A Christmas Canon: 2nd Violin
Arr. Michael Green
Grade: 2
Item: 00-PC-0001918_VN2
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Description
In this peaceful arrangement for the maturing young orchestra, Pachelbel's highly popular Canon provides a perfect backdrop against which the carol The First Noel is prominently displayed. Contrapunctal textures, combined treatment of the two melodies results in a work filled with rich harmonies and forward motion. A very classy holiday concert holiday selection.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, A Christmas Canon: 2nd Violin comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Highland/Etling String Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
68
SKU:
00-PC-0001918_VN2
More about this title
Why we love this
Michael Green has crafted something rare here: a holiday piece that respects the intelligence of young players while delivering genuine sophistication. The contrapuntal weaving of Pachelbel's Canon with The First Noel creates forward momentum that keeps orchestras engaged rather than bored, and the harmonic richness gives even Grade 2 players the satisfaction of making something that sounds genuinely impressive.
What to expect
The piece unfolds with a peaceful, stately quality that honors both the meditative beauty of Canon in D and the reverence of The First Noel. Harmonic depth and layered textures create a sense of richness and timelessness, making it feel like a concert work rather than a holiday novelty.
Who it's for
This arrangement serves string orchestras at the early intermediate level (Grade 2) looking for a holiday concert piece with real musical substance. It works equally well for directors who want their young players to experience working with counterpoint and for ensembles ready to move beyond simpler seasonal selections.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the two melodies carefully during rehearsal by isolating each line (Canon in one section, First Noel in another) so players understand how they interlock; this clarity prevents the arrangement from sounding muddy in performance.
- Maintain consistent tempo and control through the contrapuntal passages; young orchestras often rush when multiple lines are moving independently, so mark a clear pulse and rehearse with a metronome.
- Let the harmonic movement breathe naturally rather than forcing uniformity in bowing or phrasing; the richness comes from allowing each voice part its own line while staying rhythmically locked with the whole.
- Use the full 68 pages to your advantage by assigning sectional rehearsals with parts clearly marked for viola, violin, and cello roles so everyone understands their function within the texture.
How to use it
This piece anchors a winter concert's second half, offering a sophisticated transition between more energetic repertoire and whatever closing number you choose. It also pairs beautifully on programs with other baroque or early-music selections, as Pachelbel's harmonic language fits naturally alongside contemporary arrangements of similar-era material.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing contrapuntal textures with multiple independent melodic lines
- Balancing melody and accompaniment roles within the same piece
- Sustaining tone quality through longer harmonic progressions
- Maintaining rhythmic precision when textural density increases
- Listening across sections to blend and lock different musical lines