This richly expressive cantata sets five discrete texts, each reflecting a different aspect of Christmastide. The first movement is set to a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson scored for solo female vocalist and SATB choir. The instantly memorable, eager melody captures perfectly the sense of expectation conveyed in the text.

It is followed by a joyous, rollicking song for children's choir; the wondrous 'This endris night'; and the contemplative, wistful carol 'Put memory away', set to a contempo...