O Oriens from Vidimus stellam

In the tradition of Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, Kevin Siegfried’s Vidimus stellam (We Have Seen His Star) is a radiant and uplifting work for SATB Chorus and Brass Quintet or Organ. Using traditional Latin texts drawn from Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, Vidimus stellam evocatively traces the theme of Light through the Christmas season. In the choral parts, an expressive lyricism predominates, revealing Siegfried’s affinity for chant and early music. A balance between accessibility and challenge is maintained throughout. This is the first movement, O Oriens, based on the Advent text, "enlighten those who dwell in darkness." Mostly unaccompanied, divisi, the organintermittently playd a melody as if from afar or quietly supporting the lowest pitches.