Christmas Calypso for Marimba Quartet
Percussion Ensemble - Digital Sheet Music

Percussion Ensemble - Digital Download

SKU: A0.935390

Arranged by Dan Heslink. Christian,Christmas. Score and parts. 16 pages. Pharaoh Publications #6117165. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.935390).

Christmas Calypso for Marimba Quartet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Dan Heslink

The calypso style referenced in the title is not the calypso of Afro-Caribbean music from Trinidad and Tobago. Rather, it is the especially toned-down but still rhythmic commercial variant popularized by folk singers. Couched in this style, the arrangement offers Christmas favorites "Deck the Halls," "Angels We Have Heard On High," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Good Christian Men, Rejoice."

 This if one of two versions of the calypso arrangement by Dan Heslink, both of which are available through Sheet Music Plus. The other arrangement, for percussion sextet, follows similar musical contours and is available separately. Both versions are intended to elicit one primary response from both performers and audience – fun. It does not tax the players technically, but delivers a satisfying sound with carols that the performers likely know and love. General audiences will be enchanted by the familiar melodies delivered in percussion, especially at Christmas time.

 The introduction opens with a brisk and rhythmic introduction based on "Deck the Halls," and establishes the fun calypso rhythm immediately. "Deck the Halls" is the much-loved welsh air that was arranged by Haydn, Nos galan (Hob. XXXIb:29, 1803). Then, "Angels We Have Heard on High" breaks out in double-stops with a continuation of the rhythmic impetus. The birth of Jesus Christ as narrated in the Gospel of Luke is the subject of "Angels We Have Heard on High", a traditional French song of unknown origin. The gloria section provides some flowing contrast, portraying the shepherds’ impressions as they encounter a multitude of angels singing and praising. The performers are encouraged to use a relaxed stroke to glide through these passages.

Following is "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," a 16th century English traditional Christmas carol also known under the title, "The old Christmas Carol". It provides a contrast in tonality (minor mode) and texture. The xylophone part likely will lay most comfortably when executed with four mallets, although there are no three or four mallet chords in these passages. "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" is the closing selection in this Christmas medley. It’s title is an English translation of In dulci jubilo  (Latin for "In sweet rejoicing"). The work ends happily with a summation of the calypso rhythm.

 This medley will be especially effective programmed on a winter holiday concert. Duration is 2:30. The arranger, Dan Heslink, assigned a difficulty level of medium easy, and can be contacted at dan@dheslink.com.