The Fantasy on Tempus Adest Floridum ("Gentle Mary Laid Her Child") tells the story of the shepherds' visit to Bethlehem's stable. The music begins with a tender lullaby, which soon gives way to merry piping as the shepherds hurry to find the Child; arriving at the stable, they dance for the Holy Family: first a dreamy waltz, then a rustic "stomp." The final section moves freely to a high-spirited conclusion.
A crowd-pleaser for holiday services and recitals. Useful on the Feast of Saint Stephen (Dec. 26) and during the Easter festivals, as this tune is also associated with "Good King Wenceslas" and "Spring Has Now Unwrapped the Flowers."