Chilcott takes on a landmark of the choral repertory, the Christmas oratorio, with this majestic work. Words from St. Luke and St. Matthew are intertwined with 16th-19th-century poetry to create a retelling of the Christmas story. Five hymn texts are set to original melodies that take their place among the season's tradition of great hymnody and enable the audience or congregation to join in with the choir. As in the St. John Passion, much of the narrative is presented by a tenor soloist in the role of Evangelist, with focal points such as the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis and Rosetti's Love came down at Christmas taken by mezzo-soprano and bass soloists. There are two poignant unaccompanied movements for the chorus, which also assumes small character roles. The orchestration is available for rental only.