Angels We Have Heard On High

“Ave Maria” in A major is part of his larger work, the “Six Duets for Two Voices and Organ,” Op. 10. This collection includes settings of various sacred texts, and the “Ave Maria” in A major is one of the pieces within this set. These duets were composed in 1858 and showcase Saint-Saëns’s mastery of choral writing and his ability …

The hymn “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” is a classic Christmas carol with a rich history. It is commonly sung to the tune “Winchester Old,” and the lyrics are attributed to Irish hymnist Nahum Tate. The carol is based on the account of the shepherds receiving the angelic announcement of the birth of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke in …

“Deck the Halls” is a well-known traditional Christmas carol with Welsh origins, dating back to the 16th century. Its lively and festive melody is perfect for the holiday season. The carol is in a major key and follows a cheerful, upbeat rhythm, making it popular for group performances. Use smooth legato bowing for the longer phrases and short, crisp staccato …

The Arabian Dance, also known as the Coffee Dance, is part of the second act of “The Nutcracker.” Tchaikovsky masterfully incorporates Middle Eastern influences, using rich and evocative melodies to transport listeners to a world of mystery and enchantment. The piano arrangement retains the exotic charm, allowing pianists to express the nuances of the original orchestral score. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s …

“Away in a Manger” flute sheet music. Despite its uncertain origins, “Away in a Manger” remains a cherished part of the Christmas music tradition and is associated with the peaceful and humble nativity scene of Jesus’ birth. It continues to be sung by people of all ages during the Christmas season.

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” is typically sung in churches and at Christmas gatherings as a way to celebrate the birth of Jesus and express devotion to Him. It has been covered by numerous artists and is a cherished part of the Christmas musical tradition. Arranged for the Flute.

The lyrics of “Once in Royal David’s City” reflect the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem and the humble setting of the Nativity scene. The carol begins by describing the scene in Bethlehem and then goes on to convey the significance of Jesus’ birth and his role as the Savior. It is a beloved and traditional hymn …

“Amazing Grace” is a traditional hymn with uncertain authorship. It is often attributed to John Newton, a former slave trader turned Christian minister, who wrote the lyrics in the late 18th century. However, the melody used today is believed to have been added later. The melody used for “Amazing Grace” is simple yet deeply moving. It is typically sung in …

Franz Liszt’s “Carillon” is a delightful and evocative piano composition. Liszt, a prominent figure in the Romantic era of classical music, composed this piece as part of his larger work titled “Années de pèlerinage” (Years of Pilgrimage). “Années de pèlerinage” is a collection of three suites for solo piano, and “Carillon” is part of the first suite, “Suisse” (Switzerland). “Carillon” …

This masterpiece, also known as “Concerto Grosso in G minor, Op. 6, No. 8,” holds a special place in the repertoire of Baroque music. Composed by Arcangelo Corelli around 1690, this concerto is part of his renowned set of twelve concerti grossi. Corelli’s Christmas Concerto has remained a popular choice for holiday performances, admired for its exuberance and the timeless …

Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Christmas Oratorio” (Oratorio de Noël), Op. 12, is a beautifully crafted sacred work for choir, soloists, and small orchestra. Composed in 1858, it is often performed during the Advent or Christmas season and is notable for its lyrical and serene character. The piece features 10 movements, and it is imbued with a sense of warmth and intimacy rather …

Frank Loesser wrote “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in 1944. The song features a playful and flirtatious duet between a man (referred to as “the Wolf” in the original sheet music) and a woman (referred to as “the Mouse”). In the song, the woman is expressing her reluctance to leave the man’s company due to the cold weather outside, while the …

“Les Pifferari” or “The Pipers” is a piece for piano solo composed by Fernand Halphen. The title refers to the traditional Italian bagpipers who play during the Christmas season. The piece captures the festive and lively spirit associated with these musicians. Fernand Halphen, like Gounod, was a French composer, and his works encompass various genres, including orchestral, chamber, and vocal …

“German Dance, K.605 No.3” or “Sleigh Ride” or in German “Die Schlittenfahrt” from the set of Three German Dances, K.605 is a lively and festive composition that captures the joyful spirit of a sleigh ride. “Die Schlittenfahrt” is originally a piano piece, but its lively and spirited character makes it a perfect candidate for adaptation to the violin. In terms …

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a well-known Christmas carol that has been sung and arranged for various instruments since its inception. Mendelssohn’s original music is jubilant and stately, making it a popular piece during holiday performances. The melody should be played with smooth, lyrical phrasing to reflect the carol’s uplifting and joyful nature. Emphasize dynamic contrasts. Play softly during …