Product Description
Christmas Calypso for Marimba Quartet . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
arr. Dan Heslink
The calypso style
referenced in the title is not the calypso of Afro-Caribbean
music from Trinidad and Tobago. Rather, it is the especially toned-down
but still rhythmic commercial variant popularized by folk singers. Couched in this
style, the arrangement offers Christmas favorites "Deck the Halls," "Angels We
Have Heard On High," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Good Christian Men,
Rejoice."
This if one of two versions of the
calypso arrangement by Dan Heslink, both of which are available through Sheet
Music Plus. The other arrangement, for percussion sextet, follows similar
musical contours and is available separately. Both versions are intended to elicit one primary response
from both performers and audience fun. It does not tax the players
technically, but delivers a satisfying sound with carols that the performers
likely know and love. General audiences will be enchanted by the familiar
melodies delivered in percussion, especially at Christmas time.
The introduction opens with a brisk and rhythmic
introduction based on "Deck the Halls," and establishes the fun calypso rhythm
immediately. "Deck the Halls" is the much-loved welsh air that was arranged by Haydn, Nos
galan (Hob. XXXIb:29, 1803). Then, "Angels
We Have Heard on High" breaks out in double-stops with a continuation of the
rhythmic impetus. The birth of Jesus Christ as narrated in the Gospel of Luke
is the subject of "Angels We Have Heard on High", a traditional
French song of unknown origin. The gloria section provides some flowing
contrast, portraying the shepherds impressions as they encounter a multitude
of angels singing and praising. The performers are encouraged to use a relaxed
stroke to glide through these passages.
Following is "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," a 16th century
English traditional Christmas carol also known under the title, "The old
Christmas Carol". It provides a contrast in
tonality (minor mode) and texture. The xylophone part likely will lay most
comfortably when executed with four mallets, although there are no three or
four mallet chords in these passages. "Good Christian Men,
Rejoice" is the closing selection in this Christmas medley. Its title is an
English translation of In dulci jubilo (Latin for "In sweet rejoicing"). The work ends happily
with a summation of the calypso rhythm.
This medley will be especially
effective programmed on a winter holiday concert. Duration is 2:30. The arranger, Dan Heslink, assigned a
difficulty level of medium easy, and can be contacted at dan@dheslink.com.
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