Choral ~ Holiday ~ with Keyboard
“The Holly and the Ivy”
(An arrangement of the traditional English carol)
SOUND CLIP (of the chamber orchestra version)
WATCH VIDEO ON VIMEO (of the chamber orchestra version)
SCORING: SATB (some divisi), acc. by organ
DURATION: ca. 3:30 — DIFFICULTY: 2/5 — PAGES IN PDF SCORE: 14
HOW TO PLACE AN ORDER — PDF: $55 (for all the copies you need)
NOTE: This arrangement is also available in a chamber-orchestra version.
DESCRIPTION
This is a charming and gently-flowing arrangement, set in the easy-going key of A-flat.
And there's a touch of humor in this arrangement: After the choir sings “The playing of the merry organ” for the final time, the organ unexpectedly plays the opening bars of Bach's “In Dulci Jubilo” (BWV 729).
TEXT INFO
The Holly and the Ivy
Traditional English text
Complete text:
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
The rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a blossom
As white as the lily flow'r,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Savior.
(Refrain)
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good.
(Refrain)
The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
(Refrain)
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas day in the morn.
(Refrain)
