VIII. Out of the Orient Crystal Skies (1975)
Music by Richard Zgodava (1924–2011); Trad. English Carol (ca. 1610)
During his varied career as solo pianist, organist and choirmaster, American composer Richard Zgodava wrote numerous choral works for the Christmas season. Many were presented in concerts and on recordings by the Bach Society, the Dale Warland Singers, Exultate Ensemble and the National Lutheran Choir. “Out of the Orient Crystal Skies” is his most popular holiday setting, featuring an English Renaissance text describing the birth of Jesus in soaring arpeggiated figures above irresistible choral punctuations.
Out of the orient, crystal skies
A blazing star did shine,
Showing the place where poorly lies
A blessed Babe divine.
This shining star three kings did guide
Even from the farthest East,
To Bethlehem where it betide
This blessed Babe did rest,
He was born of a maid of royal blood
Who “Mary” was called by name,
A sacred rose which once did bud
By grace of heavenly flame.
And for the joy of His great birth
A thousand angels sing:
Glory and peace unto the earth
Where born is this new King!
Alleluia! Sing of the joy of his great birth
Glory and peace unto the earth.