God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

The traditional English Christmas carol, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen has become a timeless carol finding its way into most church hymnals. Arranger Roger Cichy has chosen to take this carol and its iconic harmonization to craftily create a contemporary adaptation that emphasizes its timelessness.

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.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2022
Number of Players: Standard
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Series: Ruby Band Series
Category: Concert Band

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Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1
Oboe 2
Bassoon 1
Bassoon 2
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
F Horn 3
F Horn 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Baritone T.C.
Tuba
String Bass

Timpani [4 drums]
Keyboard Percussion: Chimes, Bells
Percussion 1 [2 players]: Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Woodblock
Percussion 2 [2 players]: Tam-Tam, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals, Finger Cymbals, Triangle