Carol of the Bells
by Mykola Leontovich
String Orchestra - Sheet Music

Item Number: 18055432
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Orchestra String Orchestra - Grade 1

SKU: CF.BAS42

Composed by Mykola Leontovich. Arranged by Peter Wilhousky. Carl Fischer Beginning String Orchestra Series. Score and Parts. With Standard notation. 8+8+8+2+5+5+5+2 pages. Carl Fischer Music #BAS42. Published by Carl Fischer Music (CF.BAS42).

ISBN 9780825866678. UPC: 798408066673. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: E minor. Text: Peter J. Wilhousky.

As one of the easiest arrangements in existence, Larry Clark has taken this infectious holiday classic and scaled it down for the beginning string group, while keeping the integrity of the original composition intact. He also cleverly combines "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" with the carol for added interest.
Carol of the Bells is one of the most popular of Christmas carols. It became a Christmas staple in the 1930s when composer/arranger Peter Wilhousky added the famous Christmas lyrics to this then-unknown Ukrainian folk song and gave it the title Carol of the Bells. Since that time it has been recorded by countless artists and used in hundreds of Christmas movies, television shows and commercials of every sort, taking its place as one of the top carols. In this arrangement I have strived to make this the simplest version of this piece that is possible for young string groups,though without loosing the intent of the original piece. I have also coupled with this tune God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen to give the arrangement some variety and uniqueness. The tempo should be played only as fast as the ensemble can play it with accuracy.It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this piece. I hope you and your students enjoy it and find it useful for your program.

About Carl Fischer Beginning String Orchestra Series

This series of Grade 1 pieces is designed for first year string groups. The pieces in this series are characterized by:

  • Limited parts (often 2nd violin and viola are the same part, cello and bass are same part)
  • Limited keys and rhythms - only simple 8th note patterns
  • Limited independence of parts
  • Playable after limited study time
  • First position and natural bowings
  • Piano for rehearsal and reinforcement