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.

Contains 22 standard Christmas carols which can be played as full band or as brass choir.

In 'Ding Dong it's Christmas' Scottish composer Bruce Fraser makes a sport of misleading his audience time and again. The title already indicates that this piece has been based on the well-known Carol 'Ding Dong Merrily on High' even if the melody makes a somewhat halting start. When it gathers pace however also due to the percussion section suddenly various other carols may be recognized. Peace and quiet reign in the middle part during which we can enjoy Bach's charming 'O Jesulein süss'. 'Ding Dong it's Christmas' ends in the same way it began even if more and more Carols put in an appearance. Merry Christmas!

In 'Ding Dong it's Christmas' Scottish composer Bruce Fraser makes a sport of misleading his audience time and again. The title already indicates that this piece has been based on the well-known Carol 'Ding Dong Merrily on High' even if the melody makes a somewhat halting start. When it gathers pace however also due to the percussion section suddenly various other carols may be recognized. Peace and quiet reign in the middle part during which we can enjoy Bach's charming 'O Jesulein süss'. 'Ding Dong it's Christmas' ends in the same way it began even if more and more Carols put in an appearance. Merry Christmas!

‘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.

‘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.