Small Ensemble - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.890779 Composed by Georg Philipp Telemann. Arranged by Sneakwood Editions. Baroque,Folk,Jewish,World. Score and parts. 32 pages. Sneakwood Editions #5799897. Published by Sneakwood Editions (A0.890779). Georg Philipp Telemann – Polish Dances from the Rostock Manuscript TWV 45 (Danse d`Polones / Danse Polonie)Telemann was seduced by Polish music, especially by his dances and popular musicI became acquainted there and also in Krakau with Polish and Moravian music in its true, barbaric beauty […] […] it is impossible to imagine the fantastic musical ideas they presented between dances when the dancers rested and the musicians improvised music together [‘jammed’] to fill out the time. Anyone who paid very close attention could pick up in 8 days sufficient musical ideas to last a lifetime.(Telemann’s autobiography, published in Mattheson’s Ehren-Pforte, Hamburg, 1740)It is easy to understand, through Telemann’s own words, the great influence that Polish music and Polish dances had on Telemann. It was in 1705 when Telemann become Kapellmeister for the court of Count Erdmann II of Promnitz at Sorau (now Å»ary, in Poland), His career there was cut short in early 1706 by the hostilities of the Great Northern War but his contact with Polish music marked him for life.These Polish dances found in Rostock are a reflection of the music that Telemann heard and transcribed. A reflection of that barbaric beauty.The manuscript was discovered in 1986 at the University of Rostock. It consists of two volumes. One of the volumes contains the violin part and the other the bass part.

Instrumental Duet,Piano Guitar,Instrumental Duet,Piano,Violin - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.902706 By Gladys Knight & The Pips. By Jim Weatherly. Arranged by Katherine James. Contemporary. Score and parts. 2 pages. Katherine James #6207771. Published by Katherine James (A0.902706). I've arranged this in Lead Sheet format which is especially valuable for sitting in at Jam sessions, or for a vocalist to hand a piano or guitar accompanist. This 2 page version is in F Major, includes the lyrics and chord changes, all in easy to read standard fake-book font.

Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian, Repertoire, Christmas. Score, Set of Parts. 7 pages. Published by jmsgu3

Composed by James James. Arranged by Keith Terrett. 20th Century, World, European, Patriotic. Score, Set of Parts. 9 pages. Published by Music for all Occasions

C Instrument - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1504776 Composed by Teresa Young. Arranged by Teresa Young. Instructional,Jazz,Pop. Lead Sheet / Fake Book. 2 pages. Teresa Young #1080196. Published by Teresa Young (A0.1504776). Wintertime is Jam Time is Teresa Young's fun take on a winter blues tune for kids who sing and play! This simple lead sheet is for voice and guitar, including the vocal melody, lyrics, and guitar chord diagrams. A lead sheet for ukulele is available here too, as is a version for voice, piano and guitar. You can also purchase a downloadable audio file of the piano accompaniment. Just search Wintertime is Jam Time Teresa Young to view all four. Then get those young musicians jammin' in their jammies!

Harpsichord,Instrumental Duet,Viola da gamba - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1265431 Composed by Dr. John Bull, 1562-1628. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Contest,Early Music,Festival,Historic,Renaissance. 6 pages. Jmsgu3 #858250. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1265431). John Bull was an English composer, organist, virginalist, and organ builder who lived from 1562/63 to 1628. He was educated as a chorister of the Chapel Royal in London and later became a doctor of music at the universities of both Oxford and Cambridge. Bull was one of the most famous composers of keyboard music of the early 17th century, and most of his compositions were written for the virginal, a keyboard instrument popular in the Renaissance period. He was known for his outstanding technical ability and keyboard virtuosity, and his music is distinguished by unfailing resourcefulness in devising new musical ideas. Bull's reputation rests on his extensive compositions for virginals and organ, some 150 extant pieces, published in Musica Britannica. He was also one of the contributors to Parthenia, a collection of keyboard music published in 1611. Bull wrote an anthem, God the Father, God the Son, for the wedding in 1613 of the Princess and the Elector Palatine, in addition to his keyboard compositions, verse anthems, canons, and other works. Bull's music ranked among the foremost composers along with Byrd, Gibbons, and Tomkins.John Bull had several contemporaries who were also prominent composers during the Renaissance period. Some of these composers include:William Byrd: Byrd was an English composer and one of the most influential figures in English Renaissance music. He was a contemporary of John Bull and is considered one of the greatest composers of his time. Byrd's compositions include sacred choral music, keyboard works, and consort music.Orlando Gibbons: Gibbons was an English composer and organist who lived during the same period as John Bull. He was known for his sacred choral music, particularly his anthems and verse anthems. Their expressive harmonies and intricate counterpoint characterize Gibbons' compositions.Thomas Tomkins: Tomkins was another English composer active during the same time as John Bull. He was known for his sacred choral music, including anthems and services. Tomkins' compositions are notable for their rich harmonies and expressive melodies.Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck: Sweelinck was a Dutch composer and organist who was highly regarded during the Renaissance period. He was known for his keyboard music, particularly his variations and fantasies. Sweelinck's compositions had a significant influence on Bull and other composers of the time.These composers, along with John Bull, were influential figures in the development of Renaissance music and made significant contributions to the repertoire of keyboard and choral music during that era.

Choral Choir,Choral (SAB) - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1120294 By Philip Le Bas. By James Leith Macbeth Bain (1860-1925). Arranged by Philip Le Bas. Celtic,Christian,Irish,Praise & Worship,Religious,Sacred. 8 pages. Philip Le Bas #721622. Published by Philip Le Bas (A0.1120294). An arrangement (revised 2024) by Philip Le Bas of a popular and simple melody by James Leith Macbeth Bain (1860-1925) - Brother James - with words of Psalm 23 (The Lord's my shepherd) for 3-part choir and piano. There are many existing arrangements, but most tend to be rather fancy (e.g. by Gordon Jacob and Alan Bullard), requiring four competent parts, or else it is simply sung as a congregation hymn. Here it is set for SABar choir so that it becomes more accessible to small parish choirs, who may lack tenors and basses. It has five verses, the second and fourth providing an opportunity either for a cappella or for accompanied part singing. The other verses are varied particularly by the piano, although the ending is also in parts.

Organ: 3-staff - Moderately Advanced SKU: LO.70-1580S Composed by Gilbert M. Martin. Sacred, Family Days, General, Holy Communion, Patriotic. Sacred Music Press #70/1580S. Published by Sacred Music Press (LO.70-1580S). ISBN 9780893283292.Completing our remarkable series of compilations of seasonal organ music, we proudly present our Summer volume, culled from the broad and diverse library of The Sacred Music Press. Fourteen exceptional settings of service music shine brightly, highlighting the celebration of the Holy Trinity, the rite of Holy Communion, appropriate selections for Home and Family, and even something special for a Patriotic Sunday. Rounding out the collection are three general praise and four general prayer hymn arrangements. All timings are accurate and the indices are organized alphabetically, by page number and by the church year. Under any circumstance, a most desirable and prestigious addition to the organist's library.

Baritone Horn TC,Euphonium,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.552860 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Concert,Instructional,Romantic Period,Sacred,Standards. Score and part. 16 pages. Jmsgu3 #3516929. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.552860). Duration: ca 5:20, Score: 8 pages, solo part: 3 pages, piano part: 4 pages. One of Beethoven's finest and most famous works. Program for a recital, church meditation or school program. Bring your best espressivo and plan to rehearse the many subtle dynamic changes.Sonata Pathétique Op. 13 First of all, this is an arrangement of the second movement of Beethoven’s Sonata Pathétique. It seems like Beethoven wrote this piece before becoming troubled by deafness. Published in 1799, it consequently remains one of the most celebrated pieces Beethoven ever wrote. As a result of its popularity, the movement was therefore performed by Karl Haas. Hass recorded it for a popular radio show called: Adventures in Good Music. Beethoven Background Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 –1827) was certainly a German pianist. Above all, he was probably one of the greatest composers in history. As a result, he is a pivotal character in the progress between the Classical and Romantic periods. He is certainly one of the most famous and hence important of all composers. Seems like his most familiar and noteworthy works include symphonies 1-9; piano concertos 1-5; and furthermore, the violin concerto. Also, certainly of extreme importance are the noteworthy 32 sonatas for the piano; the string quartets 1-16; the Missa solemnis; and likewise, his only opera, Fidelio. Beethoven Overview First of all, Beethoven was born and consequently raised in Bonn. Upon turning 21 he moved to Vienna probably to study composition with Haydn. That’s when he consequently grew a reputation as a brilliant pianist. Furthermore, he probably stayed in Vienna for the rest of his life. In his late 20s, it seems like his hearing certainly began to decline. It slowly declined until consequently, he was nearly totally deaf probably by the last decade of his life. As a result, he stopped conducting and performing. Nevertheless, he continued to compose. As a result, some of his greatest works probably come from this period. First Period Seems like we often divide Beethoven’s life into three periods. Period 1 begins with Beethoven’s arrival in Vienna. Hence, during this period, he mastered the Viennese style of Haydn & Mozart. He consequently began increasing the size and scale of his works. Furthermore, he experimented with extreme dynamics, and likewise extreme tempi. He worked similarly with chromatic harmony. His First and Second Symphonies, therefore, belong to this period. Other important works also belong here: the first six string quartets and the Sonata Pathétique, Op. 13. Second Period His second period probably began as soon as he realized that he was going deaf. During this period, it seems like he became obsessed with the idea of heroism. His works consequently become even larger and more massive. The most noteworthy of these include the symphonies 3 – 8, piano concertos 5& 6, 5 string quartets, several important piano sonatas (Waldstein and Appassionata), the Kreutzer violin sonata, the violin concerto and his only opera: Fidelio. Third Period In contrast, Beethoven's third period is branded above all by works of incredible intellectual depth, formal innovation, and penetrating expression. It seems like he continued to expand his works. Consequently, the string quartet Op. 131 spills over into seven connected movements. Likewise, in the Ninth Symphony, he adds choral forces to his orchestra probably for the first time in history. Even more, other works from this period include his Missa solemnis, the final 5 string quartets (including the enormous Große Fuge) and the final five sonatas for piano.    

Piano,Tenor Saxophone - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549642 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Concert,Instructional,Romantic Period,Sacred,Standards. Score and part. 16 pages. Jmsgu3 #3516585. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549642). Duration: ca 5:20, Score: 8 pages, solo part: 3 pages, piano part: 4 pages.One of Beethoven's finest and most famous works. Program for a recital, church meditation or school program.Bring your best espressivo and plan to rehearse the many subtle dynamic changes.Sonata Pathétique Op. 13 First of all, this is an arrangement of the second movement of Beethoven’s Sonata Pathétique. It seems like Beethoven wrote this piece before becoming troubled by deafness. Published in 1799, it consequently remains one of the most celebrated pieces Beethoven ever wrote. As a result of its popularity, the movement was therefore performed by Karl Haas. Hass recorded it for a popular radio show called: Adventures in Good Music. Beethoven Background Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 –1827) was certainly a German pianist. Above all, he was probably one of the greatest composers in history. As a result, he is a pivotal character in the progress between the Classical and Romantic periods. He is certainly one of the most famous and hence important of all composers. Seems like his most familiar and noteworthy works include symphonies 1-9; piano concertos 1-5; and furthermore, the violin concerto. Also, certainly of extreme importance are the noteworthy 32 sonatas for the piano; the string quartets 1-16; the Missa solemnis; and likewise, his only opera, Fidelio. Beethoven Overview First of all, Beethoven was born and consequently raised in Bonn. Upon turning 21 he moved to Vienna probably to study composition with Haydn. That’s when he consequently grew a reputation as a brilliant pianist. Furthermore, he probably stayed in Vienna for the rest of his life. In his late 20s, it seems like his hearing certainly began to decline. It slowly declined until consequently, he was nearly totally deaf probably by the last decade of his life. As a result, he stopped conducting and performing. Nevertheless, he continued to compose. As a result, some of his greatest works probably come from this period. First Period Seems like we often divide Beethoven’s life into three periods. Period 1 begins with Beethoven’s arrival in Vienna. Hence, during this period, he mastered the Viennese style of Haydn & Mozart. He consequently began increasing the size and scale of his works. Furthermore, he experimented with extreme dynamics, and likewise extreme tempi. He worked similarly with chromatic harmony. His First and Second Symphonies, therefore, belong to this period. Other important works also belong here: the first six string quartets and the Sonata Pathétique, Op. 13. Second Period His second period probably began as soon as he realized that he was going deaf. During this period, it seems like he became obsessed with the idea of heroism. His works consequently become even larger and more massive. The most noteworthy of these include the symphonies 3 – 8, piano concertos 5& 6, 5 string quartets, several important piano sonatas (Waldstein and Appassionata), the Kreutzer violin sonata, the violin concerto and his only opera: Fidelio. Third Period In contrast, Beethoven's third period is branded above all by works of incredible intellectual depth, formal innovation, and penetrating expression. It seems like he continued to expand his works. Consequently, the string quartet Op. 131 spills over into seven connected movements. Likewise, in the Ninth Symphony, he adds choral forces to his orchestra probably for the first time in history. Even more, other works from this period include his Missa solemnis, the final 5 string quartets (including the enormous Große Fuge) and the final five sonatas for piano.    

Oboe,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549637 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Instructional,Romantic Period,Sacred,Standards. Score and part. 16 pages. Jmsgu3 #3516553. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549637). Duration: ca 5:20, Score: 8 pages, solo part: 3 pages, piano part: 4 pages. One of Beethoven's finest and most famous works. Program for a recital, church meditation, or school program. Bring your best espressivo and plan to rehearse the many subtle dynamic changes. Sonata Pathétique Op. 13 First of all, this is an arrangement of the second movement of Beethoven’s Sonata Pathétique. It seems like Beethoven wrote this piece before becoming troubled by deafness. Published in 1799, it consequently remains one of the most celebrated pieces Beethoven ever wrote. As a result of its popularity, the movement was therefore performed by Karl Haas. Hass recorded it for a popular radio show called: Adventures in Good Music. Beethoven Background Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 –1827) was certainly a German pianist. Above all, he was probably one of the greatest composers in history. As a result, he is a pivotal character in the progress between the Classical and Romantic periods. He is certainly one of the most famous and hence important of all composers. Seems like his most familiar and noteworthy works include symphonies 1-9; piano concertos 1-5; and furthermore, the violin concerto. Also, certainly of extreme importance are the noteworthy 32 sonatas for the piano; the string quartets 1-16; the Missa solemnis; and likewise, his only opera, Fidelio. Beethoven Overview First of all, Beethoven was born and consequently raised in Bonn. Upon turning 21 he moved to Vienna probably to study composition with Haydn. That’s when he consequently grew a reputation as a brilliant pianist. Furthermore, he probably stayed in Vienna for the rest of his life. In his late 20s, it seems like his hearing certainly began to decline. It slowly declined until consequently, he was nearly totally deaf probably by the last decade of his life. As a result, he stopped conducting and performing. Nevertheless, he continued to compose. As a result, some of his greatest works probably come from this period. First Period Seems like we often divide Beethoven’s life into three periods. Period 1 begins with Beethoven’s arrival in Vienna. Hence, during this period, he mastered the Viennese style of Haydn & Mozart. He consequently began increasing the size and scale of his works. Furthermore, he experimented with extreme dynamics, and likewise extreme tempi. He worked similarly with chromatic harmony. His First and Second Symphonies, therefore, belong to this period. Other important works also belong here: the first six string quartets and the Sonata Pathétique, Op. 13. Second Period His second period probably began as soon as he realized that he was going deaf. During this period, it seems like he became obsessed with the idea of heroism. His works consequently become even larger and more massive. The most noteworthy of these include the symphonies 3 – 8, piano concertos 5& 6, 5 string quartets, several important piano sonatas (Waldstein and Appassionata), the Kreutzer violin sonata, the violin concerto, and his only opera: Fidelio. Third Period In contrast, Beethoven's third period is branded above all by works of incredible intellectual depth, formal innovation, and penetrating expression. It seems like he continued to expand his works. Consequently, the string quartet Op. 131 spills over into seven connected movements. Likewise, in the Ninth Symphony, he adds choral forces to his orchestra probably for the first time in history. Even more, other works from this period include his Missa solemnis, the final 5 string quartets (including the enormous Große Fuge), and the final five sonatas for piano.  

Flute,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549636 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Concert,Instructional,Romantic Period,Sacred,Standards. Score and part. 16 pages. Jmsgu3 #3516309. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549636). Duration: ca 5:20, Score: 8 pages, solo part: 3 pages, piano part: 4 pages. One of Beethoven's finest and most famous works. Program for a recital, church meditation or school program. Sonata Pathétique Op. 13 First of all, this is an arrangement of the second movement of Beethoven’s Sonata Pathétique. It seems like Beethoven wrote this piece before becoming troubled by deafness. Published in 1799, it consequently remains one of the most celebrated pieces Beethoven ever wrote. As a result of its popularity, the movement was therefore performed by Karl Haas. Hass recorded it for a popular radio show called: Adventures in Good Music. Beethoven Background Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 –1827) was certainly a German pianist. Above all, he was probably one of the greatest composers in history. As a result, he is a pivotal character in the progress between the Classical and Romantic periods. He is certainly one of the most famous and hence important of all composers. Seems like his most familiar and noteworthy works include symphonies 1-9; piano concertos 1-5; and furthermore, the violin concerto. Also, certainly of extreme importance are the noteworthy 32 sonatas for the piano; the string quartets 1-16; the Missa solemnis; and likewise, his only opera, Fidelio. Beethoven Overview First of all, Beethoven was born and consequently raised in Bonn. Upon turning 21 he moved to Vienna probably to study composition with Haydn. That’s when he consequently grew a reputation as a brilliant pianist. Furthermore, he probably stayed in Vienna for the rest of his life. In his late 20s, it seems like his hearing certainly began to decline. It slowly declined until consequently, he was nearly totally deaf probably by the last decade of his life. As a result, he stopped conducting and performing. Nevertheless, he continued to compose. As a result, some of his greatest works probably come from this period. First Period Seems like we often divide Beethoven’s life into three periods. Period 1 begins with Beethoven’s arrival in Vienna. Hence, during this period, he mastered the Viennese style of Haydn & Mozart. He consequently began increasing the size and scale of his works. Furthermore, he experimented with extreme dynamics, and likewise extreme tempi. He worked similarly with chromatic harmony. His First and Second Symphonies, therefore, belong to this period. Other important works also belong here: the first six string quartets and the Sonata Pathétique, Op. 13. Second Period His second period probably began as soon as he realized that he was going deaf. During this period, it seems like he became obsessed with the idea of heroism. His works consequently become even larger and more massive. The most noteworthy of these include the symphonies 3 – 8, piano concertos 5& 6, 5 string quartets, several important piano sonatas (Waldstein and Appassionata), the Kreutzer violin sonata, the violin concerto and his only opera: Fidelio. Third Period In contrast, Beethoven's third period is branded above all by works of incredible intellectual depth, formal innovation, and penetrating expression. It seems like he continued to expand his works. Consequently, the string quartet Op. 131 spills over into seven connected movements. Likewise, in the Ninth Symphony, he adds choral forces to his orchestra probably for the first time in history. Even more, other works from this period include his Missa solemnis, the final 5 string quartets (including the enormous Große Fuge) and the final five sonatas for piano.    

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549634 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Concert,Instructional,Romantic Period,Sacred,Standards. Score and part. 16 pages. Jmsgu3 #3516289. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549634). Duration: ca 5:20, Score: 8 pages, solo part: 3 pages, piano part: 4 pages. One of Beethoven's finest and most famous works. Program for a recital, church meditation or school program. Sonata Pathétique Op. 13 First of all, this is an arrangement of the second movement of Beethoven’s Sonata Pathétique. It seems like Beethoven wrote this piece before becoming troubled by deafness. Published in 1799, it consequently remains one of the most celebrated pieces Beethoven ever wrote. As a result of its popularity, the movement was therefore performed by Karl Haas. Hass recorded it for a popular radio show called: Adventures in Good Music. Beethoven Background Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 –1827) was certainly a German pianist. Above all, he was probably one of the greatest composers in history. As a result, he is a pivotal character in the progress between the Classical and Romantic periods. He is certainly one of the most famous and hence important of all composers. Seems like his most familiar and noteworthy works include symphonies 1-9; piano concertos 1-5; and furthermore, the violin concerto. Also, certainly of extreme importance are the noteworthy 32 sonatas for the piano; the string quartets 1-16; the Missa solemnis; and likewise, his only opera, Fidelio. Beethoven Overview First of all, Beethoven was born and consequently raised in Bonn. Upon turning 21 he moved to Vienna probably to study composition with Haydn. That’s when he consequently grew a reputation as a brilliant pianist. Furthermore, he probably stayed in Vienna for the rest of his life. In his late 20s, it seems like his hearing certainly began to decline. It slowly declined until consequently, he was nearly totally deaf probably by the last decade of his life. As a result, he stopped conducting and performing. Nevertheless, he continued to compose. As a result, some of his greatest works probably come from this period. First Period Seems like we often divide Beethoven’s life into three periods. Period 1 begins with Beethoven’s arrival in Vienna. Hence, during this period, he mastered the Viennese style of Haydn & Mozart. He consequently began increasing the size and scale of his works. Furthermore, he experimented with extreme dynamics, and likewise extreme tempi. He worked similarly with chromatic harmony. His First and Second Symphonies, therefore, belong to this period. Other important works also belong here: the first six string quartets and the Sonata Pathétique, Op. 13. Second Period His second period probably began as soon as he realized that he was going deaf. During this period, it seems like he became obsessed with the idea of heroism. His works consequently become even larger and more massive. The most noteworthy of these include the symphonies 3 – 8, piano concertos 5& 6, 5 string quartets, several important piano sonatas (Waldstein and Appassionata), the Kreutzer violin sonata, the violin concerto and his only opera: Fidelio. Third Period In contrast, Beethoven's third period is branded above all by works of incredible intellectual depth, formal innovation, and penetrating expression. It seems like he continued to expand his works. Consequently, the string quartet Op. 131 spills over into seven connected movements. Likewise, in the Ninth Symphony, he adds choral forces to his orchestra probably for the first time in history. Even more, other works from this period include his Missa solemnis, the final 5 string quartets (including the enormous Große Fuge) and the final five sonatas for piano.    

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,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.