Good Christian Men, Rejoice (or In Dulce Jubilo) was of course made famous by Mike Oldfield back in 1975 and is possibly one of the most played Christmas tunes there is. In this arrangement David Holling treats us to a Rock/Jazz fusion style in the opening section before settling into a calm, lush cornet solo of the Sussex Carol with jazz-inspired harmonies and orchestrations. The final section brings back the original theme in a Lovatt-Cooper style big finish with all-guns-blazing to the end! This arrangement would suit all bands from Section 3 upwards (not excluding ambitious 4th section bands too!) and works perfectly as a good opener or finisher to a Christmas concert.
Good Christian Men, Rejoice (or In Dulce Jubilo) was of course made famous by Mike Oldfield back in 1975 and is possibly one of the most played Christmas tunes there is. In this arrangement David Holling treats us to a Rock/Jazz fusion style in the opening section before settling into a calm, lush cornet solo of the Sussex Carol with jazz-inspired harmonies and orchestrations. The final section brings back the original theme in a Lovatt-Cooper style big finish with all-guns-blazing to the end! This arrangement would suit all bands from Section 3 upwards (not excluding ambitious 4th section bands too!) and works perfectly as a good opener or finisher to a Christmas concert.
This popular Christmas carol tells the story of a Bohemian King who braved harsh winter weather to give alms to a poor peasant. This takes place on the Feast of Stephen, the first day of Christmas (December 26th). This legend is based on the life of the historical Saint Wenceslas 1, Duke of Bohemia (907 – 935). In 1853 the English hymn writer John Mason Neale wrote his own version of this tale, setting his words to the melody of a 13th century spring carol “Tempus adest floridum” which had first been published in Piae Cantiones (1582). It is this version that has endured to become the popular carol of today.
Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music.
Categories: SOLOS - B♭. Cornet & Band, Christmas Music Composers: Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin Arranger: Philip Littlemore
The successful songwriting team of Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane wrote Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas for the 1944 MGM musical Meet Me in St. Louis, where it was introduced by Judy Garland. The original lyrics were too melancholic and Garland asked for something a little bit more upbeat. Blane substituted them for the now-familiar lyrics of those Garland sang in the movie, although Frank Sinatra asked for one further change so that the song could be included on his album The Joy of Christmas. It is one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time and has been recorded by over 500 artists. This arrangement for cornet solo with band accompaniment, captures the reflective style of the original song, although allows a little bit of magic to close.
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