Carol of the Bells for Flexible Ensemble

Mykola Leontovych was a Ukrainian composer who specialized in a capella choral music which was often characterized by layering and repetition. His most famous work, "Shchedryk" (more commonly known as "Carol of the Bells"), is an excellent example of this compositional style for a four-voice a capella choir.

"Shchedryk," which means, “the generous one,” was originally a New Year’s song that tells a story about a swallow singing of wealth that will come in the spring. Leontovych composed the music in 1914. In 1936, the music was adapted as an English Christmas carol by lyricist Peter J. Wilhousky, who wrote the Christmas-themed lyrics we know today.

This arrangement includes four parts which can be mixed and matched depending on the instrumentation available:

Part 1 - Flute, Clarinet 1, Alto Sax 1

Part 2 - Oboe, Clarinet 2, Alto Sax 2, Trumpet 1

Part 3 - Clarinet 3, Tenor Sax, Trumpet 2, Horn in F

Part 4 - Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Bari Sax, Baritone (TC, BC), Trombone, Tuba

Percussion (optional): Mallets, Chimes