Swing We Now of Christmas

Description

This traditional French carol gets a fresh and interesting “makeover” in the Swing style. It is always a challenge to write a new arrangement of a familiar carol, and Peter Sciaino does a great job of keeping the main melody recognizable while adding some harmonic and rhythmic shifts.

Program Notes

“Swing We Now of Christmas” is a lively and vibrant arrangement of the beloved Christmas carol “Sing We Now of Christmas”. Combining the joyful spirit of the holiday season with the irresistible rhythms of an uptempo swing chart, this arrangement brings a fresh, upbeat twist to a classic Christmas tune, inviting both performers and listeners to celebrate the season with a playful, toe-tapping energy.

“Sing We Now of Christmas” is a joyful carol with a rich history rooted in the French tradition. Originally written in the 16th century as “Nouvelle Alléluia,” the tune appeared in English-speaking countries in the early 20th century, with lyrics adapted to fit the English language. Hopefully, this fun reimagination of the original can become a beloved part of holiday repertoires, spreading festive cheer and evoking the joy and hope that define the Christmas season.

PERFORMANCE NOTES

It is crucial for the ensemble to maintain a relaxed yet engaging swing feel throughout the performance. While the rhythms should be lively and energetic, performers should ensure that the phrasing and articulation remain light, avoiding excessive heaviness and overplaying. The shout chorus includes some ensemble interplay with two separate rhythmic patterns. Regardless of pattern, the horn sections should focus on clear, crisp articulation, particularly during the syncopated figures. The rhythm section should play with a steady, driving swing during this section, with an emphasis on beats two and four.