Christmas Medley for Marimba Trio Marimba - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.935391

Christmas Medley for Marimba Trio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Dan Heslink

This medley combines three of the most favored Carols celebrating the miracle of Christ’s birth. "Angels We Have Heard On High" encapsulates the birth of Jesus Christ as narrated in the Gospel of Luke. The flowing second part of this carol portrays the shepherds’ wonder as they encounter a multitude of angels singing and praising.

 The spiritual renewal brought about by the birth of the Christ child is given in "What Child Is This?" Sung to the tune of the traditional English song "Greensleeves," its haunting quality has made it one of the most popular of Christmas carols. And focusing on the immediacy of the Child’s entrance into the world, "Away in a Manger" has become the most loved of all American Christmas carols.

 The medley opens with an eight-measure introduction that immediately establishes the Christmas spirit, and then moves on to "Angels We Have Heard on High." The binary form of this section should suggest to the performers two contrasting manners of execution, one involving brisk, rhythmic strokes and the other more legato in nature. At the second indicated rehearsal number "What Child Is This?" introduces a new key and new meter for new melodic content. The score shapes these phrases with dynamic changes, which should be observed with care. The dynamic arches and divided eighth note passages will enhance the impetus of a rolling ternary meter

 The medley’s final selection, "Away in a Manger," begins at measure sixty-seven. A light and delicate approach to execution should create an innocent, child-like characterization. The final cadence of this selection is expanded to a bolder conclusion. Players and conductor may wish to experiment with a dead stroke on the last soft note, to artistically suggest that the music may be experienced for a moment even after it is concluded.

 This medley will be especially effective programmed on a winter holiday concert. Duration is 2:21. The arranger, Dan Heslink, assigned a difficulty level of medium, and can be contacted at [email protected].