Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Quintet Bassoon,Clarinet,Flute,Horn,Oboe - Level 3 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1325401
Composed by Gustav Holst. Arranged by Ray Thompson. 20th Century,Christmas. 9 pages. RayThompsonMusic #913639. Published by RayThompsonMusic (A0.1325401).
Bring Us in Good Ale is a medieval English drinking song celebrating good drink and honoring Our Lady. For the medieval man, convivial drinking was a part of life, and drinks were enjoyed with nearly every meal. The English beverage of choice was ale. In Bring us in Good Ale the singers jocularly excuse themselves from mutton, eggs and pudding and instead stand firm in their call for their favorite drink.Â
As they list all the dishes they refuse, the singers indirectly give thanks for the good season that has led to the plenty they are enjoying.
Gustav Holst arranged it for unaccompanied choir as one of his 4 carols Op.34.
It is quite short.
Arranged here for wind quintet.
Bring us in good ale, and bring us in good ale;
For our Blessed Lady's sake, bring us in good ale.
Bring us in no brown bread, for that is made of bran,
Nor bring us in no white bread, there therein is no game;
But bring us in good ale.
Bring us in no beef, for there is many bones,
But bring us in good ale, for that goes down at once;
And bring us in good ale.
Bring us in no bacon, for that is passing fat,
But bring us in good ale, and give us enough of that;
And bring us in good ale.
Bring us in no mutton, for that is often lean,
Nor bring us in no tripes, for they be seldom clean.
Bring us in no eggys, for there are many shells,
But bring us in good ale, and give us nothing else.
Bring us in no butter, for there are many hairs;
Nor bring us in no pig's flesh, for that will make us bears.
Bring us in no puddings, for therein is all God's good;
Nor bring us in no venison, for that is not for our blood;
But bring us in good ale.
Bring us in no capon's flesh, for that is often dear;
Nor bring us in no duck's flesh, for they slobber in the mere;
But bring us in good ale.
Arranged wind quintet
