for SATB (with divisions) and organ
This jubilant and upbeat Christmas carol sets a celebratory hymn of praise by Timothy Dudley-Smith, weaving together the festive symbolism of the season with heartfelt gratitude for God's works. The piece beautifully fuses a dance-like character with a catchy modal melody and a steady, bell-like pulse.
for SATB (with divisions) and organ
The Bells of Christmas is a jubilant and upbeat Christmas carol, setting a celebratory hymn of praise by Timothy Dudley-Smith. Moving from simple unison lines to rich harmonies with soaring soprano divisions, the piece creates a vibrant choral texture. Its dance-like character blends with a catchy modal melody and a steady, bell-like pulse that evokes the joyful tolling of Christmas bells. Ideal for choirs, this carol beautifully weaves together the festive symbolism of the Christmas season with heartfelt gratitude for God's works.
Sarah Quartel is one of Canada's most internationally celebrated and widely performed living choral composers. Her music is programmed globally, and her commissions have premiered in spaces such as Carnegie Hall, Canterbury Cathedral, and the famed Church of the Rock in Helsinki. Raised as a choral singer herself, Sarah is inspired by the life-changing relationships that can occur in group singing. She is known for her fresh, exciting, and chorister-centred approach to music making, writing in a way that connects singer to singer, ensemble to conductor, and performer to audience. Sarah also works as a clinician, visiting composer, and guest conductor at music education and choral events in Canada and abroad.
