Merry Christmas!!!

Here's a marvelous realization of the coming of the three kings by Healey Willan.  Recall that the text shapes the music in all great works.  Here's the text:

 "Who knocks tonight so late?"
the weary porter said.
Three kings stood at the gate,
each with a crown on head.

The serving man bowed down,
the Inn was full, he knew.
Said he, "In all this town
is no fit place for you."

A light in the manger lit;
there lay the Mother meek.
This place is fit.
Here is the rest we seek.

Come, come. They loosed their latchet strings,
so stood they all unshod
"Come in, come in, ye kings,
and kiss the feet of God."

The piece begins with a quiet, straightforward question sung in D minor, answered--as if by angels--in the higher voices.  Then back to the narrative, with a musical "bow" as the serving-man bows to the kings, telling them they really don't want to stay here or, for that matter, in any place in Bethlehem.   The music 'walks' with the serving-man as he leads them through the gates of the compound.

Then the angels--the high voices--return, telling of a Light; the Kings (lower voices) declare the place to be fit and 'restful' (as the Prince of Peace is present).  They end that declaration in the key of D Major, the classical music key of joy.

Then the music begins a slow ascent (to the heavenly) with the angels commanding them to "Come In!"; you can hear the 'command tone' in the brief phrase and its repetition.  

Why must they enter?

To kiss the feet of God--musically realized with a dramatic, suddenly quiet, descending line (to the feet) and a marvelous 8 voice repose on "God."

So should we all.

Merry Christmas!