This carol is based on a poem by the English poet Christina Rosetti. Published under the title “A Christmas Carol” it was first published in 1872 in the January issue of ‘Scribner’s Monthly’.
This carol is based on a poem by the English poet Christina Rosetti. Published under the title “A Christmas Carol” it was first published in 1872 in the January issue of ‘Scribner’s Monthly’. The first published setting of this as a carol was that of Gustav Holst; appearing in ‘The English Hymnal’ of 1906. Holst’s melody and subsequent harmonization was given the name “Cranham” after the village in Gloucestershire where he was living at the time. My arrangement of this carol presents Holst’s material (with a new harmonisation) in a gentle, laid-back ‘Bossa Nova’ style.
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.
