This carol was written by James Montgomery. It was first published in a local newspaper – the Sheffield Iris on Christmas Eve in 1816.
This carol was written by James Montgomery. It was first published in a local newspaper – the Sheffield Iris on Christmas Eve in 1816. Originally sung to a number of melodies, the music most associated with this carol is a French melody ‘Iris’. The refrain ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo’ was added in the version published in ‘The Oxford Book of Carols’ (1928), thus establishing the most widely recognised version of this carol.
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.
