Carol For Another Christmas: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Henry Mancini / Arranged by Sean O'Loughlin
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK00191177
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Description
Henry Mancini's lovely carol is yet another memorable melody from his rich library of film music. The song was featured in the 1964 film of the same name (directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and starring Peter Sellers), a re-telling of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" written by Rod Serling as a plea for cooperation among nations. This simple, elegant song is sure to please audiences and your players with this well-crafted arrangement for string ensemble. Dur: 2:25
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00191177
More about this title
About the Composer: Henry Mancini
Henry Mancini (1924-1994) shaped the sound of American film for four decades, composing scores that ranged from sophisticated jazz inflections to sweeping orchestral moments. His gift for melody and orchestration made him one of the most recorded composers in history, with work across dramatic films, comedies, and television productions that earned him four Academy Awards and 20 Grammy nominations.
Mancini's approach to film composition emphasized accessibility without sacrificing craft. He understood how to write for orchestras in ways that performers at all levels could execute convincingly, a quality evident in his popular and educational arrangements. His catalogue remains a cornerstone of American musical literacy, taught in schools and performed at every level of musicianship.
Why we love this
Mancini's melodic gift shines through in this arrangement without demanding virtuosity from your players. The writing sits comfortably on strings, the harmonic language is direct and expressive, and the piece lands in under two and a half minutes, making it an ideal choice for concert pacing or a feature moment that doesn't overshadow younger or developing musicians.
What to expect
Gentle and reflective, this carol glows with the warmth of a classic Hollywood melody transplanted into a string arrangement that feels both nostalgic and immediate. The writing allows space for singers or soloists to step forward if you choose, but the piece stands fully realized as an instrumental work.
Who it's for
String orchestras working at Grade 2 level, including middle school programs and community ensembles seeking approachable seasonal repertoire with genuine musical substance. This arrangement serves directors who want to feature a recognizable melody without scaling up the technical demands.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melody with dynamic awareness rather than rushed phrasing. Mancini's melodies speak most clearly when violins breathe with the line, allowing the tune to bloom without forcing it.
- Balance the inner voices evenly; the accompaniment figures that support the melody deserve clarity so the texture stays transparent rather than muddy.
- Coordinate vibrato across sections during sustained chords to create unified tone color. Younger players especially benefit from this ensemble discipline.
How to use it
Place this during the second half of a winter concert to shift mood after more energetic pieces, or pair it with other Mancini works if building a film music set. The moderate duration and accessibility make it useful for programs that include younger string players alongside more advanced musicians.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining tone through four and eight bar phrases without unwanted resets
- Maintaining balance between melody and accompaniment figures
- Executing unified vibrato across string sections
- Interpreting a Hollywood melody on acoustic instruments while preserving its character
- Navigating simple harmonic progressions with awareness of voice leading