SKU: CA.162200

Composed by Various. Hymns by Martin Luther: Verleih uns Frieden gnadiglich. German title: Verleih Uns Frieden (4). Sacred, Motets; Occasions: Peace and Justice; Use during church year: Lent and Passiontide, Ascension, Holy Week. Full score. Carus Verlag #CV 01.622/00. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.162200).

ISBN 9790007005528.

Sacred Instrumental Solos for Worship and Performance (Trombone Book - Audio CD Included). By Charles H. Gabriel; Chester Allen; Daniel Towner; Joseph Barnby; Luther B. Bridgers; Robert Carter; Robert Lowry; William B. Bradbury; William Gardiner. Arranged by Gary Hallquist. For Tenor. Score and Audio CD. 15 pages. Published by Carl Fischer.

Organ solo

SKU: CA.1805200

Composed by Various. Edited by Helmut Volkl. This edition: Paperbound. Hymns by Martin Luther: Ausgaben mit mehreren Luther-Liedern. German title: Intonationen + Begleitsatze. Organ music based on hymns, Whole church year / Omni tempore. Collection. 440 pages. Carus Verlag #CV 18.052/00. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.1805200).

ISBN 9790007100209.

SKU: CA.1290100

Composed by Various. Edited by Gunther Kretzschmar. This edition: Paperbound. Choral collections for children's choir; Hymns by Martin Luther: Ausgaben mit mehreren Luther-Liedern. Musik fur Gottesdienst, Spiel und Fest. Psalms, German, Songs for children, Secular choral music, Special days, Ascension, New year, Easter and Eastertide, Whitsun, Reformation day, Praise and thanks, Morning, midday, evening. Collection. Composed 1992-96. 160 pages. Carus Verlag #CV 12.901/00. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.1290100).

ISBN 9790007088194.

Organ solo

SKU: CA.1804900

Composed by Friedrich Reimerdes. This edition: Paperbound. Hymns by Martin Luther: Ausgaben mit mehreren Luther-Liedern. German title: Festliche Orgelchorale 10. Organ music based on hymns, Wedding, Baptism, Mourning, death. Collection. 64 pages. Carus Verlag #CV 18.049/00. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.1804900).

ISBN 9790007032043.

Orchestra ATB vocal soli, SATB choir, 2 oboes, [4 trombones], violin solo, 2 violins, viola, basso continuo - Grade 3

SKU: CA.3100209

2nd Sunday after Trinity. Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Edited by Reinhold Kubik. Arranged by Reinhold Kubik. 2x 31.002/21 2 oboes, 1x 31.002/31 trumpet, 1x 31.002/32 trombone 1, 1x 31.002/33 trombone 2, 1x 31.002/34 trombone 3, 1x 31.002/35 trombone 4. Hymns by Martin Luther: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein. German title: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein 7. Sacred vocal music, Cantatas. Set of Orchestra Parts. Composed 1724. BWV 2. 20 pages. Duration 20 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 31.002/09. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.3100209).

ISBN 9790007041335. Key: D minor. Language: German/English. Text: Luther, Martin. Text: Martin Luther.

Bach composed the cantata O God, from heaven look on us BWV 2 for the 2nd Trinity Sunday 1724 as the second cantata of the annual cycle of chorale cantatas. It is based on Martin Luther's rewriting of Psalm 112. The opening movement is one of a group of cantata opening movements which are not concertante but kept entirely in the motet style, with the instruments serving only to reinforce the singers. The archaic character of this movement is heightened by the addition of a trombone quartet. The concertante style is all the more significant in the first aria for contralto, solo violin and continuo. The first secco recitative represents a special feature: two fragments of the chorale are woven as arioso into the recitative, both in text and melody; futhermore, they are also taken up canonically by the continuo. Score and parts available separately - see item CA.3100200.

Orchestra ATB vocal soli, SATB choir, 2 oboes, [4 trombones], violin solo, 2 violins, viola, basso continuo - Grade 3

SKU: CA.3100213

2nd Sunday after Trinity. Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Edited by Reinhold Kubik. Arranged by Reinhold Kubik. Hymns by Martin Luther: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein. German title: Ach Gott, vom Himmel. Sacred vocal music, Cantatas. Single Part, Viola. Composed 1724. BWV 2. 8 pages. Duration 20 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 31.002/13. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.3100213).

ISBN 9790007041366. Key: D minor. Language: German/English. Text: Luther, Martin. Text: Martin Luther.

Bach composed the cantata O God, from heaven look on us BWV 2 for the 2nd Trinity Sunday 1724 as the second cantata of the annual cycle of chorale cantatas. It is based on Martin Luther's rewriting of Psalm 112. The opening movement is one of a group of cantata opening movements which are not concertante but kept entirely in the motet style, with the instruments serving only to reinforce the singers. The archaic character of this movement is heightened by the addition of a trombone quartet. The concertante style is all the more significant in the first aria for contralto, solo violin and continuo. The first secco recitative represents a special feature: two fragments of the chorale are woven as arioso into the recitative, both in text and melody; futhermore, they are also taken up canonically by the continuo. Score and part available separately - see item CA.3100200.

Orchestra ATB vocal soli, SATB choir, 2 oboes, [4 trombones], violin solo, 2 violins, viola, basso continuo - Grade 3

SKU: CA.3100205

2nd Sunday after Trinity. Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Edited by Reinhold Kubik. Arranged by Reinhold Kubik. Hymns by Martin Luther: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein. German title: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein. Sacred vocal music, Cantatas. Choral Score. Composed 1724. BWV 2. 12 pages. Duration 20 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 31.002/05. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.3100205).

ISBN 9790007041311. Key: D minor. Language: German/English. Text: Luther, Martin. Text: Martin Luther.

Bach composed the cantata O God, from heaven look on us BWV 2 for the 2nd Trinity Sunday 1724 as the second cantata of the annual cycle of chorale cantatas. It is based on Martin Luther's rewriting of Psalm 112. The opening movement is one of a group of cantata opening movements which are not concertante but kept entirely in the motet style, with the instruments serving only to reinforce the singers. The archaic character of this movement is heightened by the addition of a trombone quartet. The concertante style is all the more significant in the first aria for contralto, solo violin and continuo. The first secco recitative represents a special feature: two fragments of the chorale are woven as arioso into the recitative, both in text and melody; futhermore, they are also taken up canonically by the continuo. Score available separately - see item CA.3100200.

Orchestra ATB vocal soli, SATB choir, 2 oboes, [4 trombones], violin solo, 2 violins, viola, basso continuo - Grade 3

SKU: CA.3100214

2nd Sunday after Trinity. Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Edited by Reinhold Kubik. Arranged by Reinhold Kubik. Hymns by Martin Luther: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein. German title: Ach Gott, vom Himmel. Sacred vocal music, Cantatas. Single Part, Cello/Double Bass. Composed 1724. BWV 2. 12 pages. Duration 20 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 31.002/14. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.3100214).

ISBN 9790007041373. Key: D minor. Language: German/English. Text: Luther, Martin. Text: Martin Luther.

Bach composed the cantata O God, from heaven look on us BWV 2 for the 2nd Trinity Sunday 1724 as the second cantata of the annual cycle of chorale cantatas. It is based on Martin Luther's rewriting of Psalm 112. The opening movement is one of a group of cantata opening movements which are not concertante but kept entirely in the motet style, with the instruments serving only to reinforce the singers. The archaic character of this movement is heightened by the addition of a trombone quartet. The concertante style is all the more significant in the first aria for contralto, solo violin and continuo. The first secco recitative represents a special feature: two fragments of the chorale are woven as arioso into the recitative, both in text and melody; futhermore, they are also taken up canonically by the continuo. Score and part available separately - see item CA.3100200.

Orchestra ATB vocal soli, SATB choir, 2 oboes, [4 trombones], violin solo, 2 violins, viola, basso continuo - Grade 3

SKU: CA.3100219

2nd Sunday after Trinity. Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Edited by Reinhold Kubik. Arranged by Reinhold Kubik. Hymns by Martin Luther: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein. German title: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein. Sacred vocal music, Cantatas. Set of Orchestra Parts. Composed 1724. BWV 2. Duration 20 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 31.002/19. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.3100219).

ISBN 9790007135904. Key: D minor. Language: German/English. Text: Luther, Martin. Text: Martin Luther.

Bach composed the cantata O God, from heaven look on us BWV 2 for the 2nd Trinity Sunday 1724 as the second cantata of the annual cycle of chorale cantatas. It is based on Martin Luther's rewriting of Psalm 112. The opening movement is one of a group of cantata opening movements which are not concertante but kept entirely in the motet style, with the instruments serving only to reinforce the singers. The archaic character of this movement is heightened by the addition of a trombone quartet. The concertante style is all the more significant in the first aria for contralto, solo violin and continuo. The first secco recitative represents a special feature: two fragments of the chorale are woven as arioso into the recitative, both in text and melody; futhermore, they are also taken up canonically by the continuo. Score and parts available separately - see item CA.3100200.

Orchestra ATB vocal soli, SATB choir, 2 oboes, [4 trombones], violin solo, 2 violins, viola, basso continuo - Grade 3

SKU: CA.3100212

2nd Sunday after Trinity. Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Edited by Reinhold Kubik. Arranged by Reinhold Kubik. Hymns by Martin Luther: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein. German title: Ach Gott, vom Himmel. Sacred vocal music, Cantatas. Single Part, Violin 2. Composed 1724. BWV 2. 8 pages. Duration 20 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 31.002/12. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.3100212).

ISBN 9790007041359. Key: D minor. Language: German/English. Text: Luther, Martin. Text: Martin Luther.

Bach composed the cantata O God, from heaven look on us BWV 2 for the 2nd Trinity Sunday 1724 as the second cantata of the annual cycle of chorale cantatas. It is based on Martin Luther's rewriting of Psalm 112. The opening movement is one of a group of cantata opening movements which are not concertante but kept entirely in the motet style, with the instruments serving only to reinforce the singers. The archaic character of this movement is heightened by the addition of a trombone quartet. The concertante style is all the more significant in the first aria for contralto, solo violin and continuo. The first secco recitative represents a special feature: two fragments of the chorale are woven as arioso into the recitative, both in text and melody; futhermore, they are also taken up canonically by the continuo. Score and part available separately - see item CA.3100200.

Orchestra ATB vocal soli, SATB choir, 2 oboes, [4 trombones], violin solo, 2 violins, viola, basso continuo - Grade 3

SKU: CA.3100211

2nd Sunday after Trinity. Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Edited by Reinhold Kubik. Arranged by Reinhold Kubik. Hymns by Martin Luther: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein. German title: Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein. Sacred vocal music, Cantatas. Single Part, Violin solo + Vio. Composed 1724. BWV 2. 8 pages. Duration 20 minutes. Carus Verlag #CV 31.002/11. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.3100211).

ISBN 9790007041342. Key: D minor. Language: German/English. Text: Luther, Martin. Text: Martin Luther.

Bach composed the cantata O God, from heaven look on us BWV 2 for the 2nd Trinity Sunday 1724 as the second cantata of the annual cycle of chorale cantatas. It is based on Martin Luther's rewriting of Psalm 112. The opening movement is one of a group of cantata opening movements which are not concertante but kept entirely in the motet style, with the instruments serving only to reinforce the singers. The archaic character of this movement is heightened by the addition of a trombone quartet. The concertante style is all the more significant in the first aria for contralto, solo violin and continuo. The first secco recitative represents a special feature: two fragments of the chorale are woven as arioso into the recitative, both in text and melody; futhermore, they are also taken up canonically by the continuo. Score and part available separately - see item CA.3100200.

Organ solo

SKU: CA.1805220

Composed by Various. Edited by Helmut Volkl. This edition: Paperbound. Hymns by Martin Luther: Ausgaben mit mehreren Luther-Liedern. German title: Vorspiele +Begleitsatze. Organ music based on hymns, Advent, End of the church year, Epiphany, Lent and Passiontide, Ascension, Easter and Eastertide, Whitsun, Trinity, Christmas, Eucharist, Communion, Wedding, Confirmation, Morning, midday, evening. Collection. 160 pages. Carus Verlag #CV 18.052/20. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.1805220).

ISBN 9790007100223.

Scor e available separately - see item CA.1805200.

Fanfare Band - Grade 3

SKU: BT.GOB-000854-020

Arranged by David Well. Set (Score & Parts). Gobelin Music Publications #GOB 000854-020. Published by Gobelin Music Publications (BT.GOB-000854-020).

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 in thecourse 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.

De traditie van de ‘Kerstboom’ gaat in West-Europa terug tot ver voordat er van enige kerstening sprake was. Gedurende de koude strenge winters dacht men dat kwade geesten de natuur ‘vermoordde’. Naaldbomen behielden als enige hungroene kleur en werden daardoor symbolen van onsterflijkheid. Deze ‘levende’ bomen, het werk van goede machten, werden in huis gehaald om kwade geesten en levensbedreigende krachten buitenshuis te houden. Van ‘versierde’ kerstbomenwas het eerst sprake in de 14e eeuw. Het was een heidens gebruik, dat in deze periode in de Elzas voorkwam. Tijdens de 15e en 16e eeuw werd het versieren van de kerstboom door de kerk overgenomen. De versiering bestond in eersteinstantie vooral uit etenswaar, als appels en koekjes. Later ging men ook kleine cadeautjes als versiering gebruiken. Er wordt beweerd dat Martin Luther, de hervormer, als eerste kaarsen in een kerstboom deed. De fonkelendevlammetjes creëerden een sterrenhemel waarin men Christus’ verschijning leek te herkennen. De Duitse organist Ernst Anschütz uit Leipzig, was de eerste die het lied ‘O Tannenbaum’ op schrift stelde. De melodie was een bekend volkswijsje.Naast ‘Stille Nacht’ is ‘O Tannenbaum’ het meest bekende kerstlied dat vanuit Duitsland de hele wereld veroverde. De melodie van ‘O Tannenbaum’ wordt zelfs in de Verenigde Staten van Amerika in vier verschillende staten(o.a. Maryland) als volkslied gebruikt. In het arrangement van David Well hoort u het lied eerst op de manier zoals velen het kennen. Na deze inleiding klinkt een stevige rock-versie en is de maatsoort niet meer de gebruikelijke.Het tussendeel is weer in de vertrouwde driekwarts-maatsoort. Hier is echter de ritmiek in een ander jasje gestoken. Na de rijkelijk met slingers versierde rock-beat klinkt nog één keer het oorspronkelijke thema om daarna feestelijk.

Concert Band/Harmonie - Grade 3

SKU: BT.GOB-000905-010

Arranged by David Well. Set (Score & Parts). Gobelin Music Publications #GOB 000905-010. Published by Gobelin Music Publications (BT.GOB-000905-010).

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.

De traditie van de ‘Kerstboom’ gaat in West-Europa terug tot ver voordat er van enige kerstening sprake was. Gedurende de koude strenge winters dacht men dat kwade geesten de natuur ‘vermoordde’. Naaldbomen behielden als enige hungroene kleur en werden daardoor symbolen van onsterflijkheid. Deze ‘levende’ bomen, het werk van goede machten, werden in huis gehaald om kwade geesten en levensbedreigende krachten buitenshuis te houden. Van ‘versierde’ kerstbomenwas het eerst sprake in de 14e eeuw. Het was een heidens gebruik, dat in deze periode in de Elzas voorkwam. Tijdens de 15e en 16e eeuw werd het versieren van de kerstboom door de kerk overgenomen. De versiering bestond in eersteinstantie vooral uit etenswaar, als appels en koekjes. Later ging men ook kleine cadeautjes als versiering gebruiken. Er wordt beweerd dat Martin Luther, de hervormer, als eerste kaarsen in een kerstboom deed. De fonkelende vlammetjescreëerden een sterrenhemel waarin men Christus’ verschijning leek te herkennen. De Duitse organist Ernst Anschütz uit Leipzig, was de eerste die het lied ‘O Tannenbaum’ op schrift stelde. De melodie was een bekend volkswijsje.Naast ‘Stille Nacht’ is ‘O Tannenbaum’ het meest bekende kerstlied dat vanuit Duitsland de hele wereld veroverde. De melodie van ‘O Tannenbaum’ wordt zelfs in de Verenigde Staten van Amerika in vier verschillende staten (o.a.Maryland) als volkslied gebruikt. In het arrangement van David Well hoort u het lied eerst op de manier zoals velen het kennen. Na deze inleiding klinkt een stevige rock-versie en is de maatsoort niet meer de gebruikelijke. Het tussendeelis weer in de vertrouwde driekwarts-maatsoort. Hier is echter de ritmiek in een ander jasje gestoken. Na de rijkelijk met slingers versierde rock-beat klinkt nog één keer het oorspronkelijke thema om daarna feestelijk af.

Fanfare Band - Grade 3

SKU: BT.GOB-000854-120

Arranged by David Well. Score Only. 10 pages. Gobelin Music Publications #GOB 000854-120. Published by Gobelin Music Publications (BT.GOB-000854-120).

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 in thecourse 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.

De traditie van de ‘Kerstboom’ gaat in West-Europa terug tot ver voordat er van enige kerstening sprake was. Gedurende de koude strenge winters dacht men dat kwade geesten de natuur ‘vermoordde’. Naaldbomen behielden als enige hungroene kleur en werden daardoor symbolen van onsterflijkheid. Deze ‘levende’ bomen, het werk van goede machten, werden in huis gehaald om kwade geesten en levensbedreigende krachten buitenshuis te houden. Van ‘versierde’ kerstbomenwas het eerst sprake in de 14e eeuw. Het was een heidens gebruik, dat in deze periode in de Elzas voorkwam. Tijdens de 15e en 16e eeuw werd het versieren van de kerstboom door de kerk overgenomen. De versiering bestond in eersteinstantie vooral uit etenswaar, als appels en koekjes. Later ging men ook kleine cadeautjes als versiering gebruiken. Er wordt beweerd dat Martin Luther, de hervormer, als eerste kaarsen in een kerstboom deed. De fonkelendevlammetjes creëerden een sterrenhemel waarin men Christus’ verschijning leek te herkennen. De Duitse organist Ernst Anschütz uit Leipzig, was de eerste die het lied ‘O Tannenbaum’ op schrift stelde. De melodie was een bekend volkswijsje.Naast ‘Stille Nacht’ is ‘O Tannenbaum’ het meest bekende kerstlied dat vanuit Duitsland de hele wereld veroverde. De melodie van ‘O Tannenbaum’ wordt zelfs in de Verenigde Staten van Amerika in vier verschillende staten(o.a. Maryland) als volkslied gebruikt. In het arrangement van David Well hoort u het lied eerst op de manier zoals velen het kennen. Na deze inleiding klinkt een stevige rock-versie en is de maatsoort niet meer de gebruikelijke.Het tussendeel is weer in de vertrouwde driekwarts-maatsoort. Hier is echter de ritmiek in een ander jasje gestoken. Na de rijkelijk met slingers versierde rock-beat klinkt nog één keer het oorspronkelijke thema om daarna feestelijk.

Concert Band/Harmonie - Grade 3

SKU: BT.GOB-000905-140

Arranged by David Well. Score Only. 10 pages. Gobelin Music Publications #GOB 000905-140. Published by Gobelin Music Publications (BT.GOB-000905-140).

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.

De traditie van de ‘Kerstboom’ gaat in West-Europa terug tot ver voordat er van enige kerstening sprake was. Gedurende de koude strenge winters dacht men dat kwade geesten de natuur ‘vermoordde’. Naaldbomen behielden als enige hungroene kleur en werden daardoor symbolen van onsterflijkheid. Deze ‘levende’ bomen, het werk van goede machten, werden in huis gehaald om kwade geesten en levensbedreigende krachten buitenshuis te houden. Van ‘versierde’ kerstbomenwas het eerst sprake in de 14e eeuw. Het was een heidens gebruik, dat in deze periode in de Elzas voorkwam. Tijdens de 15e en 16e eeuw werd het versieren van de kerstboom door de kerk overgenomen. De versiering bestond in eersteinstantie vooral uit etenswaar, als appels en koekjes. Later ging men ook kleine cadeautjes als versiering gebruiken. Er wordt beweerd dat Martin Luther, de hervormer, als eerste kaarsen in een kerstboom deed. De fonkelende vlammetjescreëerden een sterrenhemel waarin men Christus’ verschijning leek te herkennen. De Duitse organist Ernst Anschütz uit Leipzig, was de eerste die het lied ‘O Tannenbaum’ op schrift stelde. De melodie was een bekend volkswijsje.Naast ‘Stille Nacht’ is ‘O Tannenbaum’ het meest bekende kerstlied dat vanuit Duitsland de hele wereld veroverde. De melodie van ‘O Tannenbaum’ wordt zelfs in de Verenigde Staten van Amerika in vier verschillende staten (o.a.Maryland) als volkslied gebruikt. In het arrangement van David Well hoort u het lied eerst op de manier zoals velen het kennen. Na deze inleiding klinkt een stevige rock-versie en is de maatsoort niet meer de gebruikelijke. Het tussendeelis weer in de vertrouwde driekwarts-maatsoort. Hier is echter de ritmiek in een ander jasje gestoken. Na de rijkelijk met slingers versierde rock-beat klinkt nog één keer het oorspronkelijke thema om daarna feestelijk af.