Stella Natalis

Instrumentation: tpt(=picc.tpt)-timp(optional).perc(2):sleigh bells/finger.cyms/2tgl/tamb/darbuca (goblet drum)/riq(tamb)/kick drum (optional)/susp.cym/glsp/xyl/frame.dr/tom-t (low)/SD/cyms-pft(=organ).cel(optional)-strings

Stella natalis is a work in twelve movements by Karl Jenkins celebrating different aspects of Christmastide - winter, the sleeping child, tidings of peace, thanksgiving - with words ranging from the psalms to new texts by Carol Barratt.

Conveying the Christmas message of peace, goodwill, compassion and a new beginning, Stella natalis (‘star of birth’, ‘star of origin’) draws on an expanded palette of inspiration, including the Old Testament, Zulu text and reference to Hindu gods.

The scoring is for mixed chorus with an optional second chorus suitable for children's voices, and trumpet, keyboards, percussion and string orchestra. This vocal score features a fully realisedkeyboard reduction for rehearsal purposes.