This ever-popular piece is often performed at weddings, funerals and many other solemn ceremonial events. It has always been a favorite among instrumental players and often used in recitals or concert encores. In 1853, the well-known French composer Charles Gounod added his own melody over a rippling keyboard accompaniment which was a slightly adapted version of the Prelude No. 1 in C major, BWV846, from Book I of J. S. Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier, published in 1722. The title of the ?combined? piece was M�ditation sur le Premier Pr�lude de Piano de S. Bach. Gounod?s original arrangement transposed Bach?s keyboard part from C major into F major and it was scored for violin (or cello), organ and piano. In 1859, the French music publishing company Jacques-L�opold Heugel brought out a vocal version based on the familiar Latin text. Ave Maria (Hail Mary) is a traditional Catholic prayer addressed to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus.
The version of Bach's prelude which Gounod used included the so-called "Schwencke measure" (m. 27 in this arrangement), a measure (bar) allegedly added by the German composer and pianist Christian Friedrich Gottlieb Schwencke (1767-1822) in an attempt to correct what was considered a harmonic weakness in the original. Whether there actually was a ?harmonic weakness? (or possibly an error in the manuscript) remains a matter of conjecture but the fact remains that the most familiar-sounding version of this piece, recorded countless times by both singers and instrumentalists includes this Schwencke measure. It is therefore included in this arrangement.
Some published arrangements show minor inconsistencies in the rhythm of the melody. This arrangement uses the familiar rhythm of the Ave Maria version as it appeared in the 1859 edition.

A musical oasis of beauty and tranquility, Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" is arranged here as a duet for oboe and piano. The gentle, flowing nature of this elegant instrumental duet makes this Baroque music a popular, traditional choice for weddings, as a prelude, unity candle accompaniment, a bridal march or a bridesmaid processional. Also recommended for traditional church services and other worship events as a prelude, postlude, an offertory, interlude, special music and silent prayer accompaniment. Key: F major. 11 pages of music (that includes a two-page oboe part).

Here are three refreshing new modern arrangements of three popular traditional carols ?like you ain?t never heard them before?. Intended for the intermediate oboe player and a reasonably competent pianist, they are sure to brighten up your Christmas events whether at home, school, church or recital hall. The pieces could be used during a Christmas service or as stand-alone pieces at an end-of-term presentation. The audio sample includes recordings of all three pieces.

The King Rides Out (based on ?Good King Wenceslas?) starts conventionally enough but turns into a country-style song and then there?s a three-part Bach-like contrapuntal section, concluding with a wistful coda. Waltz with Holly ? or Possibly Ivy (based of course on ?The Holly and the Ivy?) turns into a dreamy waltz with long extended phrases and a good vehicle to show the oboe player?s tone quality. The Merry Gentleman go Latin is a lively rumba version of ?God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen?.

Colin Kirkpatrick studied composition, cello and piano at London?s prestigious Royal College of Music and after graduation followed a career in music education. He was a High School Music Director in London for about fifteen years and later became a Music Education Adviser for local government, with the added responsibility for training teachers and directing the instrumental teaching service.

He has been published by Boosey & Hawkes, Novello, Paxton, Schott, Oxford University Press, Chester and Belwin Mills. He holds MA and PhD degrees and his other interests include reading, photography, travel, cooking and wine tasting.