Between the Lines: "I Sing the Birth," by Andrew Bruhn

Sixteenth-century playwright and poet Ben Jonson wrote the text to this nativity hymn. This original a cappella setting of "I Sing the Birth" begins with an expressive solo, then gives both the women's and men's voices a standalone feature verse before combining the choir in resonant contemporary harmony.

Composer Andrew Bruhn is a choral conductor, composer, and trumpeter. He is currently Director of Choral Music at Rockford Christian Schools in IL. Andrew studied composition with David Cherwien and Alice Parker, and his music is performed by elementary through university level community bands and choirs. The American Choral Directors Association and National Association for Music Education have published Andrew’s writing on vocal music education. Mr. Bruhn lives in Belvidere, IL with his musical wife, Lydia, their two daughters, and golden retriever.

What inspired you to write I Sing the Birth?

I wrote it for the St. Charles Singers—a fabulous professional choir in the Chicago suburbs. They have an annual Candlelight Carols concert series, and this was written for that. Their director, Jeff Hunt, and I both share a love of British choral music, so I found this lovely text by a British writer. I tried to set the text in a way that brings out the natural beauty of the words, but also gives a nod to the British choral tradition.

What teaching suggestions do you have to share for I Sing the Birth?

The opening verse can be a solo or semi-chorus depending on the conductor and needs of the choir. It is often difficult to sing truly beautifully in unison, so in some contexts, a solo might be more appropriate. I would really try to emulate a British choral sound—light voices, with total uniformity of vowels. The Tenor 1 part goes pretty high, I would encourage a rich but light falsetto. Lastly, spend time letting each phrase be shaped beautifully. Nothing should be rushed about it. It's all about beauty and wonder!

What message do you have for singers learning this piece?

I hope that you enjoy singing it, and that it feels naturally expressive to you! I hope it will add beauty, joy, and peace to your program, but more importantly, to your lives!