"Gold and Spices" by Alison Willis: Chorus Angelorum Chattanooga

Featuring an excerpt from Christina Rossetti’s larger poem, “They Have Brought Gold and Spices,” this work was originally written for a choir that sings and rehearses from memory, which influenced the use of patterns and repetitions within the work. The piece fluctuates between excitement at the arrival of the magi and their gifts, and more reflective sections wondering what the singer can possibly bring.
They have brought gold and spices
To my King,
Incense and precious gifts
And ivory;
Oh holy Mother mine,
What can I bring
So that my Lord may deign
To look on me?
They have brought gold and spices
To my King,
They sing a sweeter song
Than I can sing,
I, bound on earth,
Weep for my trespassing.
They sing the song of love
In heaven, set free.
Then answered me my Mother,
And her voice
Spake to my heart
And answered in my heart:
Sing, saith he to the heavens,
To the earth, Rejoice.
They have brought gold and spices
To my King.
This piece was part of a service of "A Festival of nine Lessons and Carols" presented by Chorus Angelorum Chattanooga. The nine lessons told as a part of this service walk through the Christmas story, from Earth's creation to the arrival of the Magi to witness the birth of Jesus Christ in the manger. Each choral carol and congregational hymn is meant to accentuate the stories told through these lessons, and to inspire joy and wonderment in the miracle of the Christmas story.
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