Rondeau of the Shepherds ' so ran the official title of the famous Dutch Christmas carol ‘Midden in de winternacht’. In 1948 wrote Dutch poet and writer Harry Prenen this text. The melody is known by the 17th/18th- century organ composers of suites Daquin Balbastre and Dandrieu. 'Rondeau of the Shepherds' was subtitled 'Catalan Christmas Carol'. The song itself is because its origins in a Spanish (Catalan probably) Christmas song from the late Middle Ages 'El Desembre congelat. The motives of this song (shepherds flutes drums) demonstrate knowledge of the Bible and give a picture of the late medieval Christmas experience. . Perfect as an uptempo intermezzoin a church service.

Contains 22 standard Christmas carols which can be played as full band or as brass choir.

Patrick Millstone beautifully created a suite in three parts on well known Christmas carols. You will hear the following three parts: Oh how joyfully Shepherds by night Joy the the World

In 'Ding Dong it's Christmas' Scottish composer Bruce Fraser makes a sport of misleading his audience time and again. The title already indicates that this piece has been based on the well-known Carol 'Ding Dong Merrily on High' even if the melody makes a somewhat halting start. When it gathers pace however also due to the percussion section suddenly various other carols may be recognized. Peace and quiet reign in the middle part during which we can enjoy Bach's charming 'O Jesulein süss'. 'Ding Dong it's Christmas' ends in the same way it began even if more and more Carols put in an appearance. Merry Christmas!

Contents: Bell Carol; Blue Christmas; The Christmas Waltz; Frosty The Snow Man; A Holly Jolly Christmas; Home For The Holidays; I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day; I'll Be Home For Christmas; Jingle-Bell Rock; Let It Snow! Let ItSnow! Let It Snow!; Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree; Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer; Suzy Snowflake; There Is No Christmas Like A Home Christmas; Up On The Housetop; We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

Noel' is based on the famous English Carol 'The First Noel'. The age of this song is not clear.Some scientists argue that this song is from early thirteenth century others say that it's from the sixteenth century.The first publication was in 'Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern' compiled by William B. Sandys. (London 1833).The exact origin is unknown. By Norman influences on the text with the result that the spelling of the song is not certified (Noel Nowell) an individual will claim that France is the home of this song but in general is assumed that 'the First Noel 'has been sung somewhere in England for the first time.

Christina Rossetti wrote the words to this famous Christmas carol in 1872 in response to a request from the magazine Scribner's Monthly for a Christmas poem. They were set to music by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) for inclusion in the first edition (1906) of The English Hymnal edited by his life-long friend Ralph Vaughan Williams. Philip Sparke has carefully arranged the beautiful melody into this delightful version for fanfare band. A must for any Christmas concert.

Meditation on 'Quem Pastores Laudavere'-Carol of the Shepherds is based on the hymn tune 'Quem Pastores Laudavere' which dates back to the 14th century and is widely known throughout the Christian world. Although the melody has been set to a number of different texts in different countries it was originally a carol celebrating the Christmas story in particular the visit of the Angel Gabriel to the shepherds.