Composed	1988
Duration	11'
Instrumentation	SATB, Strings, Organ, Trumpet & Tubular Bells
Comments	This is a setting of a poem by the C15th Scottish poet William Dunbar. It has a mediaeval flavour and consists of 7 verses in celebration of the nativity, though it has none of the modern (German or Dickensian) attributes of Christmas. Rather it breathes the intoxication of universal Spring and joy of creation. Opening with a Latin chant taken up by the 'cello and bass; the cantata builds to a climax of resounding vocal and instrumental power. Sudden changes of tempi and rhythm, flourishes on the organ and trumpet, slashing string chords and peals of tubular bells, along with demanding vocal leaps match the colourful text of Dunbar.
Performances	Fortrose, 1988. Edinburgh, 1995.
Recordings	CD.