A Golden Tree SATB (Octavo) Book

This carol was commissioned by the John Lewis Partnership Music Society and first performed at their annual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at Westminster Cathedral in December 2014, conducted by Manvinder Rattan. A melancholic mood pervades throughout the setting, which is melodically rich, with subtle chromatic alterations colouring Paul Williamsons beautifully poetic text that evokes the genealogy of Christ, springing like a tree from the root of Jesse, King Davids father. Long, legato lines are an integral part of this carol, emphasising the peaks and troughs of harmonic change. Close attention should be paid to the dynamics, which underpin the twisting narrative of the text. In the dramatic final chorus, sopranos singing the descant should take time over the expansive descant, and enjoy the gentle descent towards the pieces contemplative resolution.