Kevin Siegfried

Vidimus stellam 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 fifth and final movement, Vidimus stellam, based on the Epiphany text, 'We have seen his star in the East. ' The organ begins quietly asif in awe, with the same material the choir will sing as 'Vidimus stellam. ' The mood remains quiet and adoring until it is interrupted by a majestic restatement of the opening material. A gentler section follows 'Venit lumen tuum (Your light is come). ' And again bursting out, the same text is repeated in a grand conclusion to this movement and the entire work.