This is a traditional English Christmas carol originating in the Renaissance era. The lyrics, alongside its melody can be sourced back to the Middle English poem known as the ‘Corpus Christi Carol’; appearing in manuscript prior to 1547.
This is a traditional English Christmas carol originating in the Renaissance era. The lyrics, alongside its melody can be sourced back to the Middle English poem known as the ‘Corpus Christi Carol’; appearing in manuscript prior to 1547. The ‘standard’ four-part harmonisation and setting is that of Ralph Vaughan Williams, published in ‘The Oxford Book of Carols’ (1964). My arrangement, whilst paying respect to the Vaughan Williams setting also revisits other carol melodies of the Renaissance era, albeit in a ‘faux Celtic’ context.
J. M.
Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music. In 2020 Jock was awarded an "Honary Fellowship of the University of Winchester" for services to music education. Currently Jock is working part-time for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; providing tuition for the Brass Teaching Module. In 2024 Jock was given the award for "Services to Youth" by Brass Bands England.
