The Sheperd's Chorus (Menotti)

This selection from Amal and the Night Visitors is from the part in the opera where the neighbours are summoned. In the true spirit of Christmas, the neighbours appear and bring festive confectionaries. The tempo is upbeat yet warm, with long phrases that draw you in. It embodies the spirit of fellowship and celebration that is synonymous with the Christmas season. This piece also has a connection to Samuel Barber, who collaborated with Menotti on many compositions. Barber was brought in to finish the orchestration for Amal when the deadline was fast approaching and Menotti had not yet finished the score, which was commissioned by NBC to be aired on Christmas eve in 1951. The inspiration behind Menotti’s setting was Hieronymus Bosch's The Adoration of the Magi.

Westminister Choir