This charming setting by Australian composer Barrie Gott is of the favourite carol The First Nowell. Although this version is for brass band, choir and piano, it is orchestrated such that it will work for standalone brass band.
The arranger writes:
‘I have always been fascinated with the words and music of this majestic carol. It was first written for choir and piano and then orchestrated for the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Carols with the Queensland Pops Orchestra. A further arrangement for brass band was done for a Salvation Army event.
The setting is for four verses (1,2,5 and 6) and tells the Gospel story in a nutshell. It starts very simply and builds to a spectacular climax.’
To view a rolling score video of this work please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KH6u0MUiaY
Duration: 4.45 minutes approx.
Difficulty Level: 3rd Section +
PDF download includes parts and score.
Sheet music available from www.brassband.co.uk
Instrumentation:
Soprano Cornet Eb
Solo Cornet
Repiano Cornet Bb
2nd Cornet Bb
3rd Cornet Bb
Flugel Horn Bb
Solo Horn Eb
1st Horn Eb
2nd Horn Eb
1st Baritone Bb
2nd Baritone Bb
1st Trombone Bb
2nd Trombone Bb
Bass Trombone
Euphonium Bb
Bass Eb
Bass Bb
TimpaniPercussion 1-2
SATB Choir (optional)
Piano (optional)