Product Description
Comments by the composer:
This joyful new setting of The First Nowell in 7/8 time was first performed by the CBSO Chorus and Orchestra in Birmingham UK. Paul Noble’s arrangement for band should ideally be performed with the addition of a choir – but it may alternatively be played as a purely instrumental piece. In this case, it is important that consideration is given to the underlying text. For example, the third verse (E) describes the Three Wise Men following the star. In verse 4 (G) we read that the star “did both stop and stay right over the place where Jesus lay”, and this narrative is reflected in the musical setting. The Magi present their gifts to the Christ child “full reverently upon their knee” in verse 5 (I), and the final exuberant verse, “Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord” (L) is all about joyful rejoicing at the Nativity.It is hoped that this arrangement will prove an attractive and useful item to include in any Christmas holiday concert.