
First published in Carols for Choirs 1 in 1961, and then reprinted in 100 Carols for Choirs, David Willcocks' much-loved arrangement of O come, all ye faithful (Adeste, fideles) has come to epitomize Christmas, being sung countless times each year around the world. Using the harmonies from The English Hymnal for verses 1-5, it features his unsurpassed descant to verse 6 ('Sing, choirs of angels') and a reharmonized verse 7 which builds to a stirring climax. An accompaniment for orchestra and an opening brass fanfare are available for hire.
This work investigates the structural and harmonic arrangement of the traditional hymn 'Adeste, fideles' to provide a definitive choral setting for Christmas performance. David Willcocks, a renowned choral conductor and composer, utilizes his expertise in liturgical music to refine the existing harmonies from The English Hymnal. The arrangement serves as a technical framework for choirs, balancing traditional melodic lines with sophisticated vocal textures to enhance the emotional impact of the hymn. By integrating specific descant and reharmonization techniques, the work establishes a standard performance practice for large-scale choral ensembles.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Experts and choral directors widely regard this arrangement as a foundational element of the modern Christmas repertoire. Readers frequently note the technical precision of the descant and its effectiveness in creating a climactic conclusion for choral performances.
Page Count:
8
Publication Date:
2009-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford Higher Education
ISBN-10:
0193368749
ISBN-13:
9780193368743
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