Deck the Halls for String Quartet (arr. James M. .Guthrie) by Welsh Traditional Sheet Music for String Quartet at Sheet Music Direct
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Deck the Halls for String Quartet (arr. James M. .Guthrie) Digital Sheet Music
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Deck the Halls for String Quartet (arr. James M. .Guthrie)by Welsh Traditional String Quartet - Digital Sheet Music

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"Deck the Halls" is a traditional Christmas carol with a rich history and cultural significance:

Origin and Melody: The melody of "Deck the Halls" is derived from a Welsh tune called "Nos Galan," which dates back to at least the 16th century. The carol's melody was initially associated with Welsh New Year's Eve celebrations.

Lyrics: The English lyrics were written by Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant in 1862. These lyrics were published alongside the original Welsh lyrics in a collection of Welsh melodies.

Cultural Context: Originally, "Nos Galan" was a competitive Welsh drinking song. Participants would take turns singing verses around a fire during New Year's Eve gatherings. The transition from a New Year's song to a Christmas carol occurred when the English lyrics were adapted to focus on Christmas themes.

Meaning and Usage: The phrase "deck the halls" means to decorate for Christmas, traditionally with boughs of holly and other festive adornments. The term "deck" in this context means to decorate or adorn, and it is derived from the Middle Dutch word "dekken," meaning to cover.

Variations and Adaptations: Over time, the lyrics have been adapted in various ways, including changing the words to reflect different cultural or religious contexts, such as replacing "Christmas" with "Yule" or "Yuletide."

Overall, "Deck the Halls" is a beloved carol that combines elements of Welsh tradition with Victorian-era English lyrics, celebrating the festive spirit of the holiday season.

This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.