SKU: A0.593949

God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen is a much-loved, traditional English, Christmas carol. This version is arranged as a duet in a jazz/swing style for one Oboe and one Bassoon. Click on the YouTube link above to listen to a full length performance of this arrangement played on Clarinet

God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen first appeared in print in 1760 but is thought to date back to the 16th century or earlier. It is mentioned in Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol.

With a performance time around two and a half minutes, this version of God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen is perfect for seasonal celebrations and concert performances, both formal and informal. The jazz swing style is a fun and fresh take on this familiar traditional tune.

God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen is arranged in a key and range best suited to the instruments. Rhythms are syncopated, as one would expect in a jazz piece, and there is plenty of articulation detail to help deliver an authentic swing style. The melody is played three times, with a short intro and outro. This arrangement is suitable for players at an intermediate or early advanced level.

There are many more top quality arrangements and compositions by David McKeown for you to browse at http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/david-mckeown/6203