I have been lucky enough to receive two Christmas songs from Australian songwriters.
Greg Schiemer’s “Carol of the Magi” is what you need if you are looking for something out of the ordinary. It has a longing feeling in the 12/8 rhythm. The verses need a cantor but the refrain is for everyone and goes of into inventive harmonies for the choir when the text is repeated. Greg has sent in his songs before – “Poorman’s Heart and “Hymn for Mary MacKillop”, which you can search for on this site.
He sent this message about the song:
Here’s a carol you might like to share at Christmas. Anyone can use it absolutely free of charge. Carol of the Magi was written in 1985 and owes much to the refugees who became neighbours during the previous decade and eventually close friends. The three voices in the repeated refrain can be sung by any available male or female voice in a suitable register. The melody of the refrain seemed unstoppable hence the fade out as Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar continue on their journey. Wishing every Christmas blessing to friend and outsider alike.
Y0u will get the idea from the sheet music that Greg has provided.
He also sent an MP3 backing:
I made one with a different (wrong!) feel: