Three Easy Carols

Notes from the arranger

In this set of three carols, each one has been carefully arranged to have lovely harmonies, but also to be easy to learn and play. Each one may be played once through as a short introit or interlude suitable for use in a Christmas service, or repeated in different octaves as indicated for longer solos. The three together make a lovely set. A few lever changes are required.

“Down in Yon Forest” is a haunting traditional carol from England. The slightly surreal allegorical lyrics about a bed in a forest surrounded by artefacts of Jesus’ life are taken from the anonymous Middle English Corpus Christi carol. The song is number 1523 in the Roud Folk Index.

“The Coventry Carol” is a deservedly very popular carol, also from England. The lyrics are part lullaby, part retelling of the story of the Massacre of the Innocents in beautiful but heartbreaking imagery. Two version of this carol are provided: one with the more regular timing of modern editions, and one with the irregular phrase lengths as they appear in the original manuscript.

“Gaudete” translates as “Rejoice!” This lively carol also has wonderfully irregular timing which can be a little tricky at first but which is incredibly fun to play once mastered! This carol was made famous in the 20th century after Steeleye Span’s a capella version reached number 14 on the UK pop charts in 1973. Although the refrain melody remains unchanged from the 16th century source material, the original manuscript did not contain any indication of what melody the verse should be sung to. The best known verse melody today (that used here, taken from the Steeleye Span arrangement) was in fact just one one of several possibilities and although it is now the best known, is not necessarily the original tune!

The tunes can be heard at the following time stamps in the midi sample:

0:00 – Down in Yon Forest
1:19 – Coventry Carol (original timing)
2:14 – Gaudete