Jeanette, Isabella
Traditional, arranged by William Ryden
General Info
Year: 1994
Duration: c. 1:55
Difficulty: I (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Carol
Publisher: Manhattan Beach
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $95.00 | Score Only (print) - $12.00
Instrumentation
Condensed Score
Flute
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II
Horn in F/Tenor Saxophone
Trombone I-II
Euphonium
Tuba/Low Woodwinds
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:
- Bass Drum
- Bells
- Chimes
- Crash Cymbals
- Suspended Cymbal
- Tambourine
- Triangle
- Xylophone
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
It's easy to see why this beautiful 16th century English carol has endured the test of time. This delightful arrangement utilizes fresh harmonies with the original melody.
- Program Note from publisher
Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella (French: Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle) is a Christmas carol which originated from the Provence region of France in the 16th century. The song is usually notated in 3/8 time. The carol was first published in 1553 in France, and was subsequently translated into English in the 18th century. The song was originally not a song to be sung at Christmas, but rather dance music for French nobility.
It seems likely that the melody was written by Charpentier, derived from the air à boire Qu'ils sont doux, bouteille jolie from the now lost Le médecin malgré lui.
In the carol, visitors to the stable have to keep their voices down so the newborn can enjoy his dreams. To this day in the Provence region, children dress up as shepherds and milkmaids, carrying torches and candles to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, while singing the carol.
- Program Note from Wikipedia
Media
State Ratings
- Louisiana: I
- Maryland: I
- South Carolina: II
- Texas: I. Complete
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- University of Charleston (S.C.) Symphonic Wind Ensemble (John Christian, conductor) – 8 December 2019
- Toano (Va.) Middle School 7th Grade Band - December 2015
Resources
- Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, Wikipedia Accessed 24 December 2015
- Perusal score