Serenade of Carols

From Wind Repertory Project
Morton Gould

Morton Gould (trans. by composer)


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General Info

Year: 1949
Duration: c. 7:35
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: G&C Publishers
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Movements

1.
2. Boar's Head Carol; Patapan; Carol of Service - 3:15
3. Come, Love We God; Coventry Carol; The Holy and the Ivy - 4:20
4.

N.B. Although the 1949 orchestral version of the work contained four movements, there is no indication that Gould transcribed the first and fourth movements for band. A transcription by Donald Patterson does include all four movements.


Instrumentation

Condensed Score
D-flat Piccolo
C Piccolo
Flute
Oboe I-II
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Cornet I-II-III
B-flat Trumpet I-II
Horn in E-flat and F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Piano
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Orchestra Bells
  • Snare Drum
  • Tambourine
  • Temple Block
  • Triangle

Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Serenade of Carols [Movement 2] was arranged by [Morton] Gould in 1949. A collection of popular Christmas tunes, it includes favorites such as What Child Is This, Pat-a-Pan, The Holly and the Ivy, and God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.

- Program Note by Robert S. McEwan for liner notes to U.S. Coast Guard CD Holiday Fanfare


The Serenade of Carols was originally scored for small orchestra. The work is based on a variety of carols, some well-known, grouped according to their respective moods and textures. The second movement is in a gay and bright mood, full of fast-moving contrapuntal lines. The interpretation depends a good deal on a moving tempo and a vital pulse that keeps the work continually "on its toes." The piccolo and flute play a very prominent part with fast-running phrases. The following carols are utilized -- Boar's Head Carol, Patapan, and Carol of Service. The third movement is cast in the form of a chorale. The following carols are utilized -- Come, Love We God; Coventry Carol; and The Holly and the Ivy.

- Program Note adapted from publisher


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • United States Coast Guard Band (New London, Conn.) (Jeffrey Spinner, conductor) - 11 December 2022


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • Russell Girsberger, personal correspondence, December 2022