Angel Song: Glory to the new-born King
As with all of our concert programmes, I endeavour to include at least one song written by a woman composer. Patricia Mock, the co-writer of this song, is an American composer and educator who writes accessible songs for choirs to perform. I've adapted the music into three parts, sharing the melody line so that everyone gets a turn! I like the 'Gloria in excelsis' refrain which is borrowed from a familiar carol.
Merry Christmas, Darling
This was written by Richard Carpenter and was a number one hit for the Carpenters way back in 1970. According to the lyricist, Frank Pooler, it took just 15 minutes for Richard Carpenter to compose the music! The song was re-released in 1974 and 1977 and shows off Karen Carpenter's unique vocal talents at their peak.