The Wise Women (Full Vocal Score)
by Conrad Susa
Choir - Sheet Music

Item Number: 719170
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Church opera in 1 Act for mixed voices (Flute (Pic), Classical Guitar, Harp, Percussion, Harpsichord or Piano, Portative Organ, Grand Organ, Handbells)

SKU: EC.5059

Composed by Conrad Susa. Church Opera. 20th Century. Full vocal score. E.C. Schirmer Publishing #5059. Published by E.C. Schirmer Publishing (EC.5059).

UPC: 600313450594. Text: Philip Littell.

Libretto:
Written by Philip Littell

Synopsis:
A Christmas Mystery Fable. Led by a tri-partite star, the Wise Men (Youth, Husband, Old Man), followed by the women (Maiden, Goodwife, Crone), rest at an oasis. Discussion of their trip causes disagreement between the men, who insist they seek an adult king, and the women, who are certain the monarch will be a baby. Deciding to leave the women behind, the men proceed with their entourage following the impatient star. Disappointed, angry and confused, the women lament their fates and retire. As the women sleep, the Holy Mother and Child appear to them in a vision, allowing them to see the baby before the men do. As the shepherds descend on Bethlehem to worship the Child, the Wise Men arrive and question the regality of the Child. A host of unusual angels addresses these doubts in a unique version of the angels' message. During the singing of the Gloria, the Wise Men offer their gifts and retire; th`e shepherds return telling others the good news and the Holy Family is transported to the oasis of the Wise Women. The star invites “children” of all ages to come to the oasis to see the baby. These children and the women fall asleep as the Holy Family leaves. The disappointed and confused Wise Men return. In riddle, the women help the men to understand that the best gift for this King is one which recognizes divinity in every child: love. Satisfied, they all return to their home following the star.

Roles:
THE YOUTH, a wise manTenor
THE HUSBAND, a wise manBaritone
THE OLD MAN, a wise manBass-Baritone
THE MAIDEN, a wise womanSoprano
THE GOODWIFE, a wise womanSoprano
THE CRONE, a wise womanMezzo-Soprano
MARYSoprano
JOSEPHSilent
BABYSilent
SHEPHERDS AND THEIR FLOCKSChorus(SATB)
RETINUE OF THE WISE MEN Chamber Choir (SATB)
HOST OF ANGELS9 Solo voices
CHILDREN (volunteers from the congregation)Silent
THE CONGREGATIONSings along periodically