The story of Christmas in readings and music based on the Springhead Christmas Play * PROLOGUE: Gloria in excelsis Deo (Cowper c.1474-1535) * The ANNUNCIATION: Ave Maria, gratia plena, plainsong - Angelus ad Virginem, english carol - Alma Redemptoris Mater (Palestrina) - Gabriel's message, basque carol * THE APPEARANCE OF THE ANGELS TO THE SHEPHERDS: Hodie Christus natus est (Bassano) - Jolly shepherd (engl.anon.) - Hodie Christus natus est (Sweelinck) - Past three a clock (engl.carol) * THE BIRTH: Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen (trad.) - There is no rose of such virtu (engl.carol) - Ave maris stella (Bardos, 1899-1886, Hung.) - A spotless Rose (Howells) - O magnum mysterium (Byrd) - Ach Herr, Du Schöpfer (Schütz) * THE ANGELS GREET THE NEW-BORN CHILD * ARRIVAL OF THE SHEPHERDS AT BETHLEHEM *etc...