SKU: AP.1-ADV7423

ISBN 9783892215776. UPC: 805095074239. English. Traditional.

Gloucestershire Wassail is associated with an English custom that was observed at Christmas time. A large, decorated bowl of spiced ale was hoisted through town by a group of carolers---Yule serenaders---in a tradition that has its roots in the beggars of the Middle Ages and Pagan festivals. The tune is therefore associated with Christmas revelry and joy. Gloucestershire Wassail probably dates from the 18th century, and is considered a traditional English tune.

This arrangement for saxophone quartet (SATBar), rather than favoring a soprano solo with accompaniment, strives to include all the players in the music making, particularly by distributing the melodic material. In addition, all dynamics and articulations should be taken as suggestions only, as performers are encouraged to make their own interpretations.

SKU: AP.1-ADV7424

ISBN 9783892215783. UPC: 805095074246. English. Traditional.

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas is an American traditional carol by an anonymous composer. St. Nicholas is associated with a priest serving in Asia Minor who was consecrated as Archbishop in Myra, then was made a patron Saint of the Russian Orthodox Church. Legend has it that he was generous and kind to children and practiced gift giving in secrecy at night. This charming, gentle tune blends well with Pachelbel's Canon in D, and performers are urged not to take a beginning tempo too fast that would rush the coming eighth notes.

This arrangement for saxophone quartet (SATBar), rather than favoring a soprano solo with accompaniment, strives to include all the players in the music making, particularly by distributing melodic material. In addition, all dynamics and articulations should be taken as suggestions only, as performers are encouraged to make their own interpretations.

SKU: AP.1-ADV7422

ISBN 9783892215769. UPC: 805095074222. English. Traditional.

Noels (the French spelling) are old but enduring carols that often tell a ballad-like story. Nowells (English spelling) are likely derived from and developed by English wandering minstrels. Both carols and nowells are often in 3/4 meter, lending themselveswell to dance. The First Nowell is one of a few carols that survived a ban on Christmas by the English Parliament in 1645. The tune is one of the oldest ballad carols, perhaps dating back to 1500, and likely originating in England. This arrangement of The First Nowell has multiple settings of the 3/4 time melody.

This arrangement for saxophone quartet (SATBar)---rather than favoring a soprano solo with accompaniment---strives to include all the players in the music making, particularly by distributing melodic material throughout the ensemble. In addition, all dynamics and articulations should be taken as suggestions only, as performers are encouraged to make their own interpretations.

SKU: AP.1-ADV7425

ISBN 9783892215790. UPC: 805095074253. English. Traditional.

Patapan is a French carol attributed to Bernard de la Monnoye who lived from 1641--1728. The title refers to the beating of a drum, and the lyrics also mention other instruments (pipes, fife, and flute). As with many Christmas tunes, Patapan reflects the joyous union of Christmas music with dance, as the lyrics express, when you play your fife and drum, how can anyone be glum? The melody is complimented in this arrangement by the use of a lyrical folk song also used by Tchaikovsky in his 1812 Overture.

This arrangement for saxophone quartet, rather than favoring a soprano solo with accompaniment, strives to include all of the players by distributing the melodic material. In addition, all dynamics and articulations should be taken as suggestions only, as performers are encouraged to make their own interpretations. Arranged for saxophone quartet (SATBar).