Cat No. JM40671
Price £41.00
Composer / arranger: James Curnow
Category: LIGHT CONCERT MUSIC

The medieval Latin Christmas carol In Dulci Jubilo.

In 1328 the German monk Heirich Seuse, (Suso, c. 1295-1366) described how one night he had a vision in which he joined angels singing and dancing this carol. He does not suggest that the song was unknown to him, and this account follows others in which heavenly musicians perform known plainchant settings. In dulci /ubilo, generally connected with the text, Good Christian Men, Reloice, is believed to be the oldest of all German mixed-language (verses written in different languages) carols and perhaps one of the most arranged melodies in existence.

This arrangement by James Curnow features the settings of three composers over three contrasting centuries. The first setting is by Michael Praetorius (1571-1621, Renaissance German composer) from his Musae Sioniae. Johann Sebastian Bach’s (1685-1750, Baroque German composer) setting follows, probably from a lost cantata, and displays the ornate, flowing style of the Baroque period. Concluding the trilogy is a setting by Sir John Stainer (1840-1901, Romantic English composer), which first appeared in the collection, Christmas Carols New and Old (1871).
This three-verse setting is a fascinating study in the harmonic, melodic and rhythmic styles of each composer. Each setting is a brief glimpse into their personality and
compositional styles.

Note to the Conductor from James Curnow :

Though this arrangement is not technically difficult, one will soon discover how complex it is musically. Particularly at this stage of development, players will feel that the music is not challenging enough until they realize the importance of interpreting the musical phrase. All phrases, regardless of the setting, must be thought of in eight measure groupings. This may be accomplished by staggering the breath, throughout each instrument section, at each four measure (mid-point) phrase. It is never too early to teach musicality.

Dynamics are sparse and in most cases added by the arranger. However, if they are carefully observed they will certainly enhance the quality of the music. Be sure to teach the importance of the first beat (pulse) in each measure and try to avoid putting undue emphasis on the anacrusis at the beginning of each phrase.

If this entire arrangement is too long or too tiring, any one of the settings or any combination of settings may be used. Feel free to be creative. Mallet percussion and timpani parts have been added by the arranger, to aid in the educational process, and may be deleted.