Stephen Hatfield: Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy

  
The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy is a Trinidadian folk carol with a calypso flavour. This arrangement explores the Caribbean style known as "Afro-Cuban": independent melodic lines with strong rhythmic pulses are superimposed to build up textures that are both rich and translucent. Every section of the choir is spotlit; every section gets its turn to lead. The piece would especially suit a choir in search of something seasonal but upbeat which is not a "novelty number."