The tradition of the Christmas tree in Western Europe dates back to a time long before any Christianization had taken place. During the severely cold winter nights so it was believed evil spirits tried to ?kill? nature. Needle-leaved trees were the only ones which kept their green colour throughout the year and therefore became symbols of immortality. These ?living? trees said to be the work of benign spirits were brought into people?s houses to ward off evil life-threatening powers. In the 14th century people first started to decorate Christmas trees. It was a pagan custom originated by the inhabitants of Alsace. This custom was taken over by the Church in thecourse of the 15th and 16th century. At first the decoration consisted mainly of edibles such as apples and wafers but later small presents were added. Legend has it that the reformer Martin Luther was the first person to decorate a Christmas tree with candles. The flickering candle flames were meant to create the image of a starry sky in which Christ?s apparition could be recognized. The German organ-player Ernst Anschütz from Leipzig was the first person to notate the song ?O Tannenbaum? the melody being a well-known folk song. Next to ?Stille Nacht? ?O Tannenbaum? is the most famous German Christmas song now known throughout the world. In the United States of America the melody of ?O Tannenbaum? has even been used in four States (among which the State of Maryland) for their State song. In David Well?s arrangement the song is first heard as many of us know it. After this introduction however it is transformed into a solid rock version and the beat has been changed. In the second part the familiar three-four time is back but here the rhythm is different from the original. After the richly ornamented rock beat the basic theme can be heard once again and the composition is concluded in a festive manner.

Rondeau of the Shepherds ' so ran the official title of the famous Dutch Christmas carol ???Midden in de winternacht???. In 1948 wrote Dutch poet and writer Harry Prenen this text. The melody is known by the 17th/18th- century organ composers of suites Daquin Balbastre and Dandrieu. 'Rondeau of the Shepherds' was subtitled 'Catalan Christmas Carol'. The song itself is because its origins in a Spanish (Catalan probably) Christmas song from the late Middle Ages 'El Desembre congelat. The motives of this song (shepherds flutes drums) demonstrate knowledge of the Bible and give a picture of the late medieval Christmas experience. . Perfect as an uptempo intermezzoin a church service.

‘Dutch Christmas Song’ is an arrangement of the old Dutch song ‘Hoe leit dit Kindeke’ (Vlaanderen 1897). The tender almost fragile words have been movingly honoured by Timothy Travis. The addition of percussion gives this lovely Christmas song a modern touch.

Par MENA MARIA. Here’s an easy arrangement of this popular Christmas song composed by Maria Mena and Martin Sjølie. I have tried to spread the melody to several groups throughout the arrangement. The melody has to be played rhythmically, but also with flow and legato style. Please strive for best possible intonation and balance where the melody is played by several players. At bar 13, flugelhorn and 2/3 cornet plays a little counter theme. Please strive for best possible intonation and balance also on this. Be aware so that the cup mute sound fits the flugelhorn as good as possible. The quarter notes played by horns and trombones at bar 18 have both a harmonic and rhythmic function. This arrangement is made with several cue notes for some instruments. In the score, there are some parts marked with optional. It’s possible to play the arrangement without these parts. The arrangement ends quite and calm, like a peaceful Christmas day. - Reid Gilje - / Date parution : 2023-07-31/ Répertoire / Ensemble de Cuivres

Irving Berlin's hit Christmas song made famous by Bing Crosby has here been arranged for brass band by Alan Fernie. Score and parts included

‘Christmas Colours’ is a palette consisting of several Christmas songs. Bruce Fraser has mainly used the colours green (the colour of holly) and white (the colour of snow). This composition begins with the chiming of festive bells - if you listen well however you can already hear short fragments from 'The Holly and the Ivy' whose entire melody is finally played alternated with 'The Sussex Carol'. After this the pace slows down and the stately 'See amid the Winter Snow' sounds but parts from 'Jingle Bells' and 'Silent Night' can also be heard. Then after walking under 'The Holly and the Ivy' once again the celebration of Christmas may begin!

In English-speaking countries ‘Away in a Manger’ is one of the first Christmas songs to be taught to little children. It is a moving song with simple words which makes it easy to understand. The song is also known as ‘Luther’s Cradle Hymn’. This suggests that Martin Luther was the author of the lyrics. According to researchers however this is a misconception – the author is unknown. In England ‘Away in a Manger’ is sung to a different melody than in the USA for example. The ‘English’ melody was composed by W.J. Kirkpatrick. Andrew Mackereth made a touching arrangement of the ‘English’ melody which suits the tender lyrics perfectly.

Patrick Millstone based his Dance of the Shepherds on the song Quem pastores laudavere by Michael Praetorius.After an upbeat flashy introduction you can hear this wonderful Christmas song. A good choice for a Christmas concert or church service!

Par BULLA STEPHEN. This majestic Christmas medley for young band is unusually nice! A creative arrangement you'll want to use year after year, ANGEL SONG is from the pen of one of today's finest composer/arrangers, Stephen Bulla. The inspiring carols 'Angels from the Realms of Glory' and 'Angels We Have Heard On High' combine in an unforgettable Christmas masterpiece. If you're looking for something fresh and exciting, look no further. / Niveau : 1.5 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Transeamus is a wonderful adaptation of the famous Christmas song Let us go to Bethlehem. The work is eminently suitable as the opening theme of your Christmas concert. Arranger Klaas van der Woude arranged it for fanfare band. Transeamus is een prachtige bewerking van het bekende kerstlied Let us go to Betlehem. Het werk is bij uitstek geschikt als openingsnummer van het kerstconcert. Arrangeur Klaas van der Woude bewerkte het werkje op fraaie wijze voor fanfare-orkest.

A sonorous work with a pastoral atmosphere. This composition is not based on a Christmas song but fits very well in the program of a Christmas concert! drum-part ad lib.

Les Anges dans nos campagnes-The title of this clever arrangement reveals the Christmas song it is based on. The melody can be traced back to a French folksong from the 18th century which is now known around the world. In France it is called Les anges dans nos campagnes in Germany it is most widely known as Engel auf den Feldern singen and in England it was originally called Angels From the Realms of Glory but it often known as Angels We Have Heard on High. Everyone will rejoice upon hearing the ‘Gloria in excelsis Deo’ refrain!

This unique production number starts off with the devious-sounding This Is Halloween which includes an alto sax solo and intense full ensemble punches. The mood shifts dramatically to the bluesy swing tune Oogie Boogie Song treated here in a big band setting that really wails.

Noel' is based on the famous English Carol 'The First Noel'. The age of this song is not clear.Some scientists argue that this song is from early thirteenth century others say that it's from the sixteenth century.The first publication was in 'Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern' compiled by William B. Sandys. (London 1833).The exact origin is unknown. By Norman influences on the text with the result that the spelling of the song is not certified (Noel Nowell) an individual will claim that France is the home of this song but in general is assumed that 'the First Noel 'has been sung somewhere in England for the first time.

Whereas ???Auld Lang Syne??? may be considered the best-known Scottish song ever yet at the same time it is an obscure one for there are but few people who know the complete text by heart. After the familiar ???Should auld acquaintance be forgot .....??? many people take their refuge to lyrics like ???rum tee dum ta dee ..... lah lah lah ........... for auld lang syne???. Even in Scotland only a handful of persons know the entire text and are able to give a correct rendering of it. The current lyrics have been attributed to the Scottish poet Robert Burns. Burns however he did not write the whole poem : after he had heard an old man sing the centuries-old Scotchballad he wrote it down and added a number of stanzas (1788). Historical research teaches us that the ballad served many purposes both political and religious. Nowadays ???Auld Lang Syne??? is sung as a Christmas Carol and it is also sung on New Year???s Eve at the turning of the year. Apart from that though the song is also sung on many other occasions ??? sometimes with different lyrics which usually have Love Friendship and/or Parting as their themes as these go well with the fascinating melody. In this arrangement a low-sounding solo instrument is central. The harmonization in the accompaniment fits in perfectly with the sentiments this song will evoke. Should auld acquaintance be forgot And never brought to mind' Should auld acquintance be forgot. And days of auld lang syne' For auld lang syne my dear For auld lang syne We???ll take a cup of kindness yet For auld lang syne.