Arrangements for Orchestral Ensembles

Six Traditional Carols
Arranged by Dale Elmshaeuser

Like the consistently best-selling sets of Six Traditional Carols for brasses, for woodwinds, and for strings, this very flexible arrangement contains carols not found in any of the other suites. The Carols are "The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came" (Tune: Gabriel’s Message); "The Hills Are Bare at Bethlehem" (Tune: Prospect); "Unto Us a Boy Is Born" (Tune: Puer Nobis Nascitur); "On Christmas Night All Christians Sing" (Tune: Sussex Carol); "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night" (Tune: Winchester Old); and "On This Day Earth Shall Ring" (Tune: Personet Hodie). Each carol begins with a Traditional Setting, followed by an Alternate Setting that has more harmonic or rhythmic interest. The instrumentalists can play alone or with the organist, who can read from the Conductor/Keyboard Score. Musical devices include canons, descants, and tune in parallel fourths.

This arrangement can be played by as few as four instruments (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) from the same or different instrumental families, or by as many as a wind ensemble (concert band), chamber orchestra, or full orchestra (minus percussion). Orchestration suggestions are given for a large group. The ranges are suitable for group singing. The Traditional Settings can accompany group singing, or instrumental suites con be made of the Traditional Settings, the Alternate Settings, or any combination of settings. The difficulty level is 3.

Full set includes a Conductor/Keyboard Score; transposed parts for individual woodwind, brass, and string instruments; background notes; and suggestions for performance with or without the congregation and choir. As with all Live Oak House publications, purchasers have permission to reproduce any material in this set for (only) their own use.