Paul Harris’s A Christmas Sequence is a vibrant and imaginative reworking of five beloved Christmas carols, designed to bring new life to familiar melodies while preserving their timeless spirit. Composed for either unison voices or SATB choir with organ or piano accompaniment, the sequence is ideal for festive performances in churches, schools, or community choirs.

Paul Harris’s Christmas Sequence is a set or five traditional Christmas carols set to new music, for SATB and organ or piano. Colourful and appealing. Also available for unison voices and organ/piano (QT105). The work comprises five movements, each based on a traditional carol:

1. Sussex Carol: This lively opener sets the tone with rhythmic vitality and bright harmonies. Harris’s arrangement adds a buoyant energy that captures the joy of Christ’s birth, making it an uplifting start to the sequence.
2. Christus natus est! A more contemplative piece, this movement draws on chant-like motifs and modal harmonies to evoke the mystery and reverence of the nativity. The Latin title (“Christ is born!”) reinforces its sacred character, and Harris’s setting invites quiet reflection.
3. Herod and Emmanuel: This dramatic contrast explores the tension between darkness and light. The narrative of Herod’s fear and Emmanuel’s promise is underscored by shifting tonalities and expressive dynamics. It’s the emotional heart of the sequence, offering depth and contrast.
4. See Amid the Winter’s Snow: A gentle and lyrical arrangement, this carol is treated with warmth and tenderness. Harris’s harmonies are rich yet subtle, allowing the melody to shine while creating a sense of peaceful wonder.
5. Come, Thou Redeemer of the Earth: The final movement is a triumphant conclusion, with bold chords and expansive textures. It celebrates the arrival of the Redeemer with grandeur and joy, bringing the sequence to a powerful close.

Throughout the work, Harris demonstrates his skill in balancing tradition with innovation.

His settings are respectful of the original carols but infused with fresh musical ideas that make them feel new. The organ or piano accompaniment adds depth and color, supporting the vocal lines without overpowering them.

The sequence is also notable for its accessibility. The unison version allows younger or less experienced choirs to participate, while the SATB arrangement offers more complexity for advanced ensembles.

This flexibility makes A Christmas Sequence a versatile choice for a wide range of performers. In terms of style, Harris’s writing is melodic and expressive, with clear phrasing and thoughtful voice leading.

He uses dynamics and articulation to shape each movement, creating contrast and continuity across the sequence. The result is a cohesive musical journey that moves from celebration to contemplation and back again. 

A Christmas Sequence is more than just a collection of carols—it’s a curated experience that invites singers and listeners alike to engage with the Christmas story in a fresh and meaningful way. Whether performed in a candlelit church or a bustling concert hall, it offers a moment of musical reflection and joy