The Shepherd's Carol

In this octavo, Smith's musical setting of Ridge's text deftly captures the perspective of the shepherds who were visited by the angels heralding the coming of the Christ Child. Each of the five verses has three rhyming lines, the simplicity of which helps to underscore Jesus's humble arrival at Bethlehem. The plaintive and beautiful minor-key setting is scored for SATB choir with descant, accompanied by keyboard and guitar. Separately downloadable parts for string quartet are available at ocp.org.