Gustav Holst's "Christmas Day"

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Looking for some great holiday literature for your band's upcoming concert? It can get difficult, since we're limited to many of the same old standbys each year. May I suggest a beautiful setting of old carols by a giant in the world of wind band composition?

Gustav Holst originally wrote Christmas Day: Choral Fantasy on Old Carols in 1910 for his students at Morley College. The work was for organ, orchestra, and chorus, and includes beautifully written and juxtaposed settings of "Good Christian Men Rejoice," "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen," "Come Ye Lofty, Come Ye Lowly," and "The First Nowell." Featuring Holst's inventive compositional techniques and instantly-recognizable ensemble colors, Christmas Day is a wonderful and moving holiday contribution from a serious and celebrated composer.

There are multiple versions for concert band that are faithful to the original work's form and color.  I suggest checking out Larry Daehn's excellent transcription.  Give it a try with your band today!

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Milhaud's "La Création du Monde" Premiered Today in 1923!