THE DUCK & THE GOOSE
a very special Christmas Song
Inspired by Classic FM’s viral (amongst choir nerds) formula for a Christmas Carol, I have the great pleasure of presenting my own seasonal contribution: a carol that follows all the rules.
Duration: 5 minutes
Instrumentation: SATB with descant & piano
Text: Jodie O’Regan
Premiere: Well it could be you!
The Story
Have you seen the meme about Christmas carols? It’s been floating around the internet for a few years and shared amongst choir nerds at the seasonally appropriate time. How hard could it be I thought, and attempted to find out!
Here it is. I present to you:
THE DUCK AND THE GOOSE
(with my most sincere apologies to altos who deserve so much more)
Hark A Hark A Hark
now hear the Bethl'h’m throng's rumbling bellies
baby worshipping is hungry work
sing shepherds, wise kings and angellies.
In the theme of good will
each offered up as they were able
til chestnuts, fig puddings and pies
adorned the nascent Christmas table.
If those angels were vegans our tale would end here
for the fare was nutritious and festive
but flying and singing and bringing good cheer
needs the meat of a corpus digestive.
Glory glory the star in the sky
shone down on the duck and the goose
patiently waiting outside in the snow
queuing politely for their turn to low
no care for the future or fate's fowl blow
when the angels appeared with good noose.
Fear not tasty feathery friends
you'll be lost in the crowd at the stable
it's filled to the thatching with sheep and with cows
you'll be welcomed much more at our table.
The sweet, trusting birds joined the fray
and I did not see what next occurred
but feasting continued for days
with toasting to both wond'rous birds
Glory glory the angels on high
sing praise for the goose and the duck
who will live on eternal in our exultation
so willing and tasty a blessed combination
for their Christmas giving to our celebration
was miraculous well seasoned luck.
Glory Glory the duck and the goose
Glory glory the goose and the duck
Glory glory the duck and the goose
(Bethl'h’m heav’n throng)
Glory glory the duck and the goose
ENDS
From My Notebook
This is a silly silly song, and if you can share the meme with the audience, they can be in on the joke, and discover each of the rules as they appear.
The humor is a little sharp, so it won’t suit every choir, but for the right choirs, it’ll be hoot!
I don’t yet have a recording, so I’m happy to provide the score free to a choir willing to perform it and share a good recording with me.
The gorgeous illustrations on this page are from South Australian artist Clare Langsford.
Merry Seasonings.
Perform The Music
Would your choir like to give The Duck and the Goose its first performance?
I’m happy to provide the score free to a choir willing to perform the piece and share a good recording with me.
Please get in touch to request the score.