Four American Carols (2010)

These pieces are gems: melodious, rhythmically interesting and harmonically subtle. Perfect for concerts, they would not be out of place in carol services - though it should be noted that the beautifully written accompaniments are conceived for piano and would not sound so good on organ - string orchestra parts may be hired from the publisher. The first piece is a syncopated and bluesy setting of the Spiritual A Child of God. I wonder as I wander is cast in 5/4 time: flattened leading-notes give the melody the air of a folk tune. A lilting setting of Away in a Manger is refreshingly unsentimental. The Spiritual Rise up, shepherd, and follow seems set to round off this cycle in lively fashion, but the music melts away gently at the end. Such a conclusion is entirely appropriate since all four of these songs are imbued with a wonderful tenderness. Very fine music, warmly commended to conductors of children's/ladies' choirs.