God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (2019)

Grade 3.5 • 5:15 • published by Sonic Soundscape Productions

Performance: The American Band | Conductor: Dr. Brian Cardany

PROGRAM NOTES

The traditional English Christmas carol, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, has become a timeless Christmas carol finding its way into most church hymnals.  Additionally, various versions arranged in a variety of musical genres are broadcast throughout the holiday season on radio and television.  Artists from Bing Crosby to the American a cappella group Pentatonix have recorded versions of this ever-popular Christmas carol.

Arranger Roger Cichy has chosen to take this carol and its iconic harmonization and weaved it throughout a contemporary adaptation.  At times, you may hear the traditional harmonization in one phrase, then it quickly becomes embellished with modern harmonic vocabulary.  Furthermore, to emphasize the timelessness of the piece, Cichy has stretched the accompaniment, allowing the piece to flow through a variety of textures, and, at times, briefly venturing into different meters.

INSTRUMENTATION

Winds: Piccolo, Flute 1 & 2, Oboe 1 & 2, Bassoon 1 & 2, Bb Clarinet 1 - 3, Bb Bass Clarinet, Eb Alto Saxophones 1 & 2, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone

Brass: Bb Trumpet 1 - 3, F Horn 1 - 4, Trombone 1 - 2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba

Percussion: Timpani, Percussion 1 (snare drum, bass drum, suspended cymbal, wood block), Percussion 2 (tam tam, suspended cymbal, crash cymbals), Percussion 3 (chimes, orchestra bells)

Strings: String Bass