A fresh and urgent retelling of the nativity story in the imagined words of the Bethlehem herdsmen, Thomas Hewitt Jones’s The Shepherds’ Tale is among his most directly appealing choral works to date. Inspired by poet Matt Harvey’s poignant lyrics to a setting of high drama and intensity, the composer lovingly conveys the profound feelings of these humble folk encountering the Incarnation, and foregrounds the ravishing duo of solo flute and harp against atmospheric organ and strings. Straightfor...