Holiday Pops Music ~
Chorus & Orchestra
“The First Nowell” (arrangement)
(An arrangement of the traditional English carol)
See Description, Instrumentation, Text Info, and Reviews at bottom of page.
STATUS: Re-formatting into Sibelius — should be available in summer 2026
PRINT PRICE: $250 + S/H (This includes string parts up to 12, 12, 10, 8, 6.)
PDF PRICE: $185 for a set of PDFs of the full score and all the parts
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FULL SCORE SAMPLE / CHORAL SCORE SAMPLE
SOUND CLIP: If you're considering this piece, contact me to request a demo.
SCORING: Large SATB chorus, accompanied by a large pops orchestra —
See the “Instrumentation” tab below. / DURATION: ca. 3:30
DIFFICULTY: The choral parts are moderately difficult, but the instrumental parts are more challenging, so I recommend that this piece be performed only by professional players.
NOTE: I also wrote an original composition using the same text.
DESCRIPTION
This fresh and contemporary-sounding arrangement alternates between gentleness (such as the intro, featuring solo piano and violins) and true grandeur (such as the thrilling final verse accompanied by full orchestra). The piece ends with a gentle coda, returning to the solo piano. A most effective piece!
INSTRUMENTATION
CHOIR: Large SATB chorus
WOODWINDS:
3 Flutes
1 Oboe + 1 English Horn
2 Clarinets in Bb + 1 Bass Clarinet
2 Bassoons + 1 Contrabassoon
BRASS:
4 Horns
3 Trumpets in C
3 Trombones
1 Tuba
PERCUSSION:
1 timpanist (4 timps), plus 3 percussionists on the following instruments: Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Chimes, Piatti, Suspended Cymbal, Triangle, Mark Tree
HARP: 1 Harp
KEYBOARD: 1 electronic keyboard with the following two sounds: acoustic piano, celeste
STRINGS: Ideally, a minimum of 10, 10, 8, 8, 6, but slightly less than this is also doable.
TEXT INFO
The First Nowell
Traditional English text
Complete text:
The first Nowell the angel did say,
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Nowell! Born is the King of Israel!
They looked up and saw a star,
Shining in the east, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
Nowell! Born is the King of Israel!
And by the light of that same star,
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Nowell! Born is the King of Israel!
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heav'nly Lord,
That hath made heav'n and earth of nought,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.
Nowell! Born is the King of Israel!
REVIEWS
“The First Nowell” is now a stand-alone piece, but was once part of the medley “A Garland of Carols.”
You can read reviews of “A Garland of Carols“ here.
