String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1490683 Composed by French Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Christmas,Historic,Standards,Traditional. 15 pages. Jmsgu3 #1067489. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1490683). Ding Dong! Merrily on High is a well-loved Christmas carol with a rich history that connects secular and sacred traditions. Here are the key points to know about this festive song:Origins and CompositionMelody: The tune of Ding Dong! Merrily on High derives from a secular French dance song titled Branle de l’Official, published in 1588 by Thoinot Arbeau, a French cleric and composer. The original piece was part of a collection that included dance instructions and melodies from the Renaissance period.Lyrics: The English lyrics were written by George Ratcliffe Woodward in the early 20th century. An Anglican priest, Woodward published the carol in 1924 as part of The Cambridge Carol Book. His text celebrates the joy of Christmas, echoing the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth as described in Luke 2:13-14.Themes and SignificanceJoyful Celebration: The lyrics express a jubilant celebration of the Christmas season, invoking imagery of bells ringing and angels singing. The refrain Gloria, hosannah in excelsis! reflects the joyous proclamation of peace and goodwill associated with the birth of Christ.Cultural Impact: Over the years, Ding Dong! Merrily on High has become a staple in Christmas caroling and church services, appreciated for its lively and dance-like rhythm. Its playful nature makes it a favorite among singers and listeners, contributing to its enduring popularity during the holiday season.Musical CharacteristicsStructure: The carol features a catchy refrain and a structure that invites participation, making it suitable for group singing. The melody's ascending lines mimic the sound of ringing bells, enhancing its festive spirit.Public Domain Status: As of January 1, 2020, the song entered the public domain in the United States, allowing for broader access and use in various musical arrangements and performances.Ding Dong! Merrily on High stands as a joyful reminder of the Christmas story, blending historical melodies with contemporary celebration, making it a cherished part of holiday traditions.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1460359 Composed by Greg Woodward. 21st Century,Chamber,Classical. 54 pages. Greg Woodward #1039292. Published by Greg Woodward (A0.1460359). My third string quartet is a playful and melodic work, encompassing a wide range of styles and moods with a high degree of thematic unity. The joyful, dance-like character of the opening eventually disintegrates into a moment of sorrow, before a pensive, introspective section with elements of Herrmann and Shostakovich. A grand crescendo leads to a huge A major chord (a reference to the Beatles' A Day In The Life) that gradually becomes more dissonant as it progresses underneath a constant high A pedal point in the first violin. A chant-like section featuring open fifths follows, before a driving, angular section in 5/4. This recurs a few times interspersed with some musical episodes before ushering in a majestic transformation of the earlier chant-like section. After this runs its course and dies out, a final section revisits the dance-like energy of the first section which borrows thematic material from all through the piece before speeding into a final jazzy major sixth pizzacato chord.This would make a good concert piece.Visit my YouTube page for more performances, arrangements and compositions.