Description

A fantastic set of arrangements from Medieval times!

1. 1. Gaudete
   2. Coventry Carol
   3. Past Three O’Clock

One of the most beloved Latin Christmas carols, Gaudete is a joyful and uplifting piece. It’s origins trace back to the 16th century, where it was first published in the Piae Cantiones, a collection of Finnish and Swedish sacred songs. While the verses were originally published without music, the melody we know today is likely a late medieval composition. This arrangement allows each section of the saxophone ensemble to take the lead and enjoy the refrain and verses alike.

With it’s origins in the traditional calls of the London waits, Past Three O’Clock is an English Christmas carol. This arrangement gives a modern twist on the music, with the baritone’s melodic bass line and the melodies being shared between the group.

The Coventry Carol was written int he 16th century and was traditionally performed during  The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors which is of the few surviving Coventry Mystery Plays. The Mystery Plays told stories from the New Testament. Whilst sad in it’s lyrics, the gentle melody allows us to indulge in beautiful harmonies and a gentle reprise from the jollity of the Christmas celebrations. Modern ears associate minor keys with sadness and major with happiness, but many centuries ago it is thought that this was the other way around. The Coventry Carol would have originally been heard in a medieval mode as major and minor keys as we know them were not used until the Baroque period.

The E-Edition PDF bundle comes with a score and the following parts:

Standard parts
Soprano Saxophone 1
Soprano Saxophone 2 (alternative to Alto Saxophone 3)
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone 1 (alternative to Alto Saxophone 4)
Tenor Saxophone 2
Baritone Saxophone 1 (alternative to Tenor Saxophone 3)
Baritone Saxophone 2

Alternative & Optional parts
Sopranino Saxophone (optional)
Alto Saxophone 3 (alternative to Soprano Saxophone 2)
Alto Saxophone 4 (alternative to Tenor Saxophone 1)
Tenor Saxophone 3 (alternative to Baritone Saxophone 1)
Bass Saxophone (optional)