SKU: BT.YE0075

Four Double Basses. Eight well-known Christmas carols in a new guise. Score and parts.

The Programme of Christmas Carols was first performed in New Orleans in 1976. In its original version, the players were required to wear Dickensian costume and a seasonal narrative preceded each of the carol arrangements. The texts appear below.

Duration without text: c.20 minutes
Duration with text: c.45 minutes

Introduction by Robert Rohe

The introductory text, assembled with the kind assistance of Father Peacock of Loyola University of New Orleans, was designed for use where the receptivity of the audience warrants. So little is known about thebeloved Christmas carols, it is fitting that a brief sketch of the carols' past be used to enhance the familiar music.

If desired, the introductory text may be omitted at the discretion of the performers.

The brief text preceding each carol should be used to acquaint the audience with what to expect, from a quartet that will be playing the unexpected. The text also will pace the program and will extend performance time to around 45 minutes.

In performance, the bass viol quartet of New Orleans wore peaked caps, and turtle necked sweaters to simulate the street performers of Dickens' time. The choice of four string basses for this program was to bring the closest relatives of the true viol into play.

History and development of the Christmas Carol

The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ has been observed for nearly 2,000 years, through the ritual of the Christian Church, with part of that ritual being devoted to celebration in song. In those early days, church music was sung only, no musical instruments taking part in the service.

The type of song used by the church had the name 'plain-song'. It was a single line of melody, plain and unadorned, sung by one or more voices. By the year 1660 A.D., it had developed a second name, 'The Gregorian Chant', after Pope Gregory, who encouraged the use.

SKU: BA.BA08096

ISBN 9790006488650. 29 x 21 cm inches.

Ten Christmas chorales in little-known but highly effective settings by 16th- and 17th-century masters. The original words are underlaid to enable performances with voices.

SKU: CA.325870

ISBN 9790007179519. Key: D minor. Language: German. Text: Sudermann, Daniel.

SKU: CF.SAS11

ISBN 9781491162903. UPC: 680160921652. Key: D minor.

In what can be described as Game of Thrones meets thunderous Brahms, this tour de force for advanced string orchestra features a driving theme set in 12/8 meter. The lyrical middle section features cello and bass soli with delicate harmonics and a lush, sweeping countermelody in upper voices before returning to the opening theme for an aggressive ride to a victorious finale. Lush textures, gorgeous harmonies, and powerful motifs offer the ambitious orchestra an unforgettable adventure, both challenging and immensely rewarding.