SKU: A0.548504

The First Noel arranged for Tenor Sax & 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: Alto Sax 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.

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SKU: A0.1314541

An exciting arrangement of eight popular swinging xmas carols arranged for Bb Tenor Saxophone & Piano; in an up-beat and somewhat jazzy manner. This challenging set of carols, offers players in general, something very different for those Christmas concerts and recitals, give them a go, and I am sure that you won’t be disappointed!

The set includes: Ding Dong Merrily On High, Silent Night,We Three Kings,Away in a Manger, Joy to the World, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Deck the Halls & Good King Wenceslas.

The part is all written out with jazz inflections and articulation included. The Piano part is all written out, but also includes the jazz chords for players who wish to comp. These Carols are playable by moderately advanced performers and are perfect for parties, church services, busking & recitals. Range is very moderate, nothing high at all.

Need an anthem fast? They are ALL in my store! All my anthem arrangements are also available for Orchestra, Recorders, Saxophones, Wind, Brass and Flexible band. If you need an anthem urgently for an instrumentation not in my store, let me know via e-mail, and I will arrange it for you FOC if possible!

Reviewer Chet Heflin Date 29th Sep 2006

Bluesy Xmas! Keith Terrett has done an outstanding job of injecting jazz and blues into these holiday favorites. The writing beginning in measure 13 of Ding Dong Merrily On High is outstanding. Check out the wonderful contrast in movement between the flute and bass. This arrangement of Xmas carols would be a wonderful addition to any future holiday program. Well done Keith! Have fun! Caroling (singing carols in the street) is one of the oldest customs in Great Britain, going back to the Middle Ages when beggars, seeking food, money, or drink, would wander the streets singing holiday songs.
 Contact Publisher.

SKU: AX.00-PC-0014640_TX1

UPC: 029156011821.

Now freshly engraved with a full score for the first time, A Christmas Festival is made up of eight traditional Christmas carols arranged in a very attractive medley by Leroy Anderson. Capture the spirit of the holidays with this outstanding collection. Leroy Anderson's Christmas Festival has long been a staple of concert performances for both bands and orchestras. Russell Robinson has created SATB choral settings that can be used in performance. Sure to enhance any Christmas concert! Available in SATB (in D-flat), Concert Band (in D-flat), SATB (in D), and Full Orchestra (in D). (6:36)
Festival.

SKU: A0.1328094

Groove Zones Christmas! (for that alternative Christmas!) - Bb saxophone edition (tenor or soprano sax) published October 2023 by www.masquerade-music.com ... a journey on three levels and a collaboration of Keri Degg, Chris Lawry, and Jack Lennon. The  download includes superior quality full demonstration and accompaniment only audio tracks for all the pieces (street, town, and city variants) so 20 audio tracks in all. The audio downloads code is given in the publication.

Groove Zones Christmas! (like the other titles in the Groove Zones series) are designed to grow with you as you explore from street (around grade 2-4) to town (around grade 3-5) and finally to the city (grade 5/6+) and embraces a more commercial saxophone sound that will be highly appealing and a great motivator for personal practice.

The five pieces in the book (Jingle Bingle Bells, Carol from Sussex, In Dulci Jubilo, We Three Kings of Old London, and Deck the (Terry) Halls) each appear in the three difficulty levels (so really there are fifteen pieces in the book) and have been carefully notated/articulated to provide that authentic commercial sound (in many styles from Big Band, Metal/Rock, Jazz Waltz, Blues, and even Ska - think of the band Madness or The Specials and you're on the right wavelength!).

Jingle Bingle Bells begins as a luscious ballad in a style inspired by some of our popular Crooners like Michael Buble (with regards to the other Crooner, the clue is in the title!) but soon launches into a joyous upbeat big band swing before finally returning from whence it came. You can almost see and smell the gently falling snow! The three versions are included: Jingle Bingle Bells (Street) - around grade 2-4, Jingle Bingle Bells (Town) - around grade 3-5, and Jingle Bingle Bells (City) - grade 5/6+

Carol from Sussex is a Metal/Rock twisted arrangement of the original (Sussex Carol) and features the vocal talents of Mr Nick McCarthy with his fun interjections! This arrangement really romps along, though the Street edition is cleverly arranged to make the tune basically half the speed for lesser experienced players. Conjure up an idea of the mysterious Carol from Sussex as you enjoy this festive showpiece! The three versions are included: Carol from Sussex (Street) - around grade 2-4, Carol from Sussex (Town) - around grade 3-5, and Carol from Sussex (City) - grade 5/6+

In Dulci Jubilo is a sweet and laid back number arranged in a Jazz Waltz style with oodles of space to soar on notes. Enjoy the little musical quotes at the end (how may Carols can you pick out?). The three versions are included: In Dulci Jubilo (Street) - around grade 2-4, In Dulci Jubilo (Town) - around grade 3-5, and In Dulci Jubilo (City) - grade 5/6+

We Three Kings of Old London is a darker Cityscape in a Blues/alternative style. Full of sound effects such as the rumblings of the underground and an echoey sax down a deserted street (and do we hear Father Christmas somewhere in the distance?!) there are some really sleazy play offs between the sax and the guitar at the start and end (inspired perhaps 'Lily was Here' - Candy Dulfer and Dave Stewart). A really satisfying play! The three versions are included: We Three Kings of Old London (Street) - around grade 2-3, We Three Kings of Old London (Town) - around grade 3-5, and We Three Kings of Old London (City) - grade 5/6+.

SKU: A0.1315374

An exciting arrangement of eight popular swinging xmas carols arranged for Tenor Recorder and Piano; in an up-beat and somewhat jazzy manner. This challenging set of carols, offers players in general, something very different for those Christmas concerts and recitals, give them a go, and I am sure that you wonâ??t be disappointed!

The set includes: Ding Dong Merrily On High, Silent Night,We Three Kings,Away in a Manger, Joy to the World, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Deck the Halls and Good King Wenceslas.

The part is all written out with jazz inflections and articulation included. The Piano part is all written out, but also includes the jazz chords for players who wish to comp. These Carols are playable by moderately advanced performers and are perfect for parties, church services, busking and recitals. Range is very moderate, nothing high at all.

Need an anthem fast? They are ALL in my store! All my anthem arrangements are also available for Orchestra, Recorders, Saxophones, Wind, Brass and Flexible band. If you need an anthem urgently for an instrumentation not in my store, let me know via e-mail, and I will arrange it for you FOC if possible!

Reviewer Chet Heflin Date 29th Sep 2006

Bluesy Xmas! Keith Terrett has done an outstanding job of injecting jazz and blues into these holiday favorites. The writing beginning in measure 13 of Ding Dong Merrily On High is outstanding. Check out the wonderful contrast in movement between the flute and bass. This arrangement of Xmas carols would be a wonderful addition to any future holiday program. Well done Keith! Have fun! Caroling (singing carols in the street) is one of the oldest customs in Great Britain, going back to the Middle Ages when beggars, seeking food, money, or drink, would wander the streets singing holiday songs.

SKU: A0.548490

Silent Night for Tenor Sax & Piano with new harmony for the final verse. Score: 2 pg. Part: 1 pg.

Silent Night

Origins

Father Joseph Mohr wrote the lyrics for a new Christmas Carol. He wanted the new carol for his Christmas Eve Mass. With only a couple of hours until the service, He asked organist and schoolteacher Franz Gruber to write a melody and simple accompaniment to go with the lyrics. The result is probably the most famous of all Christmas carols – Silent Night.

First Performance

Perhaps because the organ was undergoing repairs, or to make sure the accompaniment was easy enough, Mohr asked Gruber to write it for the guitar. Mohr played the guitar, and both Mohr and Gruber gave the world premiere performance at the Christmas Eve Mass in 1818 at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf in Salzburg.

Original Score

Eventually, the original score became lost, and consequently, Mohr's name was largely forgotten.  Though the public originally recognized Gruber as the composer, many people over time began rumors that a more famous composer was responsible. Thus, they floated the names of Haydn, Mozart, and even Beethoven. Authorities eventually settled the matter when a manuscript in Mohr’s handwriting turned up in 1820. Consequently, we learn that Mohr wrote the lyrics in 1816, and Gruber composed the melody in 1818.

Popularity

Nonetheless, Silent Night is still very popular. Singers have performed this song in nearly every genre and in multiple languages. Perhaps the most famous version is the one Bing Crosby crafted. This version is the third best-selling physical single recording in the history of recorded music. This particular recording was released in 1935 and sold at least 30 million copies.

Only two songs have ever sold more. Elton John released Candle in the Wind in 1997 and sold 33 million copies. The record for most copies ever sold goes to Bing Crosby. He released White Christmas in 1942 and sold 50 million physical copies.

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SKU: A0.587700

20 Favourite Carols for Tenor Saxophone Duet is a collection of the best-known Christmas carols arranged simply for two Tenor Saxophones. The keys and range are chosen to suit players at an easy intermediate level, so anyone can join in with the festive music-making.

Click on the YouTube link above to hear a short sample of these arrangements played on clarinet. These carols are also available for many other instrumental combinations elsewhere on Sheet Music Plus.

The carols are in alphabetical order and are as follows

• Away in a Manger
• Deck the Halls
• Ding Dong Merrily on High
• The First Nowell
• God Rest ye Merry Gentleman
• Good Christian Men Rejoice
• Good King Wenceslas
• Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
• The Holly and the Ivy
• I Saw Three Ships
• In the Bleak Midwinter
• It Came upon a Midnight Clear
• O Cone All Ye Faithful
• O Come, O Come Emmanuel
• O Little Town of Bethlehem
• Once in Royal David’s City
• Silent Night
• We Three Kings
• While Shepherds Watched
• We Wish you a Merry Christmas

There are many more top quality arrangements and compositions by David McKeown for you to browse at http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/david-mckeown/6203

SKU: A0.742741

2nd edition - new and improved.

Volume 1 of our Patriotic collection contains four classic patriotic tunes and three complete Sousa marches. Altogether this has seven songs and over 14 minutes of music that both you and your audience are sure to love. Each song is also available separately from the publisher link above.

These arrangements can be played with anywhere from 3 to 7 parts, with a great deal of flexibility in instrumentation. This makes it ideal for bands of all types (school, community, or professional). This is one of the most versatile collections you'll ever use!

The songs included in Volume 1 are:
The Star-Spangled Banner (US National Anthem), by John Stafford Smith.
America the Beautiful, by Samuel Ward.
Battle Hymn of the Republic (Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory).
My Country, 'Tis of Thee (America, known as God Save the King/Queen in England).
Stars and Stripes Forever, by John Philip Sousa.
Washington Post March, by John Philip Sousa.
Semper Fidelis, by John Philip Sousa.

Each song is in its original key, so it is easy to combine these with your own choir or piano/organ parts. The difficulty level ranges from medium-easy to medium-advanced. The arrangements respect the original style of the composers while greatly expanding the instrument flexibility.

This collection contains a full score, as well as individual parts in all the appropriate clefs and transpositions to support the following ensembles:
Brass trio, quartet, quintet, and sextet.
Woodwind trio, quartet, quintet, and sextet.
String trio, quartet, quintet, and sextet.
Clarinet trio, quartet, quintet, and sextet.
Saxophone trio, quartet, and quintet.
Mixed trio, quartet, quintet, and sextet (all with optional percussion).
Wind ensemble, brass ensemble, string orchestra, full orchestra, and full band.

The parts are described as follows:
Part 1: Main melody. Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Bb Trumpet, Violin, Viola.
Part 2: Main harmony, possibly some B-section melody. Bb Clarinet, Alto Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Bb Trumpet, Violin, Viola.
Part 3: Other harmony. Bb Clarinet, Alto/Bass Clarinet, Alto/Tenor Saxophone, French Horn, Bb Trumpet, Trombone, C/Bb Euphonium, Violin, Viola, Cello.
Part 4: Main bass line. Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone, Bassoon, Trombone, Bass Trombone, C/Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Cello, Bass.
Part 5: Other harmony. Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone, Bassoon, Trombone, Bass Trombone, C/Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Cello, Bass.
Part 6: Main melody down an octave, with some additional notes. Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Trombone, C/Bb Euphonium, Cello, Bass.
Part 7: Optional percussion (snare drum, bass drum, cymbal) that can be added to any of the above combinations, or skipped entirely.

We recommend the following combinations:
Trio: Parts 1, 2, 4 (#4 works better than #3 for trio).
Quartet: Parts 1, 2, 3, 4.
Quintet: Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Sextet: Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Septet: Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Be sure to also check out our three volumes of Christmas Carols for All!