And Therefore Be Merry: String Duo & Ensemble, Quartet, Full Score

$8.95 USD

And Therefore Be Merry: String Duo & Ensemble, Quartet, Full Score

Name: And Therefore Be Merry: String Duo & Ensemble, Quartet, Full Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 36-52703135
Price: 8.95 USD
Availability: InStock

By Brian Joyce

Grade: 3.5

Item: 36-52703135

$8.95

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Brian Joyce, a harpsichordist and avid fan of early music, studied with Richard Nicholson of the English Consort of Viols. Since his retirement from Miami University in 2006, he has been busy polishing up over forty years' worth of older pieces as well as writing new works. This Christmas compilation, a collection of traditional and attributed carols, will enhance the holiday repertoire of the developing quartet and enchant with its festive mood.

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Series: Latham Music

Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.

ISBN10: 1-62-876269-1

ISBN13: 978-1-62-876269-3

UPC: 660355152009

SKU: 36-52703135

Instrumentation: String Quartet

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Joyce

Brian Joyce is a composer and harpsichordist with deep roots in early music tradition. He studied with Richard Nicholson of the English Consort of Viols, bringing authentic knowledge of period performance practice to his own work. After retiring from Miami University in 2006, Joyce has devoted himself to revising and expanding a catalog of more than forty compositions written over four decades, while continuing to create new pieces that honor both historical music and contemporary string writing.

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Why we love this

Joyce's ear for carol melody and his intimate knowledge of string writing combine to create arrangements that sound genuinely festive without relying on thick textures or high difficulty. The collection gives developing quartets authentic seasonal material that sits comfortably under the fingers while maintaining musical substance. Programming a full suite of these pieces lets you build an entire holiday concert around carols rather than padding with standard pops arrangements.

What to expect

These arrangements radiate the warmth of traditional carols without sacrificing musical integrity. You hear the composer's respect for both the source material and the players; the writing is clear, the harmonies ring true, and the spirit of the season emerges naturally from the music itself.

Who it's for

Developing string quartets at the 3.5 grade level who want authentic, musically satisfying Christmas music beyond the usual holiday pop transcriptions. This collection works equally well for community quartets, school ensembles, and students preparing for holiday performances.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the melodic line across all four players so no single voice dominates; these pieces reward transparent part writing.
Pay attention to the harmonic rhythm and how it mirrors carol phrasing; let natural breath points guide your tempo and expression.
Tune carefully at the start of each piece since traditional carol harmonies can expose intonation issues in ways modern repertoire masks.

How to use it

Build a standalone holiday concert around the full suite, or select individual pieces to punctuate a broader winter program. The collection works particularly well as a closer to a traditional concert, offering audiences a familiar and festive send-off.