Description
“Christmas Carols” – carefully compiled by Hermann Rieth and illustrated by Georg Bildstein, opens up a world of Christmas music from England. This collection is aimed at all enthusiasts of traditional instruments such as Hümmelchen, Dudeys, but also recorders and many others. Born out of an enthusiasm for Advent Carol Singing, this work offers a selection of melodies specially adapted for the range of traditional instruments.
The meaning of the Christmas Carols
Christmas carols are an integral part of British folklore and embody a tradition that has its roots partly in pre-Christian times. They symbolize the living connection between historical customs and today’s Christmas season. This collection takes you on a musical journey through the Christmas story, complemented by some of the continental traditions that are still alive in Europe today.
Inspiring encounters with music
Hermann Rieth, himself a passionate bagpipe and gemshorn player, was inspired by the Advent atmosphere of carol singing. The melodies, which play within a simple range, were artfully arranged by him for singing and making music together in “Christmas Carols”. This adaptation makes the pieces ideal for schools and educational institutions to promote the joy of making music.
Variety of instruments
The collection “Christmas Carols” includes a wide range of instruments. Whether for Hümmelchen, Gemshorns, recorders, Cornamuses or Krummhorns – each notation begins with an indication of the optimum pitch. This ensures flexible adaptation to different instrument types and tunings, from soprano in C to alto in F and tenor in C, and enables broad musical participation.
Insights into the Christmas story
Most of the songs tell the well-known Christmas story as told in the Gospels. These songs bring history closer in a way that has been appreciated in many parts of Europe for generations. From “Child in the Manger” and “Holy Christmas on the Living” to traditional customs such as “Wassailing” and “Morris Dancing”, this collection invites you to explore the variety and depth of the Christmas season.
Tradition and renewal
In addition to the songs, the book provides insights into various customs of the British Isles, from “Wassailing” to “Mummers Plays”. These descriptions not only provide cultural context, but also suggestions on how old traditions can be integrated and celebrated today. The challenge of tracing historical paths leads to an exciting examination of the origins and development of Christmas customs.
Songs that connect
With titles such as “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, “Christ Was Born” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, “Christmas Carols” offers a wide selection of songs that invite you to celebrate together. Each carol is an opportunity to share the joy and fellowship of the Christmas season.
The sounds of Christmas: experiencing traditions and instruments together
This collection of Christmas Carols allows traditional instruments to take center stage and explore the festive music of the Christmas season together. It creates a special opportunity to experience the joy of making music with Hümmelchen, bagpipes, recorders and others. Let’s take the opportunity to create the Christmas atmosphere together through the variety of instruments.
