A Christmas Service

D No: 360

Cross Reference: Or "A Nativity Play"?

Performing Forces: SATB, org, narr

Date Published: MS

Date of Composition: 1951?

Notes: This pageant was written for the upper and lower cathedral Schools (National Cathedral School for Girls, and St. Albans School for Boys) by Madeline Hicks, drama director of the girl’s school, using materials from an early medieval play, “The Representation of Adam,” combined with a twelfth century liturgical drama, “Office of the Magi.” he music was composed, arranged, and adapted from traditional sources. It was performed with scores of children, costumed and directed in drama and dance by a cadre of assistants each in the nineteen-fifties. The glee clubs performed in choral interludes that introduced scenes and in leading the congregation in the hymns that were part of the story. There is a good bit of original organ music in this score, but most of the choral music is traditional except for dramatic recitatives. The score contains all spoken part. Two narrators, one in the pulpit and the other in the lectern move the story along, but there are other speaking roles for prophets, Magi, etc.. Dramatic pantomime can be elaborate or simple as desired. On two occasions it was presented effectively with the narrators also reading these minor roles, and the choir and organ and congregation sufficing for the whole work. Its running time is between forty-five and sixty minutes, depending on the production.