This setting of ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime was created for the Manitou Singers of St. Olaf College and their conductor, Dr. Therees Tkach Hibbard. I was asked to re-arrange my SATB setting of the same tune and text (published by earthsongs) but could not come up with a workable solution. Instead, I started over with a setting for accompanied treble choir and viola knowing the skill and musicianship of violist Dr. Charles Gray, Professor of Music (Viola, Violin, String Literature and Pedagogy).
Three tunes are incorporated in this arrangement: Une Jeune Pucelle; Vom Himmel Hoch; and, Veni, Emmanuel. The first tune, Une Jeune Pucelle, is the ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime melody, and first appears in fragments within the opening viola solo. The second theme, Vom Himmel Hoch, is found in the viola part in measure 30, and implies the text, “From heaven above to earth I come To bear good news to every home; Glad tidings of great joy I bring, Whereof I now will say and sing…” which matches the unfolding drama of the ‘Twas in the Moon story. The third tune, Veni, Emmanuel, comes in response to the viola solo with the interjection: “Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel, shall come to you, O Israel.”
