for mixed voices (SATB with divisi) a cappella
Text: English (Bible: Isaiah 11:6–9, New International Version)
Duration: c5 minutes
Difficulty: 3/5
Use: Christmas

Commissioned by the Anglo-Chinese Junior College Alumni Choir, Singapore, and first performed in December 2018, The Isaiah Carol uses text from the book of Isaiah which tells of the of the profound changes in the world that come with the arrival of the Messiah at Christmas (‘The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat…’). The peaceful character of the music reflects the hope and concord of the text, and incorporates Arnesen’s characteristic warm harmonies and beautiful melodic craftmanship. Each verse is interspersed with alleluia’s which build to celebratory climaxes and harmonic twists which will delight both performer and audience. Suitable for intermediate choirs, this carol is sure to become a favourite for both Christmas concerts and Services.

Text
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.

Alleluia!

The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.

Alleluia!

The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.

Alleluia!

They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.

Alleluia!

Kim André Arnesen
Arnesen is one of the most frequently performed composers from Norway today. He grew up in Trondheim where he was a chorister in the Nidaros Cathedral Boys’ Choir, later being educated at the Music Conservatory in Trondheim. With an interest in baroque music, contemporary classical music, and popular music, Kim could have taken many roads, but choral music became his greatest passion. As a composer, he had his first performance at the age of 18 with the boys’ choir. Since then he has written music that has been performed and recorded by choirs all over the world. In 2015–16, Kim was Composer-in-residence for the Denver-based choral ensemble Kantorei and Artistic Director Joel Rinsema. The residency concluded with the recording of Kim’s second CD album released in early 2018 on Naxos Records. He continues to enjoy a busy international schedule of commissions.