In the Depth of Winter's Darkness

This lovely choral anthem for Advent_x0014_ a setting of Joy Patterson's five-stanza hymn text to the hymn tune BRYN CALFARIA_x0014_ is scored for SSA choir, keyboard, and solo instrument in C. The cascading figuration of the introduction and interludes contrasts with the staid 3/2 rhythms at the beginning of the hymn tune, but is motivically linked to the tune's more active closing phrase, here setting the words "Come, Lord Jesus, quickly come!" The pacing of the arrangement is especially attractive, as it builds in voicing and accompanimental texture over the course of the piece.