To listen to a complete general midi version click here:
Carol of the Bells - Soundcloud

 

 

10113 Carol of the Bells


Mykola Leontovych

arranged Roger Harvey

for 10-piece Brass Ensemble

 

Difficulty: Medium

Price £25.00

Programme notes:

Carol of the Bells, as we now know it, was originally commissined in 1916 by the Ukranian Republic Choir. It is based on traditional national chants and entitled Shchedryk. Rather than celebrating Christmas it was a Spring song but after successful performances of it in America by a touring choir new words were added by Peter Wilhousky and other alternative lyrics have since also been adopted.
The suggestion of chiming bells in the ostinato has inspired the idea of a Christmas celebration and the new title.
It has become one of the most recorded of Christmas songs and has been used in a number of popular films to set a seasonal atmosphere.

Performance notes:

As the tone of this music could be rather dark, with its minor key and insistent obligato, it is essential to play lightly throughout even in the tutti at letter I if a feeling of celebration is to be achieved. Aim for very clear, bouncing rhythm and mostly light dynamics. As the lines pass frequently between voices it is important to keep a steady pulse to which each player must adhere. Aim also to match dynamics and style as the music is relayed around the ensemble.