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.

Par CURNOW JAMES. FANFARE PRELUDE: O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST is based on the hymn-tune “St. Anne, ” which was used by G. F. Handel in the Chandos anthem “O Praise the Lord, ” and by J. S. Bach in his triple fugue in E-flat “The St. Anne Fugue. ” James Curnow’s FANFARE PRELUDE: O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST captures the thoughts of this magnificent hymn, which speaks of our country’s reliance upon God. The unusual 4/4 meter setting with artfully crafted re-harmonizations and lush counterpoint gives each listener cause to reflect on the importance and meaning of this melody to patriotic Americans everywhere. Inspired! / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

FANFARE PRELUDE: O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST is based on the hymn-tune ?St. Anne ? which was used by G.F.Handel in the Chandos anthem ?O Praise the Lord ? and by J.S.Bach in his triple fugue in E-flat ?The St. Anne Fugue.? James Curnow?s FANFARE PRELUDE: O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST captures the thoughts of this magnificent hymn which speaks of our country?s reliance upon God. The unusual 4/4 meter setting with artfully crafted re-harmonizations and lush counterpoint gives each listener cause to reflect on the importance and meaning of this melody to patriotic Americans everywhere.Inspired!