Lo! Star-led Chiefs
(Palestine)
By William Crotch

This is an excellent anthem for Anglican/Episcopal Evensong in Epiphany or where the Gospel is Matthew 2:1-12. Choirmasters need to know the text of the anthem: "Lo star-led chiefs, Assyrian odours bring, and bending Magi seek their infant King. Mark'd ye, where hovering o'er...

his radiant head, the dove's white wings celestial glory shed?" This is a typical Georgian anthem with much repetition of the text. The choir parts are delightfully imitative and, once learned, are always enjoyed by the singers. The vocal parts will help to teach your choir breath control and how to sustain a long line with a controlled crescendo. The organist, most definitely, needs to do some work on the accompaniment (orchestral transcription from Crotch's Oratorio "Palestine") and to choose light, descriptive and supportive registrations. This anthem is well worth the effort and your choir will want to sing it every year!