Angels from the Realms of Glory" by James Montgomery was first published in 1816 under the title "Nativity." Through the years, it has undergone transformations and revisions, but none more powerful than this stunning setting for your concert band. Using a five-note motif (the first five notes of the traditional carol), the work proceeds from gentle beginning to dramatic finale. Individual instruments and instrumental choirs are showcased, allowing for bracing timbral shifts and tonal modulations. This gets our highest recommendation. (5:03)