Christmas Brass (Brass Band Set & Score)
by Richard Peaslee
Brass Band - Sheet Music

Brass band, string bass, percussion and guitar (4 Trumpets, 2 Horns in F, 4 Trombones, 2 Euphoniums, Tuba, Guitar, Bass, Percussion) - Intermediate

SKU: EC.7.0697

Composed by Richard Peaslee. Brass Festive Hymn Setting. Secular, Christmas, Lessons and Carols, 20th Century, Holiday. Score and parts. Duration 16 minutes, 30 seconds. Galaxy Music Corporation #7.0697. Published by Galaxy Music Corporation (EC.7.0697).

ISBN 600313706974. UPC: 600313706974.

Christmas Brass is a fantasy on six carols, originally commissioned by Mark Freeh for the Manhattan Brass Choir. Duration: 16:30

The well-known tune, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, a hymn originally based on a plainsong melody, is here set in 5/4 meter. Modal harmonies are combined with big band style as the piece gains momentum, greatly accentuating the mood of the words, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel.” The opening 5/4 statement of the theme returns, and the piece ends quietly.

In Beautiful Savior (also known by the title Fairest Lord Jesus), a hushed beginning featuring horns, euphoniums, and a muted trumpet, leads through a key change to a satisfying, chorale-like closing passage.

In Away in a Manger, Peaslee sets two tunes, Cradle Song and Away in a Manger. Following a straightforward presentation of each melody, Peaslee plays them against one another. The music swells to a full climax followed by a hushed ending.

Peaslee employs a gentle hand in It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, using flugelhorn solos and duets in a jazz-waltz style.

In Silent Night, the traditional carol gets an untraditional harmonization, propelled forward by give-and-take between the two groups of brass instruments in the brass choir: trumpets and trombones versus horns, euphoniums, and tuba.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing begins with a humorous blast of discordant harmonies as multiple carols are sounded at the same time. An up-tempo 4/4 announcement of the melody in the trombone is followed by a metrical modulation in 6/8-3/4 time. An additional metrical modulation bring the music back into 4/4, but at a slower tempo and in a pronounced jazz style. Tempo I returns, and the set of six pieces closes with a big ending.