Twenty-three sacred hymns and songs From the Foreword: Recent years have seen much increase in the activities of small and medium sized instrumental ensembles in schools at all grade levels, generally as an adjunct of band and orchestral programs.Many churches and Sunday Schools also use ensembles of various types in programs and services. Such groups are looking for playable music that is also interesting and worthwhile. This collection contains settings of sacred hymns and songs, and other selections, all of which should be usable in the church and the school. The hymn and song treatments are not just instrumentations of standard hymnal type, but are complete arrangements, using such devices as introductions, bridges, reharmonizations in present day idioms, rhythmic variety, countermelodies, etc. All selections have been scored for a six (or five) part brass ensemble with the following part books available: (preferred instruments are listed before the parenthetical substitution possibilities) Part 1: C Instruments (Violin, Oboe, Flute); 1st Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 2: 2nd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 3: 3rd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet); F Horn (English Horn); Eb Horn (Alto Saxophone, Eb Alto Clarinet) Part 4: Baritone treble clef (Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet); Trombone (Baritone bass clef, Bassoon, Cello) Part 5: Baritone bass clef (Trombone, Bassoon, Cello) Part 6: Tuba or Sousaphone (Bassoon or Cello with occasional lower range limits, String Bass 8vb) While hoping to keep the selections interesting and worthwhile for experienced players, they have generally been restricted to a medium level of difficulty (or Grade III as defined by the Instrumentalist Magazine). Extremes of range and key signature have been avoided, lead parts have ample time to rest and catch their breath and technical demands are usually modest. Selections which could have been expanded to larger proportions (such as A Mighty Fortress) have been held to a modest length, in order to give younger musicians a better chance to play them successfully. Footnotes in the conductor's score indicate how the longer medleys can be abbreviated, if that is desirable. WESLEY HANSON

Twenty-three sacred hymns and songs From the Foreword: Recent years have seen much increase in the activities of small and medium sized instrumental ensembles in schools at all grade levels, generally as an adjunct of band and orchestral programs.Many churches and Sunday Schools also use ensembles of various types in programs and services. Such groups are looking for playable music that is also interesting and worthwhile. This collection contains settings of sacred hymns and songs, and other selections, all of which should be usable in the church and the school. The hymn and song treatments are not just instrumentations of standard hymnal type, but are complete arrangements, using such devices as introductions, bridges, reharmonizations in present day idioms, rhythmic variety, countermelodies, etc. All selections have been scored for a six (or five) part brass ensemble with the following part books available: (preferred instruments are listed before the parenthetical substitution possibilities) Part 1: C Instruments (Violin, Oboe, Flute); 1st Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 2: 2nd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 3: 3rd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet); F Horn (English Horn); Eb Horn (Alto Saxophone, Eb Alto Clarinet) Part 4: Baritone treble clef (Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet); Trombone (Baritone bass clef, Bassoon, Cello) Part 5: Baritone bass clef (Trombone, Bassoon, Cello) Part 6: Tuba or Sousaphone (Bassoon or Cello with occasional lower range limits, String Bass 8vb) While hoping to keep the selections interesting and worthwhile for experienced players, they have generally been restricted to a medium level of difficulty (or Grade III as defined by the Instrumentalist Magazine). Extremes of range and key signature have been avoided, lead parts have ample time to rest and catch their breath and technical demands are usually modest. Selections which could have been expanded to larger proportions (such as A Mighty Fortress) have been held to a modest length, in order to give younger musicians a better chance to play them successfully. Footnotes in the conductor's score indicate how the longer medleys can be abbreviated, if that is desirable. WESLEY HANSON

Twenty-three sacred hymns and songs From the Foreword: Recent years have seen much increase in the activities of small and medium sized instrumental ensembles in schools at all grade levels, generally as an adjunct of band and orchestral programs.Many churches and Sunday Schools also use ensembles of various types in programs and services. Such groups are looking for playable music that is also interesting and worthwhile. This collection contains settings of sacred hymns and songs, and other selections, all of which should be usable in the church and the school. The hymn and song treatments are not just instrumentations of standard hymnal type, but are complete arrangements, using such devices as introductions, bridges, reharmonizations in present day idioms, rhythmic variety, countermelodies, etc. All selections have been scored for a six (or five) part brass ensemble with the following part books available: (preferred instruments are listed before the parenthetical substitution possibilities) Part 1: C Instruments (Violin, Oboe, Flute); 1st Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 2: 2nd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 3: 3rd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet); F Horn (English Horn); Eb Horn (Alto Saxophone, Eb Alto Clarinet) Part 4: Baritone treble clef (Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet); Trombone (Baritone bass clef, Bassoon, Cello) Part 5: Baritone bass clef (Trombone, Bassoon, Cello) Part 6: Tuba or Sousaphone (Bassoon or Cello with occasional lower range limits, String Bass 8vb) While hoping to keep the selections interesting and worthwhile for experienced players, they have generally been restricted to a medium level of difficulty (or Grade III as defined by the Instrumentalist Magazine). Extremes of range and key signature have been avoided, lead parts have ample time to rest and catch their breath and technical demands are usually modest. Selections which could have been expanded to larger proportions (such as A Mighty Fortress) have been held to a modest length, in order to give younger musicians a better chance to play them successfully. Footnotes in the conductor's score indicate how the longer medleys can be abbreviated, if that is desirable. WESLEY HANSON

Twenty-three sacred hymns and songs From the Foreword: Recent years have seen much increase in the activities of small and medium sized instrumental ensembles in schools at all grade levels, generally as an adjunct of band and orchestral programs.Many churches and Sunday Schools also use ensembles of various types in programs and services. Such groups are looking for playable music that is also interesting and worthwhile. This collection contains settings of sacred hymns and songs, and other selections, all of which should be usable in the church and the school. The hymn and song treatments are not just instrumentations of standard hymnal type, but are complete arrangements, using such devices as introductions, bridges, reharmonizations in present day idioms, rhythmic variety, countermelodies, etc. All selections have been scored for a six (or five) part brass ensemble with the following part books available: (preferred instruments are listed before the parenthetical substitution possibilities) Part 1: C Instruments (Violin, Oboe, Flute); 1st Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 2: 2nd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 3: 3rd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet); F Horn (English Horn); Eb Horn (Alto Saxophone, Eb Alto Clarinet) Part 4: Baritone treble clef (Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet); Trombone (Baritone bass clef, Bassoon, Cello) Part 5: Baritone bass clef (Trombone, Bassoon, Cello) Part 6: Tuba or Sousaphone (Bassoon or Cello with occasional lower range limits, String Bass 8vb) While hoping to keep the selections interesting and worthwhile for experienced players, they have generally been restricted to a medium level of difficulty (or Grade III as defined by the Instrumentalist Magazine). Extremes of range and key signature have been avoided, lead parts have ample time to rest and catch their breath and technical demands are usually modest. Selections which could have been expanded to larger proportions (such as A Mighty Fortress) have been held to a modest length, in order to give younger musicians a better chance to play them successfully. Footnotes in the conductor's score indicate how the longer medleys can be abbreviated, if that is desirable. WESLEY HANSON

Twenty-three sacred hymns and songs From the Foreword: Recent years have seen much increase in the activities of small and medium sized instrumental ensembles in schools at all grade levels, generally as an adjunct of band and orchestral programs.Many churches and Sunday Schools also use ensembles of various types in programs and services. Such groups are looking for playable music that is also interesting and worthwhile. This collection contains settings of sacred hymns and songs, and other selections, all of which should be usable in the church and the school. The hymn and song treatments are not just instrumentations of standard hymnal type, but are complete arrangements, using such devices as introductions, bridges, reharmonizations in present day idioms, rhythmic variety, countermelodies, etc. All selections have been scored for a six (or five) part brass ensemble with the following part books available: (preferred instruments are listed before the parenthetical substitution possibilities) Part 1: C Instruments (Violin, Oboe, Flute); 1st Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 2: 2nd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 3: 3rd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet); F Horn (English Horn); Eb Horn (Alto Saxophone, Eb Alto Clarinet) Part 4: Baritone treble clef (Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet); Trombone (Baritone bass clef, Bassoon, Cello) Part 5: Baritone bass clef (Trombone, Bassoon, Cello) Part 6: Tuba or Sousaphone (Bassoon or Cello with occasional lower range limits, String Bass 8vb) While hoping to keep the selections interesting and worthwhile for experienced players, they have generally been restricted to a medium level of difficulty (or Grade III as defined by the Instrumentalist Magazine). Extremes of range and key signature have been avoided, lead parts have ample time to rest and catch their breath and technical demands are usually modest. Selections which could have been expanded to larger proportions (such as A Mighty Fortress) have been held to a modest length, in order to give younger musicians a better chance to play them successfully. Footnotes in the conductor's score indicate how the longer medleys can be abbreviated, if that is desirable. WESLEY HANSON

Twenty-three sacred hymns and songs From the Foreword: Recent years have seen much increase in the activities of small and medium sized instrumental ensembles in schools at all grade levels, generally as an adjunct of band and orchestral programs.Many churches and Sunday Schools also use ensembles of various types in programs and services. Such groups are looking for playable music that is also interesting and worthwhile. This collection contains settings of sacred hymns and songs, and other selections, all of which should be usable in the church and the school. The hymn and song treatments are not just instrumentations of standard hymnal type, but are complete arrangements, using such devices as introductions, bridges, reharmonizations in present day idioms, rhythmic variety, countermelodies, etc. All selections have been scored for a six (or five) part brass ensemble with the following part books available: (preferred instruments are listed before the parenthetical substitution possibilities) Part 1: C Instruments (Violin, Oboe, Flute); 1st Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 2: 2nd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 3: 3rd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet); F Horn (English Horn); Eb Horn (Alto Saxophone, Eb Alto Clarinet) Part 4: Baritone treble clef (Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet); Trombone (Baritone bass clef, Bassoon, Cello) Part 5: Baritone bass clef (Trombone, Bassoon, Cello) Part 6: Tuba or Sousaphone (Bassoon or Cello with occasional lower range limits, String Bass 8vb) While hoping to keep the selections interesting and worthwhile for experienced players, they have generally been restricted to a medium level of difficulty (or Grade III as defined by the Instrumentalist Magazine). Extremes of range and key signature have been avoided, lead parts have ample time to rest and catch their breath and technical demands are usually modest. Selections which could have been expanded to larger proportions (such as A Mighty Fortress) have been held to a modest length, in order to give younger musicians a better chance to play them successfully. Footnotes in the conductor's score indicate how the longer medleys can be abbreviated, if that is desirable. WESLEY HANSON

Twenty-three sacred hymns and songs From the Foreword: Recent years have seen much increase in the activities of small and medium sized instrumental ensembles in schools at all grade levels, generally as an adjunct of band and orchestral programs.Many churches and Sunday Schools also use ensembles of various types in programs and services. Such groups are looking for playable music that is also interesting and worthwhile. This collection contains settings of sacred hymns and songs, and other selections, all of which should be usable in the church and the school. The hymn and song treatments are not just instrumentations of standard hymnal type, but are complete arrangements, using such devices as introductions, bridges, reharmonizations in present day idioms, rhythmic variety, countermelodies, etc. All selections have been scored for a six (or five) part brass ensemble with the following part books available: (preferred instruments are listed before the parenthetical substitution possibilities) Part 1: C Instruments (Violin, Oboe, Flute); 1st Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 2: 2nd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 3: 3rd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet); F Horn (English Horn); Eb Horn (Alto Saxophone, Eb Alto Clarinet) Part 4: Baritone treble clef (Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet); Trombone (Baritone bass clef, Bassoon, Cello) Part 5: Baritone bass clef (Trombone, Bassoon, Cello) Part 6: Tuba or Sousaphone (Bassoon or Cello with occasional lower range limits, String Bass 8vb) While hoping to keep the selections interesting and worthwhile for experienced players, they have generally been restricted to a medium level of difficulty (or Grade III as defined by the Instrumentalist Magazine). Extremes of range and key signature have been avoided, lead parts have ample time to rest and catch their breath and technical demands are usually modest. Selections which could have been expanded to larger proportions (such as A Mighty Fortress) have been held to a modest length, in order to give younger musicians a better chance to play them successfully. Footnotes in the conductor's score indicate how the longer medleys can be abbreviated, if that is desirable. WESLEY HANSON

Twenty-three sacred hymns and songs From the Foreword: Recent years have seen much increase in the activities of small and medium sized instrumental ensembles in schools at all grade levels, generally as an adjunct of band and orchestral programs.Many churches and Sunday Schools also use ensembles of various types in programs and services. Such groups are looking for playable music that is also interesting and worthwhile. This collection contains settings of sacred hymns and songs, and other selections, all of which should be usable in the church and the school. The hymn and song treatments are not just instrumentations of standard hymnal type, but are complete arrangements, using such devices as introductions, bridges, reharmonizations in present day idioms, rhythmic variety, countermelodies, etc. All selections have been scored for a six (or five) part brass ensemble with the following part books available: (preferred instruments are listed before the parenthetical substitution possibilities) Part 1: C Instruments (Violin, Oboe, Flute); 1st Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 2: 2nd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet) Part 3: 3rd Bb Trumpet or Cornet (Bb Clarinet); F Horn (English Horn); Eb Horn (Alto Saxophone, Eb Alto Clarinet) Part 4: Baritone treble clef (Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet); Trombone (Baritone bass clef, Bassoon, Cello) Part 5: Baritone bass clef (Trombone, Bassoon, Cello) Part 6: Tuba or Sousaphone (Bassoon or Cello with occasional lower range limits, String Bass 8vb) While hoping to keep the selections interesting and worthwhile for experienced players, they have generally been restricted to a medium level of difficulty (or Grade III as defined by the Instrumentalist Magazine). Extremes of range and key signature have been avoided, lead parts have ample time to rest and catch their breath and technical demands are usually modest. Selections which could have been expanded to larger proportions (such as A Mighty Fortress) have been held to a modest length, in order to give younger musicians a better chance to play them successfully. Footnotes in the conductor's score indicate how the longer medleys can be abbreviated, if that is desirable. WESLEY HANSON

Guitar,Piano,Vocal,Voice - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1254852 By Acapeldridge. By Words: Theodore Baker / Music: Theodore Dubois. Arranged by Lyndell Leatherman. Christian,Classical,Religious,Sacred. Score. 2 pages. Leatherman Music Services #848436. Published by Leatherman Music Services (A0.1254852). Welcome to this entry in the Leatherman Library of Hymnody (LLOH).Features of the series include:•Intermediate 2-page arrangements suitable as either piano or organ solos.•Chord symbols included as a service to classical guitarists.•Lyrics included (and occasionally updated) to facilitate congregational singing or vocal solo.•Hymn background information included for personal edification or use as printed program notes.•Optional repeats which allow you to fit into the allotted time available in a service.•An introduction and/or tag in many cases, often incorporating a classical excerpt or related hymn fragment.If you like this format, you may be interested in a published volume of 75 similar arrangements: BEST-LOVED HYMNS I  (© FJH Music, distributed by Alfred Music).************It has long been my passion and privilege to create customized arrangements for the churches and schools with whom I have been associated. Many were published; some were not. During the 2020 slowdown caused by Covid-19, I finally had the time to start posting the unpublished resources on Sheet Music Plus. If you are curious about what else is available, please navigate to my publisher page here on SMP < https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/leatherman-music-services/16718 >  or slip over to Facebook < https://www.facebook.com/leathermanmusicservices >, where you can see and hear many of my published works. Thanks for your interest!   God bless!Lyndell Leatherman, ASCAP.

Piano Quartet - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548639 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Christmas. 10 pages. Jmsgu3 #3406037. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548639). The First Nowell arranged for Piano Quartet featuring a thought-provoking re-harmonization of the final verse.OriginsThe 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 an everyday 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 revised and added the familiar extra verses. The First Noel: Piano Quartet Version brings new harmony in the final verse for more energy and drive.StainerOrganist and composer Sir John Stainer published the most noteworthy customary arrangement in the 1870s. Stainer is, above all, famous for his songbook entitled Christmas Carols New and Old (1871). This volume served as an essential catalyst for reviving the English Christmas carol. Other favorite Stainer arrangements from this book include What Child Is This, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, and I Saw Three Ships.Diatonic FunctionThe melodic structure in the First Noel is uncommon among English folk tunes. It simply repeats one phrase twice and then follows a variation refrain. All three words 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 an open-ended feeling – like maybe it never ends.Political ContextThe 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 a common language. Moreover, the Protestants wanted more control over the music in the 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 melodies were composed in this era. Eminent composers in the nineteenth century began to revise and adapt them. Consequently, they revived the English carol.

Piano Quartet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549902 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christmas,Standards. 6 pages. Jmsgu3 #3685135. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549902). Score: 3 pages, String parts 1 page each. The First Noel arranged for Alto 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: Piano Quartet 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  

Piano,Tuba - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548505 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian,Christmas. Score and part. 4 pages. Jmsgu3 #3387403. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548505). The First Noel arranged for Tuba & 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: Tuba 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  

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  

Piano,Violin - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548506 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian,Christmas. 4 pages. Jmsgu3 #3387409. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548506). The First Noel arranged for Violin & 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: Violin 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.    

Piano,Viola - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548507 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian,Christmas. Score and part. 4 pages. Jmsgu3 #3387407. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548507). The First Noel arranged for Viola & 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: Viola 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