First 50 Christmas Carols You Should Play On

SKU: BT.YE0075

Four Double Basses. Eight well-known Christmas carols in a new guise. Score and parts.

The Programme of Christmas Carols was first performed in New Orleans in 1976. In its original version, the players were required to wear Dickensian costume and a seasonal narrative preceded each of the carol arrangements. The texts appear below.

Duration without text: c.20 minutes
Duration with text: c.45 minutes

Introduc tion by Robert Rohe

The introductory text, assembled with the kind assistance of Father Peacock of Loyola University of New Orleans, was designed for use where the receptivity of the audience warrants. So little is known about thebeloved Christmas carols, it is fitting that a brief sketch of the carols' past be used to enhance the familiar music.

If desired, the introductory text may be omitted at the discretion of the performers.

The brief text preceding each carol should be used to acquaint the audience with what to expect, from a quartet that will be playing the unexpected. The text also will pace the program and will extend performance time to around 45 minutes.

In performance, the bass viol quartet of New Orleans wore peaked caps, and turtle necked sweaters to simulate the street performers of Dickens' time. The choice of four string basses for this program was to bring the closest relatives of the true viol into play.

History and development of the Christmas Carol

The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ has been observed for nearly 2,000 years, through the ritual of the Christian Church, with part of that ritual being devoted to celebration in song. In those early days, church music was sung only, no musical instruments taking part in the service.

The type of song used by the church had the name 'plain-song'. It was a single line of melody, plain and unadorned, sung by one or more voices. By the year 1660 A.D., it had developed a second name, 'The Gregorian Chant', after Pope Gregory, who encouraged the use.

SKU: AP.1-ADV7422

ISBN 9783892215769. UPC: 805095074222. English. Traditional.

Noels (the French spelling) are old but enduring carols that often tell a ballad-like story. Nowells (English spelling) are likely derived from and developed by English wandering minstrels. Both carols and nowells are often in 3/4 meter, lending themselveswell to dance. The First Nowell is one of a few carols that survived a ban on Christmas by the English Parliament in 1645. The tune is one of the oldest ballad carols, perhaps dating back to 1500, and likely originating in England. This arrangement of The First Nowell has multiple settings of the 3/4 time melody.

This arrangement for saxophone quartet (SATBar)---rather than favoring a soprano solo with accompaniment---strives to include all the players in the music making, particularly by distributing melodic material throughout the ensemble. In addition, all dynamics and articulations should be taken as suggestions only, as performers are encouraged to make their own interpretations.

SKU: CF.FAS38

ISBN 9780825861130. UPC: 798408061135. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: D major.

One of the most beloved of all Christmas carols is presented in an easy, yet beautiful arrangement by Roy Phillippe. Every sections is given a chance to play the melody in the very playable setting. The optional piano part adds interest and colorful lines to this already very special piece.
I am of the opinion that a piece of music is not judged by how difficult it is to play, but by how good it sounds. While my arrangement of Silent Night is written for beginning string players, I have tried to keep it interesting for all players. It should be played warmly with expression to create a full sound.The piece begins with an introduction based on the three-note Silent Night motive. The main melody is introduced in m. 5 by the first Violins, and is harmonized by the second Violins and Violas. The Cellos reiterate the motive in mm. 6,8,10 and 11. Beginning at m.12 the motive alternates between the Violin II and the Cellos. The melody is played tutti until the key change at m.29, at which point when the Cellos and Basses take the melody with light accompaniment in the Violins and Violas. The final statement of the melody is played by the first violins beginning in m. 37. The Silent Night motive from the beginning alternates between Violin II and the Cellos to the end.

SKU: OU.9780193396975

ISBN 9780193396975. 10 x 7 inches.

For SATB unaccompanied This Christmas miniature sets the popular Latin text rejoicing in the birth of the Saviour. A 'vivace' tempo marking and offset rhythms combine with Pott's uniquely striking harmonies and undulating polyphony to form a joyous piece that will contrast well with more traditional carols.

About Oxford New Horizons

N ew Horizons showcases the wealth of exciting, innovative, and occasionally challenging choral music being written today. It encompasses the whole gamut of small-scale choral genres, both secular and sacred, and includes pieces for upper-voice and mixed choirs. With titles by some of the most accomplished choral composers active in Great Britain and abroad, the series introduces new repertoire and fresh talent to a broad spectrum of choirs. New Horizons features composers with growing reputations for quality composition reflecting a strong individual voice. The series is continually expanding and should be the first place to look for attractive and performable contemporary choral music.

SKU: OU.9780193375598

ISBN 9780193375598. 10 x 7 inches.

For SATB unaccompanied As Joseph was a-walking is a beautifully serene and atmospheric setting of traditional words on the prophecy of Christ's birth as told to Joseph by an angel. With rich harmonies, striking chromatic moments, and appealing contours, this is an ideal carol for more able choirs.

About Oxford New Horizons

N ew Horizons showcases the wealth of exciting, innovative, and occasionally challenging choral music being written today. It encompasses the whole gamut of small-scale choral genres, both secular and sacred, and includes pieces for upper-voice and mixed choirs. With titles by some of the most accomplished choral composers active in Great Britain and abroad, the series introduces new repertoire and fresh talent to a broad spectrum of choirs. New Horizons features composers with growing reputations for quality composition reflecting a strong individual voice. The series is continually expanding and should be the first place to look for attractive and performable contemporary choral music.

SKU: OU.9780193529915

ISBN 9780193529915. 10 x 7 inches.

For SSSSAATBB unaccompanied In this haunting arrangement of the well-known carol, Higgins creates a mystical soundscape by layering a single motif in a four-part soprano canon. These repetitions echo throughout and support the various textures explored in each verse, producing a dramatic and atmospheric setting of the Basque carol.

About Oxford New Horizons

N ew Horizons showcases the wealth of exciting, innovative, and occasionally challenging choral music being written today. It encompasses the whole gamut of small-scale choral genres, both secular and sacred, and includes pieces for upper-voice and mixed choirs. With titles by some of the most accomplished choral composers active in Great Britain and abroad, the series introduces new repertoire and fresh talent to a broad spectrum of choirs. New Horizons features composers with growing reputations for quality composition reflecting a strong individual voice. The series is continually expanding and should be the first place to look for attractive and performable contemporary choral music.