SKU: A0.750927

I Saw Three Ships (Come Sailing In) is a traditional and popular Christmas carol from England. The earliest printed version of I Saw Three Ships is from the 17th century, possibly Derbyshire, and was also published by William Sandys in 1833.

The lyrics mention the ships sailing into Bethlehem, but the nearest body of water is the Dead Sea about 20 miles (32 km) away. The reference to three ships is thought to originate in the three ships that bore the purported relics of the Biblical magi to Cologne Cathedral in the 12th century. Another possible reference is to Wenceslaus II, King of Bohemia, who bore a coat of arms Azure three galleys argent. Another suggestion is that the ships are actually the camels used by the Magi, as camels are frequently referred to as ships of the desert. [Wikipedia]

 The bright arrangement is for full Concert Band.  The MP3 was recorded with NotePerformer 3.

Part of this arrangement was used in my Christmas Suite No. 1. (See associated scores)

Grade = 4 Duration 1:50 mins

SKU: A0.1314536

American composer, organist and harpsichordist, Daniel Pinkham (1923-2006) studied the Organ and music theory at Phillips Academy in Andover before studying at Harvard. He was famously moved by a concert in Andover given by the Trapp family singers in 1939, soon after they had escaped Austria. He quoted, 'Here, suddenly, I was hearing clarity, simplicity. It shaped my whole outlook.' Pinkham's career saw him teach at the Boston Conservatory and the New England Conservatory of Music, as well as being organist of King's Chapel in Boston for 42 years. His compositions varied from symphonies to art songs, although predominantly his music was religious in nature, frequently incorporating a choir and Organ. Christmas Cantata represents Pinkham's influence of 20th century trends, often embracing plainchant, joining Stravinsky and Hindemith's revival of early music. Full of rhythmic life and complex harmonies, this classic work is sure to be a standout contribution to any holiday concert.

SKU: A0.869220

Program note.

Concerto for Concert Band is in four movements, played without pause. The first movement begins with a percussion fanfare that leads into woodwind melodies coupled with the euphonium. Then the percussion takes over again, with a timpani solo feature. The second movement is a dialogue between the clarinet and brass choirs. As the choir masses become more dense, a plaintive solo oboe emerges from the din … molto cantabile!!! The third movement is a scherzo featuring the trumpets and the woodwinds. The percussion section joins in with outbursts and commentaries … The brass choir returns in the last movement with more melodies emanating from the woodwinds. The work ends in quiet tranquility … molto cantabile again!!! 

The work is dedicated to the effervescent Bill Drury who conducts the wind ensembles at the New England Conservatory of Music. I was very grateful to Bill when he asked me to write something for him and the Jordan Winds at NEC. It is a huge challenge to compose music for large wind groups. I find most concert band pieces too thick and mucky in texture. The trick is to create concert band music that is light and transparent; to orchestrate in such a way that you can see/hear light seeping through. I hope I was able to do that. Enjoy!! 

Instrumentation:
3 Flutes (Fl. 3 also doubles on piccolo) 
2 Oboes 
2 Bassoons 
Clarinet in Eb 
3 Clarinets in Bb 
2 Bass Clarinets in Bb 
4 French Horns 
3 Trumpets in Bb (also doubling on Flugelhorns in Bb) 
3 Trombones 
Euphonium 
Tuba 
Timpani 
Marimba 
Percussion 1: snare drum, 3 tom-toms 
Percussion 2: triangle, 2 bass drums 

This is a transposed score.

SKU: A0.1204082

Inspired by the border lands between England and Scotland we open as a new day emerges as the mists clear and the people wake up, then move into a lively dance like section based on the Northumbrian folk song John Peel which eventualy emerges from the dance. Next we move into a soulful section of extended woodwind solos with the oboe and bassoon taking the initial lead. We finish up with a triumphant march section recognising the regeon's long military traditions.

A lively piece with something for everyone in the band, excellent either as an opener or as and finale.