Jazz Combo - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.877827 Composed by Deborah Johnson, Various Public Domain. Arranged by DJWorks Music. A Cappella,Christian,Contemporary,Easter,Sacred. Score and parts. 99 pages. Deborah Johnson #4309241. Published by Deborah Johnson (A0.877827). Full book of twelve contemporary arrangements of timeless favorites, including two new hymns by Deborah Johnson. These are piano-based instrumentals and vocals with vocal and orchestral accompaniment. This 99-page book (including cover and table of contents) also includes a beautiful title page for each song with a brief history and lyrics for the two new hymns. The piano transcriptions are completely written out, including the chords and vocal parts. Several have secondary piano parts included. Also available are individual song downloads and some of the MP3 accompaniment tracks.Album notes:  My Father’s Favorite Hymns is dedicated to my mom and dad. I have memories of being on the front row of church as a little girl, singing as loud as I could. The album is a tribute to my parents who raised my sisters and I to love God, our country and our families. As many musicians do, I got my start in the church, playing the piano for the Children’s church at the age of 10. It didn’t take long before I started sitting at a 9’ Steinway opposite an incredible organist who changed keys as often as a woman changes her clothes. I fell in love with the simplicity of the hymns and with the many fun arrangements that were possible. The lyrics of some of these hymns have been ingrained in my soul and have brought me comfort, deepened my faith, and have taught me that when all is said and done, the Truth and Faithfulness of God are what will carry me through.If you’re searching for: Christian music, inspirational music or church hymns, consider My Father’s Favorite Hymns. Songs include: Tell Me the Old Old Story; Just a Closer Walk with Thee; Great is Thy Faithfulness; Immortal Invisible; Amazing Grace/It is Well; Your Truth it Stands; Glory to His Name; Stand Up for Jesus/Leaning on the Everlasting Arms; In the Garden; Were You There when they Crucified my Lord? (acapella); What a Friend we Have in Jesus; You are Faithful, You are Lord. Separate song downloads also available, where you can hear and preview each selection.From the album up for a 2012 GRAMMY Award®: My Father’s Favorite Hymns, available on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/music/player/albums/B008O86FQI) or on the website (https://DJWorksMusic.com/products) by Deborah Johnson. You can hear selections of each song on either of those sites, as well as purchase the album.  Video playlist at: http://youtu.be/srvbPkI4eKM?list=PLE49F87AC9C76AE49. There is also a beautiful spiral-bound devotional guide available with the amazing stories and life principles gained from these timeless classics, available on Amazon as well as a spiral-bound print version of this music book. Check out http://www.djworksmusic.com/fathershymns/For more information about Deborah, her albums, books and products, visit https://DJWorksMusic.com  https://GoalsForYourLife.com or https://DeborahJohnsonSpeaker.com

Choral Choir,Choral (SATB divisi) - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1308788 Composed by Charles Tenet. Arranged by Tobi Crawford. Jazz. 11 pages. Tobi Crawford #898034. Published by Tobi Crawford (A0.1308788). *Purchase 10 copies to perform this piece with your ensemble of any size*Purchase the instrumental pack (bass and drum part) here: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/beyond-the-sea-instrumental-pack-only-22605052.htmlThis arrangement came to me over a number of weeks in a very organic way that began with the ostinato piano figure that prevails throughout the piece. I began playing it unattached to any tune and I just liked the way the line descended in the left hand and how I had to find voicings in the right hand that made harmonic sense – like a puzzle. As I was playing around with this puzzle, thoughts of my father were swirling around in my head – I was at the end of a 4 year period of separation from my parents owing to the fact that I’m a Canadian expat living in the US and the borders were closed for a long time because of Covid, and then I had work visa issues and my parents were getting older before my eyes. They were also losing friends to cancer and other ailments and my dad, in particular, had experienced the loss of many close family members and friends during our separation and it was taking a toll. One day I sat down and played the now familiar-to-me ostinato but randomly I started to sing “Beyond the Sea� over it and it fit perfectly. I thought it a happy coincidence. As the days went on I committed to putting my ostinato with Beyond the Sea and the lyrics started to seep into my brain. I have, of course, heard these lyrics many times before, (who hasn’t seen Finding Nemo?) but the lyrics didn’t mean what I thought they meant… They’re NOT about the ocean, they are about my dad!!! Well, kind of… I realized, through careful reflection and by slowing the words down, that the lyrics are talking about a person in heaven who is patiently waiting for their partner to join them. Somewhere beyond the seaShe’s there watching for me…It’s far beyond the starsIt’s near beyond the moon And the lyrics end with them meeting, “We’ll meet beyond the shore, we’ll kiss just like before,� and the song ends with: “and never again I’ll go sailing.� It’s like the big bang went off in my head about why all these thoughts of my dad, and his friends, and this arrangement, and what it all meant suddenly just MADE SENSE and I was able to start formulating a plan. Performance Suggestions: The improvisation solo in the middle should be free of any traditional “scat syllables� and should be more of a lament. Listen to singers like Aubrey Johnson improvise on ballads for inspiration. An idea for that improv section might be to have a male singer start the improv, then a female singer joins (as if together in heaven) then they sing letter F together (warning: will cause tears…). All solo sections do not have to be sung as written – soloists can take liberties with the melody as the spirit moves.

Jazz Ensemble Jazz Ensemble - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1308790 Composed by Charles Tenet. Arranged by Tobi Crawford. Jazz. Set of parts. 10 pages. Tobi Crawford #898036. Published by Tobi Crawford (A0.1308790). *THIS ACCOMPANIES THE VOCAL ARRANGEMENT* This arrangement came to me over a number of weeks in a very organic way that began with the ostinato piano figure that prevails throughout the piece. I began playing it unattached to any tune and I just liked the way the line descended in the left hand and how I had to find voicings in the right hand that made harmonic sense – like a puzzle. As I was playing around with this puzzle, thoughts of my father were swirling around in my head – I was at the end of a 4 year period of separation from my parents owing to the fact that I’m a Canadian expat living in the US and the borders were closed for a long time because of Covid, and then I had work visa issues and my parents were getting older before my eyes. They were also losing friends to cancer and other ailments and my dad, in particular, had experienced the loss of many close family members and friends during our separation and it was taking a toll. One day I sat down and played the now familiar-to-me ostinato but randomly I started to sing “Beyond the Sea� over it and it fit perfectly. I thought it a happy coincidence. As the days went on I committed to putting my ostinato with Beyond the Sea and the lyrics started to seep into my brain. I have, of course, heard these lyrics many times before, (who hasn’t seen Finding Nemo?) but the lyrics didn’t mean what I thought they meant… They’re NOT about the ocean, they are about my dad!!! Well, kind of… I realized, through careful reflection and by slowing the words down, that the lyrics are talking about a person in heaven who is patiently waiting for their partner to join them. Somewhere beyond the seaShe’s there watching for me…It’s far beyond the starsIt’s near beyond the moon And the lyrics end with them meeting, “We’ll meet beyond the shore, we’ll kiss just like before,� and the song ends with: “and never again I’ll go sailing.� It’s like the big bang went off in my head about why all these thoughts of my dad, and his friends, and this arrangement, and what it all meant suddenly just MADE SENSE and I was able to start formulating a plan. Performance Suggestions: The improvisation solo in the middle should be free of any traditional “scat syllables� and should be more of a lament. Listen to singers like Aubrey Johnson improvise on ballads for inspiration. An idea for that improv section might be to have a male singer start the improv, then a female singer joins (as if together in heaven) then they sing letter F together (warning: will cause tears…). All solo sections do not have to be sung as written – soloists can take liberties with the melody as the spirit moves.

Guitar,Piano,Vocal,Voice - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1340240 Composed by Connie Boss. Arranged by Connie Boss. Easter,Lent,Religious,Sacred. Score. 10 pages. Connie Boss #925914. Published by Connie Boss (A0.1340240). This song can be used for Lent or on Good Friday. Jesus was persecuted, then crucified to save us from our sins.This arrangement is for solo and piano. I will have other voices posted as well.questions or requests, email cdboss@cvalley.netLyrics:Persecuted then CrucifiedRefrain:Persecuted, then crucifiedUp to the moment when he diedVerse 1:They stripped him of all His clothesThen they gave Him a scarlet robe A crown of thorns placed on His headBlood ran down His face until His deathRefrain:Verse 2:He Carried the cross to CalvaryWhere it was His destinyThey nailed His feet and then His handsAmong two thieves the cross would standRefrain:Bridge 1:He saved others but he can’t save himself! He says He is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross, Then, we will believe in him.Refrain:Verse 3:They put sour wine to His mouthHe did not drink it but spat it outThey divided up all His clothesWith the dice that they had rolledRefrain 2:Persecuted, then crucifiedUp to the moment when he diedThen He gave His final cry“Father please forgive     them�Bridge 2:Then he hung his head to dieThen the sky grew dark and dimTerrified, the people then realizedHe truly was the son of God Final ending:Persecuted, then crucifiedUp to the moment when he died.

Alto Voice,Piano,Soprano voice - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1339742 Composed by Connie Boss. Arranged by Connie Boss. Easter,Lent,Religious,Sacred. 13 pages. Connie Boss #925407. Published by Connie Boss (A0.1339742). This song can be used for Lent or on Good Friday. Jesus was persecuted, then crucified to save us from our sins.This arrangement is for mezzo soprano and alto and piano. It could also work for alto and tenor voices.  I will have other voices posted as well.questions or requests, email cdboss@cvalley.netLyrics:Persecuted then CrucifiedRefrain:Persecuted, then crucifiedUp to the moment when he diedVerse 1:They stripped him of all His clothesThen they gave Him a scarlet robe A crown of thorns placed on His headBlood ran down His face until His deathRefrain:Verse 2:He Carried the cross to CalvaryWhere it was His destinyThey nailed His feet and then His handsAmong two thieves the cross would standRefrain:Bridge 1:He saved others but he can’t save himself! He says He is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross, Then, we will believe in him.Refrain:Verse 3:They put sour wine to His mouthHe did not drink it but spat it outThey divided up all His clothesWith the dice that they had rolledRefrain 2:Persecuted, then crucifiedUp to the moment when he diedThen He gave His final cry“Father please forgive     them�Bridge 2:Then he hung his head to dieThen the sky grew dark and dimTerrified, the people then realizedHe truly was the son of God Final ending:Persecuted, then crucifiedUp to the moment when he died.

Piano Solo - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1249228 By Max Potseluiev. By Max Potseluiev. 20th Century,21st Century,Film/TV,New Age,Pop. Score. 3 pages. Max Potseluiev #843694. Published by Max Potseluiev (A0.1249228). Introducing Tears in the Rain - An Emotional Journey of Reflection and CatharsisDive into the depths of introspection with Tears in the Rain, the poignant fourth score from the mesmerizing album Emotional Vibes composed by the talented artist Max Potseluiev. This evocative composition takes you on an emotional journey, where profound feelings find solace in the gentle embrace of piano melodies.Tears in the Rain captures the essence of raw and heartfelt emotions, allowing the listener to explore the depths of sorrow, longing, and catharsis. The delicate piano notes, like raindrops falling from the heavens, convey a sense of melancholy and introspection. Each progression evokes a myriad of emotions, resonating with experiences of loss, reflection, and healing.This composition serves as a powerful catalyst for emotional release, providing a soundtrack to moments of vulnerability and self-discovery. It invites you to embrace the tears that flow freely, recognizing their transformative power as they merge with the raindrops, cleansing the soul and nourishing the spirit.With its haunting beauty and introspective ambiance, Tears in the Rain serves as a therapeutic companion during moments of solitude, when the weight of emotions feels overwhelming. It offers solace and a gentle reminder that even amidst the rain, there is a profound beauty to be found.Allow yourself to be swept away by the emotive melodies of Tears in the Rain. Explore the depths of your emotions, finding comfort in the release they bring. Immerse yourself in the contemplative atmosphere of this score, and discover the beauty that lies within the tears that fall like rain.Experience the cathartic power of Tears in the Rain today and let its poignant piano melodies guide you on a journey of self-reflection and emotional healing. Open your heart and allow the music to embrace your soul, unveiling the transformative power of tears in the gentle rhythm of the rain.

Piano,Viola - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549240 Composed by Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Instructional,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 17 pages. Jmsgu3 #3473581. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549240). Flight of the Bumblebee from Korsakov's Tale of Tsar Saltan Score: 11 pages, Solo part: 3 pages, Piano accompaniment part: 3 pages. Duration: ca. 1:15 Amaze your listeners with this short but great recital encore! Flight of the Bumblebee Flight of the Bumblebee is, to be sure, an orchestral interlude composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov for his opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan. Korsakov, of course, intended to musically portray the chaotic flying pattern of a bumblebee. Nowadays, this piece is one of the comparatively more famous classical works because it frequently appears from time to time in popular culture. In the opera, the piece appears notably at the close of Act III, Tableau 1. This is when the magic Swan-Bird, in fact, changes the Prince (the son of the Tsar) into a bee so he can fly away to visit his father. Interestingly, at this point in the drama, his father, in effect, does not know that he is alive.   Korsakov Background Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844 –1908) was a uniquely famous composer from Russia. He was likewise a member of an infamous assembly of composers called The Five. Korsakov was furthermore an expert in orchestration. His correspondingly most famous orchestral compositions-Capriccio Espagnol, the Russian Easter Festival Overture, and the Scheherazade suite-are important monuments of the standard music repertoire.  Also, comparatively very important are his suites and excerpts from his 15 operas. Korsakov was moreover fond of using Russian folklore and fairy tales in his music, such as Scheherazade.  Nationalistic Style Korsakov believed, similarly to fellow outspoken composer Balakirev, in creating a nationalistic, Russia-centric style of classical music. The new style was in fact called Orientalism. It similarly relied on native Russian materials, exotic scales, and experimental harmonic, melodic and rhythmic procedures. This practice, conversely, ran counter to the developments in Western musical culture. Musical Developments Nevertheless, Korsakov developed an appreciation of Western musical techniques after he became a professor of musical composition, harmony, and orchestration at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in 1871. Moreover, he undertook a rigorous three-year program of self-education and mastered Western methods, incorporating them in conjunction with the influences of Mikhail Glinka and other members of The Five. His techniques of composition and orchestration were additionally enriched by his exposure to the works of Richard Wagner. Naval Service Korsakov combined his music career accordingly with a career in the Russian military. He was in the first place an officer in the Russian Navy. In due time, he was appointed as a civilian Inspector of Naval Bands. As a result, Korsakov expanded his knowledge of woodwind and brass playing, which in turn heightened his capabilities in orchestration. Legacy Korsakov in due time contributed a significant number of Russian nationalist works. He also prepared, from time to time, compositions by The Five for presentation. This brought their works straightaway into the active classical repertoire as well. He also shaped an entire generation of younger composers during his time as a music educator. Therefore, music historians consider Korsakov as the foremost engineer of what the public considers to be the Russian style of composition. He served, all in all, as a transitional figure between The Five and the classically trained composers who became the norm over time. In addition to the Russians, he forthwith influenced non-Russian composers such as Ravel, Debussy, Dukas, and Respighi.  

Piano,Soprano Saxophone - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549256 Composed by Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Instructional,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 15 pages. Jmsgu3 #3473699. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549256). Flight of the Bumblebee from Korsakov's Tale of Tsar Saltan Score: 9 pages, Solo part: 3 pages, Piano accompaniment part: 3 pages. Duration: ca. 1:15 Amaze your listeners with this short but stunning recital encore! Korsakov: Flight of the Bumblebee Flight of the Bumblebee is, to be sure, an orchestral interlude composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov for his opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan. Korsakov, of course, intended to musically portray the chaotic flying pattern of a bumblebee. Nowadays, this piece is one of the comparatively more famous classical works because it frequently appears from time to time in popular culture. In the opera, the piece appears notably at the close of Act III, Tableau 1. This is when the magic Swan-Bird, in fact, changes the Prince (the son of the Tsar) into a bee so he can fly away to visit his father. Interestingly, at this point in the drama, his father, in effect, does not know that he is alive.   Korsakov Background Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844 –1908) was a uniquely famous composer from Russia. He was likewise a member of an infamous assembly of composers called The Five. Korsakov was furthermore an expert in orchestration. His correspondingly most famous orchestral compositions-Capriccio Espagnol, the Russian Easter Festival Overture, and the Scheherazade suite-are important monuments of the standard music repertoire.  Also, comparatively very important are his suites and excerpts from his 15 operas. Korsakov was moreover fond of using Russian folklore and fairy tales in his music, such as Scheherazade.  Nationalistic Style Korsakov believed, similarly to fellow outspoken composer Balakirev, in creating a nationalistic, Russia-centric style of classical music. The new style was in fact called Orientalism. It similarly relied on native Russian materials, exotic scales, and experimental harmonic, melodic and rhythmic procedures. This practice, conversely, ran counter to the developments in Western musical culture. Musical Developments Nevertheless, Korsakov developed an appreciation of Western musical techniques after he became a professor of musical composition, harmony, and orchestration at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in 1871. Moreover, he undertook a rigorous three-year program of self-education and mastered Western methods, incorporating them in conjunction with the influences of Mikhail Glinka and other members of The Five. His techniques of composition and orchestration were additionally enriched by his exposure to the works of Richard Wagner. Naval Service Korsakov combined his music career accordingly with a career in the Russian military. He was in the first place an officer in the Russian Navy. In due time, he was appointed as a civilian Inspector of Naval Bands. As a result, Korsakov expanded his knowledge of woodwind and brass playing, which in turn heightened his capabilities in orchestration. Legacy Korsakov in due time contributed a significant number of Russian nationalist works. He also prepared, from time to time, compositions by The Five for presentation. This brought their works straightaway into the active classical repertoire as well. He also shaped an entire generation of younger composers during his time as a music educator. Therefore, music historians consider Korsakov as the foremost engineer of what the public considers to be the Russian style of composition. He served, all in all, as a transitional figure between The Five and the classically trained composers who became the norm over time. In addition to the Russians, he forthwith influenced non-Russian composers such as Ravel, Debussy, Dukas, and Respighi.  

Alto Saxophone,Piano - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549254 Composed by Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Instructional,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 15 pages. Jmsgu3 #3473685. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549254). Flight of the Bumblebee Flight of the Bumblebee is, to be sure, an orchestral interlude composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov for his opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan. Of course, Korsakov intended to portray a bumblebee's chaotic flying pattern musically. Nowadays, this piece is one of the comparatively more famous classical works because it frequently appears occasionally in popular culture. The piece appears notably in the opera at the close of Act III, Tableau 1. This is when the magic Swan-Bird changes the Prince (the son of the Tsar) into a bee so he can fly away to visit his father. Interestingly, at this point in the drama, his father, in effect, does not know that he is alive. Korsakov Background Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844 –1908) was a uniquely famous composer from Russia. He was likewise a member of an infamous assembly of composers called The Five. Korsakov was furthermore an expert in orchestration. His correspondingly most famous orchestral compositions- Capriccio Espagnol, the Russian Easter Festival Overture, and the Scheherazade suite- are essential monuments of the standard music repertoire.  Also comparatively very important are his suites and excerpts from his 15 operas. Korsakov used Russian folklore and fairy tales, such as Scheherazade, in his music.  Nationalistic Style Like fellow outspoken composer Balakirev, Korsakov believed in creating a nationalistic, Russia-centric style of classical music. The new style was called Orientalism. It similarly relied on native Russian materials, exotic scales, and experimental harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic procedures. This practice, conversely, ran counter to the developments in Western musical culture. Musical Developments Nevertheless, Korsakov developed an appreciation of Western musical techniques after he became a professor of musical composition, harmony, and orchestration at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in 1871. Moreover, he undertook a rigorous three-year program of self-education. He mastered Western methods, incorporating them with the influences of Mikhail Glinka and other members of The Five. His techniques of composition and orchestration were additionally enriched by his exposure to the works of Richard Wagner. Naval Service Korsakov combined his music career accordingly with a career in the Russian military. He was in the first place an officer in the Russian Navy. In due time, he was appointed a civilian Inspector of Naval Bands. As a result, Korsakov expanded his knowledge of woodwind and brass playing, which heightened his orchestration capabilities. Legacy In due time, Korsakov contributed a significant number of Russian nationalist works. He also prepared, occasionally, compositions by The Five for presentation. This brought their works straightaway into the active classical repertoire as well. He also shaped an entire generation of younger composers as a music educator. Therefore, music historians consider Korsakov the foremost engineer of what the public considers the Russian composition style. He served as a transitional figure between The Five and the classically trained composers who became the norm over time. In addition to the Russians, he influenced non-Russian composers such as Ravel, Debussy, Dukas, and Respighi.  

Cello,Piano Accompaniment,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1342288 Composed by Connie Boss. Arranged by Connie Boss. Easter,Holiday,Lent,Religious,Sacred. 27 pages. Connie Boss #927805. Published by Connie Boss (A0.1342288). This song can be used for Lent or on Good Friday. Jesus was persecuted, then crucified to save us from our sins.This arrangement is in the key of G and is for strings trio - two violins and a cello and piano.  I will have it in a lower range in key of C for mezzon soprano and alto or alot and tenor as well.questions or requests, email cdboss@cvalley.netLyrics are included on the violin parts to make it easier to follow along.  They are below as well.Persecuted then CrucifiedRefrain:Persecuted, then crucifiedUp to the moment when he diedVerse 1:They stripped him of all His clothesThen they gave Him a scarlet robe A crown of thorns placed on His headBlood ran down His face until His deathRefrain:Verse 2:He Carried the cross to CalvaryWhere it was His destinyThey nailed His feet and then His handsAmong two thieves the cross would standRefrain:Bridge 1:He saved others but he can’t save himself! He says He is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross, Then, we will believe in him.Refrain:Verse 3:They put sour wine to His mouthHe did not drink it but spat it outThey divided up all His clothesWith the dice that they had rolledRefrain 2:Persecuted, then crucifiedUp to the moment when he diedThen He gave His final cry“Father please forgive     them�Bridge 2:Then he hung his head to dieThen the sky grew dark and dimTerrified, the people then realizedHe truly was the son of God Final ending:Persecuted, then crucifiedUp to the moment when he died.

B-Flat Trumpet,Piano - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548502 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian,Christmas. Score and part. 4 pages. Jmsgu3 #3387385. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548502). The First Noel arranged for Trumpet in Bb & 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: Trumpet 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.  Register for free lifetime updates and revisions at www.jamesguthrie.com