Christmas Pipes: Choral Instrumental Pak
By Brendan Graham / As performed by Celtic Woman / Arranged by John Leavitt
Item: 35-PK00091306
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Description
This sparkling song by Brendan Graham and performed by Celtic Woman on "A Christmas Celebration" CD, DVD and PBS special is fast becoming a seasonal favorite! "Christmas pipes, Christmas bells, Christmas songs" - the lilting Irish flavor of the tune is mesmerizing and this choral setting is spectacular! Duration: ca. 4:20.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00091306
More about this title
About the Composer: Brendan Graham
Brendan Graham is an Irish songwriter and composer whose work bridges traditional Celtic music with contemporary songwriting sensibilities. His compositions have been recorded by major artists and ensembles, earning widespread recognition for their lyrical quality and melodic accessibility. Graham's gift for crafting songs that feel both timeless and immediate makes his work particularly valuable in choral settings.
Why we love this
John Leavitt's orchestration captures the lilting character of the original while giving your ensemble genuine collaborative space with the instrumental parts. The arrangement respects the Irish melodic DNA without ever feeling precious or overly sentimental, making it work equally well for concert programming and holiday celebrations. At just over four minutes, it packs warmth and dimension without demanding extended rehearsal time.
What to expect
The piece glows with warmth and gentle motion, invoking the coziness of candlelit gatherings without resorting to sentimentality. The Irish melodic character gives it a distinctive flavor that stands apart from typical Christmas arrangements, offering listeners something both familiar and refreshingly particular.
Who it's for
This works beautifully for mixed choirs of high school through adult levels who want a festive piece with genuine musical substance. It suits both holiday concert contexts and groups looking to expand their multicultural repertoire beyond standard Christmas fare.
How to get the most out of it
- Let the melody breathe in the opening phrases. The magic of this tune lives in its conversational, almost storytelling quality, so resist the urge to push tempo or pile on dynamics too early.
- Balance the choral sound against the orchestral accompaniment by thinking of the voices as one instrumental color among many rather than the dominant force. This partnership is what makes the arrangement sing.
- Shape the text naturally around the Irish inflections in Graham's melody. The rhythm of the words should guide your phrase length and breathing, not the other way around.
How to use it
Position this as a concert highlight that bridges your holiday and world music programming. The four minute duration makes it ideal as a second half opener or as a program centerpiece that invites the audience into a more intimate musical space after a block of higher energy material.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing choral blend with orchestral accompaniment
- Shaping phrase length around textual and melodic contour rather than bar lines
- Singing with the melodic inflections of Irish music traditions
- Ensemble listening and synchronization with instrumental partners