Christmas Overture, A

From Wind Repertory Project
Nigel Hess

Nigel Hess


General Info

Year: 2007 / 2010
Duration: c. 7:45
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: Faber Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $108.25   |   Score Only (print) - $16.25


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
English Horn
Bassoon I-II
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium I-II
Tuba I-II
String Bass
Harp
Organ (optional)
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bell Tree
  • Clash Cymbal
  • Finger Cymbal
  • Glockenspiel
  • Shaker
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle
  • Tubular Bells
  • Wind Chime


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This vivacious and colourful piece by multifaceted composer Nigel Hess, originally commissioned as an orchestra work by composer John Rutter for his 2007 Christmas Festival, proved an instant success for orchestra and audience alike. Traditional carols, skillfully juxtaposed and interwoven, provide the thematic material and include: Ding Dong! Merrily on High; Deck The Halls; Il Est Né Le Divin Enfant; Infant Glory, Infant Lowly; Personent Hodie; We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Angels, From The Realms Of Glory. Fragments from other carols appear, enriching the field of what is surely one of the most attractive pieces composed for the festive season.

- Program Note from Leeds University Union (England) Concert Band concert program, 6 November 2016


The wind version of this work received its premiere performance by the Birmingham (England) Symphonic Winds, Keith Allen conducting, 14 December 2013.


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah) Symphonic Band (Nate Seamons, conductor) - 9 December 2021
  • Triangle Wind Ensemble (Cary, N.C.) (Evan Feldman, conductor) – 15 December 2019
  • Ohlone Wind Orchestra (Fremont, Calif.) (Tony Clements, conductor) – 7 December 2019
  • Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah) Wind Symphony (Don L. Peterson, conductor) – 12 December 2017
  • Leeds University Union (England) Concert Band (Connor Marston, conductor) - 19 November 2016
  • University of Bath's Concert Band – December 2015


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • Hess, N. (2010). A Christmas Overture [score]. Faber Music: Essex.