SKU: A0.1076828

This easy arrangement for bassoon and piano has been adapted to be simple to perform and understand, adapted for various levels of musical knowledge; from beginners to music professionals. It can be played freely due to the ease built into the piece in relation to the author's suggested interpretation. Recommended for performances at Christian ceremonies and liturgical events in churches, it also serves as a study of the Renaissance repertoire. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God or Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott is a hymn written by Martin Luther probably before 1529. The melody was also considered his work for a long time, but it was created at least with the collaboration of Johann Walter. The song is of great symbolic power for Protestantism; where it is also known as Deus noster refugium et virtus. Considered one of the most important hymns in the history of Christianity, it was considered by the Christian poet Johann Heirich Heine (1797-1856) to be the Marseillaise of the Reformation, in an allusion to the French national anthem.

SKU: A0.548473

Traditional Christmas song arranged for Bassoon & Piano. Third verse features modified harmony. Score: 2 pg. Part: 1 pg.

Away in a Manger

Away in a Manger is a popular Christmas song published originally sometime in the later 19th century and performed throughout the world. In England, it is considered one of the two most popular carols of all time; a 1996 poll ranked it as a tie for second place. To begin with, many thought it was written by Martin Luther, but now the song is considered to be absolutely American. The most common musical arrangements are by William Kirkpatrick (1895) and James R. Murray (1887). The melody was first published, as Luther's Cradle Hymn, by James R. Murray. Then, came a confusing series of explanations about how Martin Luther wrote the song. Murray even went so far as to suggest that Luther wrote it for his children. As a result, the song has become known as simply Mueller. Nobody knows who this Mueller actually is, but the name stuck.

Popularity

By the 1880’s the cradle song was being performed in church. By the 1990’s the song was becoming the most popular Christmas song of all time. It was sung in school, in church, and at home by nearly everyone.

Other musical settings

The first musical setting published with the lyrics appeared in the Little Children's Book for Schools and Families (1885). The title was Away in a Manger. This edition is the first one not to attribute the song to Martin Luther.

Charles H. Gabriel was the first arranger to present the third verse. He also composed and published a large number of different arrangements of the song. In one of his settings, he supplies a chorus for each verse with asleep sung in canon. Another prevalent preparation uses the lyrics to the melody Flow Gently, Sweet Afton. Yet another arrangement dating uses the lyrics to an old Normandy Carol. Register for free lifetime updates and revisions of this product at www.jamesguthrie.com