A RESEARCH PAPER ON THE PIECE “O!

BETHLEHEM”, A
CHRISTMAS MOTET IN EFIK LANGUAGE

INTRODUCTION:

Christmas is undoubtedly one of the most cheerful periods/seasons

both in the general calendar and the liturgical calendar of the Holy Mother
Church; this is not just because the church just started a new liturgical
calendar, or because the year is getting to an end and we are all anxiously
waiting to see the new year, but also because, Christ the new King is born
into the heart of us all.

ORIGIN:

The Inspiration to this work came, after a careful research was done
into the norms and culture the Efiks celebrate this period. People
occasionally gather at religious centres/churches to pray and thank God for
the gift of Christ – the Messiah promised. Songs are sung and rendered as
carols – as both Westerns Anthems and Traditional folks (most especially)
displaying the rich Efik culture with different tunes and instruments; this is
evident in the song instrumentation. The people’s anxiety towards the “D-
day”, i.e., 25th December, is re-echoed in the song as the third part
occasional acclaims “Esang ke Bethlehem” meaning “Let’s go to Bethlehem”.
What we are going to do in Bethlehem is what I have described in the course
of the musical journey in this piece.

THE PIECE

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The piece, “O! Bethlehem”, is a 52 bar piece, written in 8 time and in
the key of G (though the choir, depending on its vocal strength, may present
this a semi-tone higher or lower). It begins with a polyphonic acapella Intro
of 12 bars, describing Bethlehem - the mystery surrounding her and the
wonder/good she has done the whole human race by being the birth home
of the Emmanuel.

The second part of the song begins with a Tenor echo of “Esang ke
Bethlehem” (Let’s go to Bethlehem, to see our Mighty King), this is followed
by an acapella duet by the sopranos and altos drawing our attention to the
sweet voices of the angels making merry, singing and glorifying Him through
all ages. The tenors invite us once more, the dwellers on earth, to shout with
joy as the promise of the Messiah, has been fulfilled.

The song drives down with 2 to 3 subsequent sections describing the

significance of the gift of Christ to human race, his sovereignty as King of
kings, Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counselor, and Prince of Peace.
Followed by the last echo, still inviting us to Bethlehem to see for ourselves
this sacred mystery made manifest.

CONCLUSION

The text of this music was carefully curled from the narrative of the
birth of Christ according to St. Luke and the musical rhythm, note and time
was set to display and typify the rich Efik culture and heritage. I sincerely
hope this piece will be found suitable for worship in Churches
(interdenominational) within and outside the confines of the Efik Kingdom.

Effiong E. Ekpe (J.P.)