Wexford Carol, The
This traditional Irish carol is set for SATB choir, piano and optional oboe and 3-octaves of handbells. The text begins: 'Tis now the season of the year to celebrate and bring good cheer, to share with all this Christmas time a gift of peace and love sublime." The rhythm suggest the playfulness of the Irish as well as mixed major and minor harmonies common to that country's folk music. The bells score is included on the back page of the anthem and consist mostly of open fifths in chromatic procession.