John Stainer | There Was Silence in Bethlehem’s Fields | String Quartet

After purchase, you will receive the digital sheet music, and rehearsal play-along recordings. As you click on the image's right arrow, you will be able to listen to this piece on YouTube.

There Was Silence in Bethlehem’s Fields — John Stainer String Quartet Arrangement (D Major & F Major Editions)

This gentle Christmas carol by Sir John Stainer, first published in The Musical Times in 1894, is presented here in two beautifully crafted string quartet editions. Set originally for SATB choir to poetry by W. Chatterton Dix, the music evokes the stillness of Bethlehem’s fields and the quiet radiance of the angelic announcement.

Included Editions

• D Major — traditional string quartet scoring: 2 Violins, Viola, Cello

• F Major — alternative quartet scoring featuring an optional Viola/Violin III part, ideal for flexible ensembles or mixed‑ability groups

Features • Warm, lyrical Romantic harmonies • Idiomatic quartet writing with expressive phrasing • Suitable for church services, Christmas concerts, and reflective seasonal programs • Intermediate level • Full score + parts included for both keys

A tender and atmospheric addition to any ensemble’s Christmas repertoire.