join along with the choir in singing. A congregationally-accessible tune, a simple motif, was chosen along with a 3/4 time-signature to effect a lullaby-like feel befitting a Christmas eve service. A slightly faster tempo for the second stanza proffers a happier and brighter approach and expression to the first.
A reprise is conducted when the choir repeats the first stanza. But before the congregation joins in the second time, the organ and choir set up a rousing interlude beckoning all to sing more heartily with the chimes and bells pealing in the background. The pealing of the church bells harken to the proclamation of special occasions – such as a birth of a royal child. The sonorous and joyous sounds of the congregation, choir, and organ are accentuated by descants from the choir.
The anthem concludes as the peals of the bells fade into the background and the meaning of Christmas is once again softly whispered by the choir, of what Christina Rossetti reminds, is the mystery, the paradox of Christmas Eve: “Jesus, brought for us so low.”
This musical setting seeks to preserve the delicate mood of Christmas Eve while providing broad appeal to the congregation, and a rewarding challenge for the choir and organist.
