Am plecat să colindăm

This traditional Romanian Christmas carol, Am plecat să colindăm, is a delightful piece for SATB choir. The title translates to 'We have set out to carol', setting the scene for a festive occasion. The text describes a group of nobles who have gone hunting, not for a deer, but for a hare, the skin of which will be made into a beautiful garment for the Lord. The repeated refrain, Domn, Domn să-nălţăm ('Lord, Lord we exalt'), adds a devotional yet joyful character to the narrative. Gheorghe Cucu's setting of this text would be particularly fitting for Christmas concerts and services, bringing a touch of Eastern European carolling tradition to any programme.