Good News!
VOICING: SATB Choir, Piano, with Optional C Instrument, Chimes, and Tambourine
DIFFICULTY: medium
TONE: joyful storytelling
DURATION: 4'30"
YEAR COMPOSED: 2023
GENERAL: Winner of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir National Christmas Carol Commission Competition (2023). Premiered by the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Eric Stark, Artistic Director
TEXT: Based on Luke 1:27-38, 2:6-16
Good News!
“Greetings to you of holy favor.
God is with us through our Savior.
Do not fear, for He will free us.
You will call Him Jesus.”
“How will this be,” did Mary ask,
“Since I am a Virgin?”
“The Holy Ghost resides within.”
“You are the Lord’s servant.”
(“I am the Lord’s servant.”)
“My soul glorifies the Lord.
I, His humble servant be.
Scattered pride and banished shame.
Sing, ‘Holy is His name!’”
“Good news! Great joy!
Good news, great joy for all the people.”
First to hear this glorious news,
Low shepherds God did choose.
“Be not afraid”, the angel sang
And told them why he came.
“I bring you good news that will cause great joy.
The town of David has given a boy.
Go see this sign and fear not of danger
Lying in a manger.”
“In a manger, ye shall find Him,
In the stalls of Bethlehem.”
When the shepherds reached the stable
Seeing the babe did comfort them.
“Good news! Great joy!
Good news, great joy!”
Ring out, bells! Ring out and gaily play!
Shout and tell! The Lord has come today!
If ye hear, lift up your voice and sing:
“Praise be to our newborn King!”
“Good news, good news!
Go and tell it!”
Share the good news of great joy!
“Good news, great joy!”
“In a manger, ye shall find Him,
In the stalls of Bethlehem.”
When the shepherds reached the stable
Seeing the babe did comfort them.
“Glory to God in the highest Heav’n
On Earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”
“Good news! Great joy!
Good news, great joy for all the world!”
Note from the Composer
In the Bates-Hendricks neighborhood of Indianapolis, Indiana, there is a quiet residential street with a wide median adorned with colorful foliage and a stepping stone path. Nestled in the center of the median is a tiny wooden shelter with a vaulted ceiling and steeple. Within this open-air structure resides a community piano that thoughtful neighbor places outside during the spring and summer for the community to enjoy. A local sanctuary. This is where I wrote "Good News!”
For centuries, Christmas carols have enriched the Advent season with their captivating storytelling and tuneful melodies. These songs hold a special place in the hearts of many, primarily because of their comforting familiarity. My aim was to make "Good News!" resonate like a beloved carol that audiences already know and enjoy. By blending techniques from the 18th to the 21st century, this composition evokes the joy and anticipation of Christ's birth.
Ordering Scores
This work is published as a digital score with a performance license. The cost is $3.00 per score, 10 copy minimum order. Instrumental parts and the conductor's score are included.
To Order:
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Click the link to email Daniel Watson Music LLC.
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Specify the total number of performers (include all singers, directors, pianists) and the name of your choir.
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An invoice will be sent to you via PayPal requesting payment.
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Once payment is received, you will emailed the licensed PDF for the above number of copies within three business days (excluding weekends and holidays).