A sweet a capella carol with Dirksen’s added verse bringing it up to date.
carol
Carol of the Angels
Song of Mary at the Manger
Audio & Video. Running out of TOP FIVE slots, but this Auden setting is profoundly moving: Why was I chosen to teach his Son to weep? The ending of the organ version makes it preferable.
I sing the birth
Nowell sing we, now all and some
The Nativity
Audio & Video. Another one of my TOP FIVE works. The flute obbligato positively sparkles.
A Christmas Lullaby
Run, Shepherds, run
Chanticleer
Audio & Video. Dirksen’s notated half-note=96 is unplayable – he’s merely saying NOT TOO SLOW. But the circumstances of its composition actually dictate the tempo: the performance should be exactly 2′ 30″! Also – don’t miss the Choral Arts Society’s orchestral version here as well.
A Child, My Choice
His most well-known and well-beloved carol. SATB a capella, simplicity itself.
Psalm for Christmas Day
Audio & Video. One of the editor’s TOP FIVE works. How DID those troops of angels come down??
Hilariter
Audio & Video. For Easter Day. The B section is one of Dirksen’s longest and most effective build-ups to a shattering climax. It’s also a dandy timpani solo. Now back in print by Jubilate Music Group!