Midnight Clear

From Wind Repertory Project
Richard Storrs Willis

Richard Storrs Willis (arr. Anthony Susi)


Subtitle: Based upon music from It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Richard Storrs Willis 1850


General Info

Year: 1850 / 2020
Duration: c. 1:40
Difficulty: II (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Carol
Publisher: Susi Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $40.00; (digital) - $40.00   |   Score Only (print) - $5.00


Instrumentation (Flexible)

Full Score
Part 1

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • B-flat Soprano Clarinet
  • E-flat Alto Saxophone
  • B-flat Trumpet
  • Violin

Part 2

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • B-flat Soprano Clarinet
  • E-flat Alto Saxophone
  • B-flat Trumpet
  • Horn in F
  • Violin

Part 3

  • Bassoon
  • B-flat Bass Clarinet
  • B-flat Tenor Saxophone
  • Horn in F
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium
  • Viola

Part 4

  • B-flat Bass Clarinet
  • E-flat Baritone Saxophone
  • Euphonium
  • Tuba
  • String Bass

Percussion, including:

  • Bells
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Timpani
  • Triangle


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, sometimes rendered as It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, is an 1849 poem and Christmas carol written by Edmund Sears, pastor of the Unitarian Church in Wayland, Massachusetts. In 1850, Sears' lyrics were set to Carol, a tune written for the poem the same year at his request, by Richard Storrs Willis. This pairing remains the most popular in the United States, while in Commonwealth countries, the lyrics are set to Noel, a later adaptation by Arthur Sullivan from an English melody.

- Program Note from Wikipedia


The "Glorious familiar song of old" from 1850 reflects the poem to which it was set through this delicate peaceful depiction of the "solemn stillness" over our "weary world". Carefully crafted in 3/4 time, it allows young musicians to play this beautiful carol (originally set in 6/8 time) and sound more mature than its easy level with very moderate ranges. The soothing sonority help capture the heart of the season.

- Program Note from publisher


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


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Adaptable Music


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