Description David Ashley White’s setting of Jaroslav J. Vajda’s beloved Christmas text has a plainchant-like character. The upper and lower voices sing in canon and can be accompanied ad lib by six handbells . The piece is effective with various moods: either gently atmospheric or more bold. Given its straightforward performance demands, it could be particularly useful as a Christmas processional or introit.

Review
"White uses a masterful text by Jaroslav Vajda as a launching point for an atmospheric evocation with many aleatory elements. The central focus is a graceful melody fitted expertly to the three stanzas of text. White provides a second-voice harmonization and a canonic entrance placement, the latter being specifically reserved for the third verse. In the composer’s note, he advocates utmost freedom in the realization of the score, including mixture of voice parts and instrumental backing. In addition to random ringing of handbells, White suggests other percussion, keyboard instruments, and melodic instruments joining in a variety of capacities. This semi-organized chance music is not new in church music. William Albright’s hymns in The Hymnal 1982 take a similar approach, as do previous publications by White himself. Rather than being formulaic or mannerist, White’s use of this technique is convincing and germane to the text. The notes pose little challenge to singers, thus rehearsal time will mostly be required to gain confidence in the choreography and to successfully achieve an “intentionally random” sensibility. This piece would be particularly useful in a performance with many anthems, such as a service of lessons and carols." --AAM Journal, Oct. 2018