A medieval folk belief of old Europe was that of all the animals miraculously starting to speak at the birth of the Christ Child. In about 1630, William Austin, a poet and lawyer in London, drew on this traditional belief to write one of his "Carrols, for Christmas-day," in which he imagined what the most Stentorian animal of all, the rooster, might say about the new-born Holy Infant in Bethlehem. In setting William Austin’s “carrol” to music, James Siddons has given the organ the role of creating a soundscape to underpin the drama of Chanticleer’s proclamation. Following each of Austin’s three stanzas, an adaptation of the old French tune “O Come, Emmanuel” is played by handbells in a harmonic style that recalls the pealing of church bells on Christmas morning. This work is appropriate for the beginning of Advent and Christmas day worship, and in a service or program of Christmas music; for example, a service of lessons and carols. There is a fuller Program Note and some Performing Notes in the score (p. ii).

The purchase price includes permission to print 14 copies of the score, for two Readers, 8-10 handbell players, organist, and conductor, as well as permission to video-record a school or church performance for posting on websites and streaming broadcasts.