Piano,Violin - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548506 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian,Christmas. 4 pages. Jmsgu3 #3387409. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548506). The First Noel arranged for Violin & Piano with new harmony for the final verse. Origins The First Noel is an English Christmas carol. Even more, it was probably written in the late Cornish Renaissance period. While other versions spell the title as Nowell, this is just a colloquial variation. Furthermore, Noel is an older word meaning Christmas. Therefore the First Noel translates as the First Christmas. First of all, Gilbert and Sandy published the earliest version. As a result, this version appears in the Carols Ancient and Modern songbook of 1823. William Sandy edited and arranged the book. Similarly, his partner Davies Gilbert edited and added the familiar extra verses. The First Noel: Violin Version comes with new harmony in final verse for more energy and drive. Stainer Organist and composer Sir John Stainer published the most noteworthy customary arrangement in the 1870’s.  Stainer is above all famous for his songbook entitled: Christmas Carols New and Old (1871). This volume served as an important catalyst for reviving the English Christmas carol.  Other famous Stainer arrangements from this book are such titles as What Child Is This, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, and I Saw Three Ships. Diatonic Function The melodic structure in the First Noel is uncommon among English folk tunes. It simply repeats one phrase twice then follows a variation refrain. All three phrases of the song end on the mediant scale degree. This is unusual because the diatonic function of the mediant is non-final compared to the more usual tonic or even dominant degrees. Consequently, this gives the song as kind of open-ended feeling – like maybe it never really ends. Political Context The Catholic clergy sang carols outside of the church in Latin. After the Protestant Reformation, the reformers thought it would be better for everyone to sing carols. They decided to bring music back to the common folk. So, they translated the lyrics from Latin into common language. Moreover, the Protestants wanted more control over the music in church than what the Vatican allowed. Protestant composers such as William Byrd composed complex polyphonic Christmas music that they called carols. Nonetheless, some famous folk carols were composed in this era. Eminent composers in the nineteenth century began to revise and adapt them. Consequently, they revived the English carol.    

Piano,Violin - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1261681 Composed by Robert Daniel. Broadway,Classical,Film/TV,Musical/Show. 25 pages. RDMusicStudios #854759. Published by RDMusicStudios (A0.1261681). On April 19, 2019, I started writing my first composition, His Memory, on my first album, Show Your Pride. The Show Your Pride album was influenced by my best friend, Nigel Shelby, who tragically passed away by suicide after experiencing bullying for being outed as gay. It has been a few years since his death turned a national spotlight on the issue of LGBTQIA+ mental health and bullying. He was 15 years old at the time of his passing. I feel like I've been stabbed in the heart when I found he was gone. It was the first time I had lost anybody that I was close to. I was in a lot of pain at the time. Losing my best friend is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking experiences I have had in my life. This album is telling a coming-out story about a bisexual musician going on a self-discovery journey to find his true authentic self. I first met Nigel in mid-2018 when I was nervous, struggling with depression, and coming out as bisexual, so I gathered enough strength and confidence to come out to him. He's very kind and supportive of me. He was brave enough to come out to me as well. He has been a really good friend and my spirit guide as long as I've known him. He was understanding, thoughtful, and had a maturity about him that I admired. I feel happy and honored to have known him and had the best friends with him. I truly believe he is watching over me every day. In this inspirational, heartbreaking piece, His Memory, I will share a coming-out story about two boys who came out to each other, spending their friendship together until one of them passes away. This piece is based on a true story of how I coped with grief, dealing with depression about my best friend's passing, and how I found happiness within myself after his memorial service. It drew inspiration from many compositions and soundtracks, including Where The Sky Has No Stars by Katahj Copley, Lose You Now by Lindsey Stirling (feat. Mako), You Will Be Found from Dear Evan Hansen by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, April Sky by Lin Chin Cheng, and Avatar The Last Airbender by Jeremy Zuckerman. These compositions I mentioned express hope and spark memories of lost loved ones. This piece is in 3 Acts: Friendship, I Lost You. and His Memory Lives On. Each one was inspired by actual events. Act I: Friendship Act II: I Lost You Act III: His Memory Lives On While you are listening to this piece, I want you to think about someone you love who is no longer with you. If you're one of those people who lost someone special to you, I am so sorry for your loss. Just know that you are not alone. Don't try to run and hide from your grief. Whatever your grief experience, it's important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold. You will grieve for as long as you need to, but you are a strong person and will find your way through this. Life is so precious. Cherish every moment with your loved ones. Coming out is one of the most difficult things a person can do, but if you are having difficulty or are unsure about it, just know that there are people out there who do love you for who you are. Learn to embrace your authentic self. Don't let your sexual orientation define who you are. The right people will accept you and those are the only people who matter. Be yourself, be happy, and do what you feel. Don't care so much about what others think and enjoy your life! Keep following your heart and don't be afraid to stand out!