SKU: A0.1504108

The 12 Days of Christmas is significant for its cultural and religious implications. This period, also known as Twelvetide, spans from December 25 (Christmas Day) to January 6 (Epiphany), marking the time between the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Magi.

Historical Context
The tradition of the 12 days was formalized by the Council of Tours in 567, which proclaimed this time a sacred season, emphasizing the importance of celebration and reflection during this period. Each day is associated with various saints and religious observances, making it a time of spiritual significance for many Christians.

The Carol and Its Meaning
The well-known carol The Twelve Days of Christmas lists a series of increasingly extravagant gifts given on each of the twelve days. Although it is often perceived as a simple festive song, there are theories about its deeper meanings. One popular but debunked theory suggests that the gifts symbolize elements of the Christian faith, serving as a secret catechism for Catholics during times of persecution. However, this interpretation lacks substantial historical evidence and is considered more of a myth than fact.

Cultural Practices
Culturally, the 12 Days of Christmas have evolved into various traditions, including gift-giving, feasting, and festive gatherings. In some cultures, gifts are exchanged on January 6, celebrated as Three Kings Day, while others may celebrate throughout twelve days. The carol likely originated as a memory game for children, intended to be fun and engaging rather than a severe religious text.

In summary, the 12 Days of Christmas represent a blend of religious significance, historical tradition, and cultural celebration, making it an enduring aspect of the Christmas season.

SKU: A0.1207908

Christ Arose is a popular Christian song celebrating 
the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Also known 
as Low in the Grave He Lay, the song was written by Robert
 Lowry in 1874. The lyrics talk about Jesus' crucifixion and 
subsequent resurrection on the third day, as a sign of God's
 power over death and the Christ's unconditional love for his followers.

SKU: A0.955446

This version of Christ the Lord Is Risen Today is arranged for String Quartet. This arrangement is ideal for late beginner to early intermediate level players. This piece can be played by any level group for worship service or for secular music enjoyment as well. Guitarist Neal Fitzpatrick has a B.M. from the Hartt School where he studied with Alan Spriestersbach and his M.M. from The Yale School of Music where he studied with Benjamin Verdery. He also studied  extensively with Sharon Isbin and Sal Salvador. Based in Connecticut, he is active as a soloist and in the chamber music scene. You can contact him here:http://www.nealfitzpatrickguitar.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqZJwiMXPYbpckJVveQ6qag.

SKU: A0.798093

From the 2019 film Breakthrough, I'm Standing With You  is competing for the Oscar for best original song at 2020 ceremony.
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Arranged for String Quartet  .Key of Bb. Early intermediate.

SKU: A0.965602

A fun string quartet arrangement made especially for those groups that play pop music :).

SKU: A0.806882

MERRY CHRISTMAS MEDLEY for STRING QUARTET (or 3 Violins & Cello) - unaccompanied
* Up On the House-Top  * Jolly Old Saint Nicholas  * Mary's Boy Child  * Jingle Bells  * We Wish You a Merry Christmas

87 measures.   Performance Time approx. 2:50.   Medium in Difficulty (Grade 3+)
Key: G - D.   Meter: 4/4 - 3/4.   Instrument Ranges (C4=m middle C):
Violin 1 E4 - D6.   Violin 2 D4 - G5.   Viola D3 - D5 (or Violin 3).   Cello D2 - E4.

SKU: A0.1456099

Christmas String Quartet Book: Concert Edition

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Veni, veni Emmanuel)

Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending (Helmsley) 

Joy to the World (Antioch)

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (Carol)

Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (Es ist ein Ros)

Angels We Have Heard on High (Gloria)

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (God Rest You Merry)

What Child is This? (Greensleeves)

In Sweet Rejoicing (In Dulci Jubilo)   

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (Mendelssohn)

Let Them Sing Today (Personet hodie)

The First Noel 

At the Lamb’s High Feast, We Sing (Salzburg)          

We Three Kings (Three Kings of Orient)

O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fidelis)       

O Little Town of Bethlehem (St. Louis)

Away in a Manger (Mueller)

Silent Night (Stille Nacht)

Auld Lang Syne          

We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

SKU: A0.1124647

SKU: A0.549906

Christmas String Quartet Book

Christmas Reharmonizations by James M. Guthrie. The Christmas String Quartet Book is a collection of the 18 Most Famous Christmas Songs with new and surprising harmony.

Format

First, your string quartet can perform the Christmas String Quartet Book directly from the score. This is easy because each song is only two pages long; hence, there are no page turns. Alternatively, this download includes a complete set of parts. So various combinations are also possible: e.g., violins read from the score on one stand, while the viola & cello each use the parts on separate stands. The Christmas String Quartet Book is available in whatever format works best for your ensemble.

Performance

This collection of the most famous 18 Christmas songs can be performed as a medley as written. Moreover, selected songs from the Christmas String Quartet Book could be chosen as the last verse of a hymn presentation. In this case, play the usual arrangement from the hymnal for the first verses, then switch to this arrangement for the final verse. This adds a great deal of energy and unexpected adventure to your performance. Each song could be repeated depending on the length of time required. This is a very versatile collection. Suitable for Christmas parties or receptions, church services and receptions, nightclubs, and school presentations. Also, they are very easy to perform or even sight-read.

Music

Each Christmas String Quartet Book song is adventurously reharmonized, but the melody always remains perfectly intact. This makes it easy for anyone to sing along. Moreover, the songs end correctly in the correct key to add an element of familiarity and closure. Tempo markings occur at the beginning of each piece, but you can adjust these to your liking.  Phrase markings appear throughout as a guide for bowing. Articulations are carefully calculated to emphasize the characteristics of the string instruments.

Contents

1. Veni, veni, Emmanuel (O Come, O Come, Emmanuel)
2. Helmsley (Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending)
3. Antioch (Joy to the World)
4. Carol (It Came Upon a Midnight Clear)
5. Es ist ein Ros (Lo, How a Rose)
6. Gloria
7. God Rest You Merry
8. Greensleeves
9. In dulci jubilo (In Thee is Gladness)
10. Mendelssohn (Hark the Herald Angels Sing)
11. Personet hodie
12. The First Noel
13. Salzburg (At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing)
14. Three Kings of Orient
15. Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)
16. St Louis (O Little Town of Bethlehem)
17. Away in a Manger
18. Stille Nacht (Silent Night)

Score: 36 pages, Parts: 6 pages. Total duration with no repeats: ca. 14:00