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16 sheet music found Tchaikovsky: Overture from Nutcracker Suite for French Horn & Piano
Tchaikovsky: Overture from Nutcracker Suite for French Horn & Piano # French Horn and Piano # INTERMEDIATE # Classical # Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky # James M # Tchaikovsky: Overture from Nut # jmsgu3 # SheetMusicPlus
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549632 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Children,Christm...(+)
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549632 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Children,Christmas,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 24 pages. Jmsgu3 #3515725. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549632). Duration: ca. 3:20 Score: 13 pages, solo part: 3 pages, piano part: 7 pages, 182 measures in 2/4. Overture in Miniature to Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite.  Program for a recital, church meditation, school plays, and Christmas presentations of all kinds. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky is probably the most popular of the great composers in America. His music certainly appeals to musicians. Likewise, it appeals even to folks who don’t normally listen to serious music. This is probably because of his most noteworthy melodies. Above all, he writes with great emotion. This certainly makes a most noteworthy if not an unforgettable impact. Education First of all, He attended classes at the Russian Musical Society. Even more, He also attended the St. Petersburg Conservatory. There he studied music theory with Nikolai Zaremba. He also consequently studied composition with Anton Rubenstein. It seems like Rubenstein came under criticism from a group of Russian composers known as the Five. The Five The Five certainly rejected Western musical influences. They rather sought to use elements from Russian music. They furthermore wanted to use more exotic musical materials. Western Techniques More than other Russian composers, Tchaikovsky studied modern Western music. He certainly develops his music like the European masters. So, rather than repeating a motive, he moves to a new key. He then introduces a different theme in the new key. Hence, he maintained his independence from the Five. Even more, he became the first Russian composer of international stature. Influences Tchaikovsky was probably influenced in his ballet scoring by Léo Delibes. Richard Wagner influenced his symphonic writing. Tchaikovsky’s most famous works include the 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite, and Swan Lake. Also famous are the Violin Concerto in D and the six symphonies. The greatest of the six symphonies may be No. 6, the Pathétique. Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a The Nutcracker Suite is a ballet that was performed for the first time in December 1892 in St. Petersburg. To begin with, the original ballet failed to attract a positive reception. However, the ballet suite became probably one of the most popular of all of Tchaikovsky’s works. The ballet suite became even more famous in the 1960s. It is now performed all over the world, particularly during the Christmas season.  Tchaikovsky: Scene 10 from Swan Lake for French Horn & Piano
Tchaikovsky: Scene 10 from Swan Lake for French Horn & Piano # French Horn and Piano # INTERMEDIATE # Classical # Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky # James M # Tchaikovsky: Scene 10 from Swa # jmsgu3 # SheetMusicPlus
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549612 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Instructional,Ro...(+)
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549612 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Instructional,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 15 pages. Jmsgu3 #3513735. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549612). Tchaikovsky is probably the most popular of the great composers in America. His music certainly appeals to musicians. Likewise, it appeals even to folks who don't usually listen to serious music. This is probably because of his most noteworthy melodies. Above all, he writes with great emotion. This certainly makes a most extraordinary, if not an unforgettable, impact. Education He attended classes at the Russian Musical Society and participated at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. There, he studied music theory with Nikolai Zaremba. Consequently, he also studied composition with Anton Rubenstein. Rubenstein was criticized by Russian composers known as the Five. The Five The Five indeed rejected Western musical influences. They instead sought to use elements from Russian music. Furthermore, they wanted to use more exotic musical materials. Western Techniques More than other Russian composers, Tchaikovsky studied modern Western music. He develops his music like the European masters. So, rather than repeating a motive, he moves to a new key. He then introduces a different theme in the new key. Hence, he maintained his independence from the Five. Even more, he became the first Russian composer of international stature. Influences Tchaikovsky was probably influenced in his ballet scoring by Léo Delibes. Richard Wagner influenced his symphonic writing. Tchaikovsky's most famous works include the 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite, and Swan Lake. Also notable are the Violin Concerto in D and the six symphonies. The greatest of the six symphonies may be No. 6, the Pathétique. Swan Lake Op. 20 Tchaikovsky composed Swan Lake in 1875-76. The ballet failed to attract a positive reception. Over time, however, it became one of the most popular of all of Tchaikovsky's works. The ballet was first performed by the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. Tchaikovsky: Waltz of the Flowers from Nutcracker Suite for French Horn & Piano
Tchaikovsky: Waltz of the Flowers from Nutcracker Suite for French Horn & Piano # French Horn and Piano # INTERMEDIATE # Classical # Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky # James M # Tchaikovsky: Waltz of the Flow # jmsgu3 # SheetMusicPlus
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549834 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Children,Christm...(+)
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549834 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Children,Christmas,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 48 pages. Jmsgu3 #3553495. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549834). Duration: 6:12, Score: 29 pages, Solo part: 6 pages, Piano part: 12 pages. This is the grand finale of the Nutcracker Suite. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky is probably the most popular of the great composers in America. His music certainly appeals to musicians. Likewise, it appeals even to folks who don’t normally listen to serious music. This is probably because of his most noteworthy melodies. Above all, he writes with great emotion. This certainly makes a most noteworthy if not an unforgettable impact. Education First of all, He attended classes at the Russian Musical Society. Even more, He also attended the St. Petersburg Conservatory. There he studied music theory with Nikolai Zaremba. He also consequently studied composition with Anton Rubenstein. It seems like Rubenstein came under criticism from a group of Russian composers known as the Five. The Five The Five certainly rejected Western musical influences. They rather sought to use elements from Russian music. They furthermore wanted to use more exotic musical materials. Western Techniques More than other Russian composers, Tchaikovsky studied modern Western music. He certainly develops his music like the European masters. So, rather than repeating a motive, he moves to a new key. He then introduces a different theme in the new key. Hence, he maintained his independence from the Five. Even more, he became the first Russian composer of international stature. Influences Tchaikovsky was probably influenced in his ballet scoring by Léo Delibes. Richard Wagner influenced his symphonic writing. Tchaikovsky’s most famous works include the 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite, and Swan Lake. Also famous are the Violin Concerto in D and the six symphonies. The greatest of the six symphonies may be No. 6, the Pathétique. Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a The Nutcracker Suite is a ballet that was performed for the first time in December 1892 in St. Petersburg. To begin with, the original ballet failed to attract a positive reception. However, the ballet suite became probably one of the most popular of all of Tchaikovsky’s works. The ballet suite became even more famous in the 1960s. It is now performed all over the world, particularly during the Christmas season.  Tchaikovsky: Chinese Dance from Nutcracker Suite for French Horn & Piano
Tchaikovsky: Chinese Dance from Nutcracker Suite for French Horn & Piano # French Horn and Piano # INTERMEDIATE # Classical # Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky # James M # Tchaikovsky: Chinese Dance fro # jmsgu3 # SheetMusicPlus
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549790 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Children,Christm...(+)
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549790 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Children,Christmas,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 11 pages. Jmsgu3 #3537327. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549790). Duration: ca 1:00 Score: 5 pages, Solo part: 2 pages, piano part: 3 pages. Short but fascinating Chinese Dance from the Nutcracker Suite. Program this for a recital encore or Christmas pageant. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky is probably the most popular of the great composers in America. His music certainly appeals to musicians. Likewise, it appeals even to folks who don’t normally listen to serious music. This is probably because of his most noteworthy melodies. Above all, he writes with great emotion. This certainly makes a most noteworthy if not an unforgettable impact. Education First of all, He attended classes at the Russian Musical Society. Even more, He also attended the St. Petersburg Conservatory. There he studied music theory with Nikolai Zaremba. He also consequently studied composition with Anton Rubenstein. It seems like Rubenstein came under criticism from a group of Russian composers known as the Five. The Five The Five certainly rejected Western musical influences. They rather sought to use elements from Russian music. They furthermore wanted to use more exotic musical materials. Western Techniques More than other Russian composers, Tchaikovsky studied modern Western music. He certainly develops his music like the European masters. So, rather than repeating a motive, he moves to a new key. He then introduces a different theme in the new key. Hence, he maintained his independence from the Five. Even more, he became the first Russian composer of international stature. Influences Tchaikovsky was probably influenced in his ballet scoring by Léo Delibes. Richard Wagner influenced his symphonic writing. Tchaikovsky’s most famous works include the 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite, and Swan Lake. Also famous are the Violin Concerto in D and the six symphonies. The greatest of the six symphonies may be No. 6, the Pathétique. Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a The Nutcracker Suite is a ballet that was performed for the first time in December 1892 in St. Petersburg. To begin with, the original ballet failed to attract a positive reception. However, the ballet suite became probably one of the most popular of all of Tchaikovsky’s works. The ballet suite became even more famous in the 1960s. It is now performed all over the world, particularly during the Christmas season. Tchaikovsky: Russian Dance from Nutcracker Suite for French Horn & Piano
Tchaikovsky: Russian Dance from Nutcracker Suite for French Horn & Piano # French Horn and Piano # INTERMEDIATE # Classical # Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky # James M # Tchaikovsky: Russian Dance fro # jmsgu3 # SheetMusicPlus
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549719 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Children,Christm...(+)
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549719 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Children,Christmas,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 15 pages. Jmsgu3 #3530631. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549719). Duration: ca. 58, score: 9 pages, solo part: 2 pages, piano part: 3 pages.This piece would be a perfect recital encore - short, energetic - leave your audience wanting more. Also, program this for your Christmas pageant. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky is probably the most popular of the great composers in America. His music certainly appeals to musicians. Likewise, it appeals even to folks who don’t normally listen to serious music. This is probably because of his most noteworthy melodies. Above all, he writes with great emotion. This certainly makes a most noteworthy if not an unforgettable impact. Education First of all, He attended classes at the Russian Musical Society. Even more, He also attended the St. Petersburg Conservatory. There he studied music theory with Nikolai Zaremba. He also consequently studied composition with Anton Rubenstein. It seems like Rubenstein came under criticism from a group of Russian composers known as the Five. The Five The Five certainly rejected Western musical influences. They rather sought to use elements from Russian music. They furthermore wanted to use more exotic musical materials. Western Techniques More than other Russian composers, Tchaikovsky studied modern Western music. He certainly develops his music like the European masters. So, rather than repeating a motive, he moves to a new key. He then introduces a different theme in the new key. Hence, he maintained his independence from the Five. Even more, he became the first Russian composer of international stature. Influences Tchaikovsky was probably influenced in his ballet scoring by Léo Delibes. Richard Wagner influenced his symphonic writing. Tchaikovsky’s most famous works include the 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite, and Swan Lake. Also famous are the Violin Concerto in D and the six symphonies. The greatest of the six symphonies may be No. 6, the Pathétique. Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a The Nutcracker Suite is a ballet that was performed for the first time in December 1892 in St. Petersburg. To begin with, the original ballet failed to attract a positive reception. However, the ballet suite became probably one of the most popular of all of Tchaikovsky’s works. The ballet suite became even more famous in the 1960s. It is now performed all over the world, particularly during the Christmas season. Tchaikovsky: Arabian Dance from Nutcracker Suite for French Horn & Piano
Tchaikovsky: Arabian Dance from Nutcracker Suite for French Horn & Piano # French Horn and Piano # INTERMEDIATE # Classical # Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky # James M # Tchaikovsky: Arabian Dance fro # jmsgu3 # SheetMusicPlus
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549766 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Children,Christm...(+)
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549766 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Children,Christmas,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 17 pages. Jmsgu3 #3533947. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549766). Duration: ca. 3:15 Score: 10 pages, solo part: 2 pages, piano part: 4 pages. Tchaikovsky paints a very mysterious mood in this favorite masterpiece from the Nutcracker Suite. It is also a traditional Christmas favorite. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky is probably the most popular of the great composers in America. His music certainly appeals to musicians. Likewise, it appeals even to folks who don’t normally listen to serious music. This is probably because of his most noteworthy melodies. Above all, he writes with great emotion. This certainly makes a most noteworthy if not an unforgettable impact. Education First of all, He attended classes at the Russian Musical Society. Even more, He also attended the St. Petersburg Conservatory. There he studied music theory with Nikolai Zaremba. He also consequently studied composition with Anton Rubenstein. It seems like Rubenstein came under criticism from a group of Russian composers known as the Five. The Five The Five certainly rejected Western musical influences. They rather sought to use elements from Russian music. They furthermore wanted to use more exotic musical materials. Western Techniques More than other Russian composers, Tchaikovsky studied modern Western music. He certainly develops his music like the European masters. So, rather than repeating a motive, he moves to a new key. He then introduces a different theme in the new key. Hence, he maintained his independence from the Five. Even more, he became the first Russian composer of international stature. Influences Tchaikovsky was probably influenced in his ballet scoring by Léo Delibes. Richard Wagner influenced his symphonic writing. Tchaikovsky’s most famous works include the 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite, and Swan Lake. Also famous are the Violin Concerto in D and the six symphonies. The greatest of the six symphonies may be No. 6, the Pathétique. Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a The Nutcracker Suite is a ballet that was performed for the first time in December 1892 in St. Petersburg. To begin with, the original ballet failed to attract a positive reception. However, the ballet suite became probably one of the most popular of all of Tchaikovsky’s works. The ballet suite became even more famous in the 1960s. It is now performed all over the world, particularly during the Christmas season. Tchaikovsky: Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy from Nutcracker Suite for French Horn & Piano
Tchaikovsky: Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy from Nutcracker Suite for French Horn & Piano # French Horn and Piano # INTERMEDIATE # Classical # Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky # James M # Tchaikovsky: Dance of the Suga # jmsgu3 # SheetMusicPlus
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549696 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Children,Christm...(+)
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549696 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Children,Christmas,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 14 pages. Jmsgu3 #3525275. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549696). Duration: ca. 1:42, 52 measures, Score: 7 pages, solo part: 2 pages, piano part: 4 pages. A popular Christmas favorite from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky is probably the most popular of the great composers in America. His music certainly appeals to musicians. Likewise, it appeals even to folks who don’t normally listen to serious music. This is probably because of his most noteworthy melodies. Above all, he writes with great emotion. This certainly makes a most noteworthy if not an unforgettable impact. Education First of all, He attended classes at the Russian Musical Society. Even more, He also attended the St. Petersburg Conservatory. There he studied music theory with Nikolai Zaremba. He also consequently studied composition with Anton Rubenstein. It seems like Rubenstein came under criticism from a group of Russian composers known as the Five. The Five The Five certainly rejected Western musical influences. They rather sought to use elements from Russian music. They furthermore wanted to use more exotic musical materials. Western Techniques More than other Russian composers, Tchaikovsky studied modern Western music. He certainly develops his music like the European masters. So, rather than repeating a motive, he moves to a new key. He then introduces a different theme in the new key. Hence, he maintained his independence from the Five. Even more, he became the first Russian composer of international stature. Influences Tchaikovsky was probably influenced in his ballet scoring by Léo Delibes. Richard Wagner influenced his symphonic writing. Tchaikovsky’s most famous works include the 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite, and Swan Lake. Also famous are the Violin Concerto in D and the six symphonies. The greatest of the six symphonies may be No. 6, the Pathétique. Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a The Nutcracker Suite is a ballet that was performed for the first time in December 1892 in St. Petersburg. To begin with, the original ballet failed to attract a positive reception. However, the ballet suite became probably one of the most popular of all of Tchaikovsky’s works. The ballet suite became even more famous in the 1960s. It is now performed all over the world, particularly during the Christmas season. Pavel Trojan - Jingles and Fanfare for Four French Horns
Pavel Trojan - Jingles and Fanfare for Four French Horns # French horn # INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED # Pavel Trojan # Pavel Trojan - Jingles and Fan # Pavel Trojan # SheetMusicPlus
French Horn Solo - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1021225 Composed by Pavel Trojan. 20th Century,Contemporary,Standards. Individual part. 31 pages. P...(+)
French Horn Solo - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1021225 Composed by Pavel Trojan. 20th Century,Contemporary,Standards. Individual part. 31 pages. Pavel Trojan #5821007. Published by Pavel Trojan (A0.1021225). Jingles and Fanfare (2020) is a set of four movements (album) for four french horns, appropriate both for music school students and professional concert artists.PAVEL TROJAN was born on 14th August 1956 in Domažlice. Between 1977 and 1982, he studied composition with Ilja HurnÃk at the Prague Conservatory; after that, from 1982 until 1989, he went to attend the Music and Dance Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, where he studied in the class of Jiřà Pauer.The composer has extensive chamber, orchestral and musical dramatic work, which includes both opera and musical. In his work he puts emphasis on melody, brevity and clarity.He has been working at the Prague Conservatory since 1986, at first as a music theory tutor, and from 1991 as a music composition teacher. From 1992 until 2004, he was the vice director of the conservatory until being appointed the director in December 2004 (until July 2018). He is currently teaching a composition. Main works:Piano Concerto (1989), Missa solemnis (1998), Variations on a Theme by and Written in Honor of Václav Trojan (2006), Sinfonia giocosa (2008), Piano Trio No. 2 (2009), Pastoral Fairytale (Opera, 2012), Concerto for Violin and Orchestra N. 2 (2015), The Cross of Zavis (Musical, 2016). O Come All Ye Faithful for French Horn & Piano
O Come All Ye Faithful for French Horn & Piano # French Horn and Piano # BEGINNER # Christmas # Wade # James M # O Come All Ye Faithful for Fre # jmsgu3 # SheetMusicPlus
French Horn,Piano - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548511 Composed by Wade. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christmas. Score and part. 4 pages. ...(+)
French Horn,Piano - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548511 Composed by Wade. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christmas. Score and part. 4 pages. Jmsgu3 #3388113. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548511). O Come All Ye Faithful arranged with new harmony for the final verse. Score: 3 pages, part: 1 page. Horn in F O Come, All Ye Faithful O Come, All Ye Faithful is an English translation of the Latin Christmas carol Adeste Fideles. No one knows exactly who wrote it. One theory holds that King John IV of Portugal (1604–1656) wrote it. Another theory says John F. Wade or John Reading wrote it. Nowadays, we usually attribute it to John Wade. Seems like the oldest manuscript from 1751, is owned by Stonyhurst College in Lancashire. Lyrics The English translation O Come, All Ye Faithful was certainly written by Frederick Oakeley, a Catholic priest in 1841. This translation is probably the most common in the English speaking states. To begin with, the hymn had only four verses. Later, the verses grew to eight. Music directors often cut various verses because otherwise, the song goes too long. Some believe that St. Bonaventure wrote the first Latin lyrics. Others hold that King John IV of Portugal is responsible. Yet even others think the Cistercian monks wrote them. King John IV King John IV of Portugal was called The Musician King. He became king in 1640. In addition to performing the duties of a king, he was also a composer and music journalist. King John built a very large music library. Unfortunately, the library was ruined in 1755 because of the massive earthquake of Lisbon. In addition to building his library, the king started a Music School that produced many accomplished musicians. The king also worked diligently to get instrumental music approved by the Vatican for use in his churches. Aside from his authorship of Adeste Fideles, he is famous for another popular choral setting of the Crux Fidelis, a prevalent Lenten hymn. Performance in Context Verses are sometimes left out because all eight verses would take too long to perform. More to the point though, some of the verses may be unsuitable for whatever of the church calendar they are intended. The eighth verse deals with the Epiphany, so it makes sense to sing this on Epiphany Sunday, but not other Sundays. Similarly, other verses are used according to whether the event is Midnight Mass or regular daytime Mass. Jingle Bells for French Horn & Piano
Jingle Bells for French Horn & Piano # French Horn and Piano # INTERMEDIATE # Christmas # James Pierpont # James M # Jingle Bells for French Horn & # jmsgu3 # SheetMusicPlus
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548657 Composed by James Pierpont. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christmas. Score and part....(+)
French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548657 Composed by James Pierpont. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christmas. Score and part. 8 pages. Jmsgu3 #3408217. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548657). Jingle Bells arranged for French Horn& Piano featuring a surprise final verse harmonization. Jingle Bells is perhaps the most famous songs in American music history. James L. Pierpont published the song as One Horse Open Sleigh in the late 1850’s. Since its introduction, people began to insist that Pierpont wrote it for a Sunday school choir. However, it seems unlikely that such a secular song would be considered appropriate during that historical period for Sunday school.Christmas Repertoire Pierpont wrote the song for the Thanksgiving holidays, but over time people began to think of it more as a Christmas song. Some choirs adopted it as part of their Christmas repertoire in the 1860s and 1870s. Jingle Bells was first recorded in 1889 on a wax cylinder. Origins No one knows where Pierpont composed the song. One theory suggests he wrote it in Medford Massachusetts in 1850. Sleigh races were certainly popular in 19th Century Massachusetts. To this day, a commemorative placard appears in Medford square claiming that it is the birthplace of Jingle Bells. Others suggest that he wrote it in Savannah, Georgia where he was an organist and music director at the Unitarian Church. This theory gains support from the copyright date of 1857. We know he was living in Savannah by then. Traffic Signals Horse-drawn sleighs are relatively quiet in the snow. Consequently, horses were usually equipped with bell-laden straps so as to avoid accidents at blind intersections. Sleigh drivers in 19th Century New England were constantly vigilant, listening for the sounds of approaching horse-drawn sleighs. The tune imitates the rhythm that the trotting horse bells produce. Social Context Jingle Bells was sung as a drinking song at local revelries: during the song folks would rhythmically jangle the ice in their glasses. A sleigh ride gave couples an opportunity to be alone together. The term Jingle bells is a poetic descriptive adjective referring specifically to the more accurate term sleigh bells. In many arrangements, sleigh bells are used to accentuate the rhythm during the song chorus. Register for free lifetime updates and revisions at www.jamesguthrie.com