Here are three refreshing new modern arrangements of three popular traditional carols “like you ain’t never heard them before”. Intended for the intermediate oboe player and a reasonably competent pianist, they are sure to brighten up your Christmas events whether at home, school, church or recital hall. The pieces could be used during a Christmas service or as stand-alone pieces at an end-of-term presentation. The audio sample includes recordings of all three pieces.

The King Rides Out (based on “Good King Wenceslas”) starts conventionally enough but turns into a country-style song and then there’s a three-part Bach-like contrapuntal section, concluding with a wistful coda. Waltz with Holly – or Possibly Ivy (based of course on “The Holly and the Ivy”) turns into a dreamy waltz with long extended phrases and a good vehicle to show the oboe player’s tone quality. The Merry Gentleman go Latin is a lively rumba version of “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen”.

Colin Kirkpatrick studied composition, cello and piano at London’s prestigious Royal College of Music and after graduation followed a career in music education. He was a High School Music Director in London for about fifteen years and later became a Music Education Adviser for local government, with the added responsibility for training teachers and directing the instrumental teaching service.

He has been published by Boosey & Hawkes, Novello, Paxton, Schott, Oxford University Press, Chester and Belwin Mills. He holds MA and PhD degrees and his other interests include reading, photography, travel, cooking and wine tasting.