Shchedryk

for SATB and piano, organ, or other instruments
For his expressive and accessible arrangement of the popular melody known to many as 'Carol of the Bells', Whitbourn has written new lyrics that reflect the melody's true heritage, the Ukrainian folksong Shchedryk. The Ukrainian word 'Shchedryi' means 'bountiful', and the folksong depicts a swallow displaying its goods and predicting a prosperous new year. Whitbourn also draws on the symbolism of the swallow as a bird that signifies the miracle of God's Son coming in the human form, thus retaining the melody's strong association with the Christmas season. The piece is presented with a flexible accompaniment that may be adapted to suit the available forces, including piano, organ, or guitar and melody instruments.