Category: Christmas Music Composer: Gustav Holst Arranger: Robert van Beringen
Grade 3 Duration 5.40
Gustav Holst composed almost 200 works, one being a very elegant and charming fantasy on the old English Christmas carols: Good Christian Men, Rejoice; God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen; Come Ye Lofty, Come; and The First NoweIl. The fantasy, called Christmas Day, was originally written for mixed choir with orchestra or organ accompaniment. Robert van Beringen has arranged this work for band exactly 100 years later. His arrangement can be performed as an instrumental piece or with a choir, making it suitable for any occasion.
In a performance with choir, the passages in cue notes (cue Choir) should be left out as much as possible — to maintain the balance between the choir and instrumentalists. In an instrumental performance, these notes — which you will find in the score as well as the parts, should be ignored.
If you enjoyed listening to this extract, you can buy the full performance CD on this site. The CD is "CHRISTMAS DAY" with the Black Dyke Band conducted by Dr. Nicholas Childs.
Category: Christmas Music Composer: Gustav Holst Arranger: Robert Beringen
Grade 3 Duration 5.40
Gustav Holst composed almost 200 works, one being a very elegant and charming fantasy on the old English Christmas carols: Good Christian Men, Rejoice; God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen; Come Ye Lofty, Come; and The First NoweIl. The fantasy, called Christmas Day, was originally written for mixed choir with orchestra or organ accompaniment. Robert van Beringen has arranged this work for band exactly 100 years later. His arrangement can be performed as an instrumental piece or with a choir, making it suitable for any occasion.
In a performance with choir, the passages in cue notes (cue Choir) should be left out as much as possible — to maintain the balance between the choir and instrumentalists. In an instrumental performance, these notes — which you will find in the score as well as the parts, should be ignored.
If you enjoyed listening to this extract, you can buy the full performance CD on this site. The CD is "CHRISTMAS DAY" with the Black Dyke Band conducted by Dr. Nicholas Childs.
Categories: Christmas Music, Quartets Material: Traditional Arranger: David Stowell
Duration: 6′ 15″
Hymn-like and haunting, this re-working of a traditional Christmas theme is perfect to bring out the beautiful mellow sound of a great Brass Band. A great Christmas concert piece Christmas Eve enhances the joy of Christmas time.
The piece features a solo quartet of two Cornets, Tenor horn and Euphonium, and to create the most atmospheric sound, the quartet is best sited away from the main band, to answer, echo and augment the main band’s playing.
Category: Christmas Music Composer: Leroy Anderson Arranger: Andrew Duncan
Duration: 7.00
Great new arrangement of this Christmas "classic" that every band should have.
A short mp3 audio extract is provided here to give you a sample of the work.
This title should be playable by Fourth Section bands and above - first section however is in Db.Major.
A transcription of the very best Christmas medley ever written! All your favourite Christmas tunes skilfully woven in this great arrangement. ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘0 Come All ye Faithfull’ are pIyed together in counterpoint at the end of the piece.
Features: Joy to the World, Deck the Halls, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas looked out, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, Jingle Bells 0 Come. All Ye Faithful.
A must for any Christmas concert!
Grade equivalents for Brass Band test-pieces where there is considerable overlap at the higher levels, depending on the level of competition (local, regional or national):
Category: Christmas Music Composer: Paul Lovatt-Cooper
As the title suggests, A Christmas Finale provides an ideal close to any Christmas concert. Paul Lovatt-Cooper has taken a collection of popular works associated with Christmas and expertly crafted this wonderful piece to provide both the listener and performer with an exciting Christmas musical experience.
A note from the composer; "I love the magic of Christmas. I find the whole experience exciting, from the handing out of presents to the movies shown on television. However, it is the music I love the most, from Christmas carols to Christmas number ones, it all adds to the unique atmosphere and sense of joviality associated with this wonderful time of year. A Christmas Finale captures my yuletide emotions and will hopefully provide enjoyment for you too! Merry Christmas."
A Christmas Finale was composed at the request of Nicholas Childs and Black Dyke Band and recorded by the same performers on CD24782 The Black Dyke Christmas Carol.
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