French Carol Duet: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Il Est Né * Angels We Have Heard on High
Arr., with additional words and music, by Mary Donnelly and George L. O. Strid
Item: 00-PO-0006995
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
Pickup currently not available
Description
Seasoned directors know they can count on this writing team for quality developmental literature, like this piece---a perfect pairing for holiday concerts: "Il Est Né" and "Angels We Have Heard On High." Sing in English throughout, or include some French text using the included pronunciation guide. Optional lyrics allow you to sing some French or entirely in English.
French Carol Duet: 2-Part Choral Octavo isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
1
Audio File
--:--
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006995
Instrumentation:
Glockenspiel
More about this title
About the Arranger: Mary Donnelly
Mary Donnelly grew up in Reno, Nevada, and studied English and French at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her path to music education began during college when she helped establish two children's choruses; that experience led her back to school for music certification and eventually a Master's Degree in Education from Lesley College, where she focused on integrating arts across the curriculum.
Donnelly spent thirty years teaching general music and choir in the Washoe County School District, retiring as an active educator and member of ACDA, NEA, and ASCAP. In 1985, while team-teaching with George L. O. Strid, their principal challenged them to write a musical for Reading Week. That collaboration became The Million Dollar Mystery, launching a partnership that has produced over two hundred songs and twenty-five musicals.
Why we love this
This arrangement pairs two beloved Christmas carols in a single piece designed for young choirs navigating the transition from unison to part singing. The included pronunciation guide and optional language choices mean you can build cultural awareness and French literacy without sacrificing musical accessibility. Directors at this level will appreciate how the writing respects both singers' developing abilities and the integrity of the melodies.
What to expect
The arrangement glows with reverent warmth, layering two familiar carols into a conversation between voices that feels both intimate and celebratory. French and English coexist naturally here, creating a piece that honors tradition while remaining fresh and accessible to young singers.
Who it's for
This duet works well for middle school choirs, developing elementary choirs making their first venture into two-part singing, and any ensemble seeking quality holiday literature that avoids oversimplification. Directors will find it equally suited to singers with limited reading experience and those ready to tackle light cultural variation through optional French text.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the two melodic lines by rehearsing them separately first, then blending with attention to vowel consistency across the part.
- Use the glockenspiel part to anchor harmonic clarity during rehearsals; once the ensemble internalizes the harmony, consider layering the optional recorded accompaniment for concert.
- If incorporating French text, drill the pronunciation guide in short phrases rather than full measures to build confidence without overwhelming rhythm accuracy.
- Shape the piece as one arc despite its two-carol structure by maintaining consistent tempo and phrasing throughout both sections.
How to use it
Slot this into your winter concert as a vocal anchor when you need something that stands securely on its own merit without demanding soloists. It also pairs naturally with instrumental arrangements at the same developmental level, or program it early in your concert to help settle a younger audience into the season's mood.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and balancing two distinct melodic lines in 2-part texture
- French pronunciation and text clarity across a full phrase
- Harmonic awareness through glockenspiel reinforcement
- Sustaining tone quality across lyric variations (English and French options)