‘Christmas Lullaby’ should be sung molto legato throughout. My aim was to evoke the atmosphere of a smooth and loving lullaby sung by Mary to the infant Jesus, as referenced by the words of the chorus. Therefore ebb and flow and rise and fall of the melodic lines should always be sung with delicate care, and with long lines throughout. The first tutti voices entry in b.13, though marked MP, should be poignant and controlled. Verse 2 needs a warm sense of confidence. The key change into b.40 should be sung effortlessly through the phrase, in order to provide a smooth and natural transition. The Three Kings (tutti men) in verse 3 need to be as blended and quietly controlled as possible. Again, the key is to think in long lines. The fourth verse forms a retrospective on the holy birth, and should be sung with a feeling of reminiscence and reflection around the Christmas story. Breaths may be staggered on the final note of the piece in order to maintain a feeling of peaceful unity.
