VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers, Twin Cities Bronze

World Premiere - Carol Contest Winner;

The first step, for me, when writing a new choral piece is to find a lyric that captures my imagination and inspires a musical idea of some sort. I glanced through some of the existing, familiar carols and had trouble envisioning a new melody. So, I went to my friend, Jayne Rasmussen, with whom I’ve

collaborated before, and asked for a new Christmas lyric. Before long she supplied me with “Come Join Their Song,” which invites a shepherd to join the song of the angels and follow to Bethlehem, there to praise the infant King. Next, I set out to craft a singable melody which, hopefully, would enhance the lyric. The harmonic structure unfolds somewhat simultaneous with the melody. The handbell accompaniment offers additional color, suggesting “a sparkling desert stream” and “a royal throne” — and the song ringing heavenward.

—Mark Shepperd