God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Scored for the woodwind section of a concert band arrangement, this Easter celebration is presented with strong traditional thematic statements, all the while being surrounded by exuberant obligati features.

Three Plus Flutes for three soprano with opt. 4th/ob. with alto and bass & piccolo. An introduction using unrelated material leads the tune presented in voice two, supported by harmonies in the lower voices, then an obbligato-like motion added by the upper voice. A modulation upward makes room for a duet in the upper lines, later joined by the lower voices in a contrapuntal fashion. The final section becomes more vigorous and imitative until a solid, declamatory ending.

A Brass choir scored for four trumpets (optional horn), two trombones, baritone and tuba. The beginning is stated in the lower voices in a solemn fashion. The theme then presents itself in the upper voices in s straight forward manner followed by a key shift, giving over to a tuba solo with the middle voices supporting it in a flowing fashion. The next section becomes more rhythmic adding more voices for a full sound continuing on with more imitation amongst the voices building more agitation. The ensemble becomes increasingly chordal with some punctuating motives in the lower parts and then settles into a quiet resolve.