The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) by Mel Torme 4-Part - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1524130

"The Christmas Song", also commonly known by its first line "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire", sets the scene for a warm and cosy Christmas. Maybe the image of that first line has become less relevant in recent times, but at least there is peace and goodwill at the heart of the song's message. Like other well-known Christmas songs (such as Slade's "Merry Christmas Everybody") it was actually composed during an exceptionally hot summer, in this instance, in July 1946. The writers, Mel Tormé and Robert Wells, were trying to think of cool scenarios, so that in turn they would feel cooler whilst trying to work in the soaring temperatures. The song was completed within 45 minutes, and the first recordings were made by Nat King Cole and his trio in 1946. This arrangement would suit school, church, and secular choirs looking to try an a capella version of the song, although a piano reduction is included for support. Despite the jazzy, chromatic harmonies, the voice-leading in the harmonies should make pitching and finding notes relatively straight forward, and the second half is the same as the first, just in a higher key. Merry Christmas to all choirs!