This ‘Christmas Cantata’ was written in 1976 for performance by the choirs (senior and junior) of Altrincham Methodist Church, with piano accompanyment. It was orchestrated by Philip Morgan for performance in Manchester Cathedral in 1977 by the performers listed below. In 1978 it was recorded by BBC Radio Manchester with the same performers, and broadcast at Christmas the same year. It was later re-scored for piano, violin, cello and horn for a school performance. This version will be added to this website at some point.
Mary’s Baby tells the Nativity Story using the old idea that the animals knew better than the humans what was going on at the birth of Jesus. A chorale is used in various forms to signify the idea of a journey – the journey to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus and the individual’s spiritual journey. The music is ‘light’ in style, but formally constructed and of serious intent!
Audio file (32:25) – BBC recording
Video (33:10) – BBC audio with libretto
Mary – Maureen Clair Hinds (Soprano)
Joseph – Richard Carr (Tenor)
Angels – Barbara Fryers, Beryl Kirkpatrick, Helen Robinson (Sopranos)
Narrator – Bill Maiden
Members of the Manchester Cathedral Cantata Choir
The Altrincham Methodist Junior Choir, trained by Mary Maiden
The University of Manchester Chamber Orchestra
Conductor – Philip Morgan
Producer – Vivian Bacon
© 1976 Tom Fryers
Contact: paul.fryers@gmail.com