This is perhaps a slightly lesser-known piece of Christmas music (Well, it may be better known in classical-fan circles). It doesn't scream "CHRISTMAS" in the way the Nutcracker Suite has come to, but I like this piece a lot. It is quiet and restful.
It comes from Hector Berlioz' oratorio called "L'Enfance du Christ" (Christ's Childhood), and it is based on the Holy Family's flight to Egypt to avoid Herod. This part is called "The Shepherds' Farewell" and it kind of is what it says on the tin: it is the shepherds who have been to the Manger bidding the family farewell as they leave.
Interesting how I hear peace, quiet, and restfulness in a piece that is part of an oratorio about an event that was decidedly NOT restful. (As much as I love the tune of Coventry carol, the subject matter - what is traditionally called The Slaughter of the Innocents - makes me very sad.)
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