This unaccompanied setting of the well-known carol uses three male soloists (one baritone, two bass) as the kings’ voices. The oboe reinforces the melody, dances around it, and even quotes Greensleeves. The divisi chorus sings backup to the kings and all the refrains, which are set differently. Five full verses are used, but due to the fun and creativity present in the writing, the piece unfolds in a very fulfilling way.

Voicing:

SATB divisi, Baritone and Bass Soloists