Isaac Watts (1674-1748) wrote the lyrics of 'There is a land of pure delight' and is known as the 'Father of English Hymnody'. Watts was for the English hymn as Ambrose was for the medieval Latin hymn and what Martin Luther was for the German chorale. He wrote about 750 songs and some of them survide the ravahes of time. (Joy To The World When I survey the wondrous cross I sing the Mighty Power of God) 'There is a Land of Pure Delight' is usually in English-speaking areas sung on Luther Orlando Emerson's melody ('Ascription'). Here is used a traditional English melody ('Mendip'). There is a land of pure delight Wheresaints immortal Reign. Infinite day excludes the night And pleasures banish pain ..

The tradition of the Christmas tree in Western Europe dates back to a time long before any Christianization had taken place. During the severely cold winter nights so it was believed evil spirits tried to 'kill' nature. Needle-leaved trees were the only ones which kept their green colour throughout the year and therefore became symbols of immortality. These 'living' trees said to be the work of benign spirits were brought into people's houses to ward off evil life-threatening powers. In the 14th century people first started to decorate Christmas trees. It was a pagan custom originated by the inhabitants of Alsace. This custom was taken over by the Church inthe course of the 15th and 16th century. At first the decoration consisted mainly of edibles such as apples and wafers but later small presents were added. Legend has it that the reformer Martin Luther was the first person to decorate a Christmas tree with candles. The flickering candle flames were meant to create the image of a starry sky in which Christ's apparition could be recognized. The German organ-player Ernst Anschütz from Leipzig was the first person to notate the song 'O Tannenbaum' the melody being a well-known folk song. Next to 'Stille Nacht' 'O Tannenbaum' is the most famous German Christmas song now known throughout the world. In the United States of America the melody of 'O Tannenbaum' has even been used in four States (among which the State of Maryland) for their State song. In David Well's arrangement the song is first heard as many of us know it. After this introduction however it is transformed into a solid rock version and the beat has been changed. In the second part the familiar three-four time is back but here the rhythm is different from the original. After the richly ornamented rock beat the basic theme can be heard once again and the composition is concluded in a festive manner.

Les Anges dans nos campagnes-The title of this clever arrangement reveals the Christmas song it is based on. The melody can be traced back to a French folksong from the 18th century which is now known around the world. In France it is called Les anges dans nos campagnes in Germany it is most widely known as Engel auf den Feldern singen and in England it was originally called Angels From the Realms of Glory but it often known as Angels We Have Heard on High. Everyone will rejoice upon hearing the ‘Gloria in excelsis Deo’ refrain!

Five Variations on the 'Brugg Song'-Kaleidoscope is a set of five variations of on the ‘Brugger Lied’ (Brugg Song) which is the traditional song of the town of Brugg. The lyrics tell of the geography people and traditions of this charming and historic town which is situated in the north of Switzerland near to the German border about halfway between Basel and Zurich.Each variation is based on tiny extracts of the theme the whole piece therefore resembling the effect of a kaleidoscope which juxtaposes small fragments of colour in a constantly changing pattern.

The German Christmas song Von Himmel hoch O Englein kommt is one of the oldest known German carols with the earliest versions also known as Susani going back to the 14th century. This exceptional arrangement by Jan de Haan works extremely well for brass band and will make an ideal work for any Christmas concert.

Dreaming of love. This is the theme of the folksong on which the composition was based. Its characteristic melody inspired Jacob de Haan to this instrumental romance with a transparent structure consisting of an introduction the folk-melody a development of the theme the folk-melody accompanied by ornamental triplets followed by the final bars.

Petersburger Schlittenfahrt: an inspired sleigh ride through St. Petersburg in the wintertime. This work by the German Richard Eilenberg (1848-1925) is so popular in Russia that nowadaysit is thought of as a Russian composition. Franz Watz has taken this wintery Christmas song and made a magnificent arrangement for concert band.

O Take My Hand Dear Father-This celebrated song is based on a poem by Julie Hausmann (1826-1901) a Latvian teacher who was probably blind. The text draws on her personal experience and unshakeable faith in God death and eternal life. The melody by Friedrich Silcher is written in a simple and delicate style but also draws on the grand romantic tradition of Wagner and Bruckner. This arrangement can also be performed with a mixed choir. The choir parts are in German.

Ihr Hirten erwacht (Ye Sherperds Awake) is one of the most beloved of all German Christmas songs. The origins of this reflective folk tune are unknown but it was printed for the first time in a song book in 1852. Michael Friedmann has crafted an outstanding arrangement that features all sections of the band.

This accessible medley of songs from the controversial German pop singer Xavier Naidoo contains his biggest hits including: Alles kann besser werden Dieser Weg Bitte hör nicht auf zu Traumen Abschied nehmen and Wowillst du hin?